Panama City
Are you thinking about traveling through Panama?
You definitely should — and make sure to carve out a day or two in Panama City while you're at it.
We flew into Panama City and only stayed for one night before heading to the San Blas Islands, but we were so glad we planned two extra days here at the end of our trip. The city completely surprised us — we didn’t expect to see such a striking mix of shiny high-rises and charming colonial streets.
We stayed in the old town, which is full of character, stunning architecture, and cozy spots to eat, drink, and wander around. From rooftop bars with skyline views to cool coffee shops and cute restaurants, there’s more than enough to enjoy in just a short time.
While we wouldn’t stay here for too long, Panama City is the perfect stop to ease into (or wrap up) your trip with a little city energy and a lot of charm.
Enjoy our tips!
HOTEL: LAS CLEMANTINAS
We ended our Panama trip at Las Clementinas, a beautiful boutique hotel tucked in the heart of Panama City’s old town—and it couldn’t have been a better choice.
The building is absolutely stunning, with elegant interiors, charming rooms, and thoughtful details throughout. It gave us the perfect balance: right in the middle of the buzz and energy of Casco Viejo, but once inside, it felt calm and peaceful—exactly what we needed to unwind at the end of our trip.
We truly loved this place and would stay again in a heartbeat.
To Do:
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Sisu Coffe Studio
A cool, rustic spot in Old Town—perfect for a coffee break. Great coffee, delicious matcha, and good vibes all around.
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Tiempos Coffee @ American Trade Hotel
A lovely coffee spot inside the iconic American Trade Hotel—perfect for anything from a quick breakfast to a full brunch. Beautiful aesthetic, calm vibe, and if you stick around for dinner, don’t miss their stunning restaurant, The Dining Room.
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Casco Viejo
Wandering through Casco Viejo is a must—beautiful colonial houses, lively squares, and peeks into the skyline of the modern city. The perfect mix of charm and contrast.
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Plaza Simon Bolivar
We stumbled upon this lively square and kept coming back. Lined with great restaurants and bars, it quickly became one of our favorite evening spots. Definitely worth walking by—or better yet, staying for a drink… or two!
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Restaurante Casablanca
Located right on Plaza Simón Bolívar, Casablanca is a fun spot for cocktails and bites. Some of their drinks come with a smoky show, and there’s a DJ outside adding to the vibe. The food is delicious, the staff are super friendly, and we had such a great time here!
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La Güera Taqueria
A trendy taco spot right next to Casablanca on the plaza. The tacos are seriously good—and the best part? If you're sitting on the plaza, you can order from both spots at once. Perfect for mixing and matching your dinner vibes.
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Caracruda Restaurante
A super trendy spot with a stunning interior and beautifully plated dishes that look like little works of art. Definitely the kind of place you’ll want to dress up for. And yes—also located right on Plaza Simón Bolívar. Convenient and oh-so-worth it.
