Panama City travel guide
Panama City Tourism | Panama City Guide
You're Going to Love Panama City
With 408,168 inhabitants, Panama City is the most populous city in Panama. It is the most popular tourist destination in the country. We recommend you stay at least 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Panama City has to offer.
Activities & attractions in Panama City
Where to Eat in Panama City
If you’re looking for affordable options, Madre Cucina Italiana (Avenida A Plaza Herrera - Casco Antiguo) and Petit Paris Sur la Mer (Ocean Deck, PH Toc, Punta Pacifica) are great picks. For delicious green meals, GOZA Panama (Goza, Av. A) and Casa Urrutia - Arró Bistró (C. 67 Este) are recommended spots to get vegetarian or vegan food in Panama City.
When to visit Panama City
Looking for warm weather? Then head to Panama City in February, when the average temperature is 80.6 °F, and the highest can go up to 89.6 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 69.8 °F, with an average temperature of 78.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in October, when precipitation is around 13.4″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Panama City, with an average rainfall of 0.4″.
How to Get to Panama City
Plane
There are 3 airports serving Panama City. Panama City Marcos A. Gelabert Intl (PAC) is the closest to the city center (4 km). Panama City Panamá Pacifico (BLB) is located 11 km from downtown Panama City, while Tocumen Airport, Panama (PTY) is 18 km from the center. Panama City Marcos A. Gelabert Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from Copa Airlines, United Airlines, Asiana Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest flight to Panama City from the United States departs from Miami and takes around 3h 06m.
Car
Another option to get to Panama City is to pick up a car rental from Río Hato, which is about 97 km from Panama City. You’ll find branches of Budget and Hertz, among others, in Río Hato.
Airlines serving Panama City
Where to stay in Panama City
From 5-star hotels such as the Villa Palma Boutique Hotel to great affordable options like the Toscana Inn Hotel, Panama City offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around $67 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $165 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Magnolia Inn and Hotel República. There are also lots of vacation rental options in Panama City, with prices from $13 to $342 per night. Casco Viejo is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Panama City are about 9% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.
Casco Viejo - In Panama City’s most popular neighborhood to stay, recommended hotels include Villa Palma Boutique Hotel, Magnolia Inn and Selina Casco Viejo Panama City.
Bella Vista - Here you’ll find travelers’ favorites such as Hotel Milan Panama, Ramada Panama Centro via Argentina and Le Méridien Panama. The average nightly price for a double room in Bella Vista is $15.
San Francisco - Ramada Plaza Panama Punta Pacifica, Megapolis Hotel Panama and Courtyard by Marriott Panama Multiplaza Mall have some of the best reviews among hotels in this area. A 3-star room in San Francisco will cost you about $49 per night.
Where to stay in popular areas of Panama City
Most booked hotels in Panama City
Renting a car in Panama City
Renting a car in Panama City costs $20 per day, on average, or $80 if you want to rent if for 4 days. Budget, Dollar and Thrifty are the agencies with the best reviews in the city. The most popular location to rent a car in Panama City is the Avis branch at Tocumen Intl Apo, which is 18 km from the city center.
You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 3% more expensive than at Panama City Tocumen Intl.
Expect to pay $3.97 per gallon in Panama City (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.70 and $63.59. The most frequently booked car type in Panama City is Compact (Hyundai Venue or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Kia Pegas or similar) are, on average, 83% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.