After dark in Panama City, there is a wide variety of attractions to keep you entertained that includes casinos, nightclubs, restaurants, pubs, bars, movie theaters and gentleman’s clubs. The majority of these attractions are located close to the banking district, which is where you will also find most hotels. The neighborhoods we will mention here include Bella Vista, Marbella, San Francisco, El Cangrejo, Punta Paitilla and Punta Pacifica.
Panama City Casinos
There are many casinos in Panama City, although only a handful of these are “Vegas-Style” casinos that offer both slot machines, table games and other sources of entertainment.
The Veneto Casino is the largest in Panama, covering 40,000 square feet of across 2 floors. This casino really has everything you could ever want from a casino, including live music, 15 poker tables, over 40 other table games, more than 600 slot machines and a private VIP Room for poker and baccarat. Games that can be enjoyed at the Veneto include Seven Card Stud Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Omaha Poker, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold’em Poker, Blackjack and Baccarat. Away from the tables enjoy roulette, craps and a vast selection of slots. Veneto Casino is open 24 hours a day.
Located on Avenida Balboa, attached to the Radisson Decapolis Hotel, the Majestic Casino offers a wide variety of table games and slot machines, as well as live music and other entertainment.
Located in the heart of Panama’s banking district, the Royal Casino is a large casino offering slot machines, table games and “Action Sportsbook”, a professional sports book.
Crown Casino is present at several hotels throughout the country. In Panama City, you will find a Crown Casino at both the Continental Hotel on Via España and at the Granada Hotel in El Cangrejo. The Crown Casino at the Continental is the larger of the two casinos, but both offer slot machines and table games, including poker, blackjack, 21 and roulette.
Café Uruguay is located on Calle Uruguay, on the corner with Calle 49. The place has an interesting combination of ambiences – inside is loud dance music with DJ and dance floor, while the outdoor terrace is usually listening to classic rock from the last few decades. Good service, friendly owners, good atmosphere.
Located on Calle 49, opposite La Posta Restaurant, Chocolate is a cool hangout, increasing in popularity that plays contemporary electronic music and house.
People Ultra Lounge is another very minimalistic place, attracting the younger Panama crowd. Good cocktails, good people watching and open late, People is located on Calle Uruguay, opposite The Londoner.
Platea, an intimate bar in the Casco Viejo became known primarily for live jazz. Some of Panama’s key jazz musicians have played here (it was previously known as Take Five) and so Platea holds a special place in many people’s hearts. Now, as well as jazz, Platea is a great place to hear salsa, piano and the occasional rock band. Generally speaking, Thursday is jazz night, Friday is salsa night and Saturday is Piano Bar. Platea is located opposite the old Union Club, in Casco Viejo. There is a great Spanish restaurant, S’Cena upstairs.
Pure is a high-end lounge on Calle 48, just off Calle Uruguay with a very minimalistic décor and open-air terrace. Expect to hear: Chill-out, Deep House, R&B and Hip Hop.
Sahara is a relaxed bar on Calle 48, just off Calle Uruguay with a large terrace out front. Expect to hear: Classic Rock and 70s – 80s Pop.
Located on Calle Uruguay, next to Pepperoncini Restaurant and above Privé, S6IS (pronounced seis) plays a variety of music and mainly attracts a younger audience (18 – 25). Expect to hear: All kinds of music; generally pop and dance music from recent years.
The Londoner is Panama’s only British Pub and owing to the absence of an Irish Pub, the Londoner fills that void also. Service is friendly and laid back and there are 2 pool tables and a dartboard. The walls are adorned with British memorabilia and there is a pretty good selection of imported drinks, including Guiness and Cider. Expect to hear: Classic Rock, 80s and 90s rock/pop.
