Shopping in Panama
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Handicrafts Market
El Valle is home to one of Panama's largest handicrafts market. Mostly Ngöbe Buglé, but also some Emberá and Wounaan, bring a variety of handicrafts to sell to tourists (most of whom are Panamanians from the capital). If you're self-catering, the market also stocks a good selection of fresh produce from around the country. Although the market runs every day, stop by on Sunday for the full-on affair.
One of the most popular items up for sale are bateas, which are large trays carved from a local hardwood and used by the Ngöbe Buglé for tossing rice and corn. You can also find figurines, colorful baskets made from palms, gourds painted in brilliant colors, clay…
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Albrook Mall
Next to the bus terminal, and has a cinema, supermarket and dozens of stores.
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Supermercado Romero
Supermercado Romero, a block east of the plaza, has all your basic groceries.
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Reprosa
It's possible to purchase high-quality replicas of huacas - golden objects made on the isthmus centuries before the Spanish conquest and placed with indigenous leaders at the time of burial. The indigenous population believed in an afterlife, and the huacas were intended to accompany and protect their souls on the voyage to the other world.
The huacas were mainly items of adornment, the most fascinating being three-dimensional figure pendants. Most took the form of a warrior, crocodile, jaguar, frog or condor. Little else is known about the exact purpose of these golden figures, but each probably held mystical, spiritual or religious meaning.
You can purchase exact (solid…
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Colón 2000
In December of 2000, the self-proclaimed 'Caribbean cruise port of shopping and entertainment' opened on the east side of Colón. It's a rather modest affair, but it does have a good selection of restaurants and souvenir shops.
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Tropix Surfshop
If you're seeking beach gear to look the part with the dudes cutting sick on the gnarly breaks, custom-made surfboards and a few used boards, as well as a large selection of bikinis and other island apparel, can be found here.
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Joyería La Huaca
One of the city's most reputable jewelry stores is Joyería La Huaca in front of the Hotel Riande Continental. A high-quality sapphire ring here costs about one-third less than you would pay in Europe or the USA.
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Flory Saltzman Molas
Most upscale hotels have authentic molas (a colorful, intricate, multilayered appliqué textile sewn by Kuna women) for sale in their gift shops, though Flory Saltzman Molas has the best selection.
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Mercado de Buhonerías y Artesanías
This bustling outdoor spot is a great place to shop, especially if you've just finished perusing the anthropology museum and have a new-found appreciation for Panama's crafts.
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Pacahama
Pacahama features art made by most of Panama's indigenous peoples, along with a decent range of Guatemalan textiles, Nicaraguan hammocks and Emberá baskets.
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Market Stalls
If you're looking for authentic goods, you'll find a large selection of molas and a range of other handicrafts for sale by local Kunas at stands near the park.
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Mercado Nacional de Artesanías
With a picturesque location next to the historic ruins of Panama Viejó, this large artisans market is a great place to shop for memorable souvenirs.
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Isla Flamenco Shopping Plaza
A small mall, but nearby you'll find the best selection of open-air restaurants in the city.
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El Dorado Mall
Near one of Panama City's newer Chinatowns; has restaurants, shops and a cinema.
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Librería Argosy
A bookstore and cultural institution owned by a cheerful Greek immigrant.
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Multicentro Mall
Has a cinema and shops, along with many outdoor restaurants.
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El Hombre de la Mancha
A Spanish-language bookstore favored by Panamanians.
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Exedra Books
Easily one of Central America's best bookstores.
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Supermercado Romero
Supermercado Romero, a block east of the plaza, has all your basic groceries.
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Mercado Municipal
The area's fresh produce is sold at the Mercado Municipal.
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