Pop Out In Panama: From Canal Tours to Club Floors

Why We Decided on Panama

We decided to give Panama another try after our first trip in 2022 didn’t hit the way we’d hoped. So when the opportunity came to give it another go, we said: Let’s Pop Out in Panama. And we are glad we did. This round was full of rooftop vibes, yacht life, and mouthwatering meals that made us fall for Panama all over again.

Where We Stayed: The Westin Playa Bonita 

We checked into the Renewal Suite at the Westin Panama Playa Bonita, going for the All-Inclusive Option. Was it worth it? Meh. With a jam-packed itinerary, we barely had time to take advantage of the dining options, so we probably could have skipped the All-Inclusive.

The suite itself was spacious and comfortable, though slightly dated. Think: not crusty, just not luxury-magazine-perfect. On a scale of 1–10, we’d give the hotel experience a solid 7.5. We won't mention the chair they tried to charge us for that broke just from sitting on it. 

Things We Did: From Canal Views to Yacht Vibes

• Panama City Tour with our guide Alejandro. You can book this through our Partner Link, but maybe request someone else; Alejandro was a little grumpy lol.
• To-Do: Panama Canal - because, come on, you have to.
  
• YC Yachting Experience – a 10/10 day on the water. The yacht, the crew, the views… all phenomenal. You can watch our Reel Recap or read our full review HERE.

• Tantalo Rooftop – a whole vibe for nightlife. Great music, strong drinks, and a staff that knew how to keep the energy going.
• Casino night – because why not?
• Casa Santasco – quirky and fun, perfect for a change of pace.
• A Hidden Gem. We lucked up when we booked Franklin, for transportation and he somehow became our personal driver that showed us the city. Not only did Franklin explain everything about the area and answer any questions we had, but he also made us feel very safe. As of January 2025, here is Franklin's WhatsApp contact information: 507 6744-8006. Please hit him up and tell him Jess & Tone sent you. Play some Glorilla for him. He really enjoyed it. 

Where We Ate: Panama’s Culinary Hits 

• Starfish (at the hotel) – convenient and tasty.
• Praia – a breezy beachfront restaurant with great views and even better fish. Their whole fried fish? Chef’s kiss! Leaving Praia turned into an experience in its own as the staff's English was limited, and our Spanish was limited. Through a little Spanglish, we learned that we weren't able to catch a taxi, but could instead catch the bus para un dolar. A SINGLE US DOLLAR! We made it safely. 
• La Fisheria – great seafood and yes, we bought their spicy sauce because it was that good. 
• Salvaje - THE STAR OF THE SHOW. No exaggeration. From the food to the ambiance to the performances, this was a next-level dining experience. They even did a special show for the birthday guest of honor. We're still talking about it weeks later. 11/10. 

Final Thoughts

Our second trip to Panama? Way more memorable than the first. From amazing yacht moments to unforgettable dinners at Salvaje, it felt like we finally got to experience what Panama has to offer. While there were still a few hiccups, this trip reminded us why every destination deserves a second chance.

Thinking of heading to Panama? Let us help you plan a version that hits all the highs. Check out our Panama Activities Collection in our Viator Shop.