Palermo Markets

Though not as famous as Catania's fish market, the three Palermo mercati are nonetheless worth a visit. Vucciria used to be the biggest, but nowadays, the neighborhood is crumbling and the market has folded depressingly in on itself, with just one street of vendors left. The most fun to visit is Mercato del Capo, near the Palermo Cathedral. Wander the narrow alleys and marvel at the incredible seafood (tuna, thick as a tree trunk), produce and spices that remind of Sicily's multi-cultural history. The vendors try to draw attention to their wares by sing-shouting in Sicilian. Overall a visit here is a truly local, atmospheric experience. (The third market, Mercato del Ballarò is the most touristy and can be skipped.)