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.

Still not sure?

• Browse though our list of all the best places to stay in Panama City
• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Panama as a whole.
• Or contact one of our gurus for advice.