
Plaza 5 de Mayo
Experience the real Panama City at Plaza 5 de Mayo, a bustling hub of local life and incredibly affordable shopping on Avenida Central.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience peak local activity

Plaza 5 de Mayo
Best Time
Experience peak local activity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the real Panama City at Plaza 5 de Mayo, a bustling hub of local life and incredibly affordable shopping on Avenida Central.
"This is a good look at the REAL Panama City. The real feel of Panama City."

🚶♀️ Walk with Awareness
Keep your head on a swivel! Be mindful of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded market areas.
⏰ Avoid Nighttime Visits
Locals and travelers strongly advise against visiting Plaza 5 de Mayo after dark for safety reasons.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 2,175 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Avenida Central Market
Adjacent to Plaza 5 de Mayo
Immerse yourself in the heart of local commerce. Find everything from clothing to everyday goods in this vibrant, authentic Panamanian market.

Authentic Panama City Experience
Plaza 5 de Mayo and surrounding streets
Step away from tourist trails for a real look at daily life, local shopping, and the energetic pulse of Panama City.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Navigate with Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What to do on a 12 hour layover in Panama City tonight (if this is allowed?). I didn’t find any recent posts tagged a ‘day in Panama’ and have a layover from ~8pm tonight until 8am tomorrow. Would love to know your thoughts!
Hi all - I hope this is allowed! I’m coming in for about 11-12 hours tonight (picked a trip with a layover in Panama on purpose) and was wondering what your thoughts were on a good way to spend it? It’s not an optimal time (8:00pm tonight until ~8:00am tomorrow morning), but I’d…
🚶♀️ Walk with Awareness
Keep your head on a swivel! Be mindful of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded market areas.
⏰ Avoid Nighttime Visits
Locals and travelers strongly advise against visiting Plaza 5 de Mayo after dark for safety reasons.
Viajaré a Panamá en Agosto
Soy Colombiano y estoy planeando un viaje a la ciudad de Panamá y me gustaría pedirles recomendaciones y consejos generales para aprovechar al máximo la experiencia. Me interesa saber sobre: * Cosas por hacer y lugares imperdibles: ¿Qué me recomiendan visitar sí o sí? ¿Hay…
Coming to Panama for the first time and would love some tips..
Boquete: I really love geisha coffee and planning to rent a car, stay at Lerida and visit some coffee farms. Any suggestions on renting a car from David airport (are international brands there?) and driving tips? Is it possible to go on a tour onto some of the tours like la…
🚇 Metro is Your Friend
The metro is a convenient and safe way to reach Plaza 5 de Mayo, offering a glimpse into local transit.
🛍️ Shop Like a Local
Discover incredibly cheap clothing and goods where locals shop on Avenida Central. Great for budget finds!
Question about safety in Panama City
Hi, in 40 days I'm going to Panama City and I have some questions regarding safety:: 1. Is it safe to get to the hotel from the airport by public transport (in my case it's direct S480 connection)? Bonus question - how much does taxi/Uber costs from the airport to the area…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk with Awareness
Keep your head on a swivel! Be mindful of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded market areas.
⏰ Avoid Nighttime Visits
Locals and travelers strongly advise against visiting Plaza 5 de Mayo after dark for safety reasons.
🚇 Metro is Your Friend
The metro is a convenient and safe way to reach Plaza 5 de Mayo, offering a glimpse into local transit.
🛍️ Shop Like a Local
Discover incredibly cheap clothing and goods where locals shop on Avenida Central. Great for budget finds!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Plaza 5 de Mayo offers an authentic, vibrant glimpse into the daily life and local commerce of Panama City, particularly through the bustling Avenida Central market. Visitors appreciate the genuine atmosphere and incredibly low prices. However, it's crucial to remain vigilant about personal safety, especially in crowded areas and at night, as recommended by many travelers.
"Take the metro to Plaza 5 de Mayo and take a walk down Avenida Central for an authentic look at life in Panama City.
Many tourists only see the two historic districts and the modern parts of town, but this is a good look at the REAL Panama City."
Karin S.
"The real feel of Panama City. Be careful when you walk around. Keep your head on a swivel at all times. Avoid at night and stay away from trouble."
Wu Tao
"Very cheap clothing stores. Where the locals shop."
Paul Kuchukian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The S480 metro bus offers a direct connection from Tocumen Airport to the vicinity of El Carmen Subway Station, which is a convenient way to reach Plaza 5 de Mayo. Taxis or Ubers from the airport to El Carmen typically cost around $25-$30 USD.
Yes, the Panama City metro is generally considered safe and efficient for tourists. It's a good option for reaching areas like Plaza 5 de Mayo without the hassle of traffic.
For many central areas, the metro is excellent. For longer distances or specific destinations, Ubers and taxis are readily available. Be mindful of traffic, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plaza 5 de Mayo is a public square and does not have an entrance fee. You can freely explore the plaza and the surrounding market streets.
The market stalls along Avenida Central are typically open during daylight hours, especially vibrant on weekdays. It's best to visit during the day to experience the full atmosphere.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Plaza 5 de Mayo is a busy area with a local feel. While generally safe during the day, it's crucial to stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid visiting at night.
You'll find a lively public square that serves as a gateway to Avenida Central, a bustling street market where locals shop for clothing, accessories, and various goods at very affordable prices.
Avenida Central is renowned for its incredibly cheap clothing stores and as a place where locals do their everyday shopping. It offers an authentic glimpse into Panamanian retail culture.
Yes, always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded market areas. Avoid displaying expensive items, and it's highly recommended to avoid the area after dark.
The plaza and surrounding market are most vibrant and safest during daylight hours, particularly on weekday mornings when local activity is at its peak.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Plaza 5 de Mayo itself is more about the market experience, you can find local eateries and street food vendors offering affordable snacks and meals in the surrounding areas. For more diverse dining, head towards areas like Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo.
Expect simple, local fare. Street vendors might offer empanadas, fresh juices, and other quick bites. It's a great place to try authentic, no-frills Panamanian street food.
📸 📸 Photography
It's generally safe to take photos, but always be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid photographing individuals without their permission, and be discreet with your camera, especially in crowded market areas.
Capture the vibrant chaos of the Avenida Central market, the daily interactions of locals, and the unique architecture that blends old and new Panama City. The energy of the place itself is a great subject.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit