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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Panama City?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Panama City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a colorful, laid-back, and cultural town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta and Panama City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Panama City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Panama City are both popular with visitors, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Panama City is known for its music and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Panama City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Panama City Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Panama City are excellent when it comes to partying.

Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

Panama City has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Puerto Vallarta or Panama City Better for Music?

Panama City is very good for its music scene. However, Puerto Vallarta 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.

Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Panama City Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Puerto Vallarta offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Panama City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Puerto Vallarta to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Panama City Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta and Panama City are excellent choices for a beach vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Panama City. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Panama City?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

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

Is Puerto Vallarta or Panama City Better for Families?

Panama City is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Panama City Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Panama City are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Panama City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Panama City Better for Students?

Panama City is a well-known place for students. However, Puerto Vallarta 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.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel 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 Puerto Vallarta or Panama City a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable town. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Panama City or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Panama City?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the colorful town of Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The fun-filled destination of Panama City offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This 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.

The beach town of Panama City offers live music and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the coastal town of Puerto Vallarta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Panama City is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Panama City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Puerto Vallarta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The active beach town of Panama City offers shopping and nightlife. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Panama City?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta 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.