This article explains our top picks for the best hotels and things to do in Panama City, Panama based on our experience of living in Panama 2015.
If you only have a few days or even just one night to spend there, then you’ll want to make sure you pick one of the best hotels and a few of the best things to do!
We may receive a small commission if you make reservations through our links (at no additional cost to you)… so please do!
Best 5 Hotels in Panama City
Panama City boasts of being the most cosmopolitan city in all of Central and South America. Pictures of the skyline say it all – and with so many high rises you know there are more than a few hotels to stay in. The good thing about having so many hotels in Panama City is that the competition is fierce and prices tend to be lower than in other cities in the region.
From the historic streets of Casco Viejo to the modern and luxurious high rises of Punta Pacifica, here’s 5 of the best hotels in Panama City:
Check out our post: 13 Bucket List Things To Do in Panama
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Sofitel Legend in Casco Viejo is what colonial-style dreams are made of. They have a stunning swimming pool that overlooks the Pacific Ocean with the modern Panama City skyline in the distance. The architecture is a colonial-style masterpiece that perfectly blends modern amenities with old-world charm. This kind of luxury does come at a price, with base rates around $300 per night.
SOFITEL LEGEND, CASCO VIEJO | BOOK NOW
Is Panama City Safe? Check out our Health and Crime Safety Guide, here.
JW Marriot Panama in Punta Pacifica
The JW Marriot Panama in Punta Pacifica is one of the Panama City skyline’s most unique-looking buildings. Highlights here include the incredible views, infinity pool, and beautifully designed, clean rooms.
This hotel is located in Punta Pacifica, which is the most luxurious and modern neighborhood in Panama City. Although it is somewhat secluded from the rest of the city, you can still get around easily to other areas via UBER or taxi.
JW MARRIOT, PUNTA PACIFICA | BOOK NOW
W Panama in Bella Vista
The W Hotel in Panama City’s Bella Vista neighborhood is beautifully designed with an emphasis on local art, culture, fashion, and cuisine. The interiors are stunning and made for Instagram, with floor-to-ceiling murals, beautiful light installations, bright colors and modern furniture.
The rooms are more subdued than the common areas, so you can still enjoy a relaxing vibe when you are done exploring the city for the day!
W PANAMA, BELLA VISTA | BOOK NOW
Electronic Sim Card for Travel in Panama: Airalo is the world’s leading E-Sim brand and they offer a 30-day, 3GB plan for $18 that covers all of Panama. We use Airalo whenever we travel abroad!
Discover our 10 Day Panama Travel Itinerary
Marriot Residence Inn in Punta Pacifica
The Residence Inn by Marriot is located in Panama City’s Punta Pacifica district and is connected with the Paitilla Mall for easy access to restaurants and shopping. We usually stay here when we pass through the city and love it.
They have a great breakfast, beautifully designed interiors, and very friendly staff. The rooms are residences/ apartments, so they come fully equipped with everything you need to cook your own meals. We also love the amazing views of the Pacific ocean!
A bonus is that the hotel is also connected to a shopping mall with some great stores, and one of the best medical clinics in the city.
RESIDENCE INN, PUNTA PACIFICA | BOOK NOW
American Trade Hotel in Casco Viejo
The American Trade Hotel, located in the trendy Casco Viejo neighborhood, is one of the most famous and historically significant hotels in Panama. The architecture of the hotel is the first thing that stands out, as it was originally constructed in 1917 and has been modernized but without losing it’s charm. You will feel like you have transported back in time staying here!
Casco Viejo is a small area so many shops and restaurants are all within walking distance. Get your fedora and linen shirt ready for this unforgettable old-colonial experience!
AMERICAN TRADE HOTEL, CASCO VIEJO | BOOK NOW
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5 Best Things to Do in Panama City
Now that you’ve found a hotel in Panama City, you’ll need to plan for the best things to do. Whether you’re stayin in Casco Viejo or over in the heart of Punta Pacifica, you’ll be able to easily travel around the city with UBER or a private taxi driver. Here are the 5 best things to do in Panama City:
Visit the Panama Canal
You just can’t visit Panama without going to check out the Panama Canal. It is the number 1 most popular thing to do in Panama City, and the historical and current global significance alone should be enough to get you over there.
You can see the Miraflores Locks (where the ships pass through), visit the small canal museum, and watch a 3D IMAX movie in just about 2 hours. After that, it’s on to the next adventure!
Learn How to Get to Panama.
Take a Walking Tour of Casco Viejo with a Local
PTY.Life discovered this great walking tour of Casco Viejo with a passionate local man named Victor Perez. He will guide you through the “forgotten” side of Casco Viejo, where you will chat with locals, see where famous boxer Roberto Duran trained, learn about the US invasion and bombing of Panama City, and more.
This is not your standard group package Panama city tour, this is the off-the-beaten-path adventure you really want! You can book direct with Victor through his Instagram.
Sail, Drink and Dance across the Pacific Ocean on a Spanish Galleon
The Taboga Pirate Experience is an all-day booze cruise from Panama City to Isla Taboga. You’ll be on board an authentic 110’ Spanish Galleon called the Black Magic. It’s probably as close as you’ll get to a real pirate ship in this lifetime!
Get ready to swim, drink, dance, and swing across the bay of Panama, like a pirate! Prices start at $96 but include an open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic local beverages. Talk about an adventure! Grab your first mate and get ready to plunder!
More Information: Black Magic Panama
Visit Monkey Island and an Indigenous Village outside Panama City
So it’s no surprise that some of the best things to do in Panama City are actually outside of the city. Most people are coming to Panama to experience nature, after all! This is one of those experiences, which takes place all day outside the city, mostly on a boat touring Lake Gatun, the Panama Canal, Monkey Island, and an indigenous village.
Aside from seeing an abundance of wildlife around the lake like crocodiles and tropical birds, you’ll get to see a ton of white-face capuchin monkeys. Cute, until they try to steal your sunglasses!
The Indigenous community visit is also something we were worried would be too touristy, but this tour keeps it authentic. You’ll get to see how the locals live in their natural community like they would have hundreds of years ago – dressed in their traditional clothes and houses made solely out of natural, local materials.
Book this tour here at Get Your Guide.
Explore Panama City by Helicopter
Now that you’ve walked the streets of Casco Viejo and seen the Panama Canal, sailed across the pacific ocean like a pirate, and gotten up close in personal with too many monkeys, it’s time to escape the city – into the clouds above it!
Panama Air Adventures offers private helicopter tours around Panama City and the surrounding areas. You can create your own trip, and they do custom charters all over the country. What better way to surprise your significant other than with a helicopter trip! Talk about spontaneous and exciting, that’s you!
Your Time in Panama City has come to an end. Now hop on over to the Alrbook Airport for your flight to Bocas del Toro. Your overwater bungalow awaits!
Check out more of our travel guides from our Blog
Surfing in Panama: Travel Guide & Best Surf Spots
10 Day Panama Itinerary for Bocas del Toro (With Costs)
Bocas del Toro Quick Travel Guide (By A Local)
13 Bucket List Worthy Things To Do in Panama
Best Luxury Hotels, Resorts, and Overwater Bungalows in Panama
