David (Panama)
Discover David (Panama)
It is on the Pan American Highway and is one of the most prosperous areas of Panama, with good infrastructure. Although, David is not particularly interesting, it has good tourist services (hotels and restaurants) and is a convenient transport hub for destinations in the region like Boquete, Boca Chica, the volcano, hot springs and many cool little places.
What to Experience in David (Panama)
Taste of David (Panama)...
There are many lodging options in the city including many fine and reasonably priced hotels. Many of the hotels are owned by families' of Spanish origin, so they have names like Hotel Toledo, Hotel Madrid, Hotel Alcala, Hotel Iberia, Hotel Galicia, etc. For the backpacking traveler ready for some urban action, clubs, casinos and 24 Hour shopping, consider staying in one of the backpacker hostels especially geared toward the budget traveler. There is a pretty useful and quite cheap luggage storage at the bus terminal, which you might want to use, travelling the region. $0.75 for first 24 hr, then about $1 per day.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsA taxi to the airport from the center of David should not cost more than $3 per person. Two bus companies offer service from the Albrook Mall terminal in Panama City to and from David. Prices for either are $15.25 per person (Dec. 2024), slightly more for the nighttime express buses (10pm, 11, 12, and 3am from the David bus terminal). It's a 7-hr ride. The buses are modern, relatively safe, keep track of luggage well, and will probably show a second-rate action movie, though maintenance leaves something to be desired, especially in the bathrooms. Both companies stop in the city of Santiago on the way to David for bathroom breaks and food. Highly suggested that you try some of the food they serve at these stops. Also, you'll find a cart where they sell sweets (mini chocolate eggs and another square treat called cocada), try them out. David is also served by many "Coaster" local buses, which you can often flag down along the Interamericana to get to David....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
There are stop signs at most intersections, but in Spanish "Alto" means two things, 1. stop, and 2. HIGH, so there's a joke that some people think "alto" street signs means pass at a high speed. Seriously though, you have to be very DEFENSIVE if you're just driving on the same road, and very OFFENSIVE if you're making a turn, if you're trying to get to the other side of the intersection, etc... Most, if not all buses travel to terminal in David. Just stand on the side of the road and wave down a bus when you see it. They'll have written on the window where they go to and where they come from. There's quite a bit to do in David. It all depends on what one likes and what time of year you visit. There are many lodging options in the city including many fine and reasonably priced hotels. Many of the hotels are owned by families' of Spanish origin, so they have names like Hotel Toledo, Hotel Madrid, Hotel Alcala, Hotel Iberia, Hotel Galicia, etc.
Where to Stay
There are many lodging options in the city including many fine and reasonably priced hotels. Many of the hotels are owned by families' of Spanish origin, so they have names like Hotel Toledo, Hotel Madrid, Hotel Alcala, Hotel Iberia, Hotel Galicia, etc. For the backpacking traveler ready for some urban action, clubs, casinos and 24 Hour shopping, consider staying in one of the backpacker hostels especially geared toward the budget traveler. There is a pretty useful and quite cheap luggage storage at the bus terminal, which you might want to use, travelling the region. $0.75 for first 24 hr, then about $1 per day.
Money & Budget
There are many lodging options in the city including many fine and reasonably priced hotels. Many of the hotels are owned by families' of Spanish origin, so they have names like Hotel Toledo, Hotel Madrid, Hotel Alcala, Hotel Iberia, Hotel Galicia, etc. For the backpacking traveler ready for some urban action, clubs, casinos and 24 Hour shopping, consider staying in one of the backpacker hostels especially geared toward the budget traveler. There is a pretty useful and quite cheap luggage storage at the bus terminal, which you might want to use, travelling the region. $0.75 for first 24 hr, then about $1 per day.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of David (Panama)
Calle 3ra, David, Chiriquí.
Panama Sign
Ciudad de Panamá vista desde los suburbios.
Edificios de Panamá
A nighttime cityscape with lights shining brightly.
Ciudad de Panamá
Old buildings stand under a stormy sky.
a tall building in a city
Calle 3ra, David, Chiriquí.
Panama Sign
Ciudad de Panamá vista desde los suburbios.
Edificios de Panamá
A nighttime cityscape with lights shining brightly.