Nightlife · Panama City · Panama
Panama City nightlife
Where the evenings happen in Panama City, from early drinks to late nights.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 123Hollic, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Panama City has a lively nightlife: rooftop and cocktail bars in Casco Viejo, clubs and bars around Calle Uruguay, and hotel bars and lounges in the high-rise districts. Weekends are busiest, and things start late. The main areas are Casco Viejo, Calle Uruguay and El Cangrejo.
Key facts
- Nightlife areas
- 3
- Stay near the action
- Casco Viejo
- Local drink
- Geisha coffee
Where to go out
Casco Viejo
Rooftop bars, cocktail bars and live music in restored buildings around the plazas.
Calle Uruguay
Bars, clubs and late-night restaurants popular with a young local crowd.
El Cangrejo
Casual bars and craft-beer spots near Vía Argentina.
Nightlife tips
- Use ride-hailing apps at night rather than walking between neighbourhoods.
- Stick to the restored, well-lit streets in Casco Viejo after dark.
What to drink
- Geisha coffee — The highlands of Boquete in western Panama grow the Geisha variety, famous for its floral, tea-like flavour, which has reached some of the highest prices at specialty coffee auctions.
- Seco Herrerano — A clear sugar-cane spirit from the province of Herrera, Panama's national liquor, drunk with soda, in cocktails or mixed with milk.
- Chicheme — A thick, sweet drink of cooked corn, milk, cinnamon and vanilla, served cold.
Evenings through the year
Sunset and the overnight low decide how long the outdoor part of a night lasts. March has the warmest evenings, with lows around 23°C (73°F).
| Month | Sunset (15th) | Overnight low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | About 18:17 | 23°C (73°F) | 3 |
| April | About 18:28 | 24°C (75°F) | 5 |
| July | About 18:42 | 24°C (75°F) | 15 |
| October | About 18:01 | 24°C (75°F) | 21 |
Getting home late
- Metro — A rechargeable transit card covers both the Metro and MetroBus.
- Bus — MetroBus air-conditioned buses cover the city on fixed routes, and the Albrook Gran Terminal next to the Albrook Mall handles long-distance buses across the country.
- Ride-hailing — Uber and other ride-hailing apps are widely used, inexpensive and the easiest option at night or to the Miraflores Locks.
- Taxi — Yellow taxis are unmetered; agree the fare before you get in, and expect higher prices from hotels and at night.
- Walking — Casco Viejo, the Cinta Costera and the Amador Causeway are pleasant to walk, but the heat makes long walks hard in the middle of the day.
- Ferry — Ferries to Isla Taboga leave from the Amador Causeway, taking about 30–45 minutes.
Late-night bites
- Patacones — Almost every restaurant and fonda; they come with fish, ceviche and meats.
- Carimañolas — Bakeries, breakfast counters and fondas, especially in the mornings.
Staying safe at night
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas such as Avenida Central; in Casco Viejo, stay on the restored streets after dark, as some neighbouring areas are best avoided. The heat and sun are intense, so drink plenty of water.
- Emergency number
- 911
Where to stay for nightlife
$$$ · Best for couples, first-timers, nightlife, culture and food lovers
Casco Viejo
The old town on its small peninsula has been largely restored, with 17th- to early 20th-century buildings around Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza Bolívar and Plaza Herrera now holding boutique hotels, restaurants, rooftop bars and cafés. It is the most atmospheric base and walkable to the Cinta Costera and the fish market.
- Good
- Most characterful area of the city; Restaurants and bars on foot; Sea views from the promenade
- Watch out
- Bar noise at weekends; Some neighbouring streets are best avoided after dark; Traffic and parking are difficult
- Nearby
- Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza de Francia, Mercado de Mariscos, Cinta Costera
Questions travellers ask
+Where is the best nightlife in Panama City?
Casco Viejo, Calle Uruguay and El Cangrejo. Rooftop bars, cocktail bars and live music in restored buildings around the plazas.
+Which area of Panama City is best for nightlife?
Casco Viejo: Restored colonial streets, rooftop bars and boutique hotels.