Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera
Panama City's bustling seafood haven, where you pick your fresh catch and enjoy it prepared right there.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Panama City's bustling seafood haven, where you pick your fresh catch and enjoy it prepared right there.
"This place has the best tasting food! Great food and authentic experience."
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.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Budget/Mid-range
Address
Ciclovía Cinta Costera, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Seafood Market Experience
Handpick your own seafood from over 70 stalls and have it prepared fresh at this vibrant open-air market.
Authentic Panamanian Ceviche
Savor delicious, citrus-marinated ceviche made with the freshest catch, a true taste of local flavors.
Whole Fried Fish
Enjoy a whole fried fish, a local specialty served affordably with traditional sides. Crispy and flavorful!
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, the market is supplied daily by local fishermen, ensuring you get the freshest seafood available.
Don't miss the Panamanian ceviche and the whole fried fish, both highly recommended for their flavor and freshness.
The market has a lively atmosphere with many vendors and servers eager to seat you. It's recommended to politely decline if not interested.
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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In English, this is commonly referred to as simply “the fish market”, and is an open-air paradise for fresh seafood lovers and people who love to absorb local flavors and culture. The market is made up of a central indoor location where fresh fish and other seafood is sold raw, by the pound, and outside, there are about 20 ceviche and fish stands that serve cooked food to patrons. Prices are amazingly cheap – $7 a pound for cevicche, $10-$12 for an entire fish fry – and you can sit outside with a cold beer and do some amazing people watching as the locals come and go.
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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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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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Located just a short walk from W Hotel, Mercado de Mariscos serves the freshest seafood in town. Known for its ceviche and seafood platters, this market allows visitors to choose their seafood, which can be prepared on the spot. Keywords: Fresh seafood, ceviche, seafood platters, Mercado de Mariscos, short walk.
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You can always find fresh seafood at the grocery store, but for an unforgettable experience head to the Mercado de Mariscos in Panama City or just about any beach at sunset. You can buy seafood straight off the fisherman who caught it that very morning– and the prices are fantastic.
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The Mercado de Mariscos was smaller than I expected it to be. I’d seen it in photos and on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations show, but this market, built by Japan as a “gift” to the people of Panama, was only about half block square. Still, the fish were beautiful and inexpensive.
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On the Cinta Costera boulevard, you’ll find Mercado de Marisco. It’s a fish market with a collection of small food stalls where you can enjoy freshly caught fish. You can try all sorts of fish dishes, but in my opinion, it’s the perfect place to taste a delicious fresh ceviche.
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Fishing boats float in on the high tide to land their catches of sierra, snapper and langoustine on the wharf – be sure to pick up a cup of ceviche as you wander around. Also visit Panamá Viejo, the remains of the original capital, which was abandoned in the mid-17th century.
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Mercado de Mariscos is one of the most famous eateries in the Casco Viejo area. Situated along the waterfront, this open air seafood market consists of food stalls serving up fresh seafood and traditional dishes. Make sure to try the ceviche, and don’t forget to bring cash!
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Needless to say, I recommend visiting as one of the unmissable things to do in Panama. Situated on the outskirts of Casco Viejo, it’s a modern space that opened in the mid-1990s to host the various seafood vendors scattered around the area, bringing them all under one roof.
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For a taste of local culture, visit the Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market). Here, you can sample fresh seafood dishes like ceviche, a popular local delicacy. The market’s lively atmosphere and affordable prices make it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
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To truly immerse yourself in Panama's street food culture, visit local markets like Mercado de Mariscos (the seafood market near Old Town) and Mercado de Abastos (the farmers' market). It's a sensory overload of colors, flavors, and traditions.
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Market-to-kitchen tours stand out – you’ll shop with experts at Mercado de Mariscos or Mercado San Felipe Neri before preparing your finds. Small-group classes (usually 4-8 people) focus on staples like patacones, sancocho, and fresh ceviche.
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Located by the Cinta Costera, Mercado de Marisco is a must-visit for lovers of fresh seafood and fish dishes. There are stalls selling fresh fish and a few counters offering cold beer and local dishes at a reasonable price.
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Plan to visit Mercado de Mariscos, the Panama City fish market, earlier in the morning. Thousands of small fishing boats from villages along Panama’s Pacific coast arrive at the market to unload their latest catch.
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Mercado de Mariscos offers a wide variety of seafood, including fish, shellfish, octopus, and lobster. Some of the most popular items include corvina (sea bass), ceviche, and shrimp cocktails.
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If you are feeling adventurous, head over to the seafood market right outside Casco Viejo. This fresh seafood market also houses an outdoor food court and is especially known for its ceviche.
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Our first lunch was at Mercado de Mariscos, which is technically in Cinta Costera. Our meal wasn’t spectacular, but I still recommend going because it is so uniquely a Panama City experience.
RESTAURANTS & CAFES
Mercado del Marisco - Traditional Fish Restaurant inside the Fish Market/ El Mercado del Mariscos | Via Balboa, end of Cinta Costera, Casco Viejo, Panama
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The Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) in Panama City was inaugurated in 1995 with Japanese funding as a gift to Panama.
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Besides the Panama Canal I always suggest a visit to Casco Antiguo (Casco as locals say) and the Mercado de Mariscos.
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Sample it at the Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) in Panama City or at beachfront cafes in the San Blas Islands.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit