A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Panama City for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Mazatlan or Panama City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Mazatlan or Panama City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a cultural, authentic, and historical city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Panama City

Panama City is a active, cosmopolitan, and fun-filled beach town. Panama City is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Panama City travel costs.

Mazatlan and Panama City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Panama City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Panama City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mazatlan is better known for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights, while Panama City is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Panama City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Panama City and Mazatlan. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Panama City?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Mazatlan can be an interesting and educational experience. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mazatlan or Panama City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mazatlan. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Panama City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City Better for Music?

Panama City is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Panama City is active and vibrant. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a popular place for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Panama City makes a nice vacation spot. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Mazatlan and Panama City are very good choices.

Mazatlan is considered a top beach destination. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Panama City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its old town. However, Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mazatlan to see the historical old town. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Panama City?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Panama City and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City More Beautiful?

Panama City is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Panama City is a beautiful place to visit, too. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City Better for Families?

Panama City is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Panama City is a very family-friendly destination. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Mazatlan offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City Better for Couples?

Panama City is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Mazatlan is a good city for couples to visit. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great destination for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City Better for Students?

Panama City is well known for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Panama City is a very popular beach town for students and younger travelers. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Is Mazatlan or Panama City a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable.

Panama City is not a very walkable city. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

For even more information, also check out Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Panama City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Panama City or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Panama City?

Both Mazatlan and Panama City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Mazatlan. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 3-7 days is enough time in Panama City.

Couples should spend more time in Panama City than Mazatlan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Panama City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Panama City if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Mazatlan.

One day in Mazatlan or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Mazatlan. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beach town of Panama City offers live music and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Mazatlan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Panama City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historical city of Mazatlan. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Panama City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Panama City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Panama City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Mazatlan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Panama City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Panama City has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Panama City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Panama City than you might in Mazatlan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mazatlan Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Panama City?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Panama City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Mazatlan or Panama City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Panama City in the Summer?

Both Panama City and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Panama City in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Panama City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Panama City. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Panama City in the Autumn?

Both Panama City and Mazatlan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Panama City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Panama City averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Panama City. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Panama City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Panama City. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Panama City. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Panama City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Panama City. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Panama City in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Panama City fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Panama City. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Panama City and Mazatlan