Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market)
Experience Panama's vibrant fishing culture and savor incredibly fresh seafood at this bustling market and restaurant hub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak freshness and lively atmosphere
Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market)
Best Time
Peak freshness and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Panama's vibrant fishing culture and savor incredibly fresh seafood at this bustling market and restaurant hub.
"The food was amazing at the market, but please be aware that there are local vendors that will disturb your meal to sell you things."
🎯 Ask for Recommendations
Don't just pick a restaurant; ask locals or staff for their favorites to avoid tourist traps.
💰 Check Prices Carefully
Some visitors report high prices. Understand your order and confirm costs before eating.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Catch Display
Ground floor
Witness the vibrant array of the day's fresh seafood, from glistening fish to colorful shellfish.
Seafood Restaurants
Upper level
Savor delicious, freshly prepared seafood dishes in a lively, authentic setting.
Ceviche Delights
Various restaurants
Indulge in zesty and refreshing ceviche, a must-try local specialty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Dining Spot Wisely
Be Prepared for the Hustle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting Panama City at the end of the month any great food stalls?
🎯 Ask for Recommendations
Don't just pick a restaurant; ask locals or staff for their favorites to avoid tourist traps.
💰 Check Prices Carefully
Some visitors report high prices. Understand your order and confirm costs before eating.
Best place to eat at the Mercado De Marisco?
What are the Must See, Must Do, and Must Eat during week long Vacation to Panama City
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
If you're sensitive to insects, bring repellent, especially for outdoor dining.
🤝 Be Polite but Firm
Servers can be persistent. A polite 'no, thank you' usually suffices.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask for Recommendations
Don't just pick a restaurant; ask locals or staff for their favorites to avoid tourist traps.
💰 Check Prices Carefully
Some visitors report high prices. Understand your order and confirm costs before eating.
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
If you're sensitive to insects, bring repellent, especially for outdoor dining.
🤝 Be Polite but Firm
Servers can be persistent. A polite 'no, thank you' usually suffices.
🍤 Try the Ceviche
This fresh, zesty dish is a highlight for many visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Mercado de Mariscos offers a lively atmosphere and the chance to taste incredibly fresh seafood, with ceviche being a standout dish. However, visitors should be prepared for potentially pushy servers and varying price points, with some finding it expensive and others enjoying good value. It's a quintessential Panama City experience, but requires a discerning eye to navigate.
"I don't like eating with bugs too many biting insects there. I went to a restaurant I will post the picture. This is a place that screws tourists with prices. Lobster was chewy as hell"
Karen Biow
"Not at all the "Must do" thing suggested in blogs.
It pales in comparison to fish markets elsewhere in the world. It's relatively small, not very busy and a bit underwhelming and boring. The good thing is foreigners probably don't buy anything, they just go to look, so no one hassles you.
You can get food whilst there in the outside, covered restaurants downstairs. Chose wisely. I went to Allison restaurant and it was expensive and not great."
D
"The different shops have the same menu but we chose Venas Azules in our last visit. Beware! the waiters will suggest dishes that combined many items in the menu so make sure that you understand what you are ordering from the menu. The vibe feels authentic, not luxury. The environment is clean and functional and you can see the fisherman's boats from the other side of the deck. Overall good experience and friendly staff."
Kurt Jean-Charles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mercado de Mariscos is located near the Cinta Costera in Panama City. Many visitors arrive by taxi or ride-sharing services, which are readily available and convenient. It's also accessible by public bus routes that run along the coastal highway.
Parking can be limited and challenging, especially during peak hours. It's often recommended to use taxis or ride-sharing to avoid parking hassles.
If you are staying in the Casco Viejo or nearby areas, it might be a pleasant walk along the waterfront, but be mindful of the heat and humidity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Mercado de Mariscos itself is generally free. You only pay for the food you purchase at the restaurants or stalls.
The market typically operates from morning until late afternoon or early evening. The restaurants usually stay open for lunch and dinner service. It's best to check current hours as they can vary.
There is no separate admission fee for the restaurants. You pay for your meal, and sometimes a small cover charge might be included, but this is uncommon.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish like snapper and corvina, shrimp, lobster, octopus, and more. Many restaurants offer grilled, fried, or ceviche preparations.
Prices can vary significantly. Some visitors find them to be tourist prices and expensive, while others feel they are reasonable for fresh seafood. It's wise to check menus and compare before ordering.
Recommendations vary, but Venas Azules and Allison were mentioned. It's often best to ask locals or staff for current favorites, as quality can change.
Generally, yes. The seafood is fresh, and the restaurants are accustomed to serving tourists. However, as with any market, choose busy establishments with good turnover.
Yes, the ground floor of the market is where you can buy fresh fish directly from the fishermen and vendors to take home and cook.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, taking photos is generally allowed and encouraged, especially of the fresh catch display. Be mindful of people's privacy if you're taking close-ups of individuals.
The vibrant displays of seafood, the bustling activity of the market, and the waterfront views offer great photographic subjects. The colorful boats docked nearby are also picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during lunchtime when the market is busy but perhaps less intense than in the evening. It’s a good opportunity to teach children about different types of seafood and the importance of local markets. While not a typical playground, the novelty of the environment can be engaging for older kids who appreciate cultural immersion.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's also worth noting that the market experience itself is free. You can explore the fresh catch displays on the ground floor without spending money. If you're looking for a truly local and inexpensive meal, sometimes asking a taxi driver or a local you meet for their favorite, less touristy spot can lead to hidden gems.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Dining Experience
Despite the potential for tourist traps, many travelers have had fantastic meals here. The key is often to seek out recommendations from locals or staff who are not directly employed by a specific restaurant. Dishes like ceviche are frequently praised for their freshness and flavor. While the environment is described as authentic and functional rather than luxurious, the ability to enjoy incredibly fresh seafood with views of the fishing boats adds to its unique charm.
Be prepared for a lively and somewhat chaotic atmosphere. Vendors may approach your table to sell goods, which can be a minor annoyance for some. However, most reviews indicate that a polite but firm refusal is usually respected. Embracing the bustling energy is part of the experience, and many find the delicious food makes it all worthwhile.
The Fresh Catch: A Glimpse into Panama's Fishing Culture
This section is less about dining and more about observing the daily operations of Panama's fishing industry. While you can purchase fish here to take home, most tourists opt to experience the seafood prepared at the restaurants upstairs. However, understanding this part of the market provides context for the freshness enjoyed in the eateries. It’s a glimpse into the local economy and culinary heritage that fuels the city's seafood scene.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit