
Fish Market Mercado de Mariscos
Panama City's vibrant Mercado de Mariscos offers the freshest ocean catch and delicious, locally prepared seafood dishes in an authentic market settin...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest catch, lively atmosphere

Fish Market Mercado de Mariscos
Best Time
Freshest catch, lively atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Panama City's vibrant Mercado de Mariscos offers the freshest ocean catch and delicious, locally prepared seafood dishes in an authentic market setting.
"The very best place to go to buy shrimp when in Puerto Penasco!"

Go Early for the Best
Arrive before 9 AM for the widest selection of the freshest seafood.
Lunchtime Feast
Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared seafood dishes at the market's restaurants.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 363 reviews
Type
Market
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Freshest Catch
Main market floor
Witness an incredible array of seafood, from glistening fish to plump shrimp and lobsters, brought in daily by local fishermen.

Seafood Restaurants
Adjacent stalls
Savor incredibly fresh ceviche, grilled fish, and other local specialties prepared right before your eyes.

Local Interaction
Throughout the market
Engage with friendly vendors and fishermen, learning about their daily catch and the market's traditions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Senses
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go Early for the Best
Arrive before 9 AM for the widest selection of the freshest seafood.
Lunchtime Feast
Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared seafood dishes at the market's restaurants.
Bargain with a Smile
Prices are generally fair, but a little friendly negotiation is part of the experience.
Embrace the Aroma
It's a working fish market, so expect strong, fresh seafood smells!
Tips
from all over the internet
Go Early for the Best
Arrive before 9 AM for the widest selection of the freshest seafood.
Lunchtime Feast
Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared seafood dishes at the market's restaurants.
Bargain with a Smile
Prices are generally fair, but a little friendly negotiation is part of the experience.
Embrace the Aroma
It's a working fish market, so expect strong, fresh seafood smells!
Watch for Snowy Egrets
These beautiful white birds are frequent visitors, hoping for a dropped morsel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mercado de Mariscos for its incredibly fresh seafood and authentic market atmosphere. The opportunity to buy directly from fishermen and enjoy expertly prepared dishes at the on-site restaurants is a major draw. While the strong market smells are noticeable, most find the vibrant experience and quality of food well worth it.
"We picked up great shrimp for dinner and some hot sauce and spices for gifts. They were very patient with our questions and helpful."
Michelle Alvarez-Orr
"Great place to get all your seafood. They have a large variety of different fishes and other types of seafood. Staff are very knowledgeable and honest."
Howard Ng
"This is the very best place to go to buy shrimp when in Puerto Penasco!
Definitely recommend and will be going back next time I am there.
Very clean and personable staff"
Paul Hansen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mercado de Mariscos is conveniently located near Casco Viejo, at the end of Cinta Costera. You can easily walk from Casco Viejo or take a short taxi ride from other parts of the city. Many visitors find it a straightforward destination to reach.
While street parking might be available nearby, it can be challenging. Taxis or ride-sharing services are often the most convenient options for visitors.
Yes, Panama City has a public bus system, and routes that pass near the Cinta Costera area can get you close to the market. Check local transit maps for the most current information.
It's walkable from Casco Viejo, offering a pleasant stroll along the waterfront. If you're staying further afield, a taxi is recommended.
Most hotels can easily arrange a taxi or recommend a ride-sharing service. It's a popular spot, so drivers will be familiar with it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Mercado de Mariscos is generally free. It's a public market, so you can wander through and browse without purchasing a ticket.
The market typically opens very early, around 5 AM, and operates until about 5 PM daily. However, restaurant stalls may have slightly different hours.
The market is most active in the early morning when the fresh catch arrives. Lunchtime also sees a surge in activity as people flock to the restaurants.
Yes, the Mercado de Mariscos is open seven days a week, making it accessible for weekend visitors.
There is no admission fee for the restaurants; you simply pay for the food you order.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find an incredible variety, including fresh fish like corvina and cazon, shrimp, lobster, oysters, and more.
Yes, adjacent to the fish stalls are numerous restaurants where you can have your fresh catch prepared on the spot.
Ceviche is a popular choice, as are grilled fish and shrimp dishes. Many visitors rave about the freshness and simple preparation.
Absolutely! You can purchase whole fish, shrimp, and other seafood directly from the vendors to take home and prepare.
Prices are generally considered fair, especially given the freshness. You can find great value for high-quality seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
Definitely! The vibrant colors of the seafood, the bustling activity, and the waterfront location offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Focus on the diverse seafood displays, the interactions between vendors and customers, and the local fishermen. Don't forget the snowy egrets that frequent the area!
Generally, photography is welcomed, but it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of them or their stalls.
Early morning offers great natural light and the most activity. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful light with fewer crowds.
Yes, you can photograph the restaurant areas, especially the food displays and the lively dining atmosphere.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit