Many complains that it noisy, crowded, and wet; that's what a market is in many places of the world. While there are things strewn about , it's messy, not dirty. It's clear that locals shop there (who else would buy a shark but a local?), and if the food makes them sick, they won't return. Honestly, if you like to travel, seeing something different is exciting. And if you come from the western world of Styrofoam packaged foods, as I do, then this market is infinitely more interesting than those TimeOut food court popping up everywhere. And if you're thrilled by the TimeOut markets, why go to Palermo?

Ballaro is one of the four major markets of Palermo. It is medieval both in spirit and in the hygiene standards. It is a “must see” place. Come there in the morning and take a stroll through the chaos — there’s no system to this madness - you’ll be navigating from lemons to seafood to cheeses. Beware: it is impossible to resist buying stuff that you don’t need. After half an hour walk my damage amounted to 3 kilos of olives, a huge piece of Corleone goat cheese, a bunch of dried oregano, ten carciofi, and a pack of red Marlboro with health warning in the Ukrainian language. The street food looked totally amazing but I escaped the temptation. What a great unsafe, unhealthy, uncivilized, and unmatched in charm place!

Stroll around and see all the great food stalls, loads of fish, fruits, veggies, and so on. Get your typical sandwich with intestines like the locals as a breakfast. See how the make salt sardines and other fish. If you like everything clean and not too loud then don't go there. But if you#re all up for local delicacies with all the smell, noise and so on, then this is your place