I stayed for one week during Christmas time. Central America is a bit underrepresented here so I want to provide some information on Panama City, Panama. Keep in mind the context of my trip:
1. I was with a girl
2. It was during Christmas
Weather
The weather was great. 90 degrees F in the day with little rain.
Food
Food was delicious and cheap. Some good options around Calle Uruguay. La Comida Restaruante off of Via Espana is a good option for lunch with a price of 3 dollars including a drink.
Language
Many people speak English. I am not sure about the percentage, but it was quite high for Central America. Panama is very Americanized from the fast food chains, the buildings, and the overall feel. I felt like I was in Miami, except I like Miami more.
Logistics
I stayed at Panamastudio apartments. I rented an apartment for 55 dollars per night. It is actually an Apart/Hotel. There is a receptionist who speaks English. It had a good location close to Via Espana and a ten minute walk to Calle Uruguay. Also,
to Hard Rock Hotel: 20 minute walk
to Metromall: 20 minute walk
Taxis
They don't have meters and the price is up for negotiation. If you are not fluent in Spanish you will pay more.
Airport to Via Espana/Calle Uruguay: 35-40 dollars
Via Espana to the Causeway: 7 dollars
Via Espana to Casco Veijo: 7 dollars
Things to do during the day
Panama Canal: You can see the Canal from the Miraflores Visitor Center. The price of admission is about 10 dollars. Very interesting from an engineering standpoint. I wouldn't plan on more then an hour or two.
Amador Causeway: Nice for a walk or bike ride with nice views. A good place to grab a bite or drink as well.
Metropolitan Park: Cool place for a hike and to see a natural rainforest.
Casco Veijo: nice colonial neighborhood popular with backpackers. Colombia Hotel is good for lunch. Careful walking around as the neighborhood next to it is rundown.
Isla Taboga: You can catch a ferry from the Causeway. The ferry is about 45 minutes. Get there about one hour early to secure a seat. Cool for a day trip. There aren't any real options for beaches close to the city. This is a good place if you want a beach atmosphere.
Nightlife
Most of the nightlife is centered around Calle Uruguay, Casco Jeijo and the Causeway. All of these spots will draw and international crowd. There were locals in Calle Uruguay and the social circles seem tight.
There are a lot of casinos. Marriott has a nice one close to Via Espana. I also went to Venetto Casino which was filled with hookers at night from Colombia.
Women
The local women are below average and perhaps the worst I have seen. There is no comparison with their Colombian counterparts. The only attractive women I did see were at Hooters on Calle Uruguay. As I mentioned before, I was with a girl so this wasn't my focus. But I am certain I will not return especially to meet local girls. Panama City draws an international crowd. I met some Canadians, Americans and people from other South America countries. Most of these girls seemed to be in mixed groups. Bottom line, I was not impressed with the talent. Head somewhere else if you want to travel and hook-up with local women.
Conclusion
I think Panama is a decent Stopover on your way to South America. Flying Copa through Panama City is an option. It may be ok for someone with little travel experience outside the US as it is very Americanized. One week seemed like too much. I would absolutely not return here for meeting women. I wasn't impressed overall with the women or as a city. Keep in mind, I was in Panama during Christmas and I was with a girl. However, I saw enough not to return. I would skip it. Even for a vacation with a girl, I would go somewhere else.
Other
I spoke about 95 percent of the time in Spanish. It improved quite a bit. I have been using Pimsleur. Thanks to the Forum for this recommendation. It is a great tool for learning. But there is no better way than immersing yourself and speaking with locals.
1. I was with a girl
2. It was during Christmas
Weather
The weather was great. 90 degrees F in the day with little rain.
Food
Food was delicious and cheap. Some good options around Calle Uruguay. La Comida Restaruante off of Via Espana is a good option for lunch with a price of 3 dollars including a drink.
Language
Many people speak English. I am not sure about the percentage, but it was quite high for Central America. Panama is very Americanized from the fast food chains, the buildings, and the overall feel. I felt like I was in Miami, except I like Miami more.
Logistics
I stayed at Panamastudio apartments. I rented an apartment for 55 dollars per night. It is actually an Apart/Hotel. There is a receptionist who speaks English. It had a good location close to Via Espana and a ten minute walk to Calle Uruguay. Also,
to Hard Rock Hotel: 20 minute walk
to Metromall: 20 minute walk
Taxis
They don't have meters and the price is up for negotiation. If you are not fluent in Spanish you will pay more.
Airport to Via Espana/Calle Uruguay: 35-40 dollars
Via Espana to the Causeway: 7 dollars
Via Espana to Casco Veijo: 7 dollars
Things to do during the day
Panama Canal: You can see the Canal from the Miraflores Visitor Center. The price of admission is about 10 dollars. Very interesting from an engineering standpoint. I wouldn't plan on more then an hour or two.
Amador Causeway: Nice for a walk or bike ride with nice views. A good place to grab a bite or drink as well.
Metropolitan Park: Cool place for a hike and to see a natural rainforest.
Casco Veijo: nice colonial neighborhood popular with backpackers. Colombia Hotel is good for lunch. Careful walking around as the neighborhood next to it is rundown.
Isla Taboga: You can catch a ferry from the Causeway. The ferry is about 45 minutes. Get there about one hour early to secure a seat. Cool for a day trip. There aren't any real options for beaches close to the city. This is a good place if you want a beach atmosphere.
Nightlife
Most of the nightlife is centered around Calle Uruguay, Casco Jeijo and the Causeway. All of these spots will draw and international crowd. There were locals in Calle Uruguay and the social circles seem tight.
There are a lot of casinos. Marriott has a nice one close to Via Espana. I also went to Venetto Casino which was filled with hookers at night from Colombia.
Women
The local women are below average and perhaps the worst I have seen. There is no comparison with their Colombian counterparts. The only attractive women I did see were at Hooters on Calle Uruguay. As I mentioned before, I was with a girl so this wasn't my focus. But I am certain I will not return especially to meet local girls. Panama City draws an international crowd. I met some Canadians, Americans and people from other South America countries. Most of these girls seemed to be in mixed groups. Bottom line, I was not impressed with the talent. Head somewhere else if you want to travel and hook-up with local women.
Conclusion
I think Panama is a decent Stopover on your way to South America. Flying Copa through Panama City is an option. It may be ok for someone with little travel experience outside the US as it is very Americanized. One week seemed like too much. I would absolutely not return here for meeting women. I wasn't impressed overall with the women or as a city. Keep in mind, I was in Panama during Christmas and I was with a girl. However, I saw enough not to return. I would skip it. Even for a vacation with a girl, I would go somewhere else.
Other
I spoke about 95 percent of the time in Spanish. It improved quite a bit. I have been using Pimsleur. Thanks to the Forum for this recommendation. It is a great tool for learning. But there is no better way than immersing yourself and speaking with locals.