Expect all the comforts of a large modern city without the maddening crowds. The population of Panama City is close to half a million people, but simply step down an alley off the main streets and you'll feel like you're in a quaint, sleepy Latin American town.
Be prepared for rain. Pack an umbrella or rain coat because the rainy season lasts from April until December. The dry season, from December to April, can be quite hot and humidity can make it almost unbearable at times.
Visit the currency exchange booth in the airport where you can change your dollars to Balboas, the currency used in Panama City and the rest of the country.
Fly from Miami in the U.S. to Panama City, where international flights arrive frequently. Panama City is also where you'll land coming from other Central and South American countries.
Use Panama City as a hub for domestic travel. Panama's domestic airline, COPA, runs many flights to various exciting destinations within the country.
Rent a car in Panama City to drive to your accommodations and to soak in the scenery of this modern capital.
Stay in the El Cangrejo neighborhood. Many of the city's finest high-end luxury hotels are here and you won't find better accommodations anywhere in the country.
Enjoy the rich history and heritage of Panama City's colonial past by booking your stay in Casco Viejo. This neighborhood in the city center has all the charm of 19th century Panama City and has a variety of accommodations to fit most travellers' budgets.
Treat yourself to luxury. Panama City has some really incredible full-service resorts with swimming pools, kitchens, free internet access, plush furnishings, excellent restaurants and bars and some offer the added incentive of price breaks for longer stays.
Dine out in style. Panama City boasts some of the finest restaurants in Central America. Be aware, though, that local cuisine is heavy on the meat, so vegans and vegetarians will have to watch what they eat.
Dance the night away in Panama City bars and clubs. Many are open late, and some of the finer accommodations have their own on-site bars.
