Flirtatious Charm
Melting Pot of Cultural Diversity
With over one million inhabitants, Panama City is a melting pot of cultural diversity and is incredibly modern and vibrant while maintaining its old flirtatious charm. From historic districts to the latest hotspots, the coolest neighbourhoods, each distinct from one another…coexisting side by side.
Panama City’s Must See Neighbourhoods
Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo (also called Casco Antiguo) is my favorite neighborhood in Panama City. I strongly recommend staying in this area if you can…at least for a portion of your stay. It’s a striking contrast from Panama City’s pandemonium and feels like you have transported to an entirely different world. The city’s historic district is one of the most beautiful areas of the city thanks to its colonial architecture and colourful street art. Even the President’s palace is here.
It’s a mix of restored Spanish colonial buildings that have been converted into boutique hotels, apartments, funky bars and restaurants. Nestled between these restored gems are condemned buildings where a few local families still live proudly with their windows and doors wide open offering passer-byers a glimpse of what local life is like.
You will fall in love with Casco Viejo’s laid-back sophistication, cobblestone streets, alluring architecture and authentic local feel.
Panama City’s Must See Neighbourhoods
Obarrio
The ultra-posh, business-savvy neighborhood is home to countless regal businesses. It offers an abundance of eateries and supermarkets and it is favored by business intellectuals and composed millennials. It is also the heart of Panama’s business district.
The main street, Calle 50, is one of the city´s main thoroughfares. Streets are lined with towering skyscrapers and up-scale malls. It’s also one of the places were flip-flop clad, camera toting tourists will stand out like a sore thumb. You can expect nothing but impressively dressed locals in freshly pressed suits and snazzy shoes.
Panama City’s Must See Neighbourhoods
Marbella
Marbella is a seaside neighbourhood on the ruffle of downtown and is oozing with more local flavour than other neighbhourhoods. It sits next to Obarrio and is an extension of the sophisticated elegance…sporting more high-fashion boutiques, incredible restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Located just a few blocks from Cinta Costera park and Riba Smith Supermarket…this neighborhood is moderately quieter than the others…being home to mostly families and working professionals.
Panama City’s Must See Neighbourhoods
San Francisco
San Francisco is vibrant and modern and is a bit of an entertainment district. This neighbourhood is home to one of the best grocery stores in Panama City, a megamall and many upscale restaurants, although not as walkable as other neighbourhoods. San Francisco mostly consists of new apartment buildings and is also home to one of the city’s most popular parks, Parque Omar.
Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion. There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.