Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera
1 / 5

Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Panama City's bustling seafood haven, where you pick your fresh catch and enjoy it prepared right there.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera

Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Panama City's bustling seafood haven, where you pick your fresh catch and enjoy it prepared right there.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This place has the best tasting food! Great food and authentic experience."

TIP

Visit Early

Arrive early to beat the crowds and ensure you get the freshest selection of seafood.

Navigate Vendors

Politely decline pushy vendors; they are usually respectful. Head to the back for a more relaxed dining experience.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Saturday 5AM

Cuisine

Seafood

Price

Budget/Mid-range

Address

Ciclovía Cinta Costera, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fresh Seafood Market Experience

Fresh Seafood Market Experience

Handpick your own seafood from over 70 stalls and have it prepared fresh at this vibrant open-air market.

The 10 Best Restaurants In Panama CityTop 5 Food Experiences in Panama
Authentic Panamanian Ceviche

Authentic Panamanian Ceviche

Savor delicious, citrus-marinated ceviche made with the freshest catch, a true taste of local flavors.

The 10 Best Restaurants In Panama CityGoogle Review
Whole Fried Fish

Whole Fried Fish

Enjoy a whole fried fish, a local specialty served affordably with traditional sides. Crispy and flavorful!

Panama City Restaurants: Top 8 Spots To Try While In Panama CityGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#panama🇵🇦 #mercadodelmarisco #cintacostera #turismo
@miguelillueca
42 likes • 5.3K views

Visit Early

Arrive early to beat the crowds and ensure you get the freshest selection of seafood.

Navigate Vendors

Politely decline pushy vendors; they are usually respectful. Head to the back for a more relaxed dining experience.

El Mercado de Mariscos de la ciudad de Panamá es uno de esos lugares que no puedes dejar de visitar si quieres experimentar lo auténtico. Ubicado a orillas de la Cinta Costera, este mercado fue inaugurado en 1995 con apoyo del gobierno japonés, y desde entonces se ha convertido en el corazón del comercio de productos del mar en la ciudad. Aquí llegan diariamente pescadores de diferentes partes del...
@ivanoski_vita
22 likes • 3.7K views
Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera #Mercado #DeMarisco #cintacosterapanama #fishmarket
@saiusa1234
20 likes • 334 views

Waterproof Footwear

The market floors can get wet, so wearing waterproof shoes is recommended for comfort.

Look Up!

Don't forget to glance upwards to spot the majestic white herons flying overhead.

The Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market) is the best spot for fresh seafood in Panama City 🐟 #CascoViejo #ptylife #panamacity #mercadodemariscospanama
@joeybonura
83 likes • 11.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit Early

Arrive early to beat the crowds and ensure you get the freshest selection of seafood.

Navigate Vendors

Politely decline pushy vendors; they are usually respectful. Head to the back for a more relaxed dining experience.

Waterproof Footwear

The market floors can get wet, so wearing waterproof shoes is recommended for comfort.

Look Up!

Don't forget to glance upwards to spot the majestic white herons flying overhead.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera is a lively seafood market offering incredibly fresh catches and authentic Panamanian dishes at affordable prices. While many praise the delicious food, particularly the ceviche and whole fried fish, some visitors note that vendors and restaurant staff can be quite pushy. It's an experience for those who enjoy vibrant local culture and don't mind a bit of hustle.

"The fish market was such an interesting experience—seeing the day’s fresh catch and then enjoying a delicious meal right there was a highlight. There are plenty of food options and while the servers can be a bit pushy, they’re respectful if you politely decline. The fresh ceviche was amazing! Definitely a cool and memorable part of our trip."

Jessica Thompson

"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

"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

What People Like

Incredibly fresh seafood
Authentic Panamanian flavors
Affordable prices

What People Dislike

Pushy vendors and staff
Potential for tourist pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

It's famous for its vibrant atmosphere, over 70 stalls of fresh seafood, and the unique experience of picking your own catch to be prepared on the spot.

The 10 Best Restaurants In Panama CityTop 5 Food Experiences in Panama

Yes, the market is supplied daily by local fishermen, ensuring you get the freshest seafood available.

The 10 Best Restaurants In Panama CitySavor Authentic Seafood Delights: Exploring Panama's Best Seafood Restaurants

Don't miss the Panamanian ceviche and the whole fried fish, both highly recommended for their flavor and freshness.

The 10 Best Restaurants In Panama CityGoogle Review

The market has a lively atmosphere with many vendors and servers eager to seat you. It's recommended to politely decline if not interested.

Google Review+2

Visiting early in the day is advised to avoid crowds and get the best selection.

The market primarily focuses on seafood. Vegetarian options like plantains and rice are available, but vegan options are limited.

Yes, it can be a fun and educational experience for families, especially if they enjoy seafood and vibrant local settings.

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Mercado de Mariscos, the city fish market, is Panama City’s seafood haven and a paradise for seafood lovers. With over 70 stalls selling the country’s freshest produce, there are also stands serving some of the best ready-to-eat Panamanian ceviche, a Latin American delicacy prepared with raw fish, usually marinated in citrus juices and spiced with chili peppers and other seasoning. The chance to handpick your own seafood and have it traditionally prepared in the open-air restaurant situated just above the market hall is unique to Mercado de Mariscos.

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As you would expect of a Central American coastal city, it has a bustling seafood market, where freshly caught fish and shellfish are sold every day by merchants working with fishermen. But in addition to the market itself, the Mercado also has a fervent restaurant scene in the same area, where the fresh seafood is cooked and served to you directly, at your convenience. Our favorite is to order ceviche, a whole fried fish, some patacones on the side, and a cold local beer to end it on.

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After spending the day touring around Casco Viejo, take a break at this local market. The Mercado de Mariscos offers the chance to enjoy freshly snatched seafood, with a view of the Panama Bay and the Pacific Ocean in a homey, outdoor setting. The Mercado de Mariscos is basically a mandatory stop when you’re visiting the neighborhood, not only because of its overwhelmingly delicious, refreshing seafood, but because it’s where you capture Panama in all of its essence.

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While not a restaurant in the traditional sense, the Mercado de Mariscos is an iconic spot for anyone looking to dive into Panama’s seafood offerings. Here, visitors can enjoy some of the freshest catches in a bustling market atmosphere. From ceviche stands boasting an array of flavors to sit-down areas where one can indulge in seafood platters, there’s a variety of options to suit any palate.

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You will first visit the famous Mercado de Mariscos, Panama’s largest seafood market. With the help of your guide, you will select the perfect fish for your ceviche from amongst the many varieties that are delivered here daily from local fisherman on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Next you will walk a short distance to the Mercado San Felipe Neri.

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You will first visit the famous Mercado de Mariscos, Panama's largest seafood market. With the help of your guide, you will select the perfect fish for your ceviche from amongst the many varieties that are delivered here daily from local fisherman on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Next you will walk a short distance to the Mercado San Felipe Neri.

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Located in Panama City, Mercado de Mariscos is a seafood market and a popular dining spot for seafood lovers. This market is well-known for its variety of fresh seafood, which local fishermen sell daily. Once you have selected your seafood of choice, head to any one of the restaurants in the market to have it cooked to order.

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Tucked along the vibrant Cinta Costera, Mercado De Marisco is a seafood lover's paradise. As I entered, the aroma of freshly caught fish and the lively chatter of eager patrons enveloped me. I savored a sublime ceviche, bursting with zesty flavors, and devoured a grilled octopus that was nothing short of divine.

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