While preparing my 12 days tour in Panama, when I got to the hotel selection, I had to take a closer look at the different neighborhoods of Panama City. Indeed, even if Panama City is a very safe capital, there are some places in the city which are not really recommended for a tourist stay!
This article presents below the main neighborhoods of Panama City and their characteristics.
Panama City - Amador districts
Let's start with amador, the southernmost area of Panama City.
Not so long ago, the Amador Causeway was nothing more than a strip of tarmac used to connect the capital to the small peninsulas of Naos, Perico and Flamenco. Today, this area is home to some of Panama City's main activities and attractions highlighting its Isthmus (Biodiversity Museum, Casino, Marinas, convention center, shops, restaurants, ferries). There are few hotels and they are overpriced!
Panama City - El Casco Viejo / San Felipe districts
El Old Town is the tourist district of Panama City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its colonial architecture is popular with tourists as well as its restaurants. Too popular and very close to sensitive areas, I did not choose my hotel in this area.
Neighborhoods Panama City - Calidonia
This very popular area has a large number of hotels. Customers choosing this Panama City neighborhood are close to 2 metro stations (5 de mayo and Justo A.) but also to the Casco Viejo district and Cinta Costera (pleasant promenade several kilometers long along the ocean).
For all these advantages, this district can be appreciated by tourists but unfortunately either the hotels are very expensive or they are inexpensive but in very poor condition… In addition, the Calidonia district is considered dangerous the night. My search forcheap hotel in Panama City will therefore be in another district of the capital.
Panama City - El Chorillo / Curundu districts
Even more dangerous, these two areas should be avoided day or night.
Panama City - Bella Vista / Obario neighborhoods
Business district during the day and lively district after dark. Large and superb towers hosting international banks and a multitude of bars and restaurants are present in this area.
This office area is also bustling and is home to shopping malls such as the upscale SOHO Mall. There are, among other things, many chic cocktail bars, pubs and casinos.
Panama City - Marbella / Punta Pacifica / Punta Patilla districts
The most modern and popular districts of Panama City are Punta pacifica et Punta patilla. Not only are there important economic activities there, but also skyscrapers and large residential complexes.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, these districts are home to the most beautiful buildings and palaces in the city. Close to the luxurious Multiplaza Mall, it is a lively district frequented by wealthy Panamanians, wealthy tourists and businessmen.
Panama City - San Francisco / Alto del Golf districts
These two areas are located on the outskirts of Parque Omar which offers a 4 km circuit in a wooded environment. However, these areas are difficult to access during rush hour. Here are integrated recent towers with older residential areas.
Panama City - El Cangrejo districts
El Cangrejo is a Panama City Central District, which has historically been a residential area for middle-class Panamanians. With fewer skyscrapers and more houses, this is one of the few places you can actually walk in the city in the middle of real Panamanians. With cafes, offices, pharmacies, schools… it has its own character and a real identity. The central street of El Cangrejo is the ViaArgentina where there are very good very popular and cheap restaurants like El Trapiche (see the end of my article: What to see in Panama City in 1 day?).
It is this authentic and lively district that I selected to choose my hotel there on. Clarion victoria : More information on Booking
Panama City - Costa del Este neighborhoods
It is the most remote district of Panama City. It is located in the north, along the Pacific coast.
Costa del Este is a modern and upscale neighborhood of Panama City. With its very American atmosphere, it is made up of wide streets with palm trees and glass skyscrapers. Quieter and tidier than the rest of the city, this is where the greatest concentration of luxury cars is. As the headquarters of some of the big companies, Costa del Este is a favorite neighborhood for expats and executives who live there together creating almost a separate town.
If you are organizing a tour in Panama, discover My 12-day tour in Panama