Robin Denise There’s so much to do and see in Panama City, Panama.
Out of all of the countries that I have visited thus far, Panamá is definitely in the top 5. It was full of so much history and culture, that even after 5 days there, I felt like there was still so much to see. I went to Panama City with two of my closest girlfriends and we truly had a time! We did a lot of eating, exploring, and partying during our trip and all with a new found respect for the country. I can’t wait to go back and see some of the spots I missed during my trip. Here’s my Panama City Guide.
Things to know
Getting there: The main, international airport in Panama City is Tocumen International Airport (PTY). I took a nonstop flight from John F. Kennedy airport in NYC via United Airlines for $290 roundtrip. We got in late but immigration was pretty seamless to get through and we called an Uber to get to our airbnb. Taxis can also be found right outside.
Entry Requirements: You can visit Panamá and stay for up to 180 days without a visa. There are no longer any Covid-19 entry requirements.
Currency: The official currency of Panama is the balboa, but USD is equivalent in value and is widely accepted. I did not exchange money and had no problem using my US dollars throughout the island. Major credit cards were also accepted at most bars and restaurants.
Getting Around: There are a number of buses that run throughout Panama City, as well as a single train line. However, I found Ubers to be the most reliable method of getting around, and they were also super affordable. Most Ubers cost between $3-$10, I can only dream of those prices in NYC!
Language: Spanish is the official language of Panama so you will see it spoken throughout. I have a basic understanding of the language and can communicate my needs with a little spanglish so I felt totally comfortable. I did find that most bars, restaurants, and other establishments had at least 1 person who spoke English.
Where to Stay
- W Panama: If you’ve ever seen the photos of folks laying in a huge bathtub overlooking Panama City, they were likely at the W. This is one of the more popular, luxury hotels located in the downtown area and conveniently located near lots of restaurants and bars. The going rate can be as low as $150/night during the off-season, but don’t expect a bathtub for that rate.
- Le Méridien Panama: Budget friendly option that’s centrally located and has nice rooms and a rooftop pool.
- Airbnb: There were a lot of reasonably priced airbnbs located throughout different parts of the city. We rented a 2-bedroom 2-bathroom apartment located in a building with a beautiful rooftop pool for about $92/night and loved it.
Where to Eat
- Restaurante El Caribe: A Black-woman owned Caribbean restaurant, so you know we had to pull up. The oxtails and curry shrimp were delicious. The service was fast and the portions were a great size. The owner was super friendly and stopped to chat with us, and she’s an HBCU graduate!
- The Yard PTY: We stumbled on this spot one night before heading out and it was one of the best meals we had. The vibe is somewhat of a food truck turned restaurant situation, but it works. The burger was so good that I would return to Panama just to have it again. They also have really cure cocktails that come in pineapples or faux Chinese food containers. Highly recommend.
- Tantalo: This hotel, restaurant, and bar is a one stop shop for all of your needs. The mac and cheese and elote corn were both delicious. Head up to the rooftop for drinks after dinner and take in the views.
- Mentiritas Blancas: Cutest little cafe that is perfect for breakfast or brunch. The waffles are superb and my friend could not stop raving about their iced coffee.
What to Do
- Panama Canal: This should go without saying, but don’t leave Panama without visiting the Panama Canal. I’m not a history buff at all, but I did enjoy truly learning about what the canal is and how it came to be. And a bonus is being able to watch a ship pass through the canal, and what that process is like.
- Taboga Island: Taboga is a small island located about 20km from Panama City. You can take a catamaran or ferry to the island for a quick day trip or stay at a hotel on the island and give yourself some time to explore. I booked a great tour via Get Your Guide. There are a ton of cute restaurants to enjoy or you can just lounge at the beach for the day. Depending on the time of year, you may be lucky enough to catch some turtles or even humpback whales.
- Panama Viejo: Panamá Viejo aka Old Panamá is the site of the original Panamá City, destroyed in the 1600s. This historic site still contains some of the ruins from Old Panamá and a small museum that explains the history of the location, as well as the development of the country.
- Nightlife: One thing Panamanians know how to do is party, chile. We did everything from a club, to rooftop bars, to a hookah lounge and had a fantastic time partying with both locals and other tourists. Some of my favorite spots for the vibes was Tantalo rooftop, Casa Jaguar, Patio Casco, and Alejandro’s cigar lounge. Panamá City definitely has something for everyone when it comes to fun.
Panama was one of my favorite trips to date and there was still so much more that I wanted to do. Next time, I will stay a little longer and maybe take a trip out to Bocas Del Toro. I recommend this country for anyone looking for a place with great weather and even better food and culture.
