When you arrive in Panama, it is inevitable to go shopping at one of the great Malls or Shopping Centers that our capital has, and enjoy its wide range of products. However, when tourists want to acquire something more native of Panama, it is important to know the different craft markets where Panamanian artisans offer their talent to locals and foreigners.
In Panama City there are several important markets where you can find what you are looking for and a little more. Here we describe each one for you to make your craft shopping tour.
Panama Viejo National Handicrafts Market
This is the most popular market of all, opened in 2011 with the objective of creating a new tourist product close to Panama La Vieja Monument. It has many stands where you can buy crafts made by ethnic groups of great cultural value to the country. Likewise, Panamanian artisans offer typical pre-Columbian and pre-Hispanic handicrafts, including masks and jewelry, replicating the technique of the natives before the arrival of Spaniards.
Balboa Handicraft Market
It has more than 40 exhibition stands of Guna artisans and from other parts of the country. Located on Arnulfo Arias Madrid street in Balboa, here you will find Molas of Gunas, chaquiras, tembleques, hats and other typical accessories very popular within all Visitors. This market also offers a restaurant area, ample parking and handicapped access.
Mi Pueblito Craft Market
Located on the foothills of Ancon Hill, one of the lungs of Panama City, here you will find beautiful replicas of handicrafts made in the interior (country side), of Caribbean origin and even of indigenous peoples. This market is one of the most picturesque in the country, as it is set as if it were a truly inter-urban town. You can also get to see the natural beauty of Ancon Hill and its viewpoint, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Panama City and the Canal.
Artisan Market of the Esteban Huertas Promenade
This market is surrounded by national history as it is located in Old Town, entering through Plaza de Francia. More than a market, it is a walk that takes you through Guna crafts or traditional accessories made in the interior (country side) such as the “Pintao Hat”. There are also artisans from other nations selling all kinds of accessories and handmade objects. An excellent place to find curiosities. This walk is part of the walls that protected the city in the colonial era, underneath Las Bóvedas, which at the beginning was a prison. It also has a unique view of the “skyline” of modern Panama. Here you learn history, enjoy with family and acquire quality crafts.
The new handicraft market on May 5 Street is still under construction. With its completion there will be a wider and more comfortable handicraft market in Panama City for the acquisition of “souvenirs” and unique accessories made by talented Panamanian hands.
