City Guide – Panama City

Panama City, also simply known as Panama, is the capital and largest city of Panama. It has an urban population of 880,691, with over 1.5 million in its metropolitan area. The city is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the province of Panama. The city is the political and administrative center of the country, as well as a hub for banking and commerce. Panama City  has a good public and private transport system: taxis, uber, trams and busses are widely available so buy a day pass to hop on and off.

Highlights Covered in the Brand g Tours –  (Add- On Only)

Your Brand g city tour of Panama will include a visit to The Frank Gehry Biomuseo, a museum focused on the natural history of Panama, whose isthmus was formed very recently in geologic time, with major impact on the ecology of the Western Hemisphere. In addition, a half-day tour featuring Old Panama City, Modern City Highlights and a visit to the Old Quarter. We will first go to the Old Panama City or Panama Viejo. Founded in 1519 and now a UNESCO Heritage Monument, as the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Next we visit the second city of Panama or the Old Quarter. There we learn about the cultural, social, and architectural development while we walk through its narrow streets.

Panama Highlights To Explore on Your Own

Here are some highlights to consider seeing in Panama with your time. Try a tour of Monkey Island or see the Rainforest. Why not delve in deeper into the Miraflores Visitor Center, the Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador) and Albrook Mall.

Panama Theatre’s, Museums and Libraries

National Theatre

ABA Theatre

Teatro La Estacion (Station Theatre) 

La Plaza Theatre

Teatro la Quadra

Museo del Canal Interoceánico de (Panamá Canal Museum):  Opened in 1997, this history museum chronicles the planning, construction and present-day operation of Panama’s landmark canal.

Afro-Antillian Museum

Consult the hotel concierge staff or other resources.  Keep in mind, hours of operations can vary.

We offer a list of places to eat that have been recommended to us. Let us know what you think? Consult your hotel Concierge for reservations as hours may vary.

La Vespa: Calle Manuel Icaza Obarrio, Panama City 0833 . Italian Cuisine 

Santa Rita Casco Viejo:  Avenida Eloy Alfaro Corner with Calle 11, Casco Viejo, Panama City 0801.    Seafood 

La Vespa Vista Mare: Trump Ocean Club, Calle Punta Colon, Punta Pacifica, Panama City. 

Caliope Steakhouse: 57th street, Obarrio, Panama City  (Marriott Sortis).

Michaels Restaurant:  Calle 56 Este Obarrio, Panama City.  Modern casual dining 

NAZCA 21:  Calle 8a Este Diagonal to San Felipe Health Center, Panama City 0850 Panama. Peruvian Cuisine

Riesen: Calle D, El Cangrejo, Frente al Hotel Toscana Inn, Panama City . Modern Panamanian cuisine.

Compadre Barbers – Tattoo & Rooftop Club: Avda Eloy Alfaro Con Calle 11 Al Lado De Restaurante Santa Rita, Panama City 0801 Burgers & Beers

Panama City is a wonderful and vibrant but has a limited  LGBT + scene. Please ensure that the venues are operational and open before attending.

Bars

Gatto Blanco: Av. B 8, Panamá City.  This gay-popular rooftop bar is located in Hotel Gatto Blanco. There are often DJs playing pop and latino music. It can get busy over the weekends. It’s open till 3 am so you can party late and enjoy the panoramic views. This is also a great spot for people watching – you’ll find some serious hotties.

360 ROOFTOP: Calle Pedro J. Sosa, Panamá City. This gay-popular rooftop bar offers unbeatable views of Panama City. The cocktails are good and bar snacks aren’t that bad. It’s well worth a visit if you’re having a gay night out in Casco Viejo. It’s open late seven days a week.

El Apartamento y El Sotano: Avenida Federico Boyd, Panama City. The gay-popular venue is one of the most fun late night joints in Panama City. It’s located next to a balloon shop (seriously!) on Avenida Federico Boyd. It’s a somewhat arty, bohemian place. There’s often live music.

XS Club Bar: Via José Ricardo Alfaro, Avenida Juan Pablo II, Panama City, Panama Muerto.  Is the biggest gay dance club in Panama City Tumba Muerto. Word of warning: the door staff can be difficult and have been known to see a passport before they let you in! Imagine the gatekeepers in Labyrinth – that kinda vibe. N.B. It’s in a run down area so maybe take a taxi.

Envy Club Panama: Calle Aquilino de la Guardia, , Panamá, Panama. This gay-popular dance club in Panama City offers sexy go go dancers, karaoke nights and drag shows. They also host the Mr Gay Central America competition here. Some of the luminaries from Drag Race have performed here.

Saunas

HamMan: Bella Vista  C./ 32 , Panama City. This is the only gay sauna in Panama City. It’s in the Bella Vista neighbourhood near the Lottery Building. It’s fairly small. You can workout here, try the Turkish bath and meet some locals.