Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Panama City

Panama City, is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that offers a wide range of neighborhoods suitable for single expats and digital nomads. Each neighborhood has its unique charm, catering to different preferences, from bustling nightlife to tranquil residential areas. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for single people to live in Panama City.

Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo)

Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo, is the historic district of Panama City, offering a unique blend of colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions. Single people can enjoy rooftop bars, live music venues, and various events hosted by the neighborhood's many non-profits and art galleries. The Plaza de la Independencia is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with beautiful views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy jogging or cycling along the picturesque Cinta Costera.

Location: Southwestern part of Panama City, near the Pacific Ocean.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,000 - $1,500 per month. Purchase prices range from $200,000 to $350,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: Donde Jose, a renowned Panamanian restaurant, offers a unique dining experience. For a more casual atmosphere, try the local street food at the Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market).

Interesting History: Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site, founded in 1673 after the original city was destroyed by pirates.

Celeb sightings: Panamanian celebrities like Ruben Blades and Erika Ender have been spotted in the area.

Costa del Este

Costa del Este is a modern, upscale neighborhood known for its luxurious high-rise buildings, beautiful parks, and excellent shopping centers. Singles can enjoy a variety of fitness clubs, language schools, and cooking classes. The neighborhood is home to the Town Center Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in Central America, and the Parque Urbano, a popular spot for outdoor activities.

Location: Eastern part of Panama City, along the Panama Bay.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,200 - $1,800 per month. Purchase prices range from $250,000 to $400,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: Maito, a trendy restaurant offering a fusion of Panamanian and international cuisine, and Market, a popular spot for healthy, organic meals.

Interesting History: Costa del Este was built on reclaimed land and has become one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Panama City.

Celeb sightings: International celebrities like Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson have been spotted in the area.

Obarrio

Obarrio is a trendy, centrally located neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere, diverse dining options, and vibrant nightlife. Singles can enjoy a variety of bars, clubs, and cultural events. The neighborhood is home to the SoHo Mall, a popular shopping center, and the Via Argentina, a bustling street lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.

Location: Central Panama City, near the financial district.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around $800 - $1,300 per month. Purchase prices range from $150,000 to $250,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: Madrigal, a popular spot for Panamanian cuisine, and La Rana Dorada, a microbrewery offering a variety of craft beers.

Interesting History: Obarrio was once a residential area for Panama's elite families and has since transformed into a bustling commercial and entertainment district.

Celeb sightings: Panamanian celebrities like Danilo Perez and Osvaldo Ayala have been spotted in the area.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a residential neighborhood popular among expats and locals alike, offering a mix of modern and traditional architecture. Singles can enjoy a variety of parks, fitness clubs, and community events. The neighborhood is home to the Parque Omar, a large urban park, and the Multiplaza Pacific Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in Central America.

Location: Central Panama City, near the financial district and the Panama Canal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around $700 - $1,200 per month. Purchase prices range from $120,000 to $200,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: El Trapiche, a popular spot for traditional Panamanian cuisine, and La Posta, an Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.

Interesting History: San Francisco was one of the first suburbs of Panama City, established in the early 20th century.

Celeb sightings: Panamanian celebrities like Roberto Duran and Ruben Blades have been spotted in the area.

Punta Pacifica

Punta Pacifica is an exclusive, luxurious neighborhood known for its high-end residential buildings, upscale shopping centers, and beautiful ocean views. Singles can enjoy a variety of fitness clubs, spas, and fine dining options. The neighborhood is home to the Multiplaza Pacific Mall and the Trump Ocean Club, a popular spot for nightlife and entertainment.

Location: Southern part of Panama City, along the Pacific Ocean.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,500 - $2,500 per month. Purchase prices range from $300,000 to $500,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: Intimo, a fine dining restaurant offering a unique culinary experience, and Salsipuedes, a popular spot for Panamanian cuisine.

Interesting History: Punta Pacifica was built on reclaimed land and has become one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Panama City.

Celeb sightings: International celebrities like Paris Hilton and Donald Trump have been spotted in the area.

Coco del Mar

Coco del Mar is a quiet, residential neighborhood known for its beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere. Singles can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as jogging, cycling, and water sports. The neighborhood is home to the Parque Natural Metropolitano, a popular spot for hiking and wildlife observation.

Location: Southern part of Panama City, along the Pacific Ocean.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around $800 - $1,300 per month. Purchase prices range from $150,000 to $250,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: La Vespa, a popular spot for Italian cuisine, and El Caribe, a restaurant offering a variety of seafood dishes.

Interesting History: Coco del Mar was once a small fishing village and has since transformed into a popular residential area.

Celeb sightings: Panamanian celebrities like Omar Alfanno and Los Rabanes have been spotted in the area.

El Cangrejo

El Cangrejo is a bohemian, eclectic neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse dining options, and lively nightlife. Singles can enjoy a variety of bars, clubs, and cultural events. The neighborhood is home to the Universidad de Panama, the country's largest university, and the Via Argentina, a bustling street lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.

Location: Central Panama City, near the financial district.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around $600 - $1,000 per month. Purchase prices range from $100,000 to $180,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: El Trapiche, a popular spot for traditional Panamanian cuisine, and La Rana Dorada, a microbrewery offering a variety of craft beers.

Interesting History: El Cangrejo was once a residential area for Panama's middle class and has since transformed into a bustling commercial and entertainment district.

Celeb sightings: Panamanian celebrities like Ruben Blades and Danilo Perez have been spotted in the area.

Bella Vista

Bella Vista is a bustling, commercial neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse dining options, and lively nightlife. Singles can enjoy a variety of bars, clubs, and cultural events. The neighborhood is home to the Calle Uruguay, a popular spot for nightlife and entertainment, and the Avenida Balboa, a scenic waterfront promenade.

Location: Central Panama City, along the Pacific Ocean.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around $700 - $1,200 per month. Purchase prices range from $120,000 to $200,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: Madrigal, a popular spot for Panamanian cuisine, and La Rana Dorada, a microbrewery offering a variety of craft beers.

Interesting History: Bella Vista was once a residential area for Panama's elite families and has since transformed into a bustling commercial and entertainment district.

Celeb sightings: Panamanian celebrities like Ruben Blades and Osvaldo Ayala have been spotted in the area.