Nightclubs and bars in Panama

I would like to provide some general tips on Nightlife in Panama. First, there are 4 main areas of interest: Calle Uruguay, El Cangrejo, Casco Viejo, and Amador, or the Causeway. Each has different styles of nightlife that would cater to just about anyone's style or mood.

Calle Uruguay, Panama's most popular clubbing destination is the spot to be if you have some cash to spend, a nice shirt, and an itchin' to dance. Reggaeton DJs, and Salsa dancing are popular choices of clubs on this street. I would recommend starting at a place like Habbis enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail on the outdoor patio while you people watch. What you do after that is up to you, the street is short, so take a quick walk and ask around if you don't already have plans. Before you decide to call it a night, I would definitely recommend ending at La Bodegita. This place is always poppin' off late-night. Great place to see beautiful women and dance after you already have the liquid courage. Also, don't miss the Arepas stand just outside, the best late-night street food in Panama!

Casco Viejo is quite a different nightlife experience, either for a laid back casual night at La Casona, or a place to bring a date for some live salsa music at La Platea. Safety in Casco is not a problem, just stay in the tourist areas, and ladies, watch your step, this is an easy place to break off those heals. When hailing a taxi to go to Casco Viejo, tell him that you are going to San Felipe, that is the common name for the neighborhood and every cabbie knows that name.

El Cangrejo is generally Casinos, however, the casino bars can be great, especially if you are in the mood to sit back and watch salsa dancing or a good sporting event. Besides gambling, the casinos are also great places to get a free drink during a sponsored event, like poker tournaments. There are also a number of gentleman's clubs in this neighborhood, and taxis will take you to most of them free of charge. I would recommend shirt, shoes, and long pants for most of the bars in this area.

Amador, or the Causeway, is a great place to go to enjoy a beer outside and meet with friends. It tends to be pretty dead except for the weekends. One of my favorite places to get a drink and some great kabobs (bruchetta) is Kyukos. Getting a taxi out to the Causeway will be a few dollars and might be a little more difficult than other areas in the city, it is a little out of the way. Again, a place like Kyukos is pretty casual, but a lot of the other bars might require shirt, shoes, and long pants.

Keep checking my website, www.buscapanama.net, for more detailed information ad news about upcoming events.

Dress Code: Various, depends on the area.

Do not take a bus to a small village out of a bigger city or village. This is very dangerous!! Gang members hide in the brush on the side of the paths. they jump out and stop the bus or cab with knives or guns. These people are very poor and desperate!! Be careful with traveling at night!!

Dress Code: Fully Clothed sturdy shoes or boots. a rain coat if traveling to the moutain range.

I got here just as the place was opening, but I could tell right away that this place was something special. You walk on a "jungle path" until you get to the bar which sits on and over the water and there is a wooden deck surrounding a sunken boat in the water that lends truth to the bar's name. Great music and cheap drinks. The night I was there they were featuring a $1 Cuba Libre. A very cool place to relax, and drink, and dance, and meet people, and....

Dress Code: Did not notice a specific dress code here, but if you are planning on dancing you might want to wear decent shoes and some light clothing to help beat the tropical heat (the strong drinks will help with that too)

This street near the banking district downtown is such a great nightlife spot. On good nights, like friday and saturday, the street fills up with revelers and partypeople. All the clubs and bars and restaurants are chill and have no attitude. Drinks can range from $1 to $5 and its a great people watching place.

Dress Code: No sandals for guys.

Bolero is a Cuban restaurant/bar that we frequented many times in Panama City. The food is to die for, and they have one of the best mojitos in town. Ale, the bartender, is about the most attentive bartender in all of Panama. The rest of the staff at Bolero is equally as sweet. You will leave this place "bien happy happy."

They have live music most nights as well as a dj spinning salsa and merengue. The crowd is always well dressed and ready to party. Beware young ladies- there are a few old man creepos milling around. But mostly, Bolero is a great place to listen to good music, eat amazing food, and be waited on hand and foot. I highly recommend a visit. Most assuredly, you will return.

Dress Code: Nice clothes mostly, but I did see a few people with jeans on. No one should wear sneakers out in Panama City!

Great place built up right along the beach. Like an old repurposed hotel or something. There is a large open area that looks out to the water, smaller rooms with art on display and at the time, a large art installation in an old empty pool (see pic). Also many artists are on hand selling their art. They are relaxed and don't hassle you. Very cool place, great atmosphere!

Dress Code: The folks here are fairly classy, yet conservatively sexy but they also let us in?

Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama
If you are truly into experiencing life in Bocas/Bastimentos you will want to ask around to see when 'the band' is playing on Bastimentos. They can jam for up to 9 hours straight! Sundays do come to mind for some reason?

You'll find locals hanging out with each other, listening to the music and drinking alot of gin. Listen to the vibes and meet some really great people! I have posted a photo of our dive masters/hosts (Carlos and Jacob) for that particular evening, and my travel mate Mike. The picture pretty much 'visually' sums up the time you will have in Bastimentos if you can catch the band.

This adventure is not for the anti-social or shy.

Note: On the way back, there are no running lights (or other) on these boats so... be sure to partake in a few beer to loosen up before the pitch black journey back across the channel to Bocas :-o

Dress Code: Dress code... Hmmm... none

Red Deck. While in Bocas this is the perfect place to end a wonderful snorkeling or diving day. (If you are not going to dive again the next day, ha, ha)
Nice Music , relaxed place, beverages

Dress Code: the hippiest you can