Panama Cities to Visit
PanamaSometimes 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.
Panama Highlights
A curated look at the best Panama has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
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.
Explore DestinationBocas 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.
Explore DestinationPedasi
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.
Explore DestinationChitré
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.
Explore DestinationDavid
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.
Explore DestinationLas 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.
Explore DestinationColon
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.
Explore DestinationSantiago
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.
Explore DestinationParita
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.
Explore DestinationLa 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.
Explore DestinationFeatured Panama Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Panama itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
Canal, Beach, & Nature = Family Fun
This vacation, do a little of everything when you explore the city, forest, and beach on this awesome family getaway to Panama. Nature and knowledge await you.
Our Adventure-Loving Trip
We have always lived by the beach, so we were more interested in the city, history, culture, food, and non-beach related outdoor activities for this trip. We were ready for adventure, and Boquete in Panama had it all!
A 'Friend-Ship' Sails to Panama
From wild nights in Panama city to beaches and brews in Bocas del Toro, awesome adventures and amazing memories are waiting for you and your friends in Panama.
A 'Best Of' Panama Family Adventure
This family adventure is a trip to paradise complete with magical forests, stunning beaches, marine wildlife, vibrant cities, and memories waiting to be made. Welcome to Panama.
We Had the Ultimate Adventure
I recommend Anywhere.com all the time. Loved the destinations and experiences we had in Panama. Panama is a hidden gem.
Family Road Trip and Island Adventure
Planning a family trip for twelve is not easy, but thanks to Anywhere.com, we got to experience the full flavor of Panama. Panama City is a wonderful destination, and we made some lasting memories.
A Birding Journey in The Tropics
Grab your binoculars and your guidebook! You're about to check a variety of beautiful birds off of your list in the rainforests and cloud forests of Panama.
We Explored All of Panama
Still needs some road repair, but overall progress is being made rapidly.
Our Excellent Journey
You did an excellent job planning and monitoring our trip. Thank you.
Insider-led Panama Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Panama Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
