Palermo Street Food & Market Tour by Eating Europe

Sicily , Italy

Palermo Street Food & Market Tour by Eating Europe

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(72 reviews)

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About this experience

Step into the soul of Palermo on this immersive street food adventure through the historic Albergheria district.
Wander through the lively Ballarò Market with your local guide, where centuries-old traditions meet bold Sicilian flavors and sizzling street food.
Along the way, taste your way through a delicious line-up of Palermo's street food royalty: crispy arancine, smoky stigghiola, and soft sfincione pizza.

Visit a hidden monastery-turned-bakery for divine pastries crafted from age-old recipes, sample sun-drenched tomatoes and “cheese on horseback,” and sip espresso from one of Italy’s top independent roasters. With each stop, you'll uncover stories of resilience, rebellion, and the enduring pride of Palermo’s food-loving locals.

Available options

Palermo Best Street Food & Market Tour with Eating Europe

Private Food Tour

Private Guided Tour<br/>Extra Caponata or Parmigiana

What's included

Local English-speaking guide

Sip on espresso from a century-old roastery, and try sinfully good pastries

Fall in love with slow-grilled stigghiola and mangia e bevi from the Palermo street food royalty

Get lost in the best street market, Ballarò and its 1000-year history, trying pizza and beer

‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips

Detailed itinerary

Since 1947, this renowned Palermo eatery is famous for its traditional fried specialties. Taste panelle (chickpea fritters) and crocchè (mashed potato croquettes), classic local snacks — a true Sicilian street food experience.

The Arch of Cutò is an ancient monument in Palermo, dating back to the 13th century. It is part of the Palazzo Cutò and it's one of the main entrances of Ballarò Market.

Visit a beloved Palermo bakery, running for 56 years and celebrated even by the NY Times! The chef will prepare two types of sfincione: the Palermitano with tomatoes and caciocavallo cheese, and the Bagherese with tuna, cheese and onions.

Taste two Sicilian street food favorites: sausage with fennel, and mangia e bevi, a slice of pancetta wrapped around a spring onion. Both are slowly grilled to perfection with a delicious smoky flavor!

Arancina is the most famous street food in Palermo. In this old pharmacy, Anna has opened a small bistrò where the food is prepared fresh everyday and arancine are nice and round, as they should be!

One of Palermo’s most striking historic squares, just steps from Quattro Canti. At its center stands the Fontana Pretoria, a 16th-century Renaissance fountain originally made in Florence and later transported to Palermo in 644 individual pieces.

Enjoy a cannolo espresso at a hidden pastry stop inside a former monastery. Watch as one of Palermo’s best cannoli is filled fresh on the spot with creamy ricotta and finished with pistachio, chocolate chips, and candied fruit.

This square is a unique intersection of history and it's most famous for housing two UNESCO World Heritage churches side-by-side, each representing the city's Arab-Norman heritage.

We will end our tour with a coffee stop, in this 100 years old roastery. Casa Stagnitta is a reference to locals when it comes to good coffee and pastries.

What's not included

Gratuities / Tips for the guide

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Extra drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

71 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This activity requires a minimum of 2 guests. Should this not be met, we will contact you directly to help you get rescheduled or reimbursed.

Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket and can join the tour for free. However, food is not included. Paid tickets with food included are available for ages 4 and up.

Please note that the tastings mentioned are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Both offerings and tour stops may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Have dietary requirements? Simply email us or add a note at booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free guests or other dietary needs where we can. For guest safety, this experience isn’t suitable for those with severe or life-threatening food allergies to ingredients found on the tour, and the company cannot take responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.

Meeting point

Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag!

Important notes

Please aim to arrive 15 minutes early, so the tour can start on time.
You do not need to print out a page to join the tour - showing us the confirmation email you will receive on your phone is fine!

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.