My Panama City Itinerary

For a more in-depth guide for my travels to Panama City, Panama including alternative accommodations, food recommendations, and experiences, you can get my Panama City itinerary here.

My very first international trip was planned after my failed 30th birthday plans. And on a whim, I chose Panama City, Panama. Well… not really a “whim”. I research travel destinations like nobody’s business. It was a long cold winter and in March, I needed a warm weather vacation for the low. Panama City fit that bill perfectly. Also, I got a direct roundtrip flight from a nearby airport for $300 and stayed at very nice affordable luxury hotels for under $150 a night. Although I booked this trip relatively quickly for me (under a month), I still did a ton of research to make sure I felt completely comfortable. So here are the basics.

Where I Stayed In Panama City, Panama

AC Marriot
I stayed here for one night for $95. The main selling point for me was the rooftop pool. I checked out a lot of Panama City rooftop pool pictures on Instagram and decided that I liked this view the best for the money. The room itself was clean and comfortable. I tend to go for more bougie, boutique hotels but for one night (or even your entire trip), this hotel is a solid choice.

Tantalo
This hotel was definitely my favorite of the two as it was smaller, way more artsy, and more boutiquey. I splurged a bit and got the corner room with a colorful mural hand-painted by a local artist. And by splurged, I mean I spent $150/night for two nights. The room was huge, complete with two balconies overlooking the lively streets of Casco Viejo. It also has a bumping rooftop and lobby restaurant which I’ll talk about later. 

What I Did In Panama City, Panama

The W pool (The Wet Deck) is currently my favorite rooftop pool ever. It had a very international vibe. And in fact, I met three other solo travelers from America and a group from England. They play hip music and serve craft cocktails and food all day. It turns into more of a party scene in the evening. This also may be the place to meet a man with financial means - or so I’ve heard.

Isla Contadora:
Visiting this island was one of those truly iconic moments that made me fall in love with traveling all over again. This was a true adventure, and I felt so free and in control of my life. I did an early morning excursion to Isla Contadora, a small island about an hour off the Pacific Coast. It was between this and Tobago, but Contadora was prettier in my opinion, and less developed. The only mistake I made, was that I didn’t rent a golf cart. But I did meet a local Afro-Panamaian who took me around the island and told me a bit about it. I ended up on Playa Larga, for my very first dip into the Pacific Ocean ever. The beach had at tops 20 people. At one point, I was the only person on this one section of the beach. Which was an actual dream of mine. But two things to know: you’re well outside of useful cell service, so download a map and bring cash. Also, the armed forces will check your bag when arriving or leaving. That was a fun surprise for me. 

Panama Canal
Of course, the must-visit attraction in Panama is the Panama Canal. I didn’t realize how massive an undertaking the canal actually was. There is a short museum that takes you through how exactly the canal works and a tribute to the workers who built the canal. I had a full day planned, so I went during off-peak hours when there wasn’t a ship in port. I don’t recommend that. The canal is vastly more interesting when there is a ship moving through. You can check the canal’s website for daily scheduling. 

Shopping in Casco Viejo
If you’re looking for souvenirs, this is the spot to travel to. You can find traditional handmade goods and the normal knick-knacks. If you are in search of an authentic Panama Hat, you however are in the wrong country. Ecuador actually makes what we know as Panama Hats. You can of course still buy imported ones. Check Victor’s for a great selection.

Where I Ate In Panama City

Diablicos Panama
This was recommended to me by a native Afro-Panamanian, and it was a very good meal with a mix of traditional Panamanian and Caribbean cuisines. The inside is colorfully decorated on the theme of its name. And even though it was in the mid-80s, I sat outside and took in to soak up all the sun before I traveled back to a snowy and cold Baltimore.

Taco La Neta
This is located on top of the Selina Hostel, a very hopping spot for international travelers. I sat at the bar and took in the Panamanian sunset. And even though, tacos aren’t native to Panama, the tacos and margs here are fabulous. You can totally stay the night to party, but I’m just a girl and I went home shortly after sunset. I didn’t feel unsafe, but it was my first international solo trip, so I thought it best that I get home before the street lights turn on.

Tantalo Restaurant
This restaurant was attached to my hotel and I absolutely love when I can just go downstairs to eat and drink. And all hotel restaurants are not made equal, this one was very lively and colorfully decorated. I found a quiet seat at the bar and had some of the best ceviche of my life here. I then headed to the rooftop for a quick drink. I think this was when I found out that I don’t like being in a crowd alone while solo traveling or not. I headed again to the quiet part of the rooftop and struck up a conversation with another American couple who gave me some food recommendations.

Casa Sucre Coffeehouse
This was a quiet traditional cafe located across the street from Tantalo. I had an authentic Panamanian chicken tamale for breakfast all wrapped up in a banana leaf. I still think about that tamale. It was so warm and savory and filling for the day.

Overall, I had a fantastic time in Panama. It was relatively inexpensive coming from the United States. While I stayed in at night mostly, I didn’t feel unsafe in the country at all. Everyone I talked to was friendly even if there was a language barrier. Probably the most shocking thing to me was the amount of black people I encountered. Starting in the airport, people spoke to me in Spanish assuming I was a local and I think that made me feel a bit safer.