Panama City, Panama
The historic district with colonial buildings and rooftop bars. Safe during the day with heavy tourist police presence, but the surrounding area is dangerous after dark. Plan to Uber out for evening activities.
Casco Viejo is the historic center with colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and rooftop bars overlooking the modern skyline. During the day you'll see lots of tourists, tour groups, and tourist police patrolling. Feels safe enough to wander around looking at the old architecture, checking out coffee shops, and hitting the rooftop bars. The problem is what happens after dark - the surrounding area, especially El Chorrillo, is rough. Even people who live in Casco Viejo take Ubers at night instead of walking. The main plaza stays busy until around 10pm, but once you're away from the restaurants things get sketchy fast. Good for daytime visits, but head to El Cangrejo or San Francisco for dinner and evening plans.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
ModerateHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
Excellent"Amazing during the day but everyone told me not to walk around at night"
"Tourist police everywhere made me feel safe exploring during daylight"
"Best coffee shops and rooftop bars but I always took Uber after dark"
"Incredible colonial architecture but the surrounding area gets sketchy"
"Perfect for a day of exploring museums and cafes, just leave before it gets dark"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Where most expats and digital nomads end up living. Walkable, two Metro stops, lots of restaurants and cafes. More lived-in feel than the upscale districts, safer at night than most of the city.
Upscale district with high-rises and nightlife on Via Argentina and Calle Uruguay. LGBTQ+ friendly with a couple main venues. Safe but expensive, feels pretty international and generic.
Business district next to finance area. Safe and has good restaurants, but no real character. Quiet after work hours. Fine if safety matters more than atmosphere.
Help other women stay safe in Casco Viejo
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.