About Panama City

At crossroads of two oceans and two continents, Panama is unique in its own way. With a long 2,490 km of coastline, it has rich and diverse geography; beaches, mountains, islands, rainforests, and mangrove swamplands. From modern skyscrapers in Panama City to the vintage architecture of the old city Casco Viejo, there is so much to see and do here. Did you know that this is the only place on earth where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic? This is also the only city in the world that has a rainforest within itself. The diverse ecosystem and the mixed culture of Panama is another reason that draws millions of tourists every year. Cruise along the world-famous Panama Canal and be amazed at this man-made marvel. Explore the rainforest and relax on the beautiful beaches. Enjoy world-class dining, impressive nightlife, casinos, and shopping. Panama is full of hidden surprises waiting to be explored.

Public Transport System

Subway (Metro), Taxi, Metrobus, Boat, Bicycles

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Cleanliness: Medium to high , Effeciency: Medium

Mode & Cost of Transports

Metrobuses- 0.25 PAB (for the non-corridor routes) and 1.25 PAB for the corridor (that doesn't go into town, but only highways) routes. 

Taxi-  1.25 PAB to 5 PAB

Subway (Metro)- A rechargeable Metro fare card can be purchased from automated machines in the stations for 2.00 PAB

Ferry- Starting from 0.25 PAB

 

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle PAB 1.00
Cup of Coffee PAB 3.00
Milk Carton Pack PAB 1.00
Rice/Kg PAB 2.00
White Bread PAB 2.00
Eggs (12) PAB 2.00
Combo Meal PAB 7.00
Fine Dining PAB 50.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi PAB 1.00
Domestic Beer PAB 3.00
Imported Beer PAB 4.00
Bottle of Wine PAB 9.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) PAB 5.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) PAB 2.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). PAB 0.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) PAB 950.00
  • Do carry your ID at all times. The police in Panama are always out and about and will regularly check for IDs of passersby.
  • Use bug sprays as Panama is a humid place and has many mosquitoes and spiders.
  • Don’t panic at the sound of random fireworks in the city. It happens frequently.
  • Drink lots of water as Panama is hot all year round, and the blazing heat comes with extreme humidity. 
  • Power outages are normal in Panama. So don’t freak out if everything turns off and shuts down suddenly, randomly, day or night. It will likely turn back on soon.

Night Life

Panama City is the gateway to tropical retreats; a cocktail of colors, cultures and culinary delight. But, when the sun goes down the city wakes up, with bars, clubs, casinos and other hidden gems beneath the glittering skyline. Here are a few things you can enjoy in the Panama nightlife. It is going to be a fun ride, so get your dancing shoes on!

Enjoy a Panamanian Folkloric Show, a mixture of music and dance displaying the Indigenous cultures and Colonial heritage. As the sun sets, enjoy cocktails and a delightful dinner and dance with the ladies in white frilled frocks and flowers. If you want to travel around and absorb the glittering city scenery, you should cruise around on a Hop-On, Hop-Off Night Bus Tour. Spend an evening in the beautiful Colonial Old Town of Panama City; with traditional music and shows that will transport you to another time and place. Go for pub hopping and indulge in some amazing cocktails and food and make new friends or dance the night away.

Must See

  • Walk around and enjoy the fun and quirky street art scenes and murals.
  • Panama is the jazz capital of Central America. If you are visiting the city in January, do not miss the Panama Jazz Festival that happens during this month each year.
  • Admire the huge ships that pass the Panama Canal. It is a sight to behold
  • Enjoy the local beer at a rooftop bar and take a night walk to admire the lights and the skyscrapers in the distance.
  • Taste the famous “geisha coffee” at Boquete, a town in the highlands of Panama. 

 

Experiences

  • Take a private plane tour and enjoy the magnificent islands and the amazing view from the top. It will cost you a bomb but it is worth the price!
  • Visit the indigenous Embera Indians at their village in the rainforest and get to know about the tribe and their lifestyles and rituals.
  • Enjoy the beautiful beaches, get around by boat, snorkel in the coral reefs and relax on the islands.
  • Explore the jungles of Chiriqui (go with a group, never alone).
  • Hike to the Baru Volcano in Boquete. It is a great experience and very enjoyable if you are with a group. 
  • If you visit around August, you will see the whales migrate in the Gulf of Chiriqui.
  • Sign up for a zip line adventure.
  • Walk the highest hanging bridge, Puente Centenario, across the Panama Canal.

Activities

Shopping

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  • Molas (handmade blouses)
  • Decorative baskets 
  • Carved Tagua nuts
  • Wall decor 
  • Wooden figures
  • Beaded jewelry
  • Coffee
  • Paintings
  • T-shirts
  • Hats
  • Chocolates
  • Coffee cups

Official Language

Spanish/ Panamanian Spanish

Other Language

English, Ngäbere, French, Ara... Read more

Spoken Language

English is widely used in the ... Read more

Currency

Balboa (PAB)

Population

4.22 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Light Rain 16.62°C

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TimeZone

00:32 AM (GMT -05:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

 

Police Icon

Police

 

Electric socket

Type A
Type A (120 V 60 Hz.)
Type B
Type B (120 V 60 Hz.)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

Tocumen International Airport - PTY

Airport Name / IATA Code

Albrook - PAC

Best time to visit

December, January, February, March - Panama is always humid and rainy. But from mid-December to the end of March, the dry season begins. There is almost no rain and is a good time to visit. It is the peak tourist season as well.

Moderate time to visit

April, May, June, July, August, September, October - This is the wet season with frequent downpours. Although it rains, the weather is pleasant, everything around you is fresh and green. There might be sudden, heavy thunderstorms in the afternoon that are short in duration, and can happen every few days. Often, the skies are sunny in the morning till late afternoon.

Worst time to visit

November: This month typically sees the hardest, most constant rainfall. If you want to avoid extreme rains, then this is a bad time. However, the rains lower the temperature so accommodations are cheaper. You can think twice before making up your mind!

Taxi

Start Tariff: PAB 2.00

1 Km. Tariff: PAB 2.00

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: PAB 10.00

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Panama City (Contact directly)

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