Featured Gay Friendly Hotels in Panama City

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W Panama

Art, fashion, entertainment and design come together in this stylish tower that raises the bar in Panama for contemporary luxury.

Gay Panama City, Panama

Panama is a nation in Central America with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, with Colombia (and South America) towards the southeast and Costa Rica (and North America) towards the northwest. It's well located on the isthmus that shapes the land bridge attached to North and South America. It influences the Panama Canal that links the North Atlantic Ocean via the Caribbean Sea with the North Pacific Ocean, one of the most crucial shipping routes in the world.

Over the years Panama City has been occupied by a variety of different world powers which has left it to be a fairly multi-cultural place. Gay Panama is actually considered one of the most open-minded Central American Countries. During the daytime, you can find a variety of beaches, forests, and historical sites along with many other interesting things to see. At night you’ll find that the nightlife is absolutely amazing. The bars are open late and the club’s party until the sun dawns, you’ll never find a place to love more than here.

The temperature here is very nice year-round as the area is located near the equator. Here you won’t have to worry about packing large thick jackets and snowboarding pants. Instead, take only what you need, and all you need is really shorts and a few tank tops. If you forget your speedo or bikini at home then you can easily pick up several pairs once you’re here for extremely cheap prices. This is the land of great food, great beaches, and great people. This should definitely be a gay traveler's favorite.

There are many beaches not only in the city but away from it as well. If you are in Gay Panama and you are really looking for somewhere secluded then rent a car. You can rent a car at many of the enterprise locations in the city and go for a drive. Drive any way you want and you are sure to find secluded yet beautiful beaches to catch some rays either by yourself or with your favorite people.

What do you want to discover?

What's the gay scene like?

Best time to visit Panama City

Top things to see and do in Panama City

MUST DO: Attractions & activities

MUST EAT: Gay-friendly dining

MUST VISIT: Gay-friendly bars & nightlife

Travel Safety Tips

Local Expert: Gay Scene in Panama City

The gay scene in Panama City is vibrant, colorful, and proud. The LGBT community has worked hard to build a strong community that is welcoming, friendly, and progressive. They have been advocating for equal rights and have been gaining momentum. While Panama City is still a conservative country, it's slowly moving towards acceptance and equality that the LGBT community has been working towards. While visiting, Casco Viejo would be the best place to hang out. The area is trendy, fun, and full of bars, restaurants, and more that you can hang in. The locals will guide you to the gay scene and where the events are happening. 

Best Time to Visit Panama City

Anytime is a great time to visit Panama. There are many local events, festivities, and celebrations that happen throughout the year, so it would be fun to show up and join in on the celebrations. Also, keep in mind that the dry season is between December through April. These months would be ideal for hiking and exploring the city. 

Top Things to See and Do in Panama City

MUST DO Panama City Attractions & Activities

Panama city is known for its cultural hub and the many different visitors it gets yearly. There is plenty of history to explore, nature to partake in, and architectural marvels to admire. Below, you will find some ideas for activities to partake in while visiting the city. 

Casco Viejo - Founded in 1671, Casco Viejo is considered one of the “old town” districts of Panama City. It’s rich in history and architecture. Some of the buildings even date back to the 17th century. It also got its UNESCO world heritage site in 2003. Here you will find many different shops, restaurants, boutiques, and more. At night, the city comes alive and shows a glittering nightlife scene. Come and explore the narrow streets, old buildings, and charming shops you will find while visiting. 

Parque Nacional Soberania - One of the most popular national parks in Panama. Located about 30 minutes outside of the city, you will be transported to a lush, tropical paradise. Here you will find wildlife, lush greenery, and many hiking trails. One of them leads to a waterfall. 

Panama Canal - A trip to Panama can not be complete without taking time to visit the famous Panama Canal. You can spend some time going to the canal and seeing the boats pass by, or even hop on a cruise and experience it for yourself! The Panama Canal is a modern marvel and is definitely something you should check out while visiting.  

MUST EAT Panama City Gay-Friendly Dining

The foodie scene in Panama city is very active and ambitious. You can find a variety of dishes throughout the city that range from traditional, and comforting, and even offer high-end dining experiences. You can wander around the city and find small restaurants offering small dishes that are great for a quick bite, and a food cart that offers traditional food on the go. Below, you will find some food that is traditionally served in Panama that you can easily find throughout the city. 

Sancocho - Considered the national dish of Panama, Sancocho is a broth made with an herb known as “Culantro”. Not to be confused with Cilantro. This herb has a similar taste to cilantro but has a stronger smell and sweeter undertones. Traditionally it’s served with a side of rice, vegetables, and protein. The locals even swear it can cure the strongest of hangovers. After a long night out, definitely get to give this dish a try. 

Ropa Vieja - Translates to  “Old Clothes”. This dish a made from slow-cooking beef with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices that when one cuts into it, the meat falls apart like “old clothes”. This hearty dish is prevalent and can be found in different places in Latin America. 

Patacones - This is a popular side dish that is commonly served with a dish. Patacones is a plantain cut up, fried, smashed, and fried once more. They are paired with food that has a sauce so you can soak up all the juices and sauces. 

MUST VISIT: Panama City Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

Panama’s gay nightlife scene can be found in the Casco Viejo area of Panama City. At night, the city really comes alive with a colorful atmosphere, music, and culture. As you wander around the area you will different bars, venues, and cocktail lounges in which you can find Panama’s gay nightlife. The locals are also very friendly and will guild you to the other venues if you are looking to bar hop. The streets will fill with people all looking to have a good time. 

Travel Safety Tips

Panama City is considered a very safe and welcoming place to visit. The people are friendly, welcoming, and happy to help guide you throughout the city. Panama city is considered a hub for many different types of business and tourism, so there is always something to do. While visiting, it’s always smart to practice common sense travel tips. Use the hotel safe to lock up valuables and important documents. Use a map and remember how to get back to your room. Follow these tips and you are guaranteed to have a wonder and memorable visit. 

The Gay Scene in Panama City

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