Quick Facts

Panama City is the capital of the Republic of Panama and is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. This city seems to have it all: a high standard of living, a Pacific coastline, tropical jungles nearby, and a rich history dating back to 1519 when the Spanish settled on mainland America.

Getting There & Other Transportation

Flights arrive at Tocumen International Airport which is located 25 km from Panama City and is the busiest airport in Central America. From the airport, as well as around the city, there is certainly not a shortage of taxis. Taxis are a safe and inexpensive way to get around the city. One benefit  is that sometimes the driver will stop and pick up another person if they are headed in the same general direction (ie: costs become even lower).

You will not need to rent a car in the city as it may become more of a nuisance than anything. The city is relatively small when compared to other Latin American cities and much of the city can be covered by foot.

Hotels & Places to Stay

Most hotels are concentrated in the central area of ‘El Cangrejo’. These hotels include:

Best Western Las Huacas Hotel and Suites

Courtyard Inn & Suites

Crowne Plaza Panama

Executive Hotel

Four Points by Sheraton

Hostal La Casa de Carmen

Hotel DeVille

Radisson Decapolis Hotel

Riande Continental hotel

Sheraton Panama Hotel and Convention Center

The Bristol Panama

The Panama Marriott Hotel

Veneto-A Whydham Grand Hotel

Visitors who are planning to stay for an extended period of time, or those traveling with families, might want to look into ‘Aparthotels’. You can rent these apartment style hotels by the night, week, or month. Here are some good options:

Coral Suites Aparthotel

Las Vegas Hotel Suites

Suites Ambassador

Sevilla Suites

Dining & Nightlife

Traditional Panamanian food is served at many restaurants in the city. Some local dishes include ‘hojaldras’, which is fried bread, as well as tortillas. Main courses are accompanied by a combination of rice, beans, and plantain. Panama City is known for its wide range of cuisine types, so don’t be afraid to get out and taste exceptional food from around the world.

Many dining choices are also found in the central area or ‘El Cangrejo’ which is a melting pot of cuisines.

Beirut (Middle Eastern cuisine)

Cafeteria Manolo’s (Latin American cuisine)

Caffe Pomodoro (Italian cuisine)

El Trapiche (Latin American cuisine)

Las Barandas (Latin American cuisine)

Madame Chang (Chinese cuisine)

Martin Fierro (Steakhouse)

Restaurante 1985 & Rincon Suizo

Restaurante Jimmy (Mediterranean)

The financial district has many great choices as well:

Café Balear (Spanish/Portuguese cuisine)

Greenhouse (International cuisine)

La Posta (International cuisine)

Market (Steakhouse)

Palms (Eclectic cuisine)

Sushi Itto (Japanese cuisine)

Attractions

Panama is the most exciting city in Central America in terms of attractions, tourist sites and historical landmarks. Within the city lie the historical ruins of Panama Viejo, charming streets in Casco Viejo, and the Natural Metropolitan Park. Day excursions are also available that take tourists boating through the canal, trekking, and visiting Embera Indian villages. Tours are recommended when visiting the city. Ask your hotel concierge for more information, as booking can be done from your hotel. Here are a few options:

Bayano Lake Caves

Bona & Otoque Dive

Canopy Crane & Metropolitan National Park

Canopy Tower Birding Tour

Tube Rafting

City Tour

Canal Boat Tour

Diablo Rojo City Tour

El Valle Market

Gatun Lake Canopy & Hiking Trails

Mamoni White Water Rafting

Panama Canal Jungle Tour from Panama City

Sport Fishing on Gatun Lake

The Sister Island Dives

Tour of Portobelo & Isla Grande

Currency, Culture and Language

The official language in Panama is Spanish.

The official currency in Panama is the Panamanian balboa (PAB).