Where to Stay in Panama City – A Guide to Central America’s Metropolis
Panama City is the capital and most populated city of Panama. Located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, Panama City is the most cosmopolitan capital in Central America and the main gateway to the isthmus. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Panama City, Panama.
This Central American metropolis is the perfect mix of old Spanish colonial charm and swanky modern skyscrapers.
Some of the most visited attractions in Panama City include the ruins of Panamá Viejo, Causeway Islands, the Cinta Costera highway, the Miraflores Locks, and the Metropolitan Natural Park.
Cobblestoned Casco Viejo (Old Town) is home to the city’s colonial monuments such as the cathedral, Palacio de Las Garzas, Paseo de Las Bóvedas, Convento de Santo Domingo, as well as cultural landmarks like the Museum of Religious Art, Museum of History of Panama, and Mola Museum. See accommodation in Panama City Old Town.
Further north lies Bella Vista. This modern area is home to the city’s financial district. It also holds Panama’s best shopping centers, upmarket restaurants, and top hotels. See accommodation in Bella Vista
Due to its location, Panama City has a tropical savanna climate with a dry season and a wet season. The dry season takes place May through December and the dry season January through April. There’s minimal variation in temperatures regardless of the season, and they usually hover between 21 and 30 ºC (70 – 86 ºF). The best time to visit Panama City is during the dry season, especially if you plan to go to the beach.
To get to Panama City by air, the city is served by Tocumen International Airport. Located some 20 km from the city, this world-class international hub is the busiest in Central America. It offers daily connections to virtually every corner of the continent, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. Tocumen also has medium and long-haul flights to the US, Canada, and Europe.
Getting around Panama City is relatively easy using the metro system. Although this means of transport does not cover the entire city (it only has 1 line), it is one of the most efficient ways to get around in a heavy traffic city. For areas not covered by the metro, the best option is to go by taxi or bus. You can also choose to rent a car during your stay.
The best area to stay in Panama City, Panama is Casco Viejo. This incredibly charming quarter is home to the city’s cultural attractions and the best boutique hotels. See accommodation in Panama City Old Town.
If you want to experience the cosmopolitan and modern side of the city, Bella Vista is probably the best location in Panama City.
Other areas worth checking out when choosing the best district to stay in Panama include Calidonia and the Tocumen Airport area.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Panama City.
Best Location in Panama City, Panama: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Panama City depending on your travel style and what you may be planning to do during your trip. Keep reading below to find all the specific information you need about each particular area mentioned here.
- Best location in Panama City for sightseeing: Casco Viejo (Old Town)
- Safest area to stay in Panama City: Bella Vista
- Best location in Panama City for nightlife: Bella Vista | Casco Viejo (Old Town)
- Best location in Panama City for families: Bella Vista
- Best location in Panama City without a car: Casco Viejo (Old Town)
- Best location in Panama City for first-time visitors: Casco Viejo (Old Town)
- Best location in Panama City for business travelers: Bella Vista
- Best location in Panama City for shopping: Bella Vista | Calidonia
Best Hotels in Panama City, Panama by Theme
Something more specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Panama City. No matter your reason for visiting the city or style, you’ll find it here!
- Most unique hotel: Global Hotel Panama
- Best mid-priced hotel: Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero
- Best budget hotel: Hotel Pension Corona
- Best luxury hotel: Riu Plaza Panamá
- Best boutique hotel: La Isabela Suites
- Best resort: The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort
- Best hotel with a pool: AC Hotel by Marriott Panama City
- Best inn / B&B: Panama House Bed & Breakfast
- Best hostel: Blu Hostel
The Best Areas to Stay in Panama City, Panama
1. Recommended area: Casco Viejo (Old Town)
Panama City’s Casco Viejo (Historical Quarter or Old Town) is located on a small peninsula in the southwestern corner of Panama Bay.
The Old Town, also known as San Felipe, is the most picturesque and historically interesting area in Panama City and is home to many of its most important sights.
Its colorful colonial buildings and several museums make this small neighborhood the best area to stay in Panama City.
In addition, Casco Viejo has an important leisure and restaurant area, with bars and restaurants of different types.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, little by little Casco Viejo is recovering to its former glory after decades of neglect.
The metro line does not reach the Historical Center, so transport to and from other areas of the city must be done by taxis or urban buses.
A handful of boutique-style hotels have sprung up in this area in recent years.
Why we love this area:
- Panama City’s colonial district
- Boutique hotels
- Nightlife and gastronomy
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Casa Panamá
Hotel Casa Panama is located in the Casco Viejo area, full of bars and restaurants, and offers free WiFi, a spa center and pet-friendly accommodation. The hotel has a year-round outdoor pool and sun terrace. There is also a restaurant that serves meals.
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Budget
Lunas Castle Hostel
Lunas Castle Hostel is a colonial-style mansion located in the historic center of Panama City. Breakfast is included. All rooms have a shared bathroom and include bananas, coffee, tea and free crepes. There is free WiFi throughout the property.
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Luxury
Hotel Central Panama
Central Hotel Panama offers an outdoor pool and a spa center in the historic center of Panama City, 200 meters from the Presidential Palace. The hotel has a sauna, fitness center and restaurant. There is private parking.
2. Bella Vista
Bella Vista, located a few miles north of Casco Viejo, is one of the most affluent districts in Panama City. It includes the popular areas of Marbella, Obarrio, El Carmen and El Cangrejo, among others.
This area of the Panamanian capital houses Avenida Balboa, known as the “Copacabana of Central America“. This artery borders the Bay of Panama and the Cinta Costera and extends from the elegant neighborhood of Punta Paitilla to Casco Viejo.
This avenue is bordered by a succession of impressive skyscrapers.
Bella Vista is has multiple Metro stations (Santo Tomás, Iglesia del Carmen, Vía Argentina and Fernández de Córdoba), so traveling around the city is simple.
Panama Banking Center is located in Bella Vista, as well as the largest number of hotels.
This is definitely a central area to stay in Panama City.
Thanks to its good connections, its developed urbanism and the presence of important banking centers and residential and office skyscrapers, Bella Vista is a high-end (and high-cost) district to stay. Accommodation prices here are usually higher than in the rest of the city.
Why we love this area:
- Modern area
- Very central
- Best area for business travelers
- Metro stations
- Restaurants and nightlife
- Great views
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Ojos del Río
Hotel Ojos Del Rio is just 2.6 km from the Metropolitan National Park in Panama City. This property offers a fitness center and a shared lounge. It has free WiFi connection.
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Budget
Hotel Roma Plaza
Located just an 11-minute drive from the large Albrook National Transportation Terminal and Albrook Mall, this non-smoking hotel offers luggage storage, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool.
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Luxury
Marriott Executive Apartments Panama City, Finisterre
This modern hotel offers a gym, free parking and rooms with free Wi-Fi and a central location in the financial district of Panama City. It also has a terrace with pool and sea views.
3. Calidonia
Calidonia stretches along the coast between the Historic Center (to the south) and the elegant district of Bella Vista (to the northeast).
Calidonia owes its name to the one that the Romans gave to Scotland (Caledonia). It is the only remain of that country’s efforts to colonize the isthmus at the end of the 18th century.
Calidonia is a district of contrasts. On the one hand, it has Avenida Central, a busy commercial avenue, and on the other, its southern limit offers a large concentration of sophisticated skyscrapers facing the Bay and the Coastal Belt.
Only five streets separate the working-class north from the chic south.
Central Avenue is now a pedestrian street with Latin American street market flair. In contrast, Balboa Avenue offers unparalleled views of the sea.
Some of the attractions in this central area include Belisario Porras Park, the Afro-Antillean Museum and the Anthropological Museum.
This neighborhood is connected by the metro (5 de Mayo, Lotería and Santo Tomás stations).
Why we love this area:
- Commercial heart of the city
- Cheap accommodation
- Avenida Central
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel City House Soloy & Casino
Located in Panama City, this hotel has a casino, an outdoor pool and Mai Tai Club Bar. The rooms have free Wi-Fi. The Interoceanic Canal Museum is 1 mile away.
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Budget
Hotel Lisboa
Hotel Lisboa is located in Panama City and offers a restaurant, private parking and free Wi-Fi. The historic center of Panama City is 5 minutes away by car.
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Luxury
Hotel Bahía Suites
This hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a rooftop pool with a terrace. It also houses a restaurant with views. It is only 1 block from the main avenues of the city and has rooms with air conditioning, cable TV and a private bathroom.
4. Around the airport
Tocumen International Airport is located 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Panama City.
Tocumén is the base and main hub of the Panamanian airline Copa Airlines. Copa connects Panama City with the main cities of Central America, South America, the Caribbean and the United States.
Named the “hub of the Americas“, Tocumén is one of the most important airports in the region.
In addition to inter-American flights, Tocumen also has connections to Europe and Asia.
Staying near the airport is a good option for international travelers who have a connection in Panama City.
Tocumén and Panama City proper are connected by buses and taxis.
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Crowne Plaza Airport
Crowne Plaza Airport offers accommodation in Tocumen, just 200 meters from Tocumen International Airport, and provides a free shuttle service from the airport, as well as free internet access in the entire property.
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Budget
Express Inn PTY Aeropuerto Internacional Panama
This simple hotel is located next to the Tocumen International Airport and offers a small outdoor pool, shuttle service and free continental breakfast. Free Wi-Fi is only available in public areas.
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Luxury
Riande Aeropuerto Hotel Casino
This modern hotel offers a gym, free parking and rooms with free Wi-Fi and a central location in the financial district of Panama City. It also has a terrace with pool and sea views.
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