How to choose your area
This guide is about Panama City, Panama, and it is organized by district, not by hotel. Rates change with the season and the dates, so compare them for your own trip. What you can decide now is the location: old town walks, the waterfront, or the road to the canal.
Three questions help. Do you want to walk to restaurants and sights in the evening? Do you have an early boat tour or a flight? Will you rely on the Metro and the bus? Each district below answers these differently.
Areas compared
A quick view before the details.
| Area | Best for | Getting around | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casco Viejo | Old town walks, the Canal Museum | On foot within the district | Poorly lit streets at night |
| Paitilla and the Cinta Costera | The waterfront path, running and cycling | On foot or by bike along the path | Check the distance from your exact address |
| Albrook and Amador | Bus links to Miraflores and the Biomuseo, boat tours | Metro station and MiBus routes | Transfer times vary, so ask your host |
Panama City and canal tours
Boat trips, lock visits and city tours from Panama City, with live prices and availability.
Where to stay in Panama City, by district
Pick the district that fits your plans.
Casco Viejo
The historic district is the natural base for old town walks. The cathedral, the main squares and the Canal Museum are close together. It is a good choice if you want to walk to dinner. The UK government lists Casco Viejo among places with a theft and robbery risk and advises against poorly lit streets and walking alone at night. Take a taxi after dark.
Casco Viejo guide →Paitilla and the Cinta Costera
The Cinta Costera starts in Paitilla and runs about 4 miles (7 km) toward Casco Viejo, with gardens, bike paths, sports areas and viewpoints. A hotel near the start puts the promenade on your doorstep. Distance and views depend on the exact address, so check the map for your hotel.
Things to do in Panama City →Albrook
Albrook has a Metro station and a bus hub. MiBus route C810 runs to Miraflores, C850 to Amador and C790 to Gamboa. It suits travelers who plan to visit the locks and the Biomuseo by public transport. The UK government lists Albrook Mall among places with theft risk, so keep your valuables close.
Miraflores guide →Amador
The Amador Causeway has the Biomuseo, walking and cycling, and several marinas where partial transit tours meet, among them Flamenco Marina, La Playita and Brisas de Amador. Departures are usually between 06:00 and 10:00, and hotel pickup is not always included. Ask the operator about the meeting point before you choose your area.
Partial transit →Other districts
You will also see listings in El Cangrejo, Obarrio, San Francisco and Costa del Este. Before booking, check the distance to the nearest Metro station and how you will reach your first sight. Compare reviews for noise and safety at the specific address.
From Tocumen airport to the city
Panama City's main airport is Tocumen. Metro Line 2 has an airport branch. Change at Corredor Sur to the train toward ITSE and the airport. To continue to the center on Line 1, you change again at San Miguelito. Fares are $0.50 on Line 2 and $0.35 on Line 1 as of 2026, and a travel card is $2 at the machines.
The Metro network is a link, not a door-to-door service. A hotel near Tocumen is not necessarily within walking distance of the terminals, and a free hotel shuttle is not a given. Check the current shuttle timetable and the operating hours before you rely on the train late at night or early in the morning. The operator moved to new card validators in September 2026 and reported queues at rush hour. If you arrive tired or with heavy bags, a taxi is simpler.
Plan the rest of your trip
Connect your base with the things you want to see.
Where to stay in Panama City: frequently asked questions
Which area is best for first-time visitors?
Casco Viejo suits visitors who want to walk the old town. Albrook and Amador suit visitors whose main goal is the canal, with bus links to Miraflores and the Biomuseo.
Is it safe to stay in Casco Viejo?
Many visitors do. The UK government lists it among places with a risk of theft and robbery, so avoid poorly lit streets and do not walk alone at night. Use taxis in the evening.
How do I get from Tocumen airport to the city?
Take Metro Line 2 and change at Corredor Sur to the airport branch train. For Line 1 you change again in San Miguelito. A taxi is simpler with luggage or at night.
Do I need to stay near the canal?
No. The Miraflores Locks are on the edge of the city and are reached by MiBus route C810 from Albrook. Boat tours start in the Amador area, so ask the operator for the meeting point.
When should I book?
Compare rates for your own dates. If your trip includes a partial transit on a Saturday or Sunday, book the tour first and choose the hotel around it.