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City guide

Panamá

Panama City, also known as Panama, is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama. It has a total population of 410,354 in the city proper and 1,086,990 in the Panamá District, which includes the outer corregimientos of the city.

Type CountryPopulation 410,354Metro Area Population 2,100,000

Why go

  • Capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama.
  • Served by Ruben Cantu Airport (SYP).

History

Panama City, also known as Panama, is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama. It has a total population of 410,354 in the city proper and 1,086,990 in the Panamá District, which includes the outer corregimientos of the city. The metropolitan area has over 2,100,000 people. The city is at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the province of Panama. The city is the political and administrative center of the country, as well as a hub for banking and commerce.

Restaurants & places to go

Villa Nomada
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Indoor

1 more place in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →

Airports

Ruben Cantu Airport (SYP) 75 km to the centre
Santiago, 9, PA — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Alonso Valderrama Airport (CTD) 78 km to the centre
Chitré, 6, PA — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Scarlett Martinez International Airport (RIH) 61 km to the centre
Río Hato, 2, PA — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
El Aguila Airstrip 43 km to the centre
El Aguila, 2, PA
Outdoor
Augusto Vergara Airport 97 km to the centre
Los Santos, 7, PA
Outdoor
Guillermo Palm Jaén Airport 32 km to the centre
Penonomé, 2, PA
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

Panamá
Panamá
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Ruben Cantu Airport (SYP); 7 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Panamá. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.