Flavors of Palermo: Guided Street Food and Markets Tour

Indulge in authentic Sicilian culinary heritage like a local alongside a knowledgeable foodie guide

5.00 (1) ·

Travel Flexibly

· 3.00h · Sicily, Italy

Flavors of Palermo: Guided Street Food and Markets Tour

Wandering Palermo's backstreets for authentic Sicilian street food can be tricky without knowing the best spots. That’s where our local food experts come in, with the inside scoop on where to find the best arancini, fritters, and cannoli. Our guides are familiar with the Capo and Vucciria markets and have strong connections with the vendors, ensuring you get the ultimate Palermo street food experience.

What you get with this tour

Taste Palermo's best arancini
Indulge in Sfincione pizza
Try vegetarian panelle and cazzilli fritters
Sample pani ca' meusa
Savor a brioche col gelato
Explore Capo and Vucciria markets
Meet locals over a drink at an old tavern
Food-obsessed local guide
Group of maximum 12
Guide gratuities
Hotel pick-up

Tour Itinerary

1

Meeting point
Meet your knowledgeable food-obsessed local guide at Teatro Massimo
2

Capo Market
Immerse yourself in Palermo's vibrant culinary tapestry by visiting Capo Market.
3

Best of Palermo’s street food
Savor the rich history and diverse influences that have shaped these street food classics
4

Sfincione pizza
Eat this Sicilian-style pizza, a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite
5

The Best Arancini
These golden balls of goodness are a Sicilian specialty, featuring perfectly cooked rice mixed with a variety of savory fillings
6

Vucciria Market
Dive into the heart and soul of Palermo's food culture
7

Fried Local Specialties
Savor the rich history and diverse influences that have shaped these beloved street food classics
8

Sicilian Cannoli
Taste the crispy shells and creamy filling of this sweet Sicilian tradition
9

Sample Pani Ca’ Meusa
This Sicilian street food delicacy features a soft roll filled with succulent, slow-cooked spleen and lung meat
10

Brioche col gelato
Close this unforgettable journey for your taste buds with this Sicilian speciality
11

Ending point
Your tour will end in Piazza San Domenico.

Additional Information

After meeting your expert food guide at the magnificent Teatro Massimo, leave the tourist trail behind and begin your exploration of Palermo's hidden alleys and bustling markets. Amidst the hum of haggling and laughter, meet friendly vendors and sample the best arancini, Sfincione pizza, and vegetarian fritters in Palermo.

Next, indulge your sweet tooth with a decadent cannoli with ricotta cream or the brioche col gelato (ice cream sandwich) while enjoying a genuine glimpse into everyday life in Palermo. Then, before saying your goodbyes to your new-found friends and guide, enjoy a drink at an old tavern in Vucciria, sharing laughs with locals and toasting to a memorable culinary adventure.

Palermo Street Food and Markets Tour Description

Your 3-hour tour includes:

Guided walk through Capo and Vucciria markets
Arancini, cannoli, Sfincione pizza, and more!
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a sweet brioche col gelato
Beer and wine at an old Vucciria tavern
Meet local vendors
Friendly, English-speaking local guide
Maximum group size of 12

Welcome to Palermo!

Begin your Palermo street food tour at the iconic Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house, and the perfect place to learn a touch of Sicilian history while meeting your expert foodie guide and fellow group members. Take a moment to admire the grand architecture in front of you and snap magnificent photos before leaving behind the main tourist trail and following your guide to the backstreets of the city center.

Explore Lively Markets and Sample Authentic Street Food

Sicilian street food is known for being irresistibly greasy, fried, and full of hearty carbs, and over the following few hours, you'll sample the best of the best at the lively Capo and Vucciria markets. A must-try is the famous arancini (stuffed rice ball), and your expert guide will show you where to find the finest ones in all of Palermo.

Indulge in a traditional Sfincione pizza next, which differs from your typical thin crusty Italian pizza with its thick and spongy base topped with tomato sauce, oregano, and caciocavallo–a hard Sicilian cheese. But hopefully, you've packed along your appetite, as vegetarian panelle and cazzilli fritters are on the menu next, followed by a unique pani ca' meusa, translated to 'bread with spleen' and a true staple of Sicilian street food.

No trip to Sicily is complete without indulging your sweet tooth, and a must-try is the famous cannoli. Opt for the classic ricotta cream filling, or tempt your tastebuds with a chocolate, pistachio, or other festive flavor. Then, squeeze in a sample of brioche col gelato (ice cream sandwich) while you still have room.

Meet Locals at a Vucciria Tavern

With your hunger thoroughly satisfied, it's time to wash down the street food with a drink at the old tavern of Vucciria. Choose from a local beer or wine, and join the old men of the district for a laughter-filled local experience. Then, after you've had your fill of food and drinks and meeting friendly vendors and locals, you'll say your goodbyes to your expert guide and new-found friends and enjoy the rest of your time in Sicily with a satisfying understanding of Palermo's street food culture!

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Fantastic

05 May 2024

Reviewed by
Andrea Allio

Fredrico was awesome !! Funny. Full of history and passion. I just wish he maybe gave us 15 min to shop. Lol. I loved the authentic food. :). This is a must

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and a hat during the summer.

What to bring?

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and a hat during the summer.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Sicily.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

This tour is not suitable for travelers with limited standing or walking capacity. If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand. This tour includes a minimal amount of walking and navigating busy streets, and unfortunately, we cannot guarantee seats at every stop.

What happens if it rains?

We run our Palermo food tour rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and a vendor is closed, we'll replace it with an equal or better stop.

Do markets in Palermo ever experience sudden closures?

During adverse weather events or due to maintenance or safety reasons, vendors in Palermo may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice. If any pre-designated stops are closed, we'll replace them with a similar vendor.

Do the food stops on this tour ever change?

Yes! We're always on the lookout for new and exciting local food, so some of the dishes you're served today may differ from the description. Rest assured, your guide will make sure that everything you try is utterly delicious!

Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?

Yes. Throughout your food tour, you'll enjoy numerous tastings. Our guests find this more than enough food to replace a full meal.

What if I'm vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free?

Unfortunately, we aren't able to provide vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free options for this tour. However, we can provide for vegetarians and pescatarians.

Are drinks included in the price of the tour?

Drinks are included at one of the stops on this tour. If you'd like to purchase additional drinks, we recommend bringing cash along.

Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?

Yes, everyone is welcome on our Palermo food tour. Infants (0 to 5 years old) are free, and we offer a reduced price for children 10 and under. Keep in mind that Sicilian street food is deliciously greasy and full of carbs, so picky eaters may not enjoy the experience.

Why do I have to pay for my child who's between 6 and 11 years old?

While children 5 and under are free, we do charge a discounted rate for children aged 6 to 10. This is because similar-sized dishes will be served to everyone during tastings.

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