This is a very difficult question for many people when they take the bold decision to move to this interesting and quirky, tropical paradise. The city offers such a diverse range of neighborhoods, housing and prices one could spend the better part of a year doing research on what’s the best area to live in! Now this Panamanian Gringo is one of a very laid back nature, and with month-to-month rent being the standard for most apartments in the city I literally just chose the first place I was shown in a neighborhood I was recommended over the web. Please read my article on how I became an ESL teacher in Panama to better understand my situation, but to Read more
When you’re sitting at home dreaming of adventures trying to scheme up a way to travel and make money, ESL jobs often come to mind. Choosing the country, finding a job and getting hired are the first massive hurdles, but once you have successfully completed these, what is it really like? Do you really just play with kids and speak English for a couple of hours a day then use your money to lounge in paradise?
If you haven’t read my article on how I randomly ended up as an ESL teacher in Panama City, please read this article so you better understand my story. The school that has chosen this gringo as their English language educator is Read more
Panama City is, in my opinion, a shopper’s paradise. There are four main malls in Panama City and each seems to draw tourists and locals inside and out of the heat by the hundreds. While I recommend shopping on the streets such as on Via Espana in El Congrejo the malls are a great way to spend the afternoon in air conditioning, grab a bite to eat and get some retail therapy.
The busiest mall in Panama is probably Albrook Mall near the Albrook air force base. The mall also houses the Albrook bus terminal likely helping keep it jam packed. Albrook offers some of the best prices in several discount stores such as Conway, Titan and El Costo Read more
The food scene in Panama is constantly changing and evolving while keeping a strong hold on traditional cuisine as well. In Panama food can be found on nearly every street corner and borough to suit any palette as well as any wallet. If you are looking for traditional Panamanian food I highly recommend you check out El Trapiche in the El Cangrejo neighborhood on Via Argentina. Constantly filled with locals- evidence of the authenticity and quality of its Panamanian food-
El Trapiche offers everything genuinely Panamanian from the chicken soup to the deep fried corn tortillas, empanadas and plantains. You can expect to pay around $10 to $15 a plate at dinner in El Trapiche, but the quality of Read more
One of the questions I hear so often when talking about Panama is “What are property prices like in Panama?” If you crave the ocean air, warm beaches, tropical climate and are willing to live without many of the unnecessary conveniences that many of us have grown accustomed to, then oceanfront property in Panama may be a perfect place for you to think about buying property. A chunk of comparable beach front property in the states goes easily two or three times higher than in Panama.
For example: this beach front lot that I just found in Chiriqui Panama is priced around 66 thousand. In the states you may be looking at millions for a similar sized lot in Read more
Manolo’s in the El Cangrejo neighborhood of Panama City has been my culinary rock during my stay here. Manolo’s is open 24 hours and conveniently located across from the Veneto Hotel and Casino in the heart of Panama City. Their menu ranges from ceviche to Cuban sandwiches to pizza, pasta and seafood that won’t break your budget.
On a groggy morning after Manolo’s is the perfect place to get a fresh fruit drink and a plate of hotcakes and eggs for around six bucks. You can swing in at lunch for a juicy burger topped with a fried egg and veggies and wash that down with a Panama beer or stop by for one of my favorites the chicken Read more
Panama is never short on Americanized conveniences such as fast food drive thrus and drinkable tap water. The food scene in Panama never fails to surprise either. In some neighborhoods you can get top quality sushi, traditional Panamanian food, killer pizza and vegetarian Chinese within walking distance of each other. For me this is one of the biggest perks of living in Panama City. El Cangrejo, which I have grown to admire, boasts hundreds of restaurants and bars to suit any budget or palette.
El Burger Bar in El Cangrejo serves better than average quality burgers and sides in a comfortable, clean atmosphere with surprisingly friendly staff and management. You can build your own burger from any type of Read more
If you’re searching for a more luxurious and accommodated spot to crash in Panama City the Veneto Hotel & Casino located on Via Veneto in Panama City’s El Cangrejo neighborhood may be your best bet when deciding among places to stay. The hotel comes very well equipped with fine dining restaurants, sushi bar, several bars, a spa, world class casino, roof top pool and many customer service options such as airport shuttle, valet parking and 24 hour room service. Room rates range from about $115 to $200 per night depending on the number of occupants and length of stay; and many specials are offered for extended stays of four or more nights.
La Bodeguita VIP has been providing those in Panama City with a dependable party scene for the past several years. Located on Via Espana near the El Cangrejo neighborhood of Panama City, La Bodeguita truly embellishes some of the elements of the party scene which Panama has become known for; beautiful women, reggaeton(among loads of other loud dance music), and strong cheap drinks.
La Bodeguita is popular with tourists and locals alike. Events are held weekly and range from sexy lingerie shows to live salsa music and dancing. Ideal for the single man; it is known for being an exceedingly popular spot with ladies and pretty Latinas are never scarce. On my few excursions to La Bodeguita I Read more
