Guidebook for Panamá City
Food Scene
Tio Navaja
Avenida CentralThe atmosphere is fun and it has delicious food!
This is one of the best places in the city for traditional Panamanian food AND they have traditional dancers. It is more expensive than every day food options, but it is a cultural treat that is worth your time and money.
6 locals recommend
Diablicos
7 Av. CentralThis is one of the best places in the city for traditional Panamanian food AND they have traditional dancers. It is more expensive than every day food options, but it is a cultural treat that is worth your time and money.
This is a great place to get fresh fish from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans! The red fish tend to be from the Atlantic and the blue from the Pacific. If you visit before 2p you’ll get to see the open market. After then the restaurants are still available. This place is known for delicious seviche.
12 locals recommend
Mercado de Mariscos
2 Cinta Costera 2This is a great place to get fresh fish from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans! The red fish tend to be from the Atlantic and the blue from the Pacific. If you visit before 2p you’ll get to see the open market. After then the restaurants are still available. This place is known for delicious seviche.
This is a reminder that #BlackGirlMagic is real around the world. A cute ice cream shop that’s always packed. Panamanians love ice cream and apparently juicy lips, too.
This shop is located in the historic Casco Viejo. You’re sure to find a festival, party, or other cultural event around here, too.
AY MI NEGRA
7 Av. BThis is a reminder that #BlackGirlMagic is real around the world. A cute ice cream shop that’s always packed. Panamanians love ice cream and apparently juicy lips, too.
This shop is located in the historic Casco Viejo. You’re sure to find a festival, party, or other cultural event around here, too.
Lenos y carbon (logs + coal) is a local chain restaurant that specializes in mixed grill and cultural fare. The location on the Amador Causeway is really special because of the quality of the foods, the view of the City and that you're sitting at the exit to the canal.
The Amador Causeway is a peninsula made from the sand/dirt that was dredged from the canal. It's got all kinds of fancy yachts and condos for the rich and obscure, but it's also a beautiful place to see the city's Pacific coast.
I highly recommend this as a treat for yourself.
Leños & Carbón
Lenos y carbon (logs + coal) is a local chain restaurant that specializes in mixed grill and cultural fare. The location on the Amador Causeway is really special because of the quality of the foods, the view of the City and that you're sitting at the exit to the canal.
The Amador Causeway is a peninsula made from the sand/dirt that was dredged from the canal. It's got all kinds of fancy yachts and condos for the rich and obscure, but it's also a beautiful place to see the city's Pacific coast.
I highly recommend this as a treat for yourself.
Drinks & Nightlife
Danilo's has an AMAZING jazz band almost every night. They also serve dinner and have a full service bar. We promise that you'll not want to stay in your seat as you enjoy the Afro-Latino-Caribbean majesty that's put on at their shows.
Danilo's Jazz Club
Danilo's has an AMAZING jazz band almost every night. They also serve dinner and have a full service bar. We promise that you'll not want to stay in your seat as you enjoy the Afro-Latino-Caribbean majesty that's put on at their shows.
This is a spot that everyone knows for nightlife in Panamá. It’s got a great rooftop and good music.
53 locals recommend
Tántalo Hotel / Kitchen / Roofbar
Avenida BThis is a spot that everyone knows for nightlife in Panamá. It’s got a great rooftop and good music.
Craft breweries are relatively new in Panama City. This place has done a remarkable job at both crafting and distributing its product. It’s one of my personal faves.
33 locals recommend
La Rana Dorada
20 Vía ArgentinaCraft breweries are relatively new in Panama City. This place has done a remarkable job at both crafting and distributing its product. It’s one of my personal faves.
Sightseeing
These spots are ones to prioritize when you visit Panama.
These are the ruins from Panama's first city. It is a historic preservation site with a remarkable view of the coastal belt (Costa Cintera) and the city. It also boasts a fantastic museum that provides a lot of historic information about Panamanian culture.
47 locals recommend
Panamá Viejo
These are the ruins from Panama's first city. It is a historic preservation site with a remarkable view of the coastal belt (Costa Cintera) and the city. It also boasts a fantastic museum that provides a lot of historic information about Panamanian culture.
As a Panamanian-American, I am equally proud of the accomplishments of these nations. The Panama Canal is one of the 7 great wonders of the world and it was made possible by the ingenuity and support of the United States.
This location requires at least 3 hours to see everything in full. For $30 there is an IMAX film (narrated by Morgan Freeman!), a museum, a second film, and you can watch the ships come into the locks. It’s absolutely amazing and something everyone who visits Panama should take time to explore.
216 locals recommend
Miraflores Locks
As a Panamanian-American, I am equally proud of the accomplishments of these nations. The Panama Canal is one of the 7 great wonders of the world and it was made possible by the ingenuity and support of the United States.
This location requires at least 3 hours to see everything in full. For $30 there is an IMAX film (narrated by Morgan Freeman!), a museum, a second film, and you can watch the ships come into the locks. It’s absolutely amazing and something everyone who visits Panama should take time to explore.
The Guna Yala comarca (tribe) is documented in the Atlantic Ocean areas in Panama and Colombia for more than 2,000 years. Today they are one of six comarcas in Panamá and own the Guna province and 365 islands off the Atlantic coast. The islands form an archipelago and host a myriad of aquatic nuances that you’re unlikely to see in books.
Visiting the Guna is a journey, but every moment is worthwhile. I recommend using a guide like Tao Travel Panamá (Paola) to help you navigate transportation from your location to the Guna port (Carti). They will provide safe transportation, access into the indigenous territory, food, and access to their islands. The average cost is between $130-$150US for a day trip. You can make additional arrangements to stay overnight on some of the islands, which I recommend if you have more time.
55 locals recommend
San Blas Islands Panamá
The Guna Yala comarca (tribe) is documented in the Atlantic Ocean areas in Panama and Colombia for more than 2,000 years. Today they are one of six comarcas in Panamá and own the Guna province and 365 islands off the Atlantic coast. The islands form an archipelago and host a myriad of aquatic nuances that you’re unlikely to see in books.
Visiting the Guna is a journey, but every moment is worthwhile. I recommend using a guide like Tao Travel Panamá (Paola) to help you navigate transportation from your location to the Guna port (Carti). They will provide safe transportation, access into the indigenous territory, food, and access to their islands. The average cost is between $130-$150US for a day trip. You can make additional arrangements to stay overnight on some of the islands, which I recommend if you have more time.
The Zona Libre (Free Zone) is a commercial hot spot at the entrance of the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama. Colon City is a small town on the Atlantic coast and has a different feel than the Pacific coast (Panama City). The Zona Libre is an area with tax free shopping, but also has many local specialties that you can only access there.
For a fun excursion, take the trans-oceanic railway there from Panama City and you'll enjoy a scenic ride parallel to the canal.
Zona Libre station
The Zona Libre (Free Zone) is a commercial hot spot at the entrance of the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama. Colon City is a small town on the Atlantic coast and has a different feel than the Pacific coast (Panama City). The Zona Libre is an area with tax free shopping, but also has many local specialties that you can only access there.
For a fun excursion, take the trans-oceanic railway there from Panama City and you'll enjoy a scenic ride parallel to the canal.
"The Panama Canal Railway is one of the great train rides of the world. Along with its colorful history, the railroad follows a picturesque path across the Isthmus of Panama. The line flanks the Panama Canal passing through lush rainforests, cruising alongside the Canal’s locks, through the historic Gaillard Cut and gliding over slender causeways in Gatun Lake." Visit panarail.com for ticket information.
Panama Canal Railway
Panama Canal Railway"The Panama Canal Railway is one of the great train rides of the world. Along with its colorful history, the railroad follows a picturesque path across the Isthmus of Panama. The line flanks the Panama Canal passing through lush rainforests, cruising alongside the Canal’s locks, through the historic Gaillard Cut and gliding over slender causeways in Gatun Lake." Visit panarail.com for ticket information.
San Lorenzo is an area with an old fort, but it also has a tropical forest viewing spire! The Smithsonian's Tropical Research Institute is located right in the middle of the forest. There you can climb the spire to see the canopy of the forest, view the canal and you can even get a glimpse of Panama City. On the ground there are monkeys, sloths, and many variations of butterflies, although I've never seen any monkeys while I've visited.
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is an area with an old fort, but it also has a tropical forest viewing spire! The Smithsonian's Tropical Research Institute is located right in the middle of the forest. There you can climb the spire to see the canopy of the forest, view the canal and you can even get a glimpse of Panama City. On the ground there are monkeys, sloths, and many variations of butterflies, although I've never seen any monkeys while I've visited.
Volcan Baru (or Volcan de Chiriqui) is an active volcano that's the highest point in Panama. This is the only place in the Americas where you can reach the peak and see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at once. Also, one could visit the peak of the volcano and get to the beach in the same day!
The last time it erupted was in 1550, but it's said that Panama has earthquake tremors all the time. The surrounding towns are some of my favorite in the nation! This region is alive with wildlife and fauna rich in nutrients, culture and history. Supposedly the region produces the most expensive coffee in the world (it tastes good, but I'm no connoisseur). Also, there many cultural events throughout the year including the 11 day flower and coffee festival. (Here's a cool video about it. https://youtu.be/LHGlOQUOTJ0)
One could spend 7 days in this region to participate in wildlife, food, culture, and history. I don't find it easy to get there, but I never want to leave.
26 locals recommend
Volcán Barú
Volcan Baru (or Volcan de Chiriqui) is an active volcano that's the highest point in Panama. This is the only place in the Americas where you can reach the peak and see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at once. Also, one could visit the peak of the volcano and get to the beach in the same day!
The last time it erupted was in 1550, but it's said that Panama has earthquake tremors all the time. The surrounding towns are some of my favorite in the nation! This region is alive with wildlife and fauna rich in nutrients, culture and history. Supposedly the region produces the most expensive coffee in the world (it tastes good, but I'm no connoisseur). Also, there many cultural events throughout the year including the 11 day flower and coffee festival. (Here's a cool video about it. https://youtu.be/LHGlOQUOTJ0)
One could spend 7 days in this region to participate in wildlife, food, culture, and history. I don't find it easy to get there, but I never want to leave.
The area Cinco de Mayo is as authentic to daily Panamanian life one can get. It's a bustling epicenter of happenings that can overwhelm the senses.
There's are important historical markers there, including an African heritage museum, the Independence square, and an indigenous marketplace. The area is also layered with a mixture of modern and cultural nuances like clothing stores, banks, jewelers, and street fruit + vegetable vendors. There are hidden alleyways where you can purchase leather goods, Panamanian traditional costumes, and oddities like candles of the saints. There is always some street performer, folks selling loteria (lottery tickets), or an aspiring DJ playing the latest reggaeton on the streets. This area is a party for the senses.
Because Panama is a trade center for the Americas, people of every ethnicity live here. Someone of east Indian, Chinese, or Arab descent could also boast a Panamanian nationality. Panamanians like to remind you that unless you are speaking to an indigenous person, everyone could be Panamanian - you never know. Cinco de Mayo exemplifies this for me.
You can get there by train, bus, or taxi ($2 or 3). I advise going during daylight because this area is also known for pickpockets. A few hours there will be enough and you can walk to the fish market afterwards. Get there before 2p to see all of the hustle and bustle.
6 locals recommend
Estación 5 de Mayo
Avenida Justo ArosemenaThe area Cinco de Mayo is as authentic to daily Panamanian life one can get. It's a bustling epicenter of happenings that can overwhelm the senses.
There's are important historical markers there, including an African heritage museum, the Independence square, and an indigenous marketplace. The area is also layered with a mixture of modern and cultural nuances like clothing stores, banks, jewelers, and street fruit + vegetable vendors. There are hidden alleyways where you can purchase leather goods, Panamanian traditional costumes, and oddities like candles of the saints. There is always some street performer, folks selling loteria (lottery tickets), or an aspiring DJ playing the latest reggaeton on the streets. This area is a party for the senses.
Because Panama is a trade center for the Americas, people of every ethnicity live here. Someone of east Indian, Chinese, or Arab descent could also boast a Panamanian nationality. Panamanians like to remind you that unless you are speaking to an indigenous person, everyone could be Panamanian - you never know. Cinco de Mayo exemplifies this for me.
You can get there by train, bus, or taxi ($2 or 3). I advise going during daylight because this area is also known for pickpockets. A few hours there will be enough and you can walk to the fish market afterwards. Get there before 2p to see all of the hustle and bustle.
Essentials
El Dorado Mall has everything you need for basics. It boasts a grocery store, clothing, banking, movies, and places to top up your cell phone and/or bus cards.
14 locals recommend
Centro Comercial El Dorado
Vía Ricardo J. AlfaroEl Dorado Mall has everything you need for basics. It boasts a grocery store, clothing, banking, movies, and places to top up your cell phone and/or bus cards.
Panamá is a majestic place in part because of its incredible cultural and ethnic diversity. Love yourself a little more with these Thai masseuses. This spa is wonderful and I go each time I’m in Panama City. They have a range of packages for everyone. They are professional, great communicators and experts at their craft.
This is also located in the historic Casco Viejo. I recommend a weekday, as they’re less busy.
Panama Casa Thai Massage
Calle José D. de la ObaldíaPanamá is a majestic place in part because of its incredible cultural and ethnic diversity. Love yourself a little more with these Thai masseuses. This spa is wonderful and I go each time I’m in Panama City. They have a range of packages for everyone. They are professional, great communicators and experts at their craft.
This is also located in the historic Casco Viejo. I recommend a weekday, as they’re less busy.
Shopping
A 15 minute bus ride or $3 taxi ride to Albrook Mall will get you to an economically friendly shopping center. There are movie theaters in both the Albrook and El Dorado mall, and tickets to the movies are pretty affordable. The popcorn is YUM!
132 locals recommend
Albrook Mall
Avenida RooseveltA 15 minute bus ride or $3 taxi ride to Albrook Mall will get you to an economically friendly shopping center. There are movie theaters in both the Albrook and El Dorado mall, and tickets to the movies are pretty affordable. The popcorn is YUM!
Another local mall that I frequent. It has a grocery store, small bakery/restaurant, and a few shops with good souvenirs. Also, I visit a movie theatre in every foreign country. This is my favorite location. For $3.25 you can see a U.S. movie and have snacks for even less! Often times the subtitles are wrong, which I find that funny and I get to practice language skills.
14 locals recommend
Centro Comercial El Dorado
Vía Ricardo J. AlfaroAnother local mall that I frequent. It has a grocery store, small bakery/restaurant, and a few shops with good souvenirs. Also, I visit a movie theatre in every foreign country. This is my favorite location. For $3.25 you can see a U.S. movie and have snacks for even less! Often times the subtitles are wrong, which I find that funny and I get to practice language skills.
I'm not a mall shopper, but Panama City is known for it's access to every major international brand because of the Panama Canal. This one is a good location for every day goods. Also, the stores in Panama really want to sell their wares. Deals. Deals. Deals. If you're a shopper, pace yourself and consider purchasing or bringing extra luggage. The prices will surprise you.
147 locals recommend
Multiplaza Panamá
Vía IsraelI'm not a mall shopper, but Panama City is known for it's access to every major international brand because of the Panama Canal. This one is a good location for every day goods. Also, the stores in Panama really want to sell their wares. Deals. Deals. Deals. If you're a shopper, pace yourself and consider purchasing or bringing extra luggage. The prices will surprise you.
Panama City is known for it's access to every major international brand because of the Panama Canal. People come from all over Latin America and the Carribean to shop in Panama. The stores in Panama really want to sell their wares. Deals. Deals. Deals. If you're a shopper, pace yourself and consider purchasing or bringing extra luggage. The prices and options will surprise you. I only purchase my staples in Panama when I'm home because the costs elsewhere (USA) are over-inflated for the same brands.
29 locals recommend
Multicentro Mall
Panama City is known for it's access to every major international brand because of the Panama Canal. People come from all over Latin America and the Carribean to shop in Panama. The stores in Panama really want to sell their wares. Deals. Deals. Deals. If you're a shopper, pace yourself and consider purchasing or bringing extra luggage. The prices and options will surprise you. I only purchase my staples in Panama when I'm home because the costs elsewhere (USA) are over-inflated for the same brands.