✨Luxury Travellers

Where to Stay in Panamá

Premium neighborhoods, five-star hotels, and fine dining areas

⚠️ Caution💰 Luxury: USD 400/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Jan, Feb, Mar

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Quick Answer

Stay in Obarrio

Provides access to high-end shopping, fine dining, and modern, upscale hotels.

See full Panamá neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Panamá

Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment

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Casco Viejo

Historic colonial charm meets buzzing nightlife and culinary exploration.

Our top picks in Casco Viejo

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American Trade Hotel$$$

A beautifully restored historic building offering a luxurious and stylish stay.

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The Zsa Zsa Hostel$

A social and vibrant hostel with a great rooftop bar and friendly atmosphere.

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Casa Nuratti$$

Charming boutique hotel with a focus on art and design in a colonial setting.

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🛡️ Generally safe during the day ...Luxuryfirst-timerscouples

View Hotels in Casco Viejo

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Bella Vista

A mix of residential high-rises, local eateries, and a lively waterfront promenade.

Our top picks in Bella Vista

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Hotel El Panama by Faranda Grand$$

A classic hotel with a large pool and spacious grounds, offering good value.

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The Balboa Residence$$

Offers apartment-style living with kitchenettes, good for longer stays.

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Taverna del Mar$

A more basic, budget-friendly option with simple rooms.

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🛡️ Generally safe during the day,...Mid-rangefamiliescouples

View Hotels in Bella Vista

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Obarrio

Modern, upscale financial district with chic hotels, shopping, and dining.

Our top picks in Obarrio

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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.

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JW Marriott Panama$$$

Iconic skyscraper hotel offering stunning city and ocean views and high-end amenities.

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Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino$$

Modern hotel with a popular rooftop pool and bar, often hosting events.

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🛡️ Generally very safe due to its...Luxurybusiness travelersluxury

View Hotels in Obarrio

View all hotels in Panamá

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Luxury Travellers

Neighbourhood	Budget	Vibe	Best For
#1Obarrio	Luxury	Modern, upscale financial district with chic hotels, shopping, and dining.	business travelersluxury
Punta Pacifica	Luxury	Exclusive, modern residential area with luxury shopping and dining.	luxuryfamilies
Casco Viejo	Luxury	Historic colonial charm meets buzzing nightlife and culinary exploration.	first-timerscouples
Bella Vista	Mid-range	A mix of residential high-rises, local eateries, and a lively waterfront promenade.	familiescouples

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Find luxury hotels in Panamá

Five-star hotels and premium accommodations

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Tips for Luxury Travellers in Panamá

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Use a Travel Advisor

Luxury travel advisors often have access to complimentary upgrades, resort credits, and VIP amenities that you cannot get booking directly.

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Ask About Private Experiences

Many attractions in Panamá offer private tours or after-hours access. These cost more but transform the experience entirely.

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Book Transfers in Advance

Arrange airport transfers through your hotel. The best properties send luxury vehicles and handle luggage seamlessly.

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Dine at Hotel Restaurants

Many five-star hotels have award-winning restaurants. Hotel guests sometimes get priority reservations or special menus.

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Book a premium experience in Panamá

Private tours and VIP access

Browse on GetYourGuide

Best Neighborhoods for Luxury Travellers

Ranked by relevance for luxury travellers visiting Panamá

Obarrio

Luxury

Modern, upscale financial district with chic hotels, shopping, and dining.

business travelersluxuryfoodiesdigital nomads

+Excellent dining and shopping options
+Modern infrastructure
+Good public transport links

-Lacks historic charm
-Can feel a bit sterile

🏨 The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort 🏨 JW Marriott Panama 🏨 Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino

Punta Pacifica

Luxury

Exclusive, modern residential area with luxury shopping and dining.

luxuryfamiliescouplesbusiness travelers

+Very safe and clean
+High-end amenities and services
+Access to upscale shopping

-Expensive
-Limited public transport access
-Very residential, lacks distinct tourist attractions

🏨 The Westin Panama City 🏨 Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower

Casco Viejo

Luxury

Historic colonial charm meets buzzing nightlife and culinary exploration.

first-timerscouplesnightlifefoodiesculture

+Beautiful architecture and history
+Excellent restaurants and bars
+Vibrant atmosphere

-Can be noisy at night
-Some streets are poorly maintained

🏨 American Trade Hotel 🏨 The Zsa Zsa Hostel 🏨 Casa Nuratti

Bella Vista

Mid-range

A mix of residential high-rises, local eateries, and a lively waterfront promenade.

familiescouplesbudgetfoodies

+Affordable dining options
+Good for walking and cycling along the coast
+More local feel than Obarrio

-Less tourist-oriented amenities
-Can be noisy due to traffic

🏨 Hotel El Panama by Faranda Grand 🏨 The Balboa Residence 🏨 Taverna del Mar

Daily Budget (Luxury)

USD 400/day

The Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort (suite)USD 250

Brunch at the American Trade HotelUSD 40

Fine dining at IntimoUSD 120

Private driver for the dayUSD 50

Full day tour of the Panama Canal, including a boat tourUSD 40

See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Panamá

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Cerro Ancón

FREE

Hike 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.

viewpointAncón

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Plaza de Francia

FREE

Located 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.

viewpointCasco Antiguo

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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.

foodCasco Antiguo

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Panamá

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Panamá Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Panamá on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details

Panamá Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Panamá with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details

Best of Panamá: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Panamá's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details

Day Trip from Panamá: Scenic Excursion

Escape Panamá for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details

Local cultural experience and traditions

Panamá Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Panamá's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

View all tours in Panamá

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2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Panamá

Luxury Travellers in Panamá: FAQ

What is the best area in Panamá for luxury travellers?

Obarrio is our top pick for luxury travellers in Panamá. Modern, upscale financial district with chic hotels, shopping, and dining. It is a premium area known for business travelers, luxury, foodies.

Is Panamá safe for luxury travellers?

Panamá is rated "Moderate" overall. 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. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.

How much does it cost per day in Panamá for luxury travellers?

Expect to spend around USD 400 per day in Panamá as a luxury traveller. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the luxury level.

When is the best time for luxury travellers to visit Panamá?

The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Check our weather chart in the full city guide for monthly breakdowns.

What are the best five-star hotels in Panamá?

The premium neighbourhoods of Obarrio, Punta Pacifica, Casco Viejo have the highest concentration of luxury hotels. Check the hotel recommendations within each neighbourhood card above for our specific picks.

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More Panamá Guides

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