Top reasons to visit Panama City
- Vibrant Urban Atmosphere: Experience the lively mix of business and leisure in Panama City's stunning urban setting.
- Rich Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the city's diverse culture through its historic landmarks and local traditions.
- Beautiful Beaches: Relax at the picturesque Panama City Beach, ideal for sunbathing and watersports.
- Shopping and Dining: Enjoy an array of shopping centers and diverse restaurants offering delicious local and international cuisine.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Choose from a variety of hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay tailored to every traveler's needs.
Find great hotels in Panama City
Discover a diverse array of hotel accommodations in Panama City, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Whether you're traveling for business or seeking a family-friendly experience, you'll find options that cater to your every need. Enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere while staying in a comfortable hotel that offers essential amenities and services, making your visit to this dynamic destination unforgettable.
- Hotel Riu Plaza Panama: This 4-star hotel combines modern elegance with eco-friendly practices, making it an ideal choice for adventurous and business travelers alike. With a guest rating of 9.0, Hotel Riu Plaza Panama offers a range of onsite and nearby adventure sports and recreational activities. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay in spacious rooms, complemented by amenities designed for eco-conscious visitors. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability ensures that your stay supports environmentally friendly practices while still providing all the comforts you expect from a premium hotel.
- Novotel Panama City: Rated at 9.2, this 4-star hotel is perfect for families and couples seeking a romantic getaway. Novotel Panama City features a variety of child-friendly amenities, including a free Children’s Club and a shared playground, ensuring a fun and safe environment for younger guests. The hotel also offers romance packages and limited-hours room service, perfect for intimate dining experiences. With its welcoming atmosphere and family-oriented services, this hotel makes it easy to enjoy a memorable vacation together.
- Plaza Paitilla Inn Hotel: Situated in the heart of Panama City, this 3.5-star hotel boasts a guest rating of 9.4 and is an excellent option for both romantic and business travelers. Plaza Paitilla Inn offers enticing romance packages and features convenient food and beverage services for a cozy dining experience. Couples can relax together with spa treatments and poolside lounging options, making it an intimate retreat in the city. With its central location, guests can easily explore the vibrant local culture while enjoying the hotel's relaxing amenities.
Where to stay in Panama City
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Panama City, where business meets leisure in a stunning urban setting. Explore the beautiful Panama City Beach for relaxation or take in breathtaking city views from prime locations. Whether you're traveling for business or family fun, the friendly locals and luxurious surroundings ensure a memorable experience. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the diverse culture and scenery that this captivating city has to offer.
- El Cangrejo: Nestled in the heart of Panama City, El Cangrejo is a vibrant neighborhood known for its family-friendly atmosphere and urban charm. Visitors can enjoy a variety of shopping experiences, ranging from bustling shopping malls to quaint local boutiques. The area is not heavily seasonal, with a peak in visitors during July and September to October. Noteworthy attractions include scenic streets and cultural monuments that reflect the rich history of the city, making it an ideal spot for both leisure and business travelers.
- Pueblo Nuevo: Located adjacent to El Cangrejo, Pueblo Nuevo offers a lively urban experience with a focus on family and business activities. The neighborhood features convenient shopping centers that cater to visitors seeking both local goods and international brands. While visitor numbers peak from February to March and September, the area remains inviting throughout the year. Attractions nearby include historical sites and charming churches, providing a glimpse into Panama's cultural heritage amidst a bustling cityscape.
- Casco Viejo: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Casco Viejo is a historical neighborhood that beautifully combines the past with modern vibrancy. With its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and stunning parks, it attracts families, tourists, and business travelers alike. The area sees peak visitor traffic in January and during the spring months. Highlights include a mix of shopping areas and luxurious resorts, as well as beautiful beaches that beckon for relaxation. A stroll through Casco Viejo promises an unforgettable journey through Panama's rich history and culture.
Things to do near Panama City
Shopping
In the heart of Panama City, you can explore Albrook Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in Latin America, featuring a wide range of stores. If you’re up for a drive, Multiplaza Pacific Mall offers luxury brands and upscale shopping experiences, located a bit further from the city center.
Recreation
El Valle de Antón offers a tranquil retreat with lush mountains, hot springs, and yoga sessions in a peaceful setting. Explore local farms, hike scenic trails, and enjoy fresh produce while immersing yourself in nature's beauty.
Panama Wellness Center provides a range of holistic treatments, including massages and meditation sessions. The calming atmosphere invites relaxation and self-discovery, making it an ideal spot for rejuvenation.
Serenity Spa at the Hilton Panama features luxurious spa services, including facials and body treatments. Enjoy ocean views while indulging in personalized wellness experiences that promote relaxation and tranquility.
Adventure
Gatun Eco Adventures offers an exhilarating zipline and ropes course experience, located 47km from Panama City. Swing through the treetops, navigate exciting obstacles, and immerse yourself in the lush surroundings, all while enjoying the thrill of outdoor adventure in this vibrant eco-friendly setting.
Nightlife
Visit the Tantalo Rooftop Bar in the Casco Viejo district for stunning views and creative cocktails. For dancing, check out the upscale Soho Lounge, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and top DJs spinning late into the night.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Panama City
To save money during your visit to Panama City, take advantage of the many free attractions like Cinta Costera and Avenida Balboa. For transportation, use the Metrobus instead of taxis to keep costs low. Plan your trip between September and November for the best hotel rates, as prices are higher in January and during March to April. Tuesdays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the most costly. Consider using Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options, package deals, and last-minute offers for additional savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Panama City are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January and March to April, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Panama City is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Panama City is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you have in mind. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable rates and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservations in Panama City with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in Panama City
Panama City is perfect for family, business, and urban-themed vacations, offering a mix of cultural and outdoor experiences. Key attractions include vibrant streets, urban parks, and historic churches. Visitors can enjoy the stunning Panama Bay and explore the city's rich culture, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
- Cinta Costera: This vibrant urban park offers a scenic waterfront promenade perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Enjoy stunning views of the Panama City skyline while soaking up the outdoor atmosphere. Families can take advantage of playgrounds and green spaces, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind.
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama: A stunning example of colonial architecture, this cathedral showcases Panama's rich cultural heritage. Admire its intricate façade and beautiful interiors, which reflect the city's history and artistry. It's a serene place for reflection amid the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Centenario Bridge: This impressive modern bridge connects the two sides of Panama City, offering breathtaking views of the cityscape and the Panama Bay. It's a great spot for photography enthusiasts and a vital link for local traffic.
Best time to go to Panama City
The best time to visit Panama City can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Panama City falls in April, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Panama City falls in November, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with frequent rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Panama City
Flying into Panama City is convenient with two major airports. Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is located 18km from the city, with nearby luxury hotels like The Santa Maria, JW Marriott Panama, and Hilton Panama offering various transportation services to the airport. Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC) is even closer, just 3km away, featuring fine accommodations such as W Panama, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, and Waldorf Astoria Panama, all providing on-request airport shuttles. For travelers heading to Rio Hato (RIH), located 95km from the city, options like The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort and Playa Blanca Beach Resort are available, offering shuttle services as well.