Panama City Guide 2023 - Biggest and most important Cities in Panama

About Panama 

Panama, is located between Central and South America. It is famous for its canal, built between 1904 and 1914 by the US Army and is serving as a vital shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. 

Largest Cities in Panama

The biggest and most important city in Panama is its capital, Panama City. It has a population of almost 900,000 people in the city area and 1.5 million in the surrounding urban area. Panama City is located at the Pacific entrance of the canal. In addition to the buildings that still stand from its colonial era, Panama City also serves as the political and economic hub of the nation.

The second-largest city in the nation is San Miguelito which is technically still part of the Panama City Metropolitan Area. It has a population of about 500,000 permanent residents. 

San José de David (also known as David), is the nation’s third largest and most important city with 144,858 residents. It is a commercial hub and a wealthy city in the west of the nation. In addition to being a well-liked tourist destination, it is a growingly significant economic location with a growing banking industry.

List of Largest cities in Panama (source):

What are the 5 most important cities in Panama?

Panama City -the capital- is the most important city in Panama, followed by San Miguelito (technically a part of Panama of Panama City). Third most important city is the economic and commercial hub city of David, followed by Colon and Arraijan.

What is the prettiest city in Panama?

Hands down, Boquete is Panama’s prettiest city. Boquette is one of Panama’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s also incredibly beautiful. It is nestled in the Caldera River valley, surrounded on three sides by mountains that shape the town’s landscape.

The town of Boquete is bounded on the west by the Baru volcano; on the north by the Talamanca mountain range; and on the east by the Jaramillo Mountains. Boquete is the starting point for an interesting 7-hour drive to the country’s highest peak, the Baru volcano.

What part of Panama City is the best?

El Cangrejo, Marbella, San Francisco, Punta Pacifica, and Costa del Este are among the best, safest and most popular areas and neighborhoods of Panama City for tourists, expats and digital nomads.. Each district has its own distinct flavor that caters to varied preferences; El Cangrejo is full of fashionable cafes and small businesses, whereas Marbella has a more casual vibe with local street sellers selling local culinary goods lining the streets.

Punta Pacifica is recognized for its high-end residential homes and lavish living amenities, whilst San Francisco is wonderful for shopping because there are many designer boutiques dotted around the neighborhood. Finally, Costa del Este offers the ideal blend of luxury housing and access to fantastic dining and entertainment alternatives, such as the Panama Canal Museum & Zoo.

Also Read: Best Neighborhoods in Panama City

Where do the rich live in Panama?

Punta Pacifica, is one of Panama City’s most expensive neighborhoods and is home to many of the country’s wealthiest individuals and their families. There are gated communities and some spectacular views of the bay from the neighborhood.

 5 Safest Cities in Panama

The five safest cities and towns for tourists and expats in Panama are:

1. Las Tablas
2. Coronado
3. Bocas del Toros
4. Boquete
5. Chitre

What is the most visited city in Panama?

It’s Panama City, the capital. The cosmopolitan city is home to some of the best infrastructure in Latin America and is also one of the biggest commerce hubs of Central America. No wonder it is also the most visited city in the country as it is also a stunning tourist destination.