Capo Market (Mercato di Capo) Tours

Take a deep and delicious dive into Palermo’s culture and cuisine with a visit to Capo Market (Mercato di Capo), thick with stalls selling a wide variety of local produce, fresh fish, and other specialties.The atmosphere of this bustling market is testimony to the strong Arab influence in the port city, one of the hallmarks of its unique history.
 
The Basics
Stop by the Mercato del Capo, one of the main outdoor markets in Palermo, to interact with vendors peddling local delicacies alongside others hawking inexpensive clothing and souvenirs in the distinctive Palermitano dialect. There's centuries of history here, as it began as an Arab market before the Norman conquest.

The market is known for its street food stands selling freshly fried fish, fritters, and other Sicilian classics, and joining a street food tour of Palermo is a great way to sample the wares with an expert. Or, take a Palermo walking tour or bike tour to experience the colorful mass of stalls and shoppers at Mercato del Capo with all your senses.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Market and street food tours through the Mercato del Capo are on foot, so comfortable shoes and a sun hat are recommended.
• With a number of stands selling fried fish, vegetables, and other specialties to go, the market is the perfect place to stop for a snack.
• As with any crowded market in Italy, pickpockets can sometimes be a problem.
• The colorful stalls and characters in the Mercato del Capo make for fantastic photos.
• The space between the stands is often crowded, so the market is not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers.

 
How to Get There
Located where Via Porta Carini and Via Volturno meet in the city’s historic center,
Mercato del Capo is about a 20-minute walk from the main train station in Palermo.
 
When to Get There
The market is open daily from morning to evening but closed Wednesday and Sunday afternoon. It is especially lively in the morning when locals arrive to do their daily shopping, and in the evening when the food stands prepare traditional street food from Palermo.
 
Palermo's Historic Markets
Palermo is famous for the raucous outdoor markets in the city center, distinctive for their lively and authentic atmosphere. Aside from the Mercato del Capo, the most historic and popular are the Vucciria Market, with an early-morning fish market in addition to vegetables and other foodstuffs, and the Ballarò Market, with similar offerings.