Featured Gay Friendly Hotels in Panama

JW Marriott Panama

Transcend into blissful serenity at this Panama City hotel

W Panama

Art, fashion, entertainment and design come together in this stylish tower that raises the bar in Panama for contemporary luxury.

Bristol Panama, A Registry Collection Hotel

Classic luxury awaits

Gay Panama

If you’re looking for a travel destination that packs tropical paradise vibes with a vibrant and robust local LGBTQ+ community, look no further than Panama! Known as a transit country, Panama truly embodies itself as a connector, bridging the gap between Central America and South America and sitting host to the famous Panama Canal, a significant player in global shipping commerce. The transcontinental country has coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to enjoy its fun tropical beaches and water. Panama is more than just its tropical beaches and water; it also boasts impressive historical landmarks, bustling city life, natural wonders, and an LGBTQ-friendly nightlife that will quickly fill up your travel itinerary! If you are looking for an adventure, then be sure to consider a trip to experience the Latin American flair waiting for you in Panama! 

Photo Credit: Chema Photo

What do you want to discover?

What's the Gay Scene Like?

Best Time to Visit Panama

Top Things to See and Do in Panama

MUST DO: Attractions & Activities

MUST EAT: Gay-Friendly Dining

MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

Travel Safety Tips

Local Expert: Gay Scene in Panama

While Panama, like many Latin American countries, is known for its traditional views driven by the Catholic Church’s strong influence, it shouldn’t stop you from booking a ticket! Despite its religious influences, Panama is known to be more accepting of LGBTQ+ communities than other countries in the surrounding area. Panama City, the country's capital, specifically boasts an impressively strong LGBTQ+ community. The tropical nation is known to have a lively nightlife that is, in many ways, more inclusive of a vibrant gay scene than may be seen in other traditionally Catholic nations. While you may not be able to find many explicitly LGBTQ+ bars or clubs, Panama hosts impressive gay-friendly communities on its beaches and electronic music club scene if you are looking for safer, fun nighttime flair! Another recommendation would be to check out Casco Viejo, which is known to be a trendy gay-friendly hang-out spot. The country’s LGBTQ+ community is strong and has been fighting for representation for years, so you should also have no trouble finding locals who can further guide you in finding the local gay scene and events happening across the country. All that being said, as an LGBTQ+ traveler to Panama, it is important to stay safe but also not let the exteriors fool you and limit your travel destinations, keeping you away from all the diverse riches and unique culture, history, fun, and flair Panama offers! 

Best Time to Visit Panama

The tropical paradise of Panama is also known for its frequent rain showers and wetter summer months, so plan accordingly! The drier months of December through April may provide some relief from the higher humidity and precipitation you may see in other months of the year while also offering some lower temperatures. With that said, however, Panama is still a great place to visit all year round! Many local events and festivities occur throughout the year that you may want to consider factoring into your travel plans. Whichever time of the year you choose to visit, keep in mind the possibility of rain showers and some higher temperatures, making sure to pack the wardrobe, umbrellas, hats, and sunscreen to match and ultimately enjoy the country's tropical beauty, rain or shine! 

Top Things to See and Do in Panama

MUST DO Panama Attractions & Activities

Panama is rich in natural wonder and opportunity to explore every side of yourself. Whether you thrive in the nightlife, have a nature-loving wild side, or seek all things historical and cultural, Panama has something to tantalize your traveling taste buds! 

Venture into Casco Viejo: Designated as a world heritage site in 1997, this historic district in Panama City dates back to 1671 and has since been a must-see for all travelers going through Panama. Considered one of the “old town” districts in Panama, Casco Viejo is known for its deep history, rich in architectural beauty and cultural significance. The district nowadays is also a hotspot for the local LGBTQ+ community, with a larger nightlife residing in the area's plentiful bars, restaurants, and shopping areas. If you visit Panama, you will not want to miss taking the time to walk through the old narrow streets of Casco Viejo, unlocking not only its history and beauty but also enjoying its thriving commercial and night-time life! 

Photo Credit: Angel Lopez

Explore Panama’s history and nature: Panama thrives on its natural beauty and cultural wonders, and lucky for you, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself and explore these wonders for yourself! The Parque Nacional Soberania is a treasure trove of exotic and unique flora and fauna unique to the Panamanian environment. This tropical and lushish national park, equipped with hiking trails and a waterfall, is a perfect way to spend a day in Panama, connecting yourself to the paradise-esque nature in the country! If you want to learn more about Panama’s cultural history and see it for yourself, consider checking out Iglesia del Carmen, Panama’s only existing gothic church, and Panama Viejo, the historical fading settlement of what used to exist before Panama City was built and expanded. Both locations offer a glimpse into the country's rich architectural and historical wonder and would make the perfect addition to your travels here!

Panama Canal: Of course, no visit to Panama would be complete without checking out one of its most famous features, the Panama Canal! Each year, the global shipping industry depends on this canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is a major income generator for the country. Check out the Canalas visitor center and take some time to see the engineering marvel that allows ships to cross the canal daily, witnessing Panama’s international namesake for yourself! 

MUST EAT Panama Gay-Friendly Dining

You won’t be left with an empty stomach during your stay in Panama! Lucky for you, the country is rich in culinary culture, with plenty of incredible and unique food options you have to try before you leave! From traditional to high-end, dining options are aplenty around the country, especially in Panama City, where food carts and vendors are scattered around the streets, offering fun, unique, and flavorful bites to enjoy as you explore the country! Here is a sampling of some of the food options and dishes you must check out during your travels here:

Sancocho de Gallina: This dish, essentially a chicken stew with various forms of spices and vegetables, is a staple of Panamanian culture. Many inside and outside the country consider this the national dish of Panama, infusing the country's tradition, culture, heritage, and legacy all into one hearty and delicious dish! This is not any regular stew, either, as it will surely change your life once you take a sip of its rich flavors and filling! 

Ropa Vieja: This classic Panamanian dish is available throughout many Latin American countries, but while in Panama, you must try it! The meal, directly translated to “old clothes” but with a MUCH better taste, is made through the slow roasting of shredded beef in a tomato sauce comprised typically of garlic, onions, and a blend of spices that give it a distinct hearty flavor. The dish is prevalent throughout Panama and is one staple dish you have to try during your visit!

Raspados: You will need this one during the hotter days in this tropical country! Raspados, a sweet treat made with shaved ice, a flavorful sweetener, and condensed milk, is one of the cornerstone desserts available throughout Panama. This sweet treat is a traditional street staple in Panama and customizable, making it perfect for anyone’s pallet and preferences. So, if you have a sweet tooth, need a refreshing treat, or really for any other reason, seek and try Raspados during your trip to Panama! 

MUST VISIT Panama Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

As mentioned before, Panama may not be the first thought that comes to mind when you think of gay nightlife, but don’t worry; it's out there! The tight-knit LGBTQ+ community in the country is fighting to thrive in the country where there are a couple of different club and bar scenes to have some fun in when the sun goes down. Many of these are located in the Casco Viejo district, which is well-known for having a colorful atmosphere and rich LGBTQ+ scene full of music, culture, and fun! You will find various bars, electronic music clubs, cocktail lounges, and more as you pursue the Panamanian nightlife and gay scene, where you will surely have a good time! 

Photo Credit: Yosi Bitran

Travel Safety Tips

Generally, Panama should not give you many troubles or concerns as an LGBTQ+ visitor, despite what you may assume given its traditional viewpoints. That said, it is essential to ensure you remain healthy and safe wherever you go, always being cautious of your surroundings, who you surround yourself with, and the areas you visit. People in Panama tend to be friendly and welcoming, with Panama City a larger central hub that may be safest for an LGBTQ+ traveler. Of course, as with any country, ensure you practice common sense travel safety tips and guidance during your visit to Panama. This includes but is not limited to, securing your belongings whether they are on you or wherever you are staying, keeping an eye on where you are at all times, making sure you know where you are at and going at all times, and staying clear of any suspicious activity. Overall, your travels to Panama should be fun and fruitful, making sure to keep safety in mind to make the most of all the beautiful memories you will be sure to make here! 

Destinations within Panama