Ballarò Market (Mercato Ballarò) Tours
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If you are looking to immerse yourself in the local culture of Palermo, the Ballarò Market (Mercato Ballarò) is the place to go. As the city’s oldest street market and one of the most vibrant markets in Europe, Ballarò also provides a glimpse into Palermo’s past as a major commercial center and port.
The Basics
Said to be more than 1,000 years old, the market winds through the narrow medieval streets surrounding Piazza Carmine in the Albergheria, one of the five Norman quarters in the center of Palermo. While it is primarily a food market specializing in fresh produce, fish and meat, and local specialties, it is also a great place to buy inexpensive clothing and other goods.
Listen for street vendors speaking a local dialect similar to Arabic—the name Ballarò comes from Bahlara, a town outside Palermo where Arab merchants historically made their home. And, sample some of Sicily's famous street food while you stroll through this colorful market as part of a Palermo walking tour or bike tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- As with any busy outdoor market in Italy, pickpockets can be a problem in the Ballarò, so be vigilant.
- Be sure to bring your camera, as the colorful stalls (and charismatic vendors) in the Ballarò make for fantastic photos.
- Market tours through the Ballarò Market are on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- There is limited space filled with crowds of shoppers between the market stalls, so Ballarò is not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
The Ballarò Market occupies the streets from Piazza Casa Professa past the Church of San Nicolò toward Corso Tukory, about a 10-minute walk from the main train station in Palermo.
When to Get There
The Ballarò Market is open daily from 7am to 7pm, but it is especially lively on Saturdays and Sundays when the weekly flea market is also open and food stands prepare traditional street food from Palermo.
Palermo's Many Markets
Palermo has a number of landmark outdoor markets in the city center famous for their lively and authentic atmosphere. Aside from the Ballarò, the most famous are the Vucciria Market and the Capo Market.
Address: Via Ballaro, Palermo, Italy
10 Tours and Activities to Experience Ballarò Market (Mercato Ballarò)
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Private Palermo & Monreale Historical Tour
Palermo is rich in historic and cultural treasures, but getting around the city and nearby Monreale with public transportation can be stressful and time consuming. Save hours by exploring with a private driver, skipping the hassle of crowded buses and trains and taking in highlights like the Norman palace, Zisa Castle, and Ballarò and Vucciria markets in just hours. Afterwards, set off to nearby Monreale to admire its magnificent cathedral.
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From
$190.89
Price varies by group size
From
$190.89
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Monte Pellegrino & Palermo city tour
A splendid tour to learn about the religious traditions of Palermo
of the cult of the Saint most loved by the people of Palermo, Santa Rosalia, better known by the Palermitans as the "Santuzza". The Wonderful Sanctuary located on Monte Pellegrino, defined by Goethe as the most beautiful promontory in the world. continuation with visit of the historical center of Palermo
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From
$159.68
Price varies by group size
From
$159.68
Price varies by group size
Full day tour of Palermo, Monreale and Mondello
The tour was organized to admire the beauty of the Arab Norman itinerary of Palermo and its markets and historic alleys (Cathedral, Palatine Chapel, Piazza Pretoria, Quattro Canti, Martorana Church, Teatro Massimo, Mercato Ballaro '), visit of Monreale with its extraordinary Duomo and finally stop in the wonderful seaside resort of Mondello with its famous beach and Liberty style villas
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From
$190.39
Price varies by group size
From
$190.39
Price varies by group size
Sicily Private Tour from Palermo: Monreale, Etna, Taormina, Agrigento (3 days)
3 days to discover all faces of Sicily:
The color of Palermo's market, the history of Agrigento, the heritage of the Etna Volcano and much more.
Always escorted by a professional driver and an english or french speaking tour guide.
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From
$1,181.43
Price varies by group size
From
$1,181.43
Price varies by group size
Tour Palermo & Monreale from Punta Raisi Airport
The tour was organized to admire the beauty of the Arab Norman itinerary of Palermo and its markets and historic alleys (Cathedral, Palatine Chapel, Piazza Pretoria, Quattro Canti, Martorana Church, Teatro Massimo, Mercato Ballaro '), visit of Monreale with its extraordinary Duomo and finally stop in the wonderful seaside resort of Mondello with its famous beach and Liberty style villas
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From
$245.66
Price varies by group size
From
$245.66
Price varies by group size
Street Food Tour Palermo with tour guide
The guided tour was organized to introduce street food in the characteristic historical market of Ballarò in Palermo, and finally stop in the beautiful seaside village of Mondello where you can taste the classic Sicilian granita
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From
$342.70
Price varies by group size
From
$342.70
Price varies by group size
Private Tour Unusual Sicily 3 days
3-day western Sicily minitour to explore an alternative Sicily with new routes
Tour included hostess escort in Italian or English
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From
$858.59
Price varies by group size
From
$858.59
Price varies by group size
Tour of Ballaro 'Market & Santuario Santa Rosalia
the tour in English was organized to visit the historic market of Ballarò tasting the delicious street food of Palermo (Street Food), continuation to Monte Pellegrino with a visit to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia "Patrona" of the city of Palermo
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From
$233.38
Price varies by group size
From
$233.38
Price varies by group size
Western Sicily Tour 4 days from Palermo - Sicily Tours
Tour of western Sicily to admire the beauties of Sicily beaches, archaeological sites, monuments and the Arab-Norman UNESCO heritage itinerary
Tour included hostess escort in Italian or English for the duration of the tour departing from Palermo center or Palermo Airport Punta Raisi Falcone Borsellino
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From
$1,216.03
Price varies by group size
From
$1,216.03
Price varies by group size
Tour of Sicily from Palermo to Taormina, individual group 8 days
Our driver will meet you at the airport the first day of your arrival in Sicily and for the hotel.
Sicily exquisite art treasures, historical sites, natural beauties, and charm... all made easy for you in the luxurious comfort of a private car, van.
Our love of our native land inspires us to offer you access to all parts of Sicily, using a high-quality limousine and deluxe van and our well-trained, experienced drivers.We are prepared to meet all of your travel requirements.. Our staff is able to satisfy every request with professionalism and courtesy. As a company passionate about delivering quality services, customer satisfaction, and an acute eye to detail, we are proud of our 22-year success story.
Sightseeing with one of our vehicles is an unforgettable experience.
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From
$2,002.15
Price varies by group size
From
$2,002.15
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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