Panama City

Photo of Panama City
Credit: Flickr user Celine Massa
Photo of Panama City
Credit: Flickr user Marc Veraart
Photo of Panama City
Credit: Flickr user Marc Veraart
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About Panama City

Panama City is both gateway to the natural wonders of Panama and cosmopolitan and vibrant 'city-of-the-world'. A melting pot of cultures and flavours, it is often referred to as the 'Miami of Central America' and some of the best places to stay in Panama City would not be out of place there either.

It's a steamy, tropical capital of international finance. Skyscrapers grow at an impressive rate but the old dance halls, a la old Cuba, are as salsa-steamy and South American as can be.

What Not To Miss

  • The Canal - Both a highly important trade route and a fascinating tourist attraction, you can't go to Panama City and not see the canal. You'll find plenty of detail about the canal scattered all over Panama City, but the best way to experience it is to go for a cruise. Hang out on the Amador Causeway watching the ships, then board your own and cruise up to the Miraflores Lock where you'll be raised 54 metres before continuing along the canal.
  • Casco Viejo - Casco Viejo has the colonial and old government buildings, and many of Panama City's most beautiful churches and museums - including the Canal Museum. It's been washed over by the sea for decades, becoming elegantly dilapidated, and it has something of the old Havana about it.
  • At the tip of Casco Viejo is the Plaza de Francia, which is dedicated to remembering the contribution that France made in the construction of the canal. The statues and tablets here commemorate the 22,000 workers who died during the canal's construction.
  • Panamá la Vieja -Panamá la Vieja is where you'll find the ruins of old Panama City. This first city was sacked and burned by English pirate Henry Morgan in 1671, to the extent that it was easier to build a whole new city a few kilometres away. The ruins have been pretty much left and a national park has grown up around them.
  • Ancón - Ancón is the name of the hill, and the town or suburb, built up aroundabout to house canal workers. It was originally where they kept a look out for pirates! While the canal was being built this region was under U.S. control and they built numerous army bases and administration buildings here. Today you can still get a feel for the distinctly North American architectural style of the area.
  • In Ancón you'll also find the perennially popular Panama Canal Authority headquarters and some wonderful murals. These are mounted in the building's rotunda to tell the story of the canal's construction.
  • It's also where you'll find the Amador Causeway, which joins three small islands. It is one of the city's more popular tourist destinations, what with the marinas and associated places to eat and have fun.
  • Ancón is also home to the Parque Natural Metropolitano, the 265-hectare forest-within-the-city-limits. This is a wonderful place to escape to with excellent walking trails and plenty to see.
  • Area Bancária - This is the financial district and Panama City's skyscraper central and where you'll find the high end boutiques, so this is the ideal location if you're here to shop. El Cangrejo and Calle Uruguay are filled with restaurants and bars, so these are two of the best places to stay in Panama City if you're here for the nightlife.

The city is exciting because of the variety of landscapes and features with our selection of the best places to stay in Panama City reflecting such diversity.

Fun spots

  • The Tantalo Hotel is our top choice if you're looking for a 'party hotel' and it's easy to believe there's plenty of mojito-fuelled fun going on here. Rooms are simple, but there's plenty of artwork from local artists and you're certainly provided with everything you need - including a cocktail shaker! The Tantalo also has an impressive rooftop bar and fantastic tapas restaurant with long communal tables, so this is also perfect if you're hoping to make some new friends!

City style

  • The ultra-modern Grace Panama is situated in the commercial centre of the city. With sleek whitewashed accommodation featuring floor to ceiling windows and boasting wonderful views, there's also a rooftop pool for your pleasure! This swish spot also offers two excellent restaurants.

Local exploring

  • The upmarket American Trade Hotel, located in the historic centre, offers smart well-lit rooms with antiques and parquet flooring. Boasting a rooftop pool as well as a jazz lounge, this is a great base from which to explore all the city's hotspots.
  • Las Clementinas, located in the UNESCO area of the city, is set in an elegant building. The property provides huge suites with high ceilings, antique furnishings and modern artwork - including plenty of vibrant colours! Come back after a day out sightseeing to relax on the rooftop terrace with a good book.

For an apartment or villa

  • If you think you'd be best served by a self-catering option then check out the wide variety available with our partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Whilst you can travel to Panama at any time of the year, (with temperatures pretty much constantly over 30°C), the dry season runs from mid-December and mid-April and is probably the best time to visit.
  • International visitors should fly to Tocumen International Airport, located 22km east of the city. From here, take the taxi to the centre which costs $30 and lasts around 25 minutes.
  • Alternatively, if you've got decent spoken Spanish then you can walk down to the main road and hail a cab off the street. You may have to negotiate, but if you're lucky you could pay around $10-$15!
  • For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

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The best hotels in Panama City

Global Hotel Panama
Global Hotel Panama

Panama City (Obarrio)

In the heart of the ultra-modern and prestigious commercial sector of Panama City. Floor to ceiling windows offer unrivalled views of the cityscape. Rooms are pristine and smart, suitable for leisure and business stays alike, and the roof top pool is the icing on the cake. A sleek, cool, city stay.

  • Views - Breath-taking views of the cityscape from all over the hotel
  • City Style
  • Restaurant - Two dining options offering both relaxed and formal dining.
  • Sights nearby - Panama City's Old Town is ony a ten minute walk
from AU$185 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Tantalo Hotel
Tantalo Hotel

Panama City (San Felipe)

Eat drink and be merry at this well-equipped hotel with fantastic tapas restaurant and an impressive rooftop bar. Party on.

  • Bar - great rooftop bar, terrific cocktails
  • Bicycles available - Free bikes available for guests' use.
  • Restaurant - delicious tapas at Tantalo Kitchen
  • Sights nearby
from AU$198 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
La Concordia
La Concordia

Panama City (Santa Ana)

This boutique hotel occupies an iconic 19th-century property in Panama City. Renovated romantic suites are spacious and proffer views of historic downtown from French windows; expect traditional tiled floors, cosy rugs and a luxury bathtub. Head to the roof terrace for cocktails; a chic city hotel.

  • Local exploring - Located between the central neighbourhoods of Santa Ana and San Felipe, this hotel is the perfect base for local exploring
  • Romantic Break - Couples love the romantic ambience at this restored heritage hotel; book a luxury suite for a freestanding bathtub
  • City Style - Set in a heritage property in the heart of downtown, this hotel has lots of chic, Panama City style
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Presidential Palace; the palace is known as Palacio de las Garzas due to the herons that roam freely in its gardens
from AU$266 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
American Trade Hotel
American Trade Hotel

Panama City

Evoking old-time tropical glamour, the refurbished Trade Hotel has style and vibrancy. Well proportioned rooms feature parquet flooring, floor to ceiling windows and antique furniture. Rooftop pool and a lively evening jazz scene. Perfectly situated for city exploring. Very chic.

  • Local exploring - Perfectly located with easy access to both the historic Old Quarter and the lively new Panama City.
  • Sights nearby - Explore the the historic streets of Casco Viejo.
  • Sailing - Take a scenic cruise on Lake Gatun.
  • Restaurant
from AU$322 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Las Clementinas
Las Clementinas

Panama City (Casco Antiguo)

An elegant hotel located in the heart of the UNESCO area of Panama City. Enormous suites feature sash windows, high ceilings, antique furniture and modern artworks. Unwind with a book on the tranquil roof terrace, dine in the laid-backed bistro and explore the lively bars in the area. Fabulous.

  • Local exploring - Boasting a central location this is an ideal base for getting around town.
  • Sights nearby - Stroll around Casco Viejo (the historic centre) filled with gorgeous buildings.
  • Restaurant
  • Boutique
from AU$385 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

Panama City

A luxury hotel in the heart of Panama City, blending historic charm with modern elegance. The decor mixes French sophistication with vibrant Panamanian culture. Guests can enjoy world-class dining, a spa, and an inviting outdoor pool. It’s the perfect escape for those seeking both comfort and style.

  • Local markets - The old town is character-packed with colourful buildings - stop by markets that sell wares including jewellery and textiles
  • Great walks - Walk the vibrant streets of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and immerse yourself in Panama City's rich history
  • City Style - Stay in the vibrant heart of Casco Viejo with chic, waterfront rooms, top dining, and easy access to historic sights
  • Total relaxation - Unwind in luxurious spa treatments and serene ocean-view rooms, all tucked away in a private, peaceful oasis
from AU$495 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees