A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. New York City for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit Panama City or New York City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or New York City, 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. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Panama City and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or New York City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City. Although Panama City and New York City are popular destinations, New York City has more sights and attractions for tourists. New York City is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Panama City attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Panama City is famous for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. New York City is famous for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty.

How is Panama City different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York 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 New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Panama City or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Panama City is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in New York City. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Panama City is not a theatre destination.

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

New York 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, New York City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York 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.

New York City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

New York City 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 New York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

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 New York City Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City 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.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or New York City Better for Beaches?

Panama City is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Panama City for it's beautiful 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.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or New York City?

New York 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 New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Panama City does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Panama City does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Panama City or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Panama City does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in New York City offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Panama City does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Panama City or New York City Better for Families?

Panama City is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Panama City is very family-friendly. 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.

New York City is a very kid-friendly beach town. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Panama City or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

New York City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Panama City is a great beach town if you're traveling as 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.

Is Panama City or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or New York City Better for Students?

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

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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 New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is an amazing city 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.

Public transit in New York City is top-notch. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all 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 Panama City or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around New York City on foot is easy. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or New York City?

Both Panama City and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in New York City than Panama City. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than New York 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York 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 New York City.

One day in Panama City or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cosmopolitan destination of Panama City. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

New York City is a cosmopolitan 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.

A weekend in Panama City or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

New York City is a vibrant 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.

Five days in Panama City or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cosmopolitan destination of Panama City. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a one-of-a-kind 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.

A week in Panama City or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the beach town of Panama City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Panama City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Panama City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Panama 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Panama City.

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 New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and New York 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 Panama City or New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Panama City as well as New York City. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to New York City in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as New York City. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in New York City. Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than New York City. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Panama City is much warmer than New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than New York City. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Panama City during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in New York City can be very cold. In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than New York City. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or New York City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and New York City. The spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In April, Panama City is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than New York City. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Panama City