The El Camino Travel Guide to Panama City, Panama
Written by Kayla Doris
Panama City is a hard one to pin down. The skyline rivals Miami, the historic core feels like Havana, the tropical rainforest literally spills into the city limits, and its culture is an amalgamation of various global influences—Indigenous and Spanish, but also shaped by Chinese and West Indian communities (who arrived as workers during the construction of the Panama Canal), and later by an American presence, during the U.S. control of the Canal from 1903 to 1999. This cultural mix seems fitting for Panama, which sits at a unique geographical location at the crossroads of two continents and two oceans. It's this location and the construction of the Canal that transformed Panama into a center of global migration and commerce. This legacy is seen in the city through its towering skyscrapers (it’s the most developed city in Central America), award-winning food scene, eclectic music and dance styles, and layered neighborhoods. Our top tip? Allow yourself to be contradicted. Think Panama City is just about the historic center? Then venture beyond Casco Viejo and let the modern city surprise you. Think it’s all concrete and glass? Walk the waterfront at sunset, spot monkeys in the rainforest, or take a boat to nearby islands. There’s a lot to discover here, so don’t just skim the surface.
We’ve collaborated with local experts, Estefania Rivera—founder of the Monsters boutique, Paola Reyes Corró—founder of Salva restaurant, and Jorge Ledezma—Marketing Manager at Amarla Hospitality Group, to curate an insider's guide for eating, drinking, shopping, and sightseeing your way through the city.
Eat
Feast on fresh and vibrant dishes at Salva, a health-conscious restaurant located in the San Francisco neighborhood. If you’re someone who loves ceremonial cacao, golden milk, and cold-pressed juices, this is the place for you. On the food menu, you’ll find hearty, comforting dishes inspired by Asian, Mediterranean, and Indian flavors, all using minimally processed ingredients. Think roasted squash with miso toffee, Indian-style red curry with Creole rice, and salmon with house-made kimchi. Yum!
Also included in the guide:
A one-of-a-kind chef’s table experience described by a local expert as “truly unique”
The restaurant described as a “can’t miss” by a local member
Where to try Afro-Panamanian cuisine that’s “so so good”
Image credit: Monsters
Stay
Settle into the beautiful Amarla hotel, a boutique stay with just eight rooms in a plant-filled building that dates back to 1921. The rooms feature exposed brick walls, wooden furnishings, antiques, local artisan crafts, and original photography that show the wonders of Panama. The Loft Suites are set across two floors and feel like dream apartments with an earthy palette of natural woods, woven fabrics, a curated selection of coffee table books, and a spiral staircase that leads to a bedroom mezzanine. Head upstairs in the evening to enjoy the rooftop jacuzzi while overlooking the buildings of Casco Viejo.
Also included in the guide:
A grand hotel with an old world vibe and luxury suites
The hotel “where French sophistication meets Panamanian tropical flair”
An Airbnb in the perfect location for exploring
Image credit: Salva
Shop
Head to Monsters in Casco Antiguo to shop tropical-inspired prints and accessories. “We’re a female-owned brand, and this year is our 10th anniversary. Everything we design is inspired by Panama and our culture!” says the founder, Estefania Rivera. We love the silk scarves that celebrate local wildlife and nature, with patterns and prints of the endangered jaguar, native fruits, and the beautiful island of Taboga. You’ll also find illustrated postcards, mugs, tote bags, and resort shirts.
Also included in the guide:
The concept store that set out to close the door on stale, cookie-cutter fashion in the city
A boutique store that supports local artisans and makers
The tea house selling matcha and other organic blends and tea accessories
Image credit: Amarla
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