Where to Stay in Panama City
Best neighborhoods to base yourself in Panama City for your 2026 trip — from central hotels to areas within easy reach of Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Best neighborhoods to stay in Panama City
Panama Canal Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
30 min from PTYWatch ships transit the canal locks, USD 20 entry. Best at 09:00-12:00 (most ships transit) + 15:00-17:00. Ferries from Atlantic to Pacific take 12 hours.
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
40 min from PTYUNESCO 17th-18th century quarter — colonial buildings, plazas, hidden bars in restored mansions. Plaza Mayor + the cathedral + Iglesia del Carmen.
Cinta Costera + Panama City skyline
40 min from PTYWaterfront promenade with the iconic skyline of Panama City (Latin America's most Manhattan-like). Free walking + outdoor gym.
Biomuseo (Frank Gehry)
35 min from PTYFrank Gehry's only Latin American building — explores Panama's biodiversity. USD 22 entry. 2 hours inside. On the Causeway with skyline + canal views.
Compare hotels across Panama City
Filter by neighborhood, price, and rating. Every hotel shown links to live booking — we search across Booking.com, Trip.com, Agoda and Hotels.com.
Eat here
Ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos (fish market). Sancocho de gallina (chicken soup) at Restaurante Las Tinajas. Empanadas + carimañolas at the Mercado de Mariscos area.
Local tip
PTY is 24km from centre — Metro Line 1 is the cheapest USD 0.35 but requires walk + bus combo. Uber is the standard tourist option (USD 25-35, 25-45 min). For 6+ hour layovers: Uber + Casco Viejo + Cinta Costera is feasible.
Getting to your hotel from PTY
Pre-book a fixed-price arrival transfer if you're landing late or with kids — saves the arrivals queue and locks price before you fly.
Getting out of Panama City (PTY)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.