San Felipe Neri Market
A vibrant, renovated indoor market offering fresh produce, authentic Creole cuisine, and local goods in Panama City.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest produce, fewer crowds
San Felipe Neri Market
Best Time
Freshest produce, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, renovated indoor market offering fresh produce, authentic Creole cuisine, and local goods in Panama City.
"Discover authentic Panamanian flavors and fresh ingredients at this bustling, modern market."
🎯 Look for Marked Prices
Some vendors upcharge foreigners. Always check for marked prices or ask for clarification.
👍 Trustworthy Food Stall #14
Get a delicious, honest meal for $3.50. They don't upcharge locals or tourists.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Creole Food Court
Indoor food court
Savor traditional Panamanian dishes with a flavorful, spiced twist. A must-try for local culinary experiences.
Fresh Produce & Local Goods
Market stalls
Discover a vibrant array of native fruits, vegetables, spices, and meats. A true taste of Panama's agricultural bounty.
Honest Eats at Stall #14
Food stall #14
Enjoy a hearty plate of rice, meat/seafood, and salad for a fixed $3.50, regardless of your nationality.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Market
Best Bites and Bargains
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting Panama City at the end of the month any great food stalls?
🎯 Look for Marked Prices
Some vendors upcharge foreigners. Always check for marked prices or ask for clarification.
👍 Trustworthy Food Stall #14
Get a delicious, honest meal for $3.50. They don't upcharge locals or tourists.
¿Qué tan útiles te parecen los mercados municipales en Panamá? Estoy haciendo un trabajo para la U y necesito tu opinión honesta
¿Donde consigo Buenos cortes de Carne para un asadito en Panamá pero bien económico?
🗣️ Ask for Orlando at #16
Young Orlando at stall #16 speaks English and can help you navigate the menu.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Natural juice stands offer refreshing drinks. Be cautious with individual coconut vendors.
Mejores lugares para comida típica panameña
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Look for Marked Prices
Some vendors upcharge foreigners. Always check for marked prices or ask for clarification.
👍 Trustworthy Food Stall #14
Get a delicious, honest meal for $3.50. They don't upcharge locals or tourists.
🗣️ Ask for Orlando at #16
Young Orlando at stall #16 speaks English and can help you navigate the menu.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Natural juice stands offer refreshing drinks. Be cautious with individual coconut vendors.
🚗 Convenient Taxis
Taxis are readily available right outside the market for easy transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise San Felipe Neri Market for its authentic Creole food court, offering delicious and affordable meals, and its wide selection of fresh produce. The renovated, air-conditioned space and convenient amenities like parking and taxis are also highlights. However, some shoppers caution about potential price markups for foreigners at certain stalls.
"The Mercado has a large selection of native fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and meats. Some of the vendors mark their prices while others do not. So be wary on being up charge if you’re a foreigner. They have typical Panamanian food that is sold at the fondas. Stand number 14 is the most honest with all food plates that comes with rice, meat or seafood and salad sold for $3.50 regardless if your Panamánian or a foreigner. She does not up charge. There is also a stand that sells natural drinks and their prices are marked. There is an older man next to the natural juice stand and he sells coconut water but he is a classic example of a deceitful Panamanian who tried to upcharge and sell me a dry brown coconut for $2, in addition to the coconut water for $1, when I approached him about it civilly, he got an attitude with me, and gave me back the $1 took his coconut water back and ended up trashing the dry brown coconut. Another vendor tried to double charge me for a produce, when I told her that I will look around and come back. I saw her following me and then telling the other vendors how much she told me the price was so that they can say the same price. Lucky for her, I was able to get the true price of the item before she spread her deceit."
Stephanie Judah
"We had a very nice experience visiting the San Felipe Market. There are plenty of vendors offering a wide variety of fresh meats, along with lots of other options to browse through. We picked up some drinks and fresh fruit, which were excellent. The market also has lots of outdoor seating, making it easy to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Another plus is that there are plenty of taxis available right outside, so getting to and from the market was very convenient. Overall, a great stop to experience the local flavor and energy."
Jeanette Salgado
"I came to this place to look at fruits, vegetables and meats not knowing about the prepared food. Upon entering through the parking lot entrance, I was amazed to find a narrow food court. And that most of the eateries were serving traditional Creole food. Very authentic in its presentation. Visually, you could see the difference between the food here and the food in any other fonda nearby or throughout the country. The offerings here look like they were given an extra touch. Everything seems to be cooked with lots of spices to give it a darker more delicious look. For example, the stewed shrimp looked heavier, making it look more delicious than at any other place. I even found pigeon pea rice which is not easy to find. The food was delicious.
Aside from the mini kiosks offering fruits, vegetables, meats and fish, there are several selling herbs, spices, coffee, sweets and candies. Yes it could serve as a one-stop shop for all your cooking needs. Overall, this is an ideal place for anyone who likes shopping in a modern environment.
The place has undergone a renovation so it is new and beautiful. The market is massive, all indoors and air conditioned. There is a paid parking lot. I love the location since it is located on historic Avenue B. This is where the original Chinatown resides, with small remnants of it remaining but way past its glory days."
Panama George
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is located on historic Avenue B in Panama City. Taxis are readily available outside the market, making it a convenient option for getting to and from.
Yes, there is a paid parking lot available for visitors.
Yes, the market is fully indoors and air-conditioned, offering a comfortable shopping experience.
While taxis are convenient, consider public transport if you're comfortable navigating local routes. The market's location on Avenue B is accessible.
The market has undergone renovations and is described as modern and clean, suggesting good accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the San Felipe Neri Market is free. You only pay for the food and goods you purchase.
The market is generally open during daytime hours, with the food court being most active around lunchtime. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check locally if possible.
There is no admission fee to enter the San Felipe Neri Market.
The market operates during typical business hours. It's advisable to visit during the day to experience the full range of vendors and food stalls.
No specific events or special entry requirements are typically mentioned for regular market days.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find authentic Creole Panamanian cuisine in the food court, including dishes like pigeon pea rice, stewed shrimp, and hearty plates with rice, meat, and salad.
Yes, vegetarian dishes like delicious lentil preparations are available. Stall #16 is known for offering such options.
A full plate with rice, meat or seafood, and salad typically costs around $3.50 at honest stalls like #14. Natural drinks are also affordably priced.
Absolutely! There are stands selling natural drinks and coconut water. Just be mindful of pricing with individual vendors.
Yes, the food is described as very authentic, with a traditional Creole presentation and rich, spiced flavors.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Goods
You can find a wide selection of native fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, herbs, spices, coffee, sweets, and candies. It's a great spot for culinary shopping.
Some vendors mark their prices, while others do not. It's advisable to be aware of this and confirm prices, especially if you're a foreigner.
The produce is described as fresh, clean, and nice. The market is generally a safe place to shop for groceries.
Yes, the market has mini kiosks selling a variety of herbs and spices, perfect for enhancing your cooking.
While primarily a food and produce market, you might find some local crafts or specialty food items that could serve as unique souvenirs.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant colors of the produce, the bustling food court, and the market's modern interior offer great photographic opportunities.
No specific restrictions on photography are mentioned, but it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of their stalls or products.
The fresh produce displays, the prepared food stalls with their rich colors, and the general market atmosphere provide excellent photo backdrops.
Yes, photographing the delicious-looking food is encouraged, as it captures the essence of the market's culinary offerings.
The market is indoors and air-conditioned, with good lighting throughout, making it suitable for photography at any time of day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye on prices, especially for produce, and consider sticking to stalls with marked prices or those recommended for fairness, like stall #14 for a complete, affordable meal. The availability of taxis outside makes getting to and from the market easy, and the outdoor seating provides a good spot for a break. It's a great place to introduce kids to local flavors and market culture in a safe and clean environment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Buying produce here is also much cheaper than in tourist-oriented shops. The market provides a one-stop shop for groceries and delicious, inexpensive meals, making it an ideal spot to stock up or grab lunch without breaking the bank. The convenience of taxis and the comfortable indoor environment further enhance its appeal for budget travelers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Heart of San Felipe Neri
For those seeking specific culinary experiences, stall #16 boasts a young vendor named Orlando who speaks English and can guide you through the menu. He offers delicious vegetarian options, such as exceptionally tasty lentils, alongside rice and plantains. The overall impression is of food prepared with an extra touch, making it visually appealing and undeniably delicious. This section of the market is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the true flavors of Panama.
Navigating Produce and Pricing
It's recommended to look for marked prices or seek out vendors known for their fairness. Stall #14 is praised not only for its food but also for its transparent pricing. Similarly, stands selling natural drinks often have their prices clearly displayed. Be cautious with individual vendors, like the one selling coconut water, who might attempt to overcharge or sell less-than-fresh products. By staying observant and informed, you can enjoy the market's bounty without any unpleasant surprises.
Market Ambiance and Amenities
For convenience, the market offers paid parking and is well-served by taxis right outside its doors, simplifying transportation. There are also plenty of outdoor seating areas available, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy their purchases or the market's lively atmosphere. This combination of modern amenities and local charm makes San Felipe Neri Market an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit