Palermo food, architecture, and flea markets.
A Sicilian adventure – are you ready for a four-day city break in Palermo filled with delicious food, awe-inspiring architecture, and unique flea markets? Palermo, Italy, has it all. My family and I recently stayed in a small apartment just a two-minute walk from Ballaro market and had a fantastic time exploring the city. In this blog post, I will share our favourite experiences, including where to find the best street food, the most impressive architecture, and the most unique flea markets. However, be warned that the streets of Palermo are often littered with rubbish, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip.
Food
Palermo is a food lover’s paradise, and street food is a big part of the city’s culinary scene. We tried several street foods during our trip, but two of our favourites were panelle and arancini. Panelle is a fried chickpea fritter served in a sandwich with bread and lemon. Arancini, on the other hand, are deep-fried rice balls stuffed with cheese, peas, and meat. Both were delicious and made for a great lunch on the go.
We also recommend trying granita and Sicilian ice cream for dessert. The granita is a semi-frozen dessert made with sugar, water, and various flavours and was refreshing on a hot day. The Sicilian ice cream, or gelato, was also a treat. We found the best pizza in Palermo at Pizzeria Assud, where the crust was perfectly soft and crispy, and the toppings were fresh and flavourful.
For a great cup of tea, we stumbled upon Teco, a charming cafe with a great atmosphere and vibe. It is also located on the same street as the Palermo tile museum, which I will talk about later.
Architecture and Interiors
Palermo’s architecture is a sight to behold, with ancient ruins, baroque churches, and art nouveau buildings dotting the city’s landscape. However, the highlight of our trip was the Palermo tile museum. Housed in a private home, this museum boasts an impressive collection of Sicilian and Italian antique tiles. The interiors of the home are just as inspiring as the tiles themselves, with every inch of the walls and floors covered in intricate designs.
Another must-see is the Palermo Cathedral, a stunning example of Norman architecture that has undergone several renovations over the centuries. Its unique blend of architectural styles and stunning mosaics make it a fascinating place to explore.
Food and Vintage Flea Markets
My husband and I snuck off on Saturday morning, on our own Sicilian adventure, leaving our teenage daughters to sleep in, on the hunt for vintage treasures. We ended up at Mercato delle Pulci, a unique flea market filled with antiques, vintage clothing, and quirky finds. While we only bought one thing, it was great fun to explore and see what treasures we could find.
If you’re looking for a more traditional market experience, head to Ballaro market, located just minutes from our apartment. Here you will find vendors selling everything from fresh produce to clothing and household items. It’s a vibrant and bustling market that gives you a taste of everyday life in Palermo.
The Litter Problem
While Palermo has much to offer tourists, it is important to note that the city’s streets are often filled with litter. While this may not be a deal-breaker for some, it is something to keep in mind as you plan your trip. The city is making efforts to address this issue, but it is still a problem in many areas. That being said, don’t let the litter stop you from exploring all that Palermo has to offer.
To Conclude
Palermo’s beauty, charm, and rich history are worth exploring despite the litter. With delicious food, breath-taking architecture, delicious food and unique flea markets, Palermo is a city that deserves to be explored and appreciated for all that it has to offer. So, pack your bags and get ready for a Sicilian adventure that will tantalize your taste buds, inspire your sense of wonder, and give you a glimpse into the everyday life of this vibrant Sicilian city.
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