Safety around Area Bancaria

Safe day and night. I used to live a couple of hundred feet from the Marriott you are referring to and walked around in that area pretty much at any time.

Very nice spot btw. Great views and a long stretch of pedestrian walkways right across the avenues in front of the hotel. There's people there walking, biking, jogging, skateboarding, etc. all day long.

Thanks for info. Ever been to Habanos? Is that more of a locals place? Would love to try some Cuban cigars with some quality rum. Noticed Habanos and Costa azul restaurant is right across from marriot. Heard good things about costa azul.

It is a safe area.  If you are from Chicago then you know how busy cities are.  The Marriott is in an area where you can walk to get almost anything you need.  Including the Metro.  I have lived in that area for about 10 years now in case you have any questions.

I gave some thought to the most common danger to tourists in the area.....and as silly as this may sound, it is when they are looking around and not paying attention to where they are walking.  Do not wear flip flops.  Watch for holes, twisted metal pipes, broken or unstable grates, weird, irregular steps, ... just to name a few.  And do not be shy about asking directions.  I help people all the time who get turned around.  Even using their GPS.

Thanks for your tips Lapapuja, specially on the "street hazards". I will keep those in mind.
How have you found the people in Panama city, in general? Are they typical big city people, in a hurry, not much small talk, or are they more friendly. Is there much anti-American or anti gringo sentiment?
I understand that everyones an individual and you can't generalize, but I mean in terms of cultural attitudes, etc.

dcracken1 wrote:

Thanks for your tips Lapapuja, specially on the "street hazards". I will keep those in mind.
How have you found the people in Panama city, in general? Are they typical big city people, in a hurry, not much small talk, or are they more friendly. Is there much anti-American or anti gringo sentiment?
I understand that everyones an individual and you can't generalize, but I mean in terms of cultural attitudes, etc.

I was a fairly regular traveler to Panama City in the past and would always defer to others, including Lapapuja, but IMO Panamanians generally are neither impressed with nor biased against North Americans.  You get back what you give.  I like that. That said, culturally Panamanians aren't wired well for "customer service."  Don't take it too seriously. No big deal.  Whether a hotel clerk, a bank clerk or wait-staff in a restaurant, you're not going to feel overly welcome.  Don't be offended; they treat their fellow Panamanians the same or worse - again, my experience only.  In the other direction, I've seen a UK couple berate staff because their "tonic" was wrong and local Panamanian "professionals" (lawyers, real estate agents, etc.) be incredibly rude to staff.  Cannot figure it out other than that boorish people are everywhere. 

Aside from the obvious casinos and clubs in the hotel district in which you're staying, be sure and visit the National Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Santuario Nacional del Corazón de María) a short block or two from your hotel and the Iglesia Nuestra Sra. del Carmen on Via Espana.  Beautiful and historic sites.  Also, look into visits to the ruins of old Panama (Panama Viejo) and Casco Viejo (cobblestone streets, Colonial architecture and the Canal Museum).

Echo the statement about watching where you walk - the entire city is a trip hazard.  I've seen missing storm sewer lids where one misstep might lead you straight to the Pacific.

Habana's (literally ten steps from the Marriott) used to be a popular gathering place for young Colombian "working" women.  Watch your pockets! 

I can't help too much with comparing U.S. to Panama.  I have had 21 years here and it is something I just don't think about.  Panamanians are mostly polite even when they may not like you.  They will say the rude stuff after you are out of ear shot.  I get some anti gringo remarks once in a while.  Usually I just ignore but in some cases I start a conversation about what they don't like.  We usually end up agreeing that it was just one of those rude people one finds all over the world.  Most of my time in the U.S. is spent with friends and family.

Great info guys!  Definitely going to check out that church and  Casco Viejo. I love colonial architecture.
ONe more question. Do people generally dress somewhat formally? Not a lot of shorts or T-shirts?
     It said on another site that people dress up for dinner and you will get looks if dressed too casually. I ask this cause the article was dated, so not sure if that still holds true.
     In Chicago if I go to dinner or a club I can wear some nice jeans, trainers and a polo and blend right in. How out of place would I look if I did that in Panama City?

Panama City is accustomed to tourists so U.S. rules would apply for the most part.  Fancier the restaurant... dressier the attire.  I have seen a few tourists taken aside for fashion advice.  One example was a woman in a bikini with a sheer beach cover over it walking through the business district.  Beach wear is for the beach.  Two young girls being harassed by men who thought they were "working girls".  I explained why and they went back to the hostel to change.  Men in shorts and undershirt type tops were tolerated until they decided to remove their shirts.  Some elderly lady told them to dress themselves!  Panamanians generally dress up more than people in the U.S. for daily activities like shopping.

Just an after thought.... do not worry one bit about being noticed as a tourist.  I can spot a tourist easily and usually not because how they are dressed.