El Machico

Panama City


In a suburban two-story, this stylish and popular Italian-run hostel indulges your inner kid with projected movies in the swimming pool, a PlayStation and foldable bikes for rent (US$10 per day). Also offers cheap tours, including to San Blas. Dorms sleep six to 12 people with blessed air-conditioning that runs at night. Doubles are relatively bare for the price tag.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Panama City attractions

1. World Trade Center

0.23 MILES

Located within the financial district, these two towers were built in 1996.

2. Balboa Statue

0.93 MILES

Sculpted by Miguel Blan and Mariano Benlliure, the Balboa statue overlooks the Bahía de Panamá and was inaugurated in 1924, a gift from Spain.

3. Museo de Ciencias Naturales

1.36 MILES

Museo de Ciencias Naturales has sections on geology, paleontology, entomology and marine biology, as well as an impressive display of taxidermy.

4. Parque Recreativo Omar

1.66 MILES

The biggest park in the city is filled with children, joggers and the occasional salsa class. It's located in Omar, behind the San Francisco neighborhood…

5. Museo Afro-Antilleano

1.66 MILES

The small Afro-Antillean museum has exhibits on the history of Panama’s West Indian community, particularly their work building the railroad and later the…

6. Mariposario Metropolitano

1.87 MILES

With 1600 species, Panama City's butterfly garden is a worthy stop for nature lovers. Fifteen-minute guided tours explain the life cycle of butterflies…

7. Iglesia de San Francisco

1.89 MILES

This restored 17th-century church exhibits Gothic, Romantic and Renaissance architectural influences.

8. Palacio de las Garzas

1.89 MILES

The Palacio de las Garzas is named after the great garzas blancas (white herons) that reside here. The president of Panama lives on the upper floor.