Panama – particularly the capital, Panama City – is one of the best shopping destinations in Central America. Whether you’re seeking inexpensive clothing or luxury items, a wealth of Panama shopping malls have you covered. Local handicrafts aren’t as plentiful as in Central America’s Mayan regions, but there are still a number of distinctly Panama souvenirs (Panama hat, anyone?) and Panama foods perfect for bringing back home.
While the official Panamanian currency is the Panama balboa, the official paper currency is the United States Dollar, which makes shopping in Panama super easy. Typically, you’ll only see balboas in coin currency.
Panama Markets
Bocas del Toro
Held the first and third Saturday of each month in Bocas Town’s Central Park, the Bocas Farmers and Cultural Market is an excellent place to purchase Panama food, produce, and handicrafts from the island’s residents.
Boquete
Boquete is an extremely popular retirement destination for ex-pats, and its weekly Tuesday market at the Boquete Community Players Event Center unites retirees, Panamanian locals, and travelers for all kinds of Panama shopping.
Panama City
If you’re looking for Panama souvenirs and handicrafts, the Mercado Nacional de Artesanías in Panama Viejo is your best bet in Panama City. Located behind the city’s anthropological museum, the outdoor Mercado de Buhonerías y Artesanías is another fantastic artisan market for Panama handicrafts.
Panama Shopping Malls
The shopping malls in Panama City truly offer a world-class experience.
Multiplaza Mall, Panama City
Located at Pta Paitilla Ed Torre del Mar, 8-B, the ultra-hip Multiplaza Mall in Panama City boasts 280 businesses, including department stores, cinemas, and more than 47 restaurants and cafes.
Albrook Mall, Panama City
Situated beside the Panama City bus terminal, Albrook Mall is huge and the best spot for travelers seeking a variety of shops at lower prices.
Multicentral Mall, Panama City
Found on Av. Balboa, Punta Paitilla, the four-story Multicentral Mall in Panama City caters primarily to Panamanians and tourists in search of international designer goods. A Hard Rock Café is also onsite.
The Avenida Central Pedestrian Mall, Panama City
Between Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza Cinco de Mayo, the Avenida Central Pedestrian Mall is a six-block stretch of shops and cafes selling inexpensive goods, often imported designer knockoffs. While it can get a bit sketchy at night, during the day it becomes a vibrant marketplace bustling with Panama City locals.
What to Buy in Panama
While the Panama shopping experience may seem upscale, prices are frequently much more reasonable than those found in North America or Europe, even for imported goods. Panama City can be a great place to load up on inexpensive clothes or shoes. Moreover, Panama is renowned for its coffee, and you’ll definitely want to bring some back home, whether from a coffee plantation tour or one of Panama’s large supermarkets.
When considering Panama souvenirs, the famous Panama hat is a must-have. Despite its name, Panama hats originally come from Ecuador, but they became popularized in Panama during the construction of the Panama Canal. Additionally, you will find a variety of beautiful items crafted by the country’s indigenous people, including textiles, carved wooden art, and paintings. Notably, the Kuna people in Panama’s Kuna Yala region create exquisite molas: blouses intricately woven with colorful depictions of animals and other designs.
Panama Shopping Tips
Feel free to bargain in the markets; however, it is advisable not to engage in bargaining in stores with set prices. For food items to bring home, such as coffee and chocolate, be sure to check out supermarkets (especially those in Boquete and Panama City) as prices are generally much lower than in tourist-oriented shops.
