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

Should you visit Panama City or Edmonton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Edmonton, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. Panama City is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Panama City travel costs.

Edmonton

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

Panama City and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Edmonton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Edmonton are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Edmonton attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Panama City is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. Edmonton is famous for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Panama City different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edmonton 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 Edmonton can be an interesting and educational experience. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Panama City is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

Panama City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Panama City or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Panama City offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Panama City or Edmonton Better for Music?

Panama City is very good for live music. However, Edmonton is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Edmonton is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Edmonton Better for Resorts?

Panama City is very good for its resorts. However, Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Edmonton Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Edmonton is not a beach destination.

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.

Edmonton is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Edmonton is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

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

Is Panama City or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Panama City is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Edmonton Better for Families?

Panama City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Panama City is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly beach town. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Panama City or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Panama City is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Panama City is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Panama City or Edmonton Better for Students?

Panama City is a well-known place for students. However, Edmonton is not popular with students.

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.

Edmonton is not popular with students.

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

Edmonton 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 Edmonton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

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 Panama City or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Panama City or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Panama City than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Edmonton. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edmonton 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 Edmonton.

One day in Panama City or Edmonton?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Edmonton. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Edmonton?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Edmonton. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Panama City or Edmonton?

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.

The authentic city of Edmonton offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Edmonton?

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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Edmonton, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Edmonton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Edmonton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Edmonton 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 Edmonton.

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

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Edmonton, 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.