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

Should you visit Mexico City or Panama City?

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

Should I visit Mexico City 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.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a dynamic, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mexico City travel costs.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Panama City travel costs.

Mexico City and Panama City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Panama City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City. Although Mexico City and Panama City are both popular with visitors, Mexico City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mexico City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Panama City is known for its music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo.

How is Mexico City different from Panama City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mexico City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

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 Mexico City or Panama City Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Mexico City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. 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.

Is Mexico City or Panama City Better for Music?

Panama City is a popular place for its music scene. However, Mexico City 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.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.

Is Mexico City or Panama City Better for Resorts?

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

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Is Mexico City or Panama City Better for Beaches?

Panama City is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Panama City is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or Panama City Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Mexico City to see the old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Panama City?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

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

Is Mexico City or Panama City More Beautiful?

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

Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mexico City or Panama City Better for Families?

Panama City is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Mexico City is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Is Mexico City or Panama City Better for Couples?

Panama City is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Panama City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

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

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

Mexico City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Mexico City or Panama City Better for Students?

Both Mexico City and Panama City are very good destinations for students.

Mexico City is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Panama City is very popular with students. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

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

Mexico City is a great destination for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Mexico City can get you around easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

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 Mexico City or Panama City a more walkable city?

Mexico City is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

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 Mexico City Worth Visiting? and Is Panama City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Panama City or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Panama City?

Both Mexico City 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 Mexico City. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 3-7 days is enough time in Panama City.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Mexico City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Panama City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City 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 Mexico City.

One day in Mexico City or Panama City?

Mexico City is a colorful city where you can fill many days. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cosmopolitan beach town of Panama City. 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.

A weekend in Mexico City or Panama City?

Mexico City is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. 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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the cosmopolitan destination of Panama City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Mexico City or Panama City?

Mexico City is a dynamic city where you can fill many days. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active beach town of Panama City. 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.

A week in Mexico City or Panama City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Panama City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Mexico City and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Mexico City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mexico City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mexico City 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 Mexico City.

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

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Panama City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City 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.