Panama City

Panama City is the capital of Panama. Sitting on the Pacific end of the Panama canal it has long been a point of transit for travelers and freight and these days Tocumen Airport has become the busiest in Central America and one of Latin America's most important transfer hubs.

For other places with the same name, see Panama City (disambiguation).

Understand

Panama City is a very multicultural place, with large populations from many different parts of the world. Spanish is spoken by most, and many speak some form of English. Customer service is slowly improving, and surprisingly dismal in hotels. However, on the streets, Panamanians are for the most part extremely friendly and helpful and would love to give you some advice.

There's great shopping, from high-end stores in the malls around Paitilla and in the banking district around Via España, to veritable bargains around La Central (Central Avenue, now turned into a pedestrian walkway) and the Los Pueblos outdoor mall. You can also find many ethnic stores (mostly Chinese and Indian), in certain parts of the city.

Climate
Panama City
Climate chart (explanation)
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Source: w:Panama City#Climate
Imperial conversion
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Visitor information

Get in

By plane

Panama City used to be the de facto headquarters of the US control over the Panama Canal and as the canal was and is of vital strategic and military importance, there were a bunch of military airfields built to defend the canal. The Americans have greatly reduced their presence, and Panama turned its former military airports over to civilian use, giving Panama City three airports:

  • 🌍 Tocumen International Airport (PTY IATA) (in San Miguelito, 32 km northeast of Panama City - the Panama metro serves a station near the terminal since 2023). See the airport article for full information. 
  • 🌍 Gelabert/Albrook Airport (PAC  IATA) (This airport does have a metro station in close proximity, however the airport terminal is at the western side of the runway (and the metro station is to the east near the Albrook bus terminal) and walking to the metro station is not feasible). Domestic flights arrive at this former US military airfield (Albrook Air Force Base). Domestic airlines are safe, and many fly very modern small jet aircraft. There are daily flights from every major town and city in the country. The only carrier is AirPanama. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 🌍 Panamá Pacífico International Airport (BLB  IATA) (taxis ask $30 for a ride to the city; you'll cross the Panamá Canal on the way). A small airport that used to be known as Howard Air Force Base. Wingo offers daily flights from Medellin and Bogota. (updated Feb 2019)

By train

The only train service is between Panama City and Colón on the Panama Canal Railroad. It's mostly a freight train, but it has a very nice passenger car. The train ride offers excellent views of the Panama Canal and the tropical rain forest. In a way it is the only "transcontinental commuter rail line" in the world as some people live in Colon and work in Panama City or vice versa and commute using this train. Trains arrive at 🌍 Corozal Passenger Station (Estación de Pasajeros de Corozal) (in western suburbs near Albrook Airport).  As of February 2024 the train has been reopened for service, but only for passengers on excursions from cruise ships.

By bus

Panama City has one of the most modern bus terminals in Latin America, the 🌍 Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte (commonly referred to as "Albrook")  1 . It's the main hub and well organized. The bus terminal is next to the Albrook airport (the domestic airport), part of a shopping mall of the same name, and it is very easy to find a bus here.

The long(er)-distance buses leave from the eastern side of the terminal on the ground level and you have to go through turnstiles by paying $0.10. Arrivals are usually on the first floor above the terminal building. All of the international buses ("tica buses" too) start and end in this terminal which are:

  • Ticabus (Transportes Internacionales Centroamericanos), Gran Terminal de Transportes Albrook, boleterias 32 y 32A (ticket windows 32 & 32A), ☏ +507 314-6385. International bus company going across the Central American isthmus between Panama City and Managua via San Jose. From Managua one route goes to Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula in Honduras while another continues towards San Salvador, Guatemala City and Tapachula in Mexico. They also have another north-south route connecting El Salvador to Honduras. 
  • Expreso Panama (Panaline), Gran Terminal de Transportes Albrook, boleteria 17 y 18 (ticket windows 17 & 18), ☏ +507 314-6837. Only between Panama City and San Jose. Passengers transfer in San Jose to continue towards Nicaragua and the rest of Central America. (updated Jun 2018)

The metrobuses serving the bus terminal arrive and leave from the western side of the bus terminal (between the bus terminal and the Albrook Mall).

Within the terminal, you can buy a "RapiPass 3en1" card which can be used in the metrobus, metro and terminal ($0.10 terminal fee at turnstiles and toilet use). The card costs $2 and needs to be topped up. Turnstiles can only be accessed with this card (no cash payment possible), however people are generally very helpful and you can ask someone to swipe you through and giving the $0.10 to that person instead.

There are two food courts in the terminal, one at the southern end and one at the northern end. There are many drinking water fountains throughout the terminal. Toilets cost $0.25, are clean and can be paid with a $0.25 coin or with the RapiPass. Access to the metro station is via a bridge in the center of the terminal.

Get around

By metro

A Metro opened in 2014, and is by far the preferred method to get to the places it serves. However, there are still many places of interest not served by it. Line  1  is roughly equal parts elevated and underground with the part from Albrook to El Ingenio being the underground section. Line  2 , serving the northern suburbs, opened in 2019. There is a grand plan for many further lines which are hopefully going to enter service as the 2020s and 2030s progress.

A single ride is 35 cents regular price with discounts for the elderly and students. The last train leaves at 10PM all week, with the first train leaving M-Sa at 5AM and Su at 7AM.

By taxi

One of the easiest ways to get around town is by taxi. Taxis do not have a meter. Fares are set by the authorities and are determined based on what section of the city you are starting at and what section of the city you are going to, with a surcharge for every additional person. The cab driver should have a table (which may include a map) that will show the costs for the fare, and they are required to show it to you if you ask or you can check Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre.

Fares are around $1.25 for travel within one zone, and the longest fares within the city at about $5. The former Canal Zone is in a different section, and it will be at least a $5 fare. The surcharge for additional passengers should be $0.50/additional passenger, and there's also a $0.40 surcharge if you call a cab (at least these were the prices a few years ago). A taxi to or from the international airport typically costs $30 including tolls if you take the Corredor Sur highway. A taxi to the Amador Causeway costs $5-10. Cab drivers do not expect tips, and they may pick up additional passengers along the way. The rule is that unless there's little to no deviation from the first person's route, the first person picked up is the first person dropped off, otherwise, they will ask if it's ok to pick up the other fare. Cabs can also be rented for the day, and the fares again are set (probably around $20-25). In this case, they will expect a little extra (tip and/or lunch).

Beware, taxi drivers will frequently try to overcharge visitors, sometimes up to many times the actual price, and will not have or know about any table as mentioned. If you are clearly a visitor and asking for the price, chances are the driver will say whatever they think they can get away with and you can try haggling down. It can help to ask locals what the price should be and then negotiate based on that.

Uber is also available in Panama City.

Diablo rojo

Getting around by bus is also cheap and convenient. Fares are $0.25 and the destination of the bus is written across the front windshield in large letters. Buses are privately owned and drivers usually compete with each other for passengers. For this reason, buses have colorful decorations to attract customers. During rush hour some buses can get crowded, and it is not unusual to see 3 people seated on a 2-person bench and lots of people standing along the aisle. It is not advised to use buses during these hours.

In 2013, the "red devils" were phased out from the main city routes, but they still connect the city with outlying suburbs.

Metrobus

The city has begun replacing the flamboyant "red devils" with modern, air-conditioned city buses ("MetroBus," look for the orange sign to find stops), but the red devils are still around. The MetroBus buses do not accept cash, so make sure to buy a fare card at one of the city's many malls before using them.

Bus fare is $0.25 for regular route and $1.25 for corredor route (Corredor Norte and Corredor Sur) and the same prices for transfer. You can buy and recharge MetroBus cards at many places around the city (Puntos de venta).

There are no maps or schedules at the stations so using the bus system can be frustrating without knowing the common name of the destination and/or adequate Spanish for inquiring.


By car

Car travel in Panama City is notoriously difficult. During weekday work hours, traffic jams are continuous. Many street intersections lack traffic signals creating right-of-way confusion. Short distances may be quicker on foot or other means of transportation. During holidays like Carnival, the traffic can be expected to be worse.

Car rentals are available from major corporations like Hertz at Panama's Tocumen International Airport.

All taxis in Panama must be painted yellow by law. Hitchhiking is not uncommon.

Checkpoints run by the national police occur at strategic locations to prevent the movement of illegal persons and goods.

See
  • 🌍 Panama Canal. Not only one of the world's most important shipping connections, but also the very reason for which the modern country of Panama was created, the canal is probably the single most iconic thing to visit in Panama. There are different ways to explore the canal: the easiest but pricey way from Panama City is to visit the Miraflores Visitor Center/Miraflores Locks. In addition, it is also possible to book a luxury train ride along the canal, or a boat ride on the canal. 
  • 🌍 Miraflores Visitor Center/Miraflores Locks (From platform 'D - Via España' at Albrook, there is a direct Albrook-Miraflores metrobus line for $0.25, which stops right in front of the visitors center. A one-way cab to Miraflores Visitor Center should cost around $6.). 09:00-18:00 daily. The most visited place along the canal is the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Miraflores Locks. It consists of an air-conditioned museum, a movie theater, an expensive restaurant, a gift shop, and a viewing platform from where you can watch the ships pass through the locks. Be aware that the Miraflores Locks are located along the old canal with its more than a hundred-year-old locks. It's still interesting to watch the ships, but if you want to see the new, expanded canal with the new locks and much bigger ships, you'd have to go to the Agua Clara Visitor Center in Colon (Panama), on the Caribbean side of the canal. Also, while it is nice to watch the ships from the viewing platform. The 3D movie with Morgan Freeman was excellent (2023). Panama Canal in 3D "A Land Divided a World United". The exhibition hall is temporary closed due to COVID-19. The entire exhibition is 4 small rooms. If you decide to come here, make sure you'll see some ships during your visit; check the visitor center's to see at which times the ships pass through the locks. Foreigners: adults $10, children 6-12 years $12; residents: adults $5, children/students/seniors $2.50. (updated Jul 2022)
  • 🌍 Casco Viejo. Casco Viejo is the historic part of town, where you will find many colonial style government buildings, cathedrals and museums including a Canal Museum or a small Panama History Museum. It is under massive renovation, with crumbling shacks next to beautifully restored colonial buildings. You can find in-expensive walking tour guides if you look. There are a number of accommodation options in Casco ranging from hostel pricing up to very expensive colonial suites. The area hosts a large number of eclectic events ranging from operas and musicals at the national theatre to block parties and fashion catwalks in the open plazas. Casco Viejo also offers some of the finest dining options in Panama City. Getting here from the airport by Metro bus, you can get off at 5 de Mayo stop (popular stop under a highway) then walk about 15-20 min heading south towards the water on Avenida Central, a pedestrian mall with many shops and markets, which leads directly to the old town. Together with the archaeological site of Panamá Viejo, the Casco Viejo is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. (updated Oct 2023)
  • 🌍 Panama Viejo. Tu-Su 8:30AM to 4:30PM, M closed. The archaeological site of the ruins of the original city of Panama that was sacked by the pirate Henry Morgan in the 1600s. The city was later moved to Casco Viejo. Today Panama Viejo is home to one of Panama's national parks with the buildings left in unrestored states. It is well worth the visit but read the safety warnings and ask park employees about where it is safe to visit as the park is surrounded outside by one of the city's dangerous areas. Together with the old town Casco Viejo, the site of Panamá Viejo is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Adults $12, children and students $5; prices include the museum, park and lookout. 
  • 🌍 Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador) (it is possible to travel to the end of the causeway by metrobus (line: Albrook-Amador), which runs from the central bus terminal (Albrook) from 'E - Corredor Sur, Zona Este' platform (with frequency of about one bus per hour); taxi fare from central city is around $7). The Amador Causeway connects four little islands (Naos, Culebra, Perico and Flamenco) to the mainland. From the causeway, there is a lovely view of Panama City, the Puente de las Americas, and the numerous islands far in Panama Bay. Many Panamanians like to spend their weekends jogging, riding a bicycle or roller-blading down the causeway, or having a meal or drinks in one of the many restaurants and bars on the islands. Bikes are available to rent in many different varieties including recumbents and multi-person bicycles, starting at about $3.50 per hr. From the causeway you can also arrange day trips by ferry to one of the surrounding islands with boats leaving early in the morning. 
  • 🌍 Punta Culebra Nature Center. This nature center run by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is located on Culebra Island. It has a few fish tanks with Pacific, Caribbean, and freshwater sea life, a small pool with a sea turtle and a few little sharks, and a tank where children can touch starfish and other sea creatures. There is also a little forest where a family of sloths lives. Admission adults $5. 
  • 🌍 Biomuseo (There is a metrobus stop (line: Albrook-Amador) right in front of the building.). Tu-F 10AM-4PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM, M closed. Designed by the architect Frank Gehry. (updated Feb 2017)
  • 🌍 Mi Pueblito. The pretty deserted museum (entrance free) on the slopes of Cerro Ancon showcases the different ethnicities of Panama. There are several artisans producing curios. The museum is across the highway from El Chorrillo neighborhood, which has experienced some crime targeting tourists in the past, so be mindful. (updated Dec 2021)
  • 🌍 Cerro Ancón (From Estación Cinco de Mayo: walk up to the roundabout on Calle J and cross the Pan-American Highway, stay on the hill side of the road till the entrance to Mi Pueblito. From María Carter Pantalones Park: walk to the football stadium Maracaná de Panamá and head for the pedestrian overpass that crosses the highway. Apparently there is another entrance on the west side of the hill as well.). Cerro Ancón or Ancon Hill is the tallest peak in Panama City. There is a fairly well-trafficked paved road heading to the summit that is used by local hikers, ambitious cyclists and a few tourists. It's only about a 15 minute walk from the trail head near Mi Pueblito. The summit has viewpoints looking out at Casco Viejo, the new town and the canal. (updated Dec 2021)
  • 🌍 Parque Natural Metropolitano. The second highest peak in the city. A few short easy trails and a viewpoint at the top looking over the city and to the Miraflores locks. Butterflies, turtles, and coatis are easy to see. Agoutis, sloths, and monkeys live there as well. Drinks available at the main entrance, bathrooms and both entrances. $4 for foreigners. (updated Feb 2024)

Do
  • Help A Sailboat To Cross The Canal. All sailboats that want to cross the Panama Canal needs by law 5 crew members when crossing the locks due to the complexity of handling these boats in these narrow locks and tieing and untieing it to the walls, other boats etc. The job called "linehandler". The owners of the boats can either hire local help or look for volunteers in exchange for the experience, food and drinks. The process takes 2 days due to long waiting times and the slow movement. You sleep on the boat during this time. It is a unique way to experience the Canal, sailing and have a closer look at the locks. 
  • 🌍 Metropolitan Natural Park (MNP) (Parque Natural Metropolitano) (within walking distance from the Albrook bus terminal (about 20 min) and walking there during daytime seemed ok). This park is a nature reserve very close to the city and offers well-maintained hiking paths and a small visitors center. One of the trails leads up a hill and from there, you have great views over the skyline of Panama City. Register and pay first at the visitors center, where there are also toilets and drinking water fountains to refill your bottles. $5. (updated Feb 2017)
  • 🌍 Soberanía National Park. A national park in close proximity to Panama City offers good hiking trails. (updated Feb 2017)
  • Panaviera bar. Open daily, 5pm - 2am. The rooftop bar at the top of the JW Marriott Panama (also called "Trump tower"). Great night view of the city. To get in - go to the casino and take an elevator to the 66th floor. (updated Apr 2024)

Learn
  • Casco Antiguo Spanish School, Avenida A and Calle 4, ☏ +507 838 5592, . 8AM to 8PM. Casco Antiguo Spanish School's 1-on-1 and small group Spanish classes provide real world language skills. Offers a "Survival Spanish" Course for Expats, Crash Course for Travels, private lessons, Intensive Courses, and business Spanish. $195/week. 
  • Spanish Panama Spanish language school, Via Argentina, Ed. Americana #1A, El Cangrejo (Ed Americana, #1A), ☏ +507 213-3121, . 8:30AM-8:30PM. In Panama City’s central and expat friendly neighborhood at Spanish Panama. Spanish language immersion programs include airport pickup, tours and ecotourism, cultural activities, Spanish classes, and salsa dance classes. Business Spanish for Panama is also offered. min $300/week. 

Buy
  • Calidonia area has plenty of street markets.
  • 🌍 Avenida Central. A pedestrianized street leading to the Casco Viejo from Estacion 5 de Mayo. Very local, very cheap shopping street. Full of budget department stores and shops. Lots of locals. (updated Feb 2017)
  • 🌍 San Felipe Neri Public Market (Walk from Estación Cinco de Mayo up Avenida B, or turn down Avenida Balboa from Avenida Central.). Wet market selling fresh meat, vegetables, grains and other produce. The market is very clean and air-conditioned, and a nice spot to cool off and get a drink after visiting the bustling street markets outside. (updated Dec 2021)
  • 🌍 Albrook Shopping Mall ( 1 ). Has good value and high quality clothes and more as well as a cinema, arcade, and bowling alley. Right next to the Albrook bus terminal. 
  • 🌍 MultiPlaza Mall. Upmarket mall, higher prices, better quality products. It has an adjacent Marriott Courtyard hotel. 
  • 🌍 MultiCentro Mall. Upmarket mall, not as popular as MultiPlaza and Albrook. Metrobuses to Tocumen airport (via Corredor Sur) stop at the bus stop south-east of the mall. 
  • 🌍 Metro Mall ( 2 ). A large indoor mall that has an adjacent Marriott Courtyard hotel. 
  • Los Pueblos Mall. The first mall built in the city. very local, very cheap, and outdoor. It's across the main street from Metro Mall but is inaccessible on foot. 

Crafts

Panamanian crafts High end crafts can also be purchased from shops in the Centro de Artesanias in Balboa neighborhood or in the shops of Mi Pueblitos. Indian stores on every major shopping district (El Dorado mall and surroundings, Los Pueblos, and along Via España) also sell many Panamanian souvenirs. Gran Morrison is also a place to find many handicrafts.

  • REPROSA Treasures of Panama. Since 1975 REPROSA has been dedicated to the promotion of Panama's history, cultural traditions, ecological beauty and ethnic diversity. All their handicrafts are hand-made in Panama by Panamanian artisans, and there is something for every budget. REPROSA has three locations: Costa del Este Industrial Park (271-0033), Ave. A in Casco Viejo (228-4913), and Ave. Samuel Lewis in Obarrio (269-0457). REPROSA also offers a tour of their award-winning workshop where visitors can see first-hand how the Treasures of Panama are made. Their factory is in the Costa del Este Industrial Park just minutes from Panama Viejo. Tour $10 per person, M-F at 9:30AM and 2PM. 

Eat

Check out Panama Restaurant Week, which doesn't happen every year, but when it does it is a fantastic option to try great restaurants at good prices. Despite its name, it lasts 15 days, with dozens of participating restaurants offering special participating menus at fixed, lower than normal prices.

Budget

There's several cafes along Via Argentina. The Spanish sandwich shops offer excellent sandwiches, coffee, and churros. Try Manolo's Churreria (don't miss the churros rellenos, pastries filled with dulce de leche and rolled in sugar) or Del Prado. Sandwiches should cost from $3-5. Also on Via Argentina is El Trapiche, serving traditional Panamanian food for under $12/person. They serve excellent breakfast food.

There's an abundance of Chinese restaurants, and some can be very affordable. Try some around El Dorado, they should be pretty authentic.

  • Niko's Cafe has several locations around the city. Owned by Greeks, they are all open 24 hr and they have a good selection of sandwiches and hot food served all day long.
  • Don Lee is a Panamanian chain serving Chinese fast food, and definitely worth a try.
  • Doraditos Rosticería Y Pizzería in Chanis. An extremely popular Panamanian restaurant that's always full and can take an infuriating amount of time to order. That said it's likely always filled by locals because the prices are cheap and the food is extremely good. In particular the rotisserie chicken (a full one costs about $5) is a local favorite with two types of chimichurri to choose from.
  • Fish market outside of Casco Viejo. Entering Casco Viejo is the main fish market for the city. There are some restaurants upstairs where the fish is obviously very fresh and the prices are cheap.

Mid-range
  • Lung Fung, on Transistmica Avenue. Serves some of the best Chinese food in the city. It will be a different experience. Try dim sum any day of the week (expect long lines on weekends), although it has lost some of its charm now that the wait staff speaks such good Spanish instead of only Cantonese or Haka. 
  • La Pampa Marbella, Av. 5a B. Sur, ☏ +507 387-9663. A very old school Panamanian restaurant on Balboa Avenue. It's a Spanish place specializing in seafood. Excellent paella and overall good seafood. Prices are stuck in 1984, so a hearty plate of paella will set you back $13, and there's only one item with a higher price on the menu. 
  • Van Gogh. This nice little Italian restaurant is right near the Via Venteo Casino. It has great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. It is one of the best Italian restaurants in Panama City. 
  • 🌍 Capital Bistró Panamá, Calle principal de San Felipe, Local 1. Kitchen opens 6:30PM. Amazing views of the city's skyline. Chillout music and large sofas on the upper terrace. $18-28. 

Splurge
  • La Casa del Marisco - ACHA, Avenida Justo Arosemena, ☏ +507 223-7755. Seafood restaurant in the banking area walking distance away from the Marriott. The food here is quite good but also pricey. 
  • Atlantic & Pacific Co. Restaurant (On top of Miraflores Visitor Center.), ☏ +507 232-3120. The terrace section overlooks the Panama Canal and tables are most likely reserved in advance. Buffet is around $30 without drinks. It is open from 10AM to 10:30PM (much after the visitor center is closed), so if you need to see the canal late night (and can afford to spend extra for dinner), this is the place to be. (The Miraflores Lock opens both way in the night, so you are definitely going to see a couple of ships pass by). 

Drink

Buy and try some Panamanian and Cuban coffee while you're here. It will be some of the best you've ever had.

Calle Uruguay is a neighborhood filled with bars and discos for wealthy Panamanians and foreigners.

  • Taberna 21 is a local hangout serving great cheap beer and Spanish tapas.

Sleep
This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
BudgetUnder $50
Mid-range$50–150
SplurgeOver $150

Budget
  • Luna's Castle Hostel, Calle 9na Este, ☏ +507 262-1540. Set in a Spanish colonial mansion built upon the water´s edge in Casco Viejo, Luna´s Castle Hostel attracts those who seek the ideal Panama City backpacking experience. Amenities include a modern communal kitchen, free breakfast, free coffee, the legendary movie theatre, a spacious outdoor courtyard, free internet, and sweeping views of the Bay of Panama and the modern city skyline and a great social atmosphere. Information is also available for sailing boat departures between Panamá and Cartagena in Colombia. These rooms above the bar are loud! They don't take reservations for privates and it's a popular place, so be prepared to find an alternative. Dorm bed: $13. 
  • Hospedaje Casco Viejo, 8a con Avenida A. Casa 8-31, San Felipe, ☏ +507 211-2027. This hostel is in the heart of the old quarter in a beautifully restored historic building. Most of the rooms have their own bathroom and balcony and very comfortable beds. Friendly and knowledgable staff, kitchen, free wifi and coffee! Definitely the best deal in Panama. They also take reservations online. (Closed when phoned on Aug 30, 2022). $10/18/single/double. 
  • Panama House Bed & Breakfast, Av 1a C Nte, ☏ +507 263-2279. This hostel is in a cute house located on a busy street. Try to get a room further in the back to get away from the traffic noise. Breakfast is included, which involves toast, cereal, coffee and orange juice. Two computers with internet access are also free for guests. Accommodations are clean and spacious. $30-45/double. 
  • Hostel Mamallena, Casa 7-62 Calle Primera, Perejil, ☏ +507 6676 6163, . Information is also available for sailing boat departures between Panamá and Cartagena in Colombia. Dorm $12, double $29.50. 
  • Hostal Miami, Calle 13 Oeste. Shared kitchen, internet and Wi-Fi. Friendly employees. Dorm $13, private rooms $30-50. 
  • Casa Rica (formerly Zuly's Backpackers). 

Mid-range
  • Magnolia Inn - Casco Viejo, 818 Calle Boquete (Calle Boquete and Calle 8va in Casco Viejo, behind Plaza Catedral), ☏ +507 202-0872. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. Magnolia Inn offers comfortable and spacious deluxe private rooms as well as luxury hostel rooms. The restored French colonial mansion is full of historic character, as well as modern conveniences such as A/C, orthopedic beds, free Wi-Fi Internet and safe deposit boxes. The Inn has a stylish social areas to relax and meet fellow guests. A fully equipped kitchen and sunbathed dinning room is available for guest use. $80-135. 

Splurge
  • The Bristol Hotel, Calle 49 Este, ☏ +507 264-0000. Luxurious modern hotel in the heart of Panama City. Outstanding bar and restaurant on site. First-class service. $200/double. 
  • Las Clementinas Chambers, Café & Bar, Calle 11 and Avenida B in Casco Viejo, ☏ +507 228-7613 (Panama), toll-free: +1-888-593-5023 (US and Canada). A small boutique hotel in Panama's exciting historic district, Casco Viejo. Las Clementinas has just six rooms, each of which is a full apartment with kitchen, 12-foot ceilings and wrap around balconies, some with plaza views, some with ocean views. Above the rooms is a rooftop terrace with stunning views of Panama City, the Pacific Ocean, the entrance to the Canal and the rooftops of the historic district. Below the rooms is the Cafe & Bar. Las Clementinas is managed by the Canal House and leisure and business travelers. 
  • InterContinental Miramar, Av. Balboa, ☏ +507-206-8888. Luxury high-rise hotel overlooking Panama Bay. Facilities include upscale dining, large swimming pool, tennis courts, full-service marina, helicopter landing pad. 
  • Courtyard Panama Multiplaza Mall, Vía Israel, Multiplaza Pacífica Mall, ☏ +507 301-0101, fax: +507 301 0102. 120 rooms with high speed internet, restaurant, bar, gym, pool, four banquet halls and a meeting room, as well as laundry service, laundry and shop. Prices range between $100-250. 

Connect

You can buy SIM cards for Panama's 4 carriers at the Terminal (Albrook) and probably many other places.

April 2021 you can find a SIM card (called a "chip") at almost any convenience store for $1. Pay $5-$10 for a top-up card. One week of unlimited data for $5.

Stay safe

ALERT: 2023-Nov Be aware there are National Demonstrations occurring across the country, which may cause travel disruptions. They have led to roadblocks and the suspension of public transport. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.

Areas

Be careful in Casco Viejo and the Panama la Vieja ruins area. There are tourist police aplenty in these neighborhoods but do not wander too far in these areas alone (even in the day) and certainly not in the evening (as of 2010 these areas are very safe, lots of activity and tourist traffic)

Stay out of El Chorrillo, Santa Ana, Curundu and San Miguel. It is very dangerous right now due to infighting between drug gangs. Tourists have been kidnapped right off the street. El Chorrillo borders San Felipe so it is very easy to accidentally walk into it. When driving, car doors should be locked.

The central neighborhoods of Marbella, El Cangrejo, Obarrio, San Francisco, and the Banking Area are generally the most safe. In any case, be careful of your belongings, even if sitting in a restaurant, as people have had things snatched without noticing it, especially when enjoying a glass too many of Panama's great wine selection. It is never a good idea to drink heavily and walk back to your hotel.

Taxis

It's always a good idea (in any country really) to spend a few minutes to find out exact taxi fares before taking a taxi and always have exact change for the correct fare. This avoids over-charging and problems with some drivers. Having to ask a taxi driver how much the fare is the equivalent to wearing a "kick-me" sticker on your shorts, as you're telling him you don't know. Some have paid $20 to get from El Dorado to Via Argentina, but the real fare for one person is $1.75.

Outside of Multiplaza, Albrook and Multicentro are some very good looking Taxis. The drivers wear nice shirts and the Taxis have proper signs on the roof. The drivers will most likely ask you if you are interested. never take these taxis. All they do is wait for foreigners and then charge 4x the price.

Some taxis at the main bus station prey on visitors. Never put your belongings in the trunk. Sit in the back seat along with your belongings and have your luggage firmly grasped while entering and exiting the vehicle; otherwise, they can drive away with your things while you are still trying to get in. Lock the doors once inside. Avoid and ignore anyone who approaches you to "get a taxi for you"; go to the curb to get one yourself. At best they will want money for this "service" amounting to half the taxi fare; at worst, they are setting you up to be robbed with certain drivers with whom they work. Lastly, the cabs are marked on the door with a unique registration number -- memorize it or write it down and secretly tuck it safely away on your person before entering any cab.

Never lose your temper with taxi drivers or police (or anyone else really) no matter how bad you may find a situation or service in some places. Exert your rights politely but firmly.

Other

Look both ways before crossing the street! Panamanian drivers are notoriously aggressive when the traffic allows and will not slow down for you even if you're lucky enough to find a crosswalk. There's only one way to cross the road here. Wait for a break in the traffic and walk. Once you start, keep going. Drivers will stop (99% of the time...). Otherwise you'll be stuck for hours waiting.

Cope

Embassies and Consulates

Go next
  • Isla Taboga - Take a boat trip out to the islands off the coast of Panama City.
  • Gamboa - Check out the birds and Chagres River.
  • San Blas Islands - Take a tour of the islands
  • Portobelo - Visit the forts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue onwards to Isla Grande for some nice R&R - buses goes from the main street in Portobelo to La Guira and from there it is a 5 minutes boatride ($2)
  • Bocas del Toro - fly Panama air to beaches and nature. 4 flights every day.
  • Bus schedule from the main, Albrook Terminal is as follows (February 2024). On top of that, a lot of local buses go from the terminal, especially along the main, Pan-American highway, frequently. Arriving 30-60 minutes beforehand gives enough time to ask around (with basic Spanish) and buy a ticket.
    • Bocas - 11hrs. Depart nightly from 6.30pm - 7pm. Ideally, buy the ticket beforehand at the station, buses fill quickly. Passport required for a ticket.
    • Santa Catalina - 7-8hrs.Take a bus to Sona at 6.30am(sometimes), 8.20am or 10.20am, then change for the bus to Santa Catalina (later buses from Panama City normally miss the last bus to Santa Catalina at 5pm; taxi from Sona to Santa Catalina is around $40).
    • El Valle - 2.5hrs. Buses run hourly from 7am - 6pm.
    • David - 8-9hrs Buses run at least hourly from 5am - 10pm. Express buses, 6-7hrs, run at 10pm, 11pm and 00:00 daily.
    • San Jose (Costa Rica) - 16hrs. TicaBus or Expreso Panama run nightly buses, around 15hrs journey due to a slow border crossing. Check online for latest schedules. Passport required to get a ticket.
    • El Palmar - 1.5hr. Take the bus to Rio Hato or Penonome and ask the driver to let you off the "entrada a el Palmar".
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