The wonderful thing about Panama is that it’s easy to remember the capital city, aptly named Panama City! Here we bring to you the absolute best hostels in Panama City.
This is a modern city in Central America with its very own manmade canal.
Notably the nicest area is the cobblestoned historic centre called Casco Viejo – home to some of the hostels in this collection.
Our favorite hostels in Panama City are:
- Magnolia Inn - best for Couples
- Hostal Casa Areka - best for Solo Travellers
- Hostel Mamallena - best for Backpackers
Find even more cool hostels in Bocas del Toro whilst you’re in the country.
1. Magnolia Inn
2. Hostal Casa Areka
3. Hostel Mamallena
Are you ready for swimming pools, groovy design and big spaces? How about morning pancakes and privacy dorms? It’s all here, and more.
To make things even better, you’ll find some fun party hostels if you’re looking for a good time.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when …
- tired of bad and crappy hostels
- want to avoid the “young party kids”
- happy to spend 1-2€ for a better experience
Backpacking the Americas? Honestly, there are so many amazing hostels within reach from Panama.
Check out the best hostels in Colombia and the best hostels in Costa Rica. The hostel world here will blow you away!
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Panama City
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Panama City cost 7€ – 14€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 20€ up to 45€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Panama City are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Panama City.
- Magnolia Inn – best for Couples
- Hostal Casa Areka – best for Solo Travellers
- Hostel Mamallena – best for Backpackers
These are our favorite hostels in Panama City. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Magnolia Inn
2. Hostal Casa Areka
3. Hostel Mamallena
We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Selina Casco Viejo Panama City |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Hostal Casa Areka |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | El Machico Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Magnolia Inn |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Hostal Casa Areka |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Selina Casco Viejo Panama City |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Hostel Mamallena |
1. Magnolia Inn
We wanted to treat you to a very special stay in Panama City. How does sleeping in a lovingly-restored French colonial mansion sound?
Magnolia Inn showcases its charming historic character, with no modern conveniences overlooked.
This is a boutique hotel and hostel, with seriously beautiful shared spaces and a wide selection of rooms that we know you’re going to love.
Because of the up-scale nature and lack of hostel events, we’d recommend this for couples and anyone travelling as part of a group.
Over in the luxury hostel you’ll find:
- 4 and 6-bed mixed dorms
- The ‘Ballroom’ – 12 single beds
This Ballroom deserves some extra attention. It’s super cool and unique!
In the centre of this huge room there is a seating area, chairs and table and even a piano. Whilst there is no air conditioning, it has 26 windows and two small balconies.
Every bed has a personal floor mounted fan, chair, plug socket, orthopaedic mattress, locker and free Wifi access.
Couples and families can have a look at the hotel section.
It has everything from king and queen privates, to rooms for 3 and 4 people. They are all super swanky and luxurious.
When you just want to chill out, move between the fully equipped kitchen and sunbathed dining room.
Good to know: Magnolia Inn welcomes groups including wedding parties, universities and youth groups.
Location: In the heart of Casco Viejo (Old Town), just steps away from all you could possibly want and need during your stay.
This is one of the best hostels in Panama City for
- Couples
- Groups
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Hostal Casa Areka
The centrepiece of Hostal Casa Areka is easily the refreshing outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees!
Not only that, but the pool is flanked with sun chairs, a hammock and a BBQ area.
This is a tropical haven in the middle of Panama City and it’s calling your name.
No matter who you are, you’ll be welcomed by the team and made to feel at home very quickly. It’s so surprise when all of this is included:
- Free breakfast (with pancakes)
- Organised airport shuttle & sailing trips
- Common room w/ pool table, sofas
- Big kitchen
- Air-conditioned rooms
If you need anything, just speak to the staff – they are at hand 24 hours a day.
Grab yourself a complimentary coffee and swap your old book for a new one at the exchange.
Particular about your room type? You’ll surely find what you’re looking for here!
Dorm rooms include: 4, 6 and 8-bed mixed, plus a 6-bed ladies-only for female solo travellers.
Private rooms include: Standard twin and double, plus a deluxe double with a private bathroom and TV.
Location: In the heart of the city in the vibrant district of Calle Uruguay. There is a handy 24hr supermarket across the road, plus easy access to a bus stop which connects to Panama Canal and Casco Viejo. Many bars and restaurants are also close to the hostel. This is the closest hostel to Tocumen International Airport.
This is one of the best hostels in Panama City for
- Solo travellers
- Adults
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Hostel Mamallena
Calling all backpackers! Hostel Mamallena is a super place that is specifically designed with backpackers in mind.
Let us tempt you right on the off by mentioning their freebies…
- FREE tea & coffee 24/7
- FREE BYO booze
- FREE super early check-in (from 7am)
- FREE huge whenever you need them
That’s definitely a pretty good start we’d say. It’s always nice to know where you can save some money when staying at a hostel.
Alongside the free stuff, Mamallena has a really great selection of amenities including outdoor pool, 24hr guest kitchen, pool bar, lounge w/ movies and luggage storage for up to 3 weeks.
Another handy aspect of staying here is that reception is open 24/7.
There is also an onsite travel agency that can help you with booking must-do trips in the area.
Good to know: This is not a party hostel and quiet time starts at 11pm.
Choose between mixed dorms and private rooms. The dorms come with 6, 8 and 12-beds (the 6-bed has an ensuite so we recommend this one).
Location: In a handy area closeby to plenty of restaurants and handy public transport. The MiBus Stop and Metro is less than a 5 minute walk. A handy supermarket is also just a 10-minute walk away. Paitilla Airport is 2km away from Mamallena.
This is one of the best hostels in Panama City for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Panama City?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Panama City.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Panama City
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Best Hostels in Panama City for Solo Travellers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Panama City for solo-travellers?
We’d like to add one more hostel to the mix: Selina Casco Viejo Panama City aka Selina Hostel Panama City.
It could be argued that this is a great party hostel option, but because of the balance of shared and private rooms, plus the upscale design, we want to recommend this for solo travellers.
Having said that, there is a hostel bar and an awesome rooftop which is perfect for creating those fun vibes.
It really is a hostel that has it all. Other amenities include:
- Co-working spaces (+ Wifi)
- Daily classes
- Organised activities
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Shared kitchen
The rooms are stunning, simple as that. Reception is open 24/7 & children and groups are welcome.
This is certainly an ideal choice for solo travellers that want to meet new people in a relaxed, easy fashion. The staff here makes it super easy for you.
To top it off you’ll be located in Casco Viejo. That means bohemian vibes, hip eateries, and happening nightlife awaits you.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Party Hostels in Panama City
As long as you’re staying in the Casco Viejo area, you’ll never be too far away from some great nightlife. This is the area where you will find the more crazy party hostels.
So even if you do not stay in a party hostel, you will have the option to enjoy the local bars in the Old Town, and take advantage of not having a curfew (check this with your hostel).
The next section is specifically for travellers in search of the best party hostels in Panama City that avoid the ‘young party kids’.
El Machico Hostel
El Machico Hostel is a large house in the Marbella zone that boasts an epic outdoor swimming pool.
At night time there is an open-air cinema over the pool, and a small bar to enjoy some drinks.
It’s all about the freebies here, including breakfast (pancakes, coffee), pool table, linen, free parking, Playstation 4 and so much more.
These guys are the leaders in Panama City for tours, so make sure you book with them and save money.
Hard Rock Cafe is very close to the hostel and a great place to taking the party vibes out into the city to mix with locals.
Compare prices and check availability at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Los Mostros Hostel
Come and join the friendly, laid-back atmosphere at Los Mostros Hostel.
What is there to get excited for? How about:
- Swimming pool
- Games area w/ ping pong & pool
- Outdoor terrace & BBQ
- Onsite bar
There is a nice selection of mixed and female only dorms with 6, 8 and 10-beds.
Note: You will be situated near plenty of cool bars and restuarants in the area of Bella Vista. It’s best to head out into the city if you want to have a ‘crazy’ night.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Panama City best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Panama City for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below we list all three best Panama City hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
Looking for things to do in Panama City and discover cultural places in Panama?
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
- Panama Canal
- Metropolitan Natural Park
- San Felipe
- Biomuseo
- Miraflores Locks
- Plaza de Francia
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Panama City.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- best hostels in Bocas del Toro
- 13 BEST hostels in Nicaragua
- best hostels in Medellin with Los Patios Hostel
- best hostels in San Jose
- best hostels in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
- best hostels in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- best hostels in Caribbean
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels in here.
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CLOSED: Luna’s Castle Hostel
Update: Our former #3 hostel has permanently closed its doors. We keep this review here for your information.
Luna’s Castle Hostel is…
“Housed in a creaky, colonial mansion near the waters edge, Lunas Castle blends historic Spanish architecture with funky, laid-back backpacker vibes.”
Imagine life whereby:
- The ocean view is unobstructed
2. Hammocks constantly swing and
3. Coffee is bottomless
You’re already clicking that book button, right?
This gorgeously homely place offers professional service, international atmosphere and shoestring prices.
Gosh, there’s so much to mention. For one thing, there is an outdoor courtyard with Relic, the hostel bar.
Grab an evening cocktail rustled up by one of the bartenders and relax. Smile, meet people, chat the night away.
If you’re hungry, you’ll appreciate the discount for next door’s restaurant.
Start the day with a free breakfast – pancakes anyone? – and ask the staff for ideas. They can help with booking sailboats to Colombia, too.
Tip: Make sure you ask about the Tarzan Tour with Chris!
End the day by collapsing in either an ocean view dorm (10-12 beds) or one of the private rooms for 1, 2 or 3 people.
Location: Situated in the wonderful Casco Viejo close to bars, restaurants and great cafes.
