5 Best Places To Stay In Panama

As an expat living in this amazing country for years, I get asked by people coming for the first time about the best places to stay in Panama. Whether planning a family vacation or exploring the country you're considering for your Plan-B, Panama has everything you need. 

In Panama City, explore the colonial charm of Casco Viejo or the lively Avenida Balboa. Beyond the city, discover the vibrant Caribbean vibe in Bocas del Toro and the endless summer in Playa Caracol. For an off-the-grid experience, Veritas Village in Coronado offers a self-sufficient community surrounded by nature. Panama has endless options for everyone, and that’s what we are going to explore in this article.

5. BOCAS DEL TORO ARCHIPELAGO 

If you want to enjoy a tropical paradise, the Bocas del Toro Archipelago is one of the places you should visit. Located on the Caribbean coast of Panama, this archipelago surprises visitors with its lush green landscapes, magnificent beaches, and vibrant marine life. The most popular places are Isla Colón and Isla Bastimentos. 

Visit Isla Colón in Bocas del Toro for a comprehensive experience of local culture, active nightlife, and scenic beaches like Playa Bluff and Starfish Beach

ISLA COLÓN

Isla Colón is the main island in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. It is a hub for activities, dining, and accommodation. The main town, Bocas Town, is the first port of call for experiencing the local culture and nightlife. If you are a diving enthusiast, Isla Colón also has beautiful beaches, such as Playa Bluff and Starfish Beach. Whether looking for natural beauty, city life, entertainment, or relaxation, Colón is ready to welcome its visitors with options that will satisfy you.

Escape to Isla Bastimentos in Panama for serene rainforests, pristine beaches, and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful getaway

ISLA BASTIMENTOS

If you are looking for a quieter lifestyle or a vacation, Isla Bastimentos is the place for you. Bastimentos is the perfect place for you with its rainforest, beautiful beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Home to the National Marine Park, the island offers you many opportunities to explore marine life. You can choose Red Frog Beach for sunbathing and surfing or get to know the local culture and Caribbean life better in the small village of Old Bank. Isla Bastimentos is one of the best places to stay in Panama for those looking for a natural experience away from the chaos.

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Explore the investment opportunities at Playa Caracol, Panama, known for its extensive sandy beaches, calm waves, and excellent infrastructure

4. PLAYA CARACOL

When you come to Panama, you can’t miss Playa Caracol. It is famous for its long sandy beaches and calm waves. I also bought a beach house here, and many of my clients have purchased beachfront real estate here. It is a beautiful place with great infrastructure, a new highway, a new train line, and the best internet. 

Moreover, this beach is easily accessible from Panama City. It is an indispensable destination for those who want to have a weekend getaway or spend time in the city and enjoy the ocean. If you are looking for a city beach, Playa Caracol is one of the best places to stay in Panama.

Visit Isla Contadora, a key destination in Panama's Pearl Islands, known for its serene environment and rich marine life

3. PEARL ISLANDS

The famous Pearl Islands are located on the Pacific coast of Panama. They are known for their crystal-clear waters and offer a more intimate environment than Panama's land beaches. The most popular of the Pearl Islands is Isla Contadora.

ISLA CONTADORA

Isla Contadora is the center of the Pearl Islands. It has many facilities that will offer all kinds of comfort and entertainment. It is one of the favourite locations for those who want to live a peaceful holiday without being deprived of comfort and entertainment. Also, if you want to see lively coral reefs, sea turtles and colourful fish with just a snorkel, Isla Contadora is the place you are looking for.

Explore Santa Maria in Panama City, known for its upscale residences and golf course, offering a tranquil, family-oriented setting with close proximity to shopping, education, and healthcare facilities

SANTA MARIA

Santa Maria is definitely the place to go if you want to spend time in Panama City. It has luxury homes, a golf course, and a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. Luxury homes and apartments set around a well-maintained golf course are a major attraction for visitors. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Santa Maria is close to important amenities such as shopping malls, schools, and healthcare facilities. If you want peace and easy access to the city’s amenities, Santa Maria is the best place to stay in Panama City.

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Immerse yourself in the charm of Casco Viejo, Panama City's historic heart, where colonial heritage meets modern entertainment in a UNESCO World Heritage site

1. PANAMA CITY

Panama City has everything you need, whether you seek history, luxury, or a magnificent beach. From the charming Casco Viejo to the modern skyline of Avenida Balboa or the upscale Punta Pacifica, each neighbourhood offers its own unique experience. Plus, if you're in the mood for beach time, great options are nearby. Below are my personal choices for the best places to stay in Panama City.

CASCO VIEJO (OLD QUARTER)

When visiting a historical city, the old town is often the first stop, offering a rich experience of the city's identity through its architecture, streets, and vibrant squares. In Panama City, Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, embodies this charm. This Old Quarter reveals the city’s colonial past while blending modern entertainment venues with historical attractions.

The Old Quarter frequently hosts festivals, concerts, and cultural events, allowing visitors to engage with local traditions, whether through music or religious celebrations. For history lovers, Casco Viejo is an ideal place to stay in Panama, offering boutique hotels and an immersive experience in both Panama’s past and present. 

Explore Avenida Balboa, a vibrant neighbourhood in Panama City characterized by its economic vitality and modern luxuries, featuring high-rise buildings with expansive ocean views and a bustling cultural scene

AVENIDA BALBOA

Avenida Balboa is a neighbourhood that those who want to experience modern Panama cannot miss. When you come here, visit the coastline to feel the city's economic vitality. It is the best place to stay in Panama City for those who want to experience the dynamism and luxury of city life among high-rise buildings with magnificent ocean views. Avenida Balboa has everything you expect from a modern and safe city: The lively financial center, venues where the heart of cultural life beats, and restaurants and bars with various cuisines. 

Discover Punta Pacifica, an upscale neighbourhood in Panama City known for luxury living, stunning ocean views, and world-class amenities, including shopping, dining, and healthcare

PUNTA PACIFICA

Another favourite neighbourhood in Panama City for those looking to enjoy all the luxury and stunning ocean views is Punta Pacifica. This upscale beachfront neighbourhood is known for its proximity to world-class shopping, dining, and healthcare facilities.

Adding to the appeal of Punta Pacifica is Multiplaza Pacific Mall, one of Panama’s largest and most luxurious shopping malls, featuring international and local designer stores, fine dining, and entertainment venues. Punta Pacifica also has several private residential towers offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Johns Hopkins-affiliated Hospital Punta Pacifica, known for its highly educated medical professionals and advanced healthcare technology, is also in this area. International access to the area is also easy. Corredor Sur, one of the major highways, connects to Tocumen International Airport in less than 20 minutes. Punta Pacifica is an ideal neighbourhood for luxury living in Panama City, with private schools, gourmet restaurants, and well-maintained parks.

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Discover Veritas Village near Coronado, a developing community designed for self-sufficiency with its own solar energy, a water system, and modern amenities, including Starlink internet and educational facilities

BONUS: KEEP YOUR EYES ON IT

VERITAS VILLAGE

Veritas Village is not officially on the list because it is still under construction. But despite this, it is a place you should not miss - or perhaps, take advantage of the opportunity to live an off-grid life without giving up the luxuries you have in the city.

So, what is Veritas Village? Located near Coronado, Veritas Village is being built to be a self-sufficient community that will offer various housing options, community gardens, farms, a school, and recreational facilities. 

This place is designed to be an off-grid community that generates its own solar energy, has a self-sustaining water and irrigation system, provides internet through Starlink, and even includes a school for youth aged 8-19. 

My family and I have found a home in Panama, drawn by its mix of vibrant urban settings and peaceful natural retreats

CONCLUSION

There are many reasons why I chose Panama as my home. The country’s incredible diversity of geography and natural beauty is undoubtedly one of the reasons why I love Panama. The cultural diversity that Panama has to offer is a bonus. Panama has everything from vibrant city life to secluded island getaways, from cultural richness to nature sports. 

Whether you are drawn to the historical charm of Casco Viejo, the lively atmosphere of Avenida Balboa or the serenity of Bocas del Toro beaches, each destination has its own unique appeal. I can say that living here is a paradise for every type of traveller or family. If you are considering a trip or even a second home, Panama is the first place you should consider in Central America. There is no better time than today to discover the wonders of Panama.