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

Should you visit Panama City or Montreal?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Montreal, 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 cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Panama City travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant, 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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Panama City and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal. Although Panama City and Montreal are both popular with visitors, Montreal has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montreal is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Panama City is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Montreal and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Montreal is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Panama City different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montreal 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 Montreal?

Montreal 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 Montreal are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Montreal 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 Montreal. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

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 Panama City or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal 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.

Montreal has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

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 Panama City or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Montreal The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

You'll find some good live music in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Is Panama City or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Panama City is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Panama City is great for the beach. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Montreal?

Montreal 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 Montreal make it a world-class shopping destination. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

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 Montreal More Beautiful?

Panama City is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Montreal Better for Families?

Panama City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

Is Panama City or Montreal Better for Couples?

Panama City and Montreal are both excellent to visit as a couple.

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.

Montreal is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

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

Montreal is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Montreal is a great destination for students. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

Students come from all over to stay in Panama City. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

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

Montreal 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 Montreal can get you around easily. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

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 Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal 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.

Montreal is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

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 Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Montreal?

In either Panama City or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than Montreal because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

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

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

One day in Panama City or Montreal?

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.

Montreal is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Panama City or Montreal?

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.

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

Five days in Panama City or Montreal?

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.

Montreal is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Panama City or Montreal?

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 live music when visiting Montreal. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Panama City and Montreal, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Montreal, 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 Panama City or Montreal?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Panama City or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Panama City is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the summer, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Montreal. The autumn months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In October, Panama City is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Montreal. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Montreal. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. Panama City is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Panama City is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than Montreal. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Panama City