Where to Stay in Panamá
Panama
|Pop. 408K
|4 neighborhoods covered
Panamá at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Panamá
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Take advantage of the 'happy hour' deals in Casco Viejo, which often extend beyond just drinks to include appetizers at many restaurants.
Getting Around
Use the Metro for longer distances within its coverage area; it's fast, cheap, and avoids traffic.
Watch Out For
Overcharging by unlicensed taxis
Solo Female Travel
Generally safe, especially in tourist areas like Casco Viejo and Obarrio during the day. Exercise heightened awareness at night and stick to well-lit, populated areas. Avoid walking alone in quiet streets after dark.
Hidden Gems in Panamá
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Mercado de Abastos de Panamá
FREEThis bustling market is where local chefs and families get their fresh produce. It's a vibrant sensory experience with an incredible array of tropical fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies.
Cerro Ancón
FREEHike or drive up this iconic hill for panoramic views of Panama City, the Panama Canal, and the Casco Viejo. It's a peaceful escape with abundant wildlife and historical significance.
Biomuseo
Designed by Frank Gehry, this colorful museum focuses on Panama's biodiversity and its role in connecting the Americas. The architecture itself is a marvel, and the exhibits are incredibly engaging.
Plaza de Francia
FREELocated at the Pacific entrance of the Canal, this charming square offers stunning views and historical monuments dedicated to Ferdinand de Lesseps. It's a great spot to relax and watch ships pass.
Avenida B
FREEWhile Casco Viejo gets all the attention, Avenida B offers a more authentic glimpse into local life with its vibrant street art, local shops, and diverse eateries.
La Posta
A local favorite for delicious Panamanian cuisine with a modern twist, set in a beautifully restored colonial building. Their cocktails are also highly recommended by residents.
What It Costs in Panamá
Daily budget per person in USD
💡72% cheaper than London
USD 50/day
USD 150/day
USD 400/day
Where to Stay in Panamá
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Plaza de Francia5 min
- Panama Canal Museum10 min
- Mercado de Mariscos15 min
Pros
- +Beautiful architecture and history
- +Excellent restaurants and bars
- +Vibrant atmosphere
Cons
- -Can be noisy at night
- -Some streets are poorly maintained
Top stays in Casco Viejo
American Trade Hotel
$$$A beautifully restored historic building offering a luxurious and stylish stay.
The Zsa Zsa Hostel
$A social and vibrant hostel with a great rooftop bar and friendly atmosphere.
Casa Nuratti
$$Charming boutique hotel with a focus on art and design in a colonial setting.
La Concordia Boutique Hotel
$$Offers stylish rooms and a prime location within the heart of Casco Viejo.
Best for
Walk to
- Multiplaza Pacific Mall10 min
- Parque Omar20 min
Pros
- +Excellent dining and shopping options
- +Modern infrastructure
- +Good public transport links
Cons
- -Lacks historic charm
- -Can feel a bit sterile
Top stays in Obarrio
The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort
$$$Luxurious resort experience with golf, pools, and fine dining, though slightly outside the core of Obarrio.
JW Marriott Panama
$$$Iconic skyscraper hotel offering stunning city and ocean views and high-end amenities.
Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino
$$Modern hotel with a popular rooftop pool and bar, often hosting events.
Courtyard by Marriott Panama at Multiplaza Mall
$$Conveniently located attached to a major shopping mall, ideal for shoppers and business travelers.
Best for
Walk to
- Balboa Avenue5 min
- Parque Urracá10 min
- Casco Viejo (edge)25 min
Pros
- +Affordable dining options
- +Good for walking and cycling along the coast
- +More local feel than Obarrio
Cons
- -Less tourist-oriented amenities
- -Can be noisy due to traffic
Top stays in Bella Vista
Hotel El Panama by Faranda Grand
$$A classic hotel with a large pool and spacious grounds, offering good value.
The Balboa Residence
$$Offers apartment-style living with kitchenettes, good for longer stays.
Taverna del Mar
$A more basic, budget-friendly option with simple rooms.
Best for
Walk to
- Multiplaza Pacific Mall15 min
- Punta Pacifica Hospital10 min
Pros
- +Very safe and clean
- +High-end amenities and services
- +Access to upscale shopping
Cons
- -Expensive
- -Limited public transport access
- -Very residential, lacks distinct tourist attractions
Top stays in Punta Pacifica
The Westin Panama City
$$$Modern hotel with excellent amenities, including a rooftop pool and fitness center.
Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower
$$$Iconic sail-shaped building offering luxurious suites and impressive views (note: has undergone ownership changes).
Areas to be cautious
- Certain areas of San Miguelito: This is a large district with significant poverty and higher crime rates. While not all areas are dangerous, it's generally advised for tourists to avoid it unless with a local guide.
- Remote, unlit streets in any neighborhood after dark: Even in generally safe areas, poorly lit or deserted streets can attract petty crime. Always opt for well-trafficked and illuminated routes, or take a taxi/rideshare at night.
Insider tip: Take advantage of the 'happy hour' deals in Casco Viejo, which often extend beyond just drinks to include appetizers at many restaurants.
Safety in Panamá
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Generally safe, especially in tourist areas like Casco Viejo and Obarrio during the day. Exercise heightened awareness at night and stick to well-lit, populated areas. Avoid walking alone in quiet streets after dark.
At Night
Stick to main streets in popular areas like Casco Viejo and Obarrio. Taxis or rideshares are recommended for getting around between neighborhoods or to/from accommodations after dark.
Emergency
911
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by unlicensed taxis
- 2Distraction theft (pickpocketing) in crowded areas
- 3Fake police officers requesting money
Getting Around Panamá
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxi: ~45-60 mins, $30-40 USD. Uber/Rideshare: ~45-60 mins, $25-35 USD. Bus: Not a direct or convenient option for tourists.
🎫
Day Pass
A Metro card costs $2 and can be loaded with credit. No specific day pass, pay per ride.
Single: Metro: $0.35 - $1.25 depending on distance. Metrobús: $0.25.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Didi
📶
WiFi
Good25-50 Mbps
Public Transport
Metro: Two lines (Line 1 and Line 2) are efficient and clean for getting around key areas. Metrobús: Extensive bus network, can be crowded and confusing for tourists.
Ride-share
Uber and DiDi are widely available and generally reliable. Expect prices to be lower than taxis for comparable distances.
Transport Tip
Use the Metro for longer distances within its coverage area; it's fast, cheap, and avoids traffic.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Hotels, many restaurants and cafes, some public plazas.
Coworking
Punto (various locations, $15-25/day), Co-Work-Latam ($20-30/day), Selina Cowork ($15-20/day).
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar
Hotels & Accommodation in Panamá
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Who Is Panamá Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-Time Visitors
Offers the most concentrated dose of Panama's history, culture, and vibrant nightlife in a visually stunning setting.
Luxury Travelers
Provides access to high-end shopping, fine dining, and modern, upscale hotels.
Budget Backpackers
Offers more affordable accommodation and local food options, with decent access to transport.
Couples
The romantic colonial architecture, rooftop bars, and excellent restaurants create an ideal atmosphere.
Foodies
This area boasts the highest concentration of innovative and traditional Panamanian cuisine.
Digital Nomads
Good infrastructure, reliable internet, coworking spaces, and proximity to amenities make it a practical base.
About Panamá
Panama, officially the Republic of Panama, is a country located at the southern end of Central America, bordering South America. It is bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Its capital and largest city is Panama City, whose metropolitan area is home to nearly half of the country's over 4 million inhabitants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panamá
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Panamá Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel