Panama City, Panama
Residential neighborhood with good security, Parque Omar, and quality cafes. Quiet and safe but not much nightlife. You'll probably go elsewhere for evening entertainment.
San Francisco feels more residential and suburban than El Cangrejo next door. Lots of gated buildings with 24/7 security, diplomatic presence keeps police around. Parque Omar is the main draw - families jogging, people playing sports on weekends. Good cafes here including Leto Coffee Brew Bar and the main Cafe Unido location. Restaurants are more upscale than touristy, which means higher prices and mostly locals who can afford them. Quieter than El Cangrejo, especially at night - either you'll appreciate the peace or find it boring depending on what you're looking for. Feels safe to walk around, which is the main selling point.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
Good"Very safe but quite quiet, especially at night"
"Perfect if you want to feel secure walking around alone"
"Great cafes for working or reading solo"
"More residential so less nightlife but very peaceful"
"Safe neighborhood to stay but you'll go elsewhere for fun"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
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.
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.
Luxury waterfront with Johns Hopkins hospital. Very safe but completely sterile and disconnected from actual Panama. Quiet at night. Good for medical tourists or maximum security, not much else.
Help other women stay safe in San Francisco
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.