Mercato delle Pulci (Flea Market)

The Mercato delle Pulci, Palermo's flea market, spreads through the streets around Piazza Peranni in the Albergheria district of the city in Sicily. It is a loose collection of stalls, blankets and shopfronts rather than a formal market hall, and its mood is informal and a little chaotic. Vendors sell antiques, second-hand furniture, old books, vintage clothing, crockery, tools, coins, religious items and household bric-a-brac, and many pieces are priced by negotiation. Visitors can browse for small souvenirs such as old postcards, ceramics or metalwork, while serious collectors look for furniture or art objects among the clutter. The market sits close to the Ballaro market and the Norman palace area, so it fits easily into a walk through the old town. A typical visit lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time is spent bargaining. Morning is the best time, when vendors have set out their goods and the light is good for inspecting items; by mid-afternoon many stalls begin to pack up. Crowds are modest compared with food markets, and the tone is relaxed. Bargaining is expected, and offering a lower price politely with a smile usually leads to a fair deal. Cash is the norm, and small notes help. Visitors should check the condition of items carefully, as many are sold as found, and should ask about export rules before buying anything that might be considered antique. Photography of goods is usually fine, but asking a vendor before photographing people is courteous. The best photographic scenes are the heaps of old objects, the weathered buildings and the occasional hand-painted sign. Stall schedules vary by day, so a weekday or Saturday morning is most reliable. Visitors should keep bags secure in busy lanes and wear comfortable shoes for the uneven stone streets.