Here’s the last post about my Sicilian trip! The Palermo guide. With its inky mix of grit and grandeur, Sicily’s heart-melting capital Palermo inspires obsessive devotion. Here’s where to find the best of it all.

Ballarò is one of the oldest street markets in Palermo, one of the most lively and surely picturesque of Sicily. Its name, Ballarò, recalls its ancient arab origins, as it is Sicily’s outdoor market tradition, which explains their similarity to Arab suqs. This incredible street market is located in the city center, extending from Piazza Ballarò – in the Albergheria district – along Via Ballarò and to Corso Tukory, a few steps away from the central station, so it’s very easy to reach.  Sicilian street markets are known worldwide for being an authentic explosion of colours and enchanting scents of fresh products such as fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. They are always very crowded and noisy but this is their peculiarity: vendors shout very loud – and in dialect, of course! – to attract locals and tourists and to promote their tasty specialties. Visiting Ballarò means having great cultural experience. Walking through the outdoor shops and stands, you will observe the daily life of Palermo locals, a melting pot of different cultures and ancient traditions. The city’s street markets (there are three in total) are also the best place to taste some of the delicious Sicilian street food such as sfincione and panelle, or a plate of deep-fried seafood. Whatever you choose, you will receive an unforgettable triumph of flavors.

Via Ballaro

Started by Elena and Puccia, Magazzini Anita is a store packed to the brim with unique finds from the 1920s to the 1980s. Not only does the store stock up clothes and accessories but one can also find an extensive range of bags and jewelry in her collection of vintage wear that caters to the clothing needs of women at affordable prices. Just one glance at the store from outside and you’ll find yourself being pulled in easily to the assortment of vibrant prints, fabrics and hues. With clothes that can easily be adapted for everyday use, Magazzini Anita is the perfect place to splurge at if you are an admirer of all things vintage.

Via Maqueda 263

Antica Focacceria Di San Francesco was our favourite restaurant in Palermo. Focaccia is the very best of Palermo’s traditional fast foods, a form of hot bread roll filled with meat, cheese or onions. But the place also offers timeless Sicilian cuisine. In summer, eat alfresco in the Focacceria’s outdoor space, which actually is a square opposite San Francesco, one of Palermo’s finest Gothic churches. Great people-watching guaranteed!

Via Allesandro Paternostro 58

The catacombs at the Convento dei Cappuccini, under the monastery of the Cappucins, have fascinated visitors for the past couple of centuries and continue to do so. They are filled with more than 8,000 mummies of former Palermo citizens, hung ghoulishly along the walls in special sections depending on social status (doctors and lawyers have their own zone). This disturbing place says a lot about the social structure of society between the early-17th and late-19th centuries, which probably had more barons and princes per head of population than any other city in Europe. If you’re fine with places like this… it’s a must-visit!

 Piazza Cappuccini 1

Giardino Garibaldi is a well maintained, 19th century public garden, which is only a short walk from the harbor. One of the stand-out features of this garden are the Ficus trees, some of which are more than 150 years old. We enjoyed looking at the monumental trunks and finding shapes of animals in them. A true nature osasis in the heart of a busy city!

Piazza Marina

Osteria Dei Vespri is for those who want to try some Sicilian gourmet cusine. This place has a charming atmosphere and lovely view at Piazza Croce dei Vespri. It is in Michelin selection, and their pappardelle with belly pork and ricotta is a good reason for that.

Piazza Croce dei Vespri 6

Vintage 21 offers a fine selection of pre-owned classics – all kept in a very chic and Italian style.

Via Vittorio Emanuele 418

If you feel hungry after visiting Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, have a sweet meal at Ideal Coffee Stagnitta. Their brioche with pistacchio gelato is so good, just like the pistachio coffee (yes, you’ve read it right!).

Discesa dei Giudici 42-44

Luxury fashion might not really be a thing in Palermo, but there’s always Prada with it’s store located in former palazzo. The original ceiling fresco is still there!

Via della Libertà 1

Photos by Edward Kanarecki.
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