Avant-garde art, souvenirs, indigenous designs? You want it, we’ve got it all! Here are 5 places you must go to shop ’til you drop.
1. Breebaart Boutique – Best Local Designer
Calle Abel Bravo, Casa No. 5; Obarrio, Panama (map, website)
The boutique is housed in French designer Hélène Breebaart’s home, who lived in Panama for 40 years and previously worked for Christian Dior. Breebaart Boutique combines modern styles with beautiful fabrics and clothing created by Kuna people – indigenous people in Panama. If you’re looking to bring home something non-commercial, but luxury with a high-end feel, then a visit to Breebaart Boutique is a must!
2. Casco Antiguo Square – Best Market Finds
Calle 5a Este, Casto Viejo, Panama (map, website)
In the center of Casco Viejo is Caso Antiguo Square, a group of market vendors selling souvenirs, jewelries, hats, clothing that you can bring home as gifts. This was one of our favorite places to shop since we found many items for ourselves and for our loved ones. Talk to the vendors, you can bargain a little!
3. Diablo Rosso – Best Avant-Garde Scene
6th Street and A Ave., Casco Antiguo, Panama (map, website)
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, right next to Casco Antiguo (above) in Casco Viejo is a retro ad avant-garde boutique / cafe / gallery that will inspire the artist in you! At Diablo Rosso, you’ll be able to find anything from postcards to sculptures, all created by young and edgy Panamanian artists.
4. Dgriss Art Gallery – Best Art Gallery
Corredor Sur, Ciudad de Panamá (map, website)
Want more art? You can find them at Degriss Art Gallery, a favorite among travelers and locals. It features magnificent and intriguing pieces from up-and-coming new artists not just in Panama but from all over the world. Feel free to ask talk to the owners, they are friendly and can also give some great local advice on traveling throughout the city!
5. Mercado Nacional de Artesanías – Best Souvenir Finds
88 ID 101 MA, Vía Cincuentenario, Ciudad de Panamá (map)
Urgent last minute shopping? Mercado Nacional de Artesanías is a hub of vendors filling two floors of a building, selling textiles, jewelries, sculptures, paintings and all sorts of random knick knacks. This place is great if you have half a day left for crossing names off your gift list.
