Capital city, Panama
Panama City for solo travelers
Is Panama City good for solo travel?
Central America's most modern capital: skyline, Casco Viejo, a working metro, fast fibre, good hospitals and Copa's flight hub. Hot, humid and car-centric, with some rough districts and uneven sidewalks.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Common in tourist areas |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Solo women commonly travel here; catcalling is frequent. Use Uber late, avoid walking in less central areas at night and watch drinks. |
How to meet people in Panama City
Casco Viejo hostels and rooftop bars, language exchanges, run clubs on the Cinta Costera, coworking events and expat meetups. Day tours to the canal and Gatún help too.
Good things to do alone
- Walk Casco Viejo's plazas and rooftop bars
- Visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal
- Bike the Cinta Costera waterfront
- Hike Metropolitan Natural Park for sloths and views
- Eat ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos
Where to stay in Panama City
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Casco Viejo | Colonial streets, rooftop bars, hostels; touristy and walkable |
| Punta Pacífica / Costa del Este | Modern towers, malls, hospitals; car or Uber needed |
| Bella Vista / El Cangrejo | Central, walkable, restaurants, gyms and coworking; popular with expats |
| San Francisco / Obarrio | Business district with apartments, cafés and nightlife |
Solo travel across Panama
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Bocas del Toro | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Boquete | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Santa Catalina | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pedasí | 4/5 | Limited |
| San Blas Islands | 3/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is Panama City good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Central America's most modern capital: skyline, Casco Viejo, a working metro, fast fibre, good hospitals and Copa's flight hub.
How do you meet people in Panama City?
Casco Viejo hostels and rooftop bars, language exchanges, run clubs on the Cinta Costera, coworking events and expat meetups. Day tours to the canal and Gatún help too. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Panama City?
Common in tourist areas.
Is Panama City safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women commonly travel here; catcalling is frequent. Use Uber late, avoid walking in less central areas at night and watch drinks.
More about Panama City
Going to Panama City solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Panama City meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.