PANAMA CITY is incredible! (the COOLEST city in Central America?!)

Panama City, Panama Travel Vlog. My first impression of Panama City! Backpacking Central America as a solo female traveler I had my doubts if Panama will the right destination but I was completely blown away by how cool this city really is! In this Panama City travel vlog I show you best things to do in Panam City, share safety advice, try traditional Panamanian food for the first time & share why I think Panama City is an incredible place to travel!
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0:00 Is Panama City, Panama worth visiting?
0:40 Why I came to Panama?
1:19 First impression of Panama & what is Panama City know for?
1:50 Why I'm nervous to backpack in Central America as a solo female traveler?
3:00 Top things to do in Panama City & Cinta Costera
4:20 Casco Viejo (Panama City Old Town) & Cafe Coca-Cola
7:48 Sim card & Albrook bus station (Gran Terminal Nacional De Transporte)
10:30 Trying traditional Panamanian food for the first time!
11:17 Is Panama expensive? (currency & prices in Panama)
12:30 Hiking in the middle of Panam City & best view point! (Ancon Hill)
13:45 Le Meridien Hotel Panama City room tour
14:38 Is Panama safe for tourists? (especially solo travelers)
MUSIC from www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Contact me at bykaja @ outlook.com
www.kajakubicka.com/
Facebook / bykajaa
#panama #Panamacity #solotravel #solofemaletraveler

[@diomedes1604]

A good way to skip those bad places, if going to Albrooj mall or the bus stations is using the Metro (the subway system) it takes you right there.

[@guillermogouldburn763]

That neighborhood is completly avoidable, but taxi drivers for some reason love to take that route.

[@dustindiaz9493]

@@guillermogouldburn763 some of them like to take that route because there is a little bit less traffic than the main road

[@spartan6931]

"Panama", it reminds me of a Van Halen's song. Good to know you're safe and sound. Yes, most definitely every big city has a no-go zone. Even Paris in France has it. Great video, Kaja.

[@KajaKubicka]

Thank you!

[@Isabella-eg3fo]

This is so exciting to see Panama thru your eyes. I’ve been multiple times since my mom is from there and I love it. So I’m very glad to see you enjoyed it!

[@KajaKubicka]

🙏🏼❤️

[@hikesome]

Wow, Panama looks awesome. Lovely vibes out there.

[@KajaKubicka]

It really is! :)

[@KajaKubicka]

Is Panama City on your travel bucket list? :)

[@burtonknows9201]

Panama City, Panama, is one of the places I'm considering for retirement. My plan is to spend 7-10 days in September 2023 traveling in Panama.

[@mindyt5557]

I have the same idea

[@Yesiyui]

If you have questions about Panama, I can answer you about the real things about Panama like the transportation and more. 🙌🙌

[@guillermogouldburn763]

One reason why you hear more about Costa Rica is that country depends more on tourism than Panama. Panama has that cash cow named The Panama Canal, so tourism is more of an after thought there.

[@KajaKubicka]

That’s a good point!

[@rodsella]

I am glad you had a nice visit 🥰 seeing the first episode I almost thought you actually hated being here, but glad it was a different experience.

[@KajaKubicka]

I absolutely loved Panama! Such a beautiful country :)

[@JORGEGOMEZ-pd3me]

@@KajaKubicka welcome everytime to our country

[@papi7672]

I take my hat off to you for coming to my beautiful country, Panama. It is a very relatively safe country and depending where you go things can be really cheap or no so much cheap. Next time you decide to return to Panama hit me up I'll be happy to give you a tour. Free of charge.

[@Lai_P]

love your positive energy and adventures , keep going !!

[@KajaKubicka]

Thank you!!

[@SatishKumar41]

Definitely agree with you Kaja on two things that Panama needs more tourists and also that we need to do our research for any new place. We cannot take anything for granted and always be cautious. Thank you Kaja for this tour of beautiful Panama.

[@stoyan11]

Lol I know this hotel is called Le Meridien. I stayed there for 10 days as I was quarantined there. Panama is one of the most amazing places in the world. Greetings from a seafarer who has visited quite a few countries.

[@KajaKubicka]

Bot a bad place to be quarantined! ;D

[@stoyan11]

Wishing myself many more quarantines there 😂

[@CharlieBrown0507]

As a panamanian myself, I am scared to walk on some of those bad neighborhoods. I now live in the US but was born and raised in Panama. On one of my visits back to Panama I drove thru those exact neighborhoods and I was scared shitless, not for myself but for my wife and son as they don't speak spanish. But Believe me, every country has its bad neighborhoods. In New York you have parts of the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn that are bad and even Long Island. But like you said yourself you just have to be aware of your surroundings and when you see a neighborhood like that it is best to take a detour :-)

[@KajaKubicka]

very true! majority og big cities have both good and bad ares :)

[@gladysdye4250]

For a Panamanian you sound pretty ridiculous. Afraid for your wife and son? please... The most you or they could lose walking down any of those neighborhoods would be your wallets. Walking down a supermarket isle, elementary school or simply sleeping on their own bed anywhere USA could cost them their lives. I'm also a Panamanian living in the US for many years and the level of safety in Panama is much greater than here.

[@CharlieBrown0507]

@@gladysdye4250 Por favor!! don't be so disingenuous. Truth hurts but you can't hide it. We panamanians were and still are afraid to walk in those neighborhoods. Panamanians still in Panama are afraid to walk those neighborhoods. You ask taxi drivers, police or everyday panamanians and they all say the same. Steer clear of those places. And yes they can get violent. I lost my uncle to a stick up. So don't tell me all they want is your wallet. I guess you haven't had the opportunity to go back and see for yourself. If you truly are panamanian you very well know that it was very dangerous to walk in El Marañon, El Chorrillo, Samaria, etc. Well, it looks a lot worst now. Just as it is very dangerous to walk in Colon. Colon is like being in Haiti. Extremely scary. And I guess you just make things up and come up with your own conclusions and don't stay on topic. If the video was about the US and/or NY I would say the same about some streets in the Bronx, Queens, even in Long Island were I lived and where now many MS13 gangs are moving into the Salvadorian neighborhoods. I now live in South Carolina and here also you find streets not safe to walk. I thank the Lord that I have always lived in good middle class neighborhoods but driving thru some neighborhoods in the US you can see how dangerous it could be. I have lived in the US for over 35 years and I do know all about the shootings, etc. So please, you are the ridiculous one and you are totally out of order. Stop trying to hide what is out in the open and accept it. Don't be embarrassed. Every country has its bad neighborhoods and yes even the US. So there!!

[@gladysdye4250]

@@CharlieBrown0507 You are nuts! Who is going to read all your nonsense? You should be ashamed to call yourself a Panamanian.

[@CharlieBrown0507]

@@gladysdye4250 you did. that's why you sound so mad. It got to you didn't it? truth hurts.

[@edgardomunoz2688]

Food Prices depends of place. Specially restaurants with turists rate on Google Maps. If you want cheaper food, look for small restaurants where public or goverment employees eat, there prices are between 5 to 10 dollars.

[@KajaKubicka]

Yes that restaurant was probably not the best choice! 😫

[@edgardomunoz2688]

@@KajaKubickaWhen you visit the "Interior" (country side) find for "FONDAS", ask to locals where they ate food. Our food prices have to be similar to a COMBO of american fast food franchaises, that is between 5 to 10 bucks for a personal lunch or dinner. Best season to visit Panamá is between December to April.

[@oscarn.kamm.5041]

@@KajaKubicka It wasn't a bad choice, I use to go there but mainly for breakfast and it was good. After the pandemic most of the restaurant have increased prices and didn't increase the quality. The main course that probably they recomended you, is not the best option.

[@Yesiyui]

There are "Fondas" with prices between 3 and 4 dollars and with a lot of food. Even as Panamanian (living in the capital), I was so fascinated about the good food and prices in some provinces in the countryside like Herrera ❤️. Also in the Via Argentina Station area, I found a good "Fonda" and I was so happy because sometimes I want like real food and I am far from home. 🥹

[@danielyang3995]

Panama is so beatutiful.thanks for sharing!

[@somebody2409]

Moving to Panama City next year, and I'm glad that not too many people know about it. Can't stand traffic and large crowds of tourists.

[@editamariscal7662]

Thank you ! For you visit! It's true Panamá don't have to much promotion like other countries!. We have many things to offer!

[@KajaKubicka]

Definitley! :)

[@mpleandre]

Since you're in Central America, try Honduras. Very, very, underrated country, even though it has the best places to visit in the region.

[@KajaKubicka]

Yes ai really want to see Honduras at some point for sure! Any places you recommend?

[@mpleandre]

@@KajaKubicka Divide it in five "regions": north, center, south, east and west. Each region is a different world. This is why many neighbors visit Honduras and have a different perspective on it depending on the regions they visit. The north is basically beaches. Places you can visit here are: The Bay Islands, Cayos Cochinos, La Ceiba, Trujillo, San Pedro Sula, Tela. The center is for town fanatics. Here you can visit the capital city, Tegucigalpa, and very interesting towns and villages like Valle de Ángeles, Santa Lucía, Cantarranas or San Juancito, which all include hiking due to the mountanious terrain. Naturally, you have lots of lodges. The south is beaches again, but less paradise-like. It is a gulf, so you'll find manglares and cool islands like Amapala, which is a nice town to spend the night at. Since it has very little pollution, it is a good destiniy to watch the Milky Way. You can also visit Santa Ana, a very popular wind energy farm where you can gaze at the stars and camp (people camp there very often) The east is the less visited, but it has its magic. In the east, you find the Americas' "second lung", the Río Platano Biosphere, located by the side of La Mosquitia rainforest, a sort of mini amazon, home of two unique animals (the honduran white bat and the Emerald hummingbird) and lots of more common, yet beautiful wildlife like Jaguars. This rainforest is also home for a newly discovered ancient city, the White City of the monkey God, supposedly built by an unknown civilization. Finally, the west. This is pure archaeology. The west has Copan Ruins, the "mayan athenas", and some other ancient cities that are still being worked on. The west is home of many myths, legends and amazing food. It is so rich in history, that any backyard will have at least one piece of ancient pottery buried beneath its soil. These five regions share Honduras' great cuisine, coffee, music and culture, so that is something you'll find universally, except for language. The Bay Islands are primarily english-speaking, unlike mainland Honduras. You also use dollars more often.

[@justdoit.86yearsago]

@@mpleandre I heard Honduras is very dangerous for women

[@mpleandre]

@@justdoit.86yearsago That's the label they put on it, but it's based on female homicides, from which many are gang members. Put it like this: the same amount of men who die because of their dark paths is found in women, but for some reason the media believes all women are innocent and shouldn't be killed, even if they are killers themselves.

[@ricardoernestosotobarrios9519]

Honduras in underrated but still very dangerous. I visited there with people who knows were to go.

[@Freddy_FNA]

Those neighborhoods are not like people say. Actually you can walk quitely in the day and nothing gonna happen. Sometimes people exaggerate and speak without knowing cause they're locked in their bubbles. Personally I've walked through all these places. Even I live in the hood and I can say with autority that they're safetier that you can think. I liked your video ❤️

[@charc4814]

Thank you for sharing! I just arrived to Panama City and your vlog gave me ideas of places to visit aside from Panama Canal.

[@KajaKubicka]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@l.a.973]

Yay !! Subscribed and expecting new videos. Have fun & take care.

[@KajaKubicka]

Thank you! New video coming out today;)

[@oscarn.kamm.5041]

Great video. What drive you to Panama? As you mentioned, not many people have Panama in their travel list. Very nice that you choose Panama as travel destination and that you also went to the country side and not only the city. You're right, some things have fair price but others don't, specially restaurant in touristic places.

[@KajaKubicka]

thank you! I have a friend from Panama, so I heard a lot good about it :)

[@annmariegayle-bj6dt]

Ive been there 2 times very nice place

[@iam_KamTV]

I plan to visit Panama 🇵🇦.Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@normagertz9055]

You are amazing. It’s refreshing to see your enthusiasm. Thank you for visiting my country. And yes, you have to be aware of your surroundings.

[@KajaKubicka]

Thank you! 😃

[@polepino]

I haven't been to Panama City but this showed up in my suggestions. I've been to Bogota, Lima, and Mexico City in the past five years, and as far as safety goes, it has pretty much been the same for the places I have been and I've never had an issue or felt unsafe, for the most part. All three cities I've heard 'be careful, it's dangerous" but knew several safety precautions as a tourist, primarily is don't dress flashy, don't flash cash, keep your cell phone use to a minimum unless you're in a known tourist area with things to take pictures of(even still watch out for the potential of people running up and snatching stuff). Also, if you're new in town, do your research and stick to the known tourist zones and yes be a little more on guard at night but again, if you stick to the tourist areas you should be good. I've been able to use Uber and that's usually my primary method, even thought I've used public transport(subway/bus). The only time I felt somewhat on guard was when I was in Bogota and decided to cut through a neighborhood to get to another one as a short cut, luckily it was during the day time around noon, but that neighborhood was a little sketch and glad we didn't cut through at night. However, all my trips have been great, the people have been awesome.

[@jgoo4572]

I traveled to Panama a little over a year ago, solo. So it was fun for me to watch this video. I loved that for the most part it is not over crowded with tourists. I think Costa Rica being heavily marketed in the US, people go as far South as Costa Rica and forget Panama. I spent 3 days in old Panama City, and 3 days in the San Blas Islands. Fantastic time! Thanks for sharing your video! I would definitely go back.

[@Kiladera]

I think I will end up watching all your Panama vlogs today 😅 really love your videos!

[@yorukkizigeziyor]

Beautiful video 😍👍

[@KajaKubicka]

Thank you!

[@josechong8207]

Thank you for documenting your sojourn in Panama. It puts a smile on my face. I came to this video via your latest video on going back to China :) I look forward to seeing your China travel videos in the near future.

[@KajaKubicka]

so glad to hear that! thank you!

[@isabelfonseca2112]

Welcome!! So glad you are liking it!

[@KajaKubicka]

Thank you!

[@anandazen30]

Don’t be afraid to navigate the city. Just dress casual like people do and don’t behave like an outsider. People are very friendly there and they will help you if you need with directions. Of course there are neighborhoods that you shouldn’t go by yourself but in the areas where you are is pretty safe. Don’t pay attention to those born and raised there and now live in New York where it isn’t very safe itself. I can’t believe people. I’m glad you liked it. I was born there and I don’t know where is Santa Catalina. Light me up. I live in the US now. That fried stuff is green plantain. A staple there. Ah! The drivers have no respect, they hunk the horn like there’s no tomorrow

[@robertc4293]

One of the decision factors for tourists choosing Panama is that even though Panama has it's own currency it is pegged to/interchangeable with the US dollar. So they have to consider exchange rates of their own currency against the Panama Balboa / US Dollar. This is also something that many expats have to consider.

[@suizod]

The Balboa doesn't really exist, except in coins which are the same size as US coins. There are no Balboa banknotes.

[@guitarismike9]

Love love love seeing this! My mom is from Panamá and I go back often to visit with her. However, I’ve never gone alone. After seeing your video, I think you’ve pushed me to do it! I’ve gotta ask, traveling alone like you do…would you say you almost discover new things about yourself? Just seems like a very personal experience. I could definitely see some inner growth in a trip like this alone. Love your video! I’ll subscribe!

[@ColleenBee]

Great info and tips onplaces tp gee. getting aound, uber, SIM card, safety and things to do in Panama! Thanks!

[@delmirameiser7192]

Panamá corazón del universo . ❤❤

[@KimiCruz]

i was born in Panama and most of my family is either from there or lives there but me, I'm raised in the US so i can hardly recall it but i do know this: if you go, go during Carnival who cares if it rains it's always warm enough that its not a big deal, Carnival is like the biggest party on the planet especially with locals lol nice vid!

[@RFE812]

I’ve noticed that a lot of people feel that Geography King should have included Panama City’s skyline in his best Skylines in North America list.

[@mdpublicidadestebanvasquez6205]

Great video. That Panamaniam plate was absolutely expensive, you can get that in other places for $5. I guess you choosed Santa Catalina for surf area, but Playa Venao is much, much better.

[@KajaKubicka]

Thanks for the info!

[@andrewperry4386]

Which hotel was that? I'm heading there next month and trying to decide on a hotel. Thanks

[@Yesiyui]

Casco Viejo is safe even at night but it is better to go with people but the important thing is be careful to don't leave the central part of Casco Viejo because the farther area to the entry zone can be dangerous and you will notice inmediatly because there aren't people or loud music. I experience that as Panamanian and I inmediatly return to the safe area. The majority of the danger areas in Panama aren't part of the big routes of bus or metro except in San Miguelito but there aren't tourist zone. Also it is important to question about the prices of taxis in the station bus or with somebody because sometimes they want to charge more.

[@airbrush640]

Beautiful place

[@Yesiyui]

The bus to the side country in the Albrook Bus Terminal leave like every half hour and hour and are more frequently the weekend and holidays because a lot of people work in the Panama City but they want to go to their house (official or beach house in Coronado for example) and see their family in the countryside on the weekend so it is better to visit any countryside places in weekdays because it is possible to found heavy traffic in the friday and sunday. In Christmas and New York, people have to line up to get on the bus because in general this holidays are celebrated with all the family including grandparents and more in the countryside. Also you can buy the tickets like minutes before the bus leave and also you can get on on the bus without the ticket and pay the fee when you leave the bus but it is most safe buy the ticket before.

[@mayzer4132]

i like your videos, it help me to improve me english 🙂☺️

[@KajaKubicka]

🙏🏼😊

[@daniamedina3093]

Hermosa ciudad de PANAMÁ.

[@MrsPaulaTorres]

Watching from Miami for relocation options.. clicking out at 9 months rainy season lol no thanks, we’ve had it. 😮‍💨

[@ilooliilooli]

it‘s not 24h of rain, more like 1h

[@gregoriousgotti5115]

🇵🇦🌏..Thanks for Visit 🇵🇦..Great vid

[@KajaKubicka]

Thank you! 🙏🏼❤️

[@dark507prank]

🥰🥰🥰

[@Polydea]

I don't want ppl coming to PTY.. i like how no one knows abt it, keeps it real!

[@anthony1776diaz]

Understandable.

[@freindpanameno1160]

Welcome to Panama 🇵🇦

[@KajaKubicka]

Thank you!

[@mr.critic]

Turkish Survivor is shot in Panama. 👌👌👌👌

[@guillermogouldburn763]

Did he die? 😂

[@victorvalderrama2476]

Welcome to Panama city

[@venus9m13]

PTY💖🇵🇦

[@kevinbaily670]

I want go to panama

[@renigero]

un saludo de panama oeste

[@tylermcintyre1454]

Tyler Mac I’m going too the city

[@karnabirdasaudi8882]

wow sweet.....

[@WingsOfAngel_]

Beautiful woman and awesome video, greetings from Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@asrafali1160]

Hello

[@t3truedesigns]

Still the safest city in Central America

[@gujh03]

How do you fund all this ? Do you work ?

[@KajaKubicka]

Yes I do :) there is a video on my channel where I talk about my job, you can check it out

[@alinuurtube]

I want to visit panama anyone who can invite me

[@rajraj-dx8gv]

Hare Krishna hare ram ❤️

[@fiovlogs4719]

In spanish.🤔

[@chicagomike]

Sorry to b rude but why this looks like a nNormal City. Maybe you shouldn’t travel at all. northern Europe maybe. This is crazy I mean it’s much nicer than my own neighborhood in Chicago. The old section looks like Cartagena but a shabby version. Traveling alone is rough. Good luck. When I traveled alone I was always nervous. Lol.

[@Yesiyui]

Well maybe is true about the city but you can see both oceans in less than three hours. Also you can visit the Panama Canal and the countryside with the beaches and green areas. Even in the center of the city, we have the Metropolitan Forest ( the Ancon Hill is part of it)and it is safer than a lot of Latin American countries saying by mates that move here from their countries. The principal disadvantage is the cost of the things compared to other countries because the use of dollar.

[@josefsimonovic1445]

19$? For that food? XD that should have been around 7-9 $

[@psv-kingofmusic03]

I want to visite Panama with you pretty

[@Largepro21]

#Latin-America

[@jfly237]

you have really nice teeth>

[@patricktemp2012]

Interesting u say u wont walk on certain streets n then say dont go to them lol. How would u know? Panama is the safest country ive ever been. Panamanians r by far the nicest most friendly people ive ever encountered. I loved there for years. Do more research

[@Yesiyui]

But there are some areas than it is better to avoid even as a Panamanian girl. It is easy to see how looks the neighborhood like multiple small unpainted buildings looking bad. Maybe we exaggerate but it is better to take precaution specially if you don't know someone of the neighborhood. I live in "danger town" (24 de Dic) but even here are safe and danger urbanizations and sectors and I don't feel the same level feeling of danger like other friends who live like to 20 minutes away from here.

[@JayCo-]

That water by the city is nasty dont go in haha

[@odapty]

What about culture?? Museaum??? Art Gallery ??? Concert??? Pet friendly ???? Transportation?? Traffic??

[@KajaKubicka]

I was in Panama City for 3 days, you cannot do it all in 3 days :) this is a travel vlog, I’m sure there are people who live in PC and are way more competent than me to show all these things you’re mentioning

[@leonorhernandez7079]

When a complainer makes a video 🙄🙄

[@KajaKubicka]

and I didn’t even complain that much in this one..

[@erfgrse435]

Such an attention seeker. If you had issues being alone why even go alone? Idiocracy at it's finest

[@brucemorrison1950]

"omg panama has poor neighborhoods"(parahrase). She speaks to "unsafe" neighborhoods but provides no insight on what makes them unsafe. Colonizer atitude.

[@Yesiyui]

But there are unsafe neighborhoods or at least unsafe to a tourist. Even me as Panamanian, I will never walk in the neighborhood that she showed.