Panama Cities to Visit

Sometimes it's not that you want to leave 'the city' it's that you want to leave 'your city' — explore new surroundings and treat yourself to new markets, shops, museums, restaurants, architecture, and more when you peruse this list of Panama's cities to visit. You'll get the change of pace you need, and will also enjoy easy access to the outdoor adventure the country offers.

Panama City is the most metropolitan city in all of Central America. With abundant cultural and culinary opportunities, it’s a fun place to visit. There are, however, other Panamanian cities worth noting. Chitré is a great place to explore Panama's Azuero culture, while Pedasi is a pristine town with lovely Spanish-Colonial architecture. To discover what else is waiting for you, you'll have to review this list of Panama's cities — these destinations are active, interesting, and typically have a solid offering of restaurants, bars, and cultural curiosities.

Plan my TripPlanned with a local insider, takes just 2 minutes.

Things to do View itineraries Hotels

2,600+ Verified Reviews

Panama City

Panama City is a hub in every sense of the word. Located in the Gulf of Panama along the Pacific Coast, Panama City sits in the heart of the country and serves as the main artery through which the rest of Panama receives its visitors, commerce, and culture.

Bocas Town

Bocas town is a bohemian, waterfront town on Isla Colón. It's the largest and funkiest town in the Bocas del Toro archipelago and is visited by travelers from all over the world. Hotels, restaurants, gourmet grocery stores and other tourist facilities crowd the small town, making it one of the most popular places in all of Panama.

Pedasi

The tiny town of Pedasí is slowly emerging as one of Panama’s up-and-coming tourist destinations. Located in the southeastern corner of the Azuero Peninsula, it is tidy, charming, and friendly. The buildings are decorated with some wonderfully intact Spanish-colonial architecture, and there are a number of pristine beaches close to town. Visitors to Pedasí can take trips to the wildlife sanctuary of Isla Iguana, which lays just off the coast, or head down the Azuero 34 km to the surf-haven of Playa Venao.

David

David, the provincial capital of Chiriquí province, is the second largest city in Panama (pop. 140,000) and the hub for visits to the highlands or other parts of western Panama. Though there are attractive areas within the city, David primarily serves as a place to refuel before launching into other adventures within the region.

Chitré

Chitré, capital of the Herrera province, is the largest city on the Azuero Peninsula. For most, Chitré serves as a convenient place to refuel or transfer buses before heading down the peninsula, as there is an ample amount of stores, restaurants, and accommodations in town. However, Chitré also has a vibrant Azuero culture and a history of its own, with a sprinkling of places that visitors will find attractive.

Las Tablas

For all but a week of the year, Las Tablas (pop. 7,980) is a mellow and conventional Azuero Peninsula town, noted mostly for its close proximity to Chitré and Pedasí. However, Las Tablas is turned upside down in an all-out, booze-soaked party during the annual celebration of Carnaval.

Colon

Colón, which lies along the central Caribbean coast of Panama, has historically been the country’s second-most important city. Today, however, Colón is riddled with poverty and crime. Aside from large corporate purchases at Zona Libre de Colón (Colón’s Free Trade Zone), most tourists these days are advised to stay away from the city.

Parita

Parita is a cute and tidy town6 miles (10 km) northwest of Chitré. Its Spanish colonial roots are easy to see while walking around, particularly in the town’s church and other buildings. It is a nice place to stroll and take pictures.

Santiago

Santiago is the provincial capital of Veraguas and one of Panama’s largest cities. It sits along the Inter-American Highway midway between David and Panama City, and acts as an important transportation hub for central Panama. There is little within the city that will interest most visitors, but there are a wide range of services and amenities available. Because of its central location and excellent facilities, Santiago serves as a good stopover while en route to other destinations.

La Palma

La Palma is the provincial capital of the Darién Province. It’s a small town, with fewer than 4,000 residents. Most travelers only stop here while en route to other destinations in the Darién.