At the edge of Panama City’s historic district, Casco Viejo, sits one of the capital’s liveliest attractions: the Mercado de Mariscos, or fish market. More than just a place to buy seafood, this bustling marketplace has grown into a cultural landmark where locals and travelers alike gather to enjoy fresh catches, traditional dishes, and the unique atmosphere of Panamanian coastal life. Over the years, it has transformed from a simple market into a culinary hotspot and a vibrant social hub.
The origins of the fish market are tied to Panama’s maritime traditions. Fishing has long been a livelihood for communities along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and Panama City’s central location made it a natural point for trade. Opened in the 1980s with support from Japanese aid, the Mercado de Mariscos was designed as a modern facility to give fishermen a place to sell directly to consumers while preserving the heritage of the country’s seafood culture. This background continues to shape its identity today.
Walking into the market, visitors are greeted by a chorus of fishmongers calling out their daily offerings. Counters overflow with red snapper, corvina, tuna, grouper, and shellfish, much of it caught that very morning. The market is a sensory experience, with the smell of the ocean, the glisten of fresh fish, and the energy of constant bargaining between sellers and buyers. For many locals, shopping here is a weekly ritual, connecting them to both tradition and the freshest seafood available.
Yet what makes the market particularly special is that it has grown far beyond a simple place of trade. Above and around the market, small restaurants and cevicherías have sprung up, drawing crowds eager to sample dishes prepared from the catch of the day. The most famous of these is Panama’s signature ceviche—chunks of raw fish cured in citrus, mixed with onions, peppers, and spices. Served in plastic cups for just a few dollars, it has become a staple snack for both locals and backpackers exploring the city.
The market’s location adds to its charm. Situated along the waterfront, it provides a panoramic view of Panama Bay, with Casco Viejo on one side and the skyscrapers of the modern city on the other. This juxtaposition of old and new mirrors the cultural blending inside the market itself, where traditional Panamanian recipes are served alongside more modern interpretations. It has become a crossroads for generations, uniting fishermen, chefs, residents, and visitors in one lively space.
The Mercado de Mariscos also plays an important cultural role as a showcase of Panama’s culinary heritage. Dishes like fried fish with patacones, seafood soups, and shrimp cocktails connect diners to recipes passed down for generations. Food here is not just sustenance but a continuation of family and regional traditions. Many small stalls are family-run, with owners proud to share the recipes and flavors that have defined their communities for decades.
As the popularity of the market has grown, it has become one of Panama City’s must-visit attractions for tourists. Guidebooks often recommend it as an essential stop, and its central location makes it easy to reach for those exploring Casco Viejo or the Cinta Costera walkway. What once was a local shopping destination has now become a gathering place for people from around the world, adding an international flair to the already diverse energy of the market.
Despite this global attention, the fish market has retained its authenticity. The fishermen who arrive at dawn, unloading their catch from small boats, continue to form the backbone of the operation. Their presence reminds visitors that Panama’s relationship with the sea is not just about tourism but also about survival and livelihood. This balance between local tradition and modern popularity is what makes the market so unique among Panama City’s attractions.
The market has also become an informal cultural meeting ground. On weekends, the outdoor seating areas fill with families, groups of friends, and travelers sharing meals while live music drifts in from nearby performers. Conversations flow as easily as the beer, and the atmosphere is as much about community as it is about food. In this way, the Mercado de Mariscos reflects Panama’s larger identity as a place of connection—between people, cultures, and oceans.
In the end, the fish market of Panama City is more than a place to buy seafood. It is a living symbol of the city’s cultural history and modern vibrancy, a place where the traditions of fishing meet the energy of a cosmopolitan capital. For backpackers and travelers, it is a chance to taste Panama at its freshest, while for locals it remains a vital piece of daily life. Whether you come for a quick cup of ceviche or to soak in the lively atmosphere, the Mercado de Mariscos offers a true slice of Panamanian culture by the sea.