New Year’s Eve in Panama is always a fun occasion to welcome the year ahead with friends and family. Luckily, Panama City has plenty of options for where to celebrate in style. Whether it’s fireworks, music, or dancing that you’re after, there’s guaranteed to be something perfect for everyone.
Still haven’t nailed down your plans for the evening? Then check out the following list of places to ring in the new year when the clock strikes 12:00 (and much later too if that’s your scene).
Fireworks
Panama City is known throughout Central America and beyond for having some of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks. Starting at midnight, the city sets off a miraculous firework display that doesn’t end until the wee hours of the morning. That’s right, we’re talking hours of incredible fireworks!
There are plenty of great spots to catch this stunning show. Therefore, if you or a friend has an apartment close to the coast with an unobstructed view, you’re in luck. If that’s not the case, check out one of the following venues for a front-row seat.
BITS at Hard Rock Hotel
Located on the 62nd floor of Panama’s Hard Rock Hotel, this bar is every bit deserving of its name. BITS stands for Bar In The Sky, making this an ideal venue for firework watching.
The bar features a spacious roof lounge that would be the perfect venue for your New Year’s festivities. With a delectable cocktail list, great vibes, and even better views, this is a great spot to be in the middle of the action.
Panaviera
While BITS might literally be the bar in the sky, the title of the highest pool bar in Panama goes to Panaviera. And with that height comes spectacular views for taking in fireworks.
Apart from the views, Panaviera has plenty to offer. With a live DJ, extensive cocktail list, and upscale setting, this is the perfect place to ring in the New Year in style.
Looking for A Good Time
If you’re more interested in a great party than you are in a front-row seat to the fireworks, you have plenty of options to choose from. If this is going to be your first New Year’s Eve spent in Panama, it’s worth noting that things get started a bit later here than in many other countries.
In fact, many Panamanians celebrate New Year’s Eve at home with their families and won’t head out to bars or parties until after midnight. Don’t be worried if the bar you’ve picked feels empty early in the evening. Things will pick up quickly and the party is likely to last well into January 1st.
Here are a few options that guarantee a fun evening out.
Tacos La Neta – Selina Rooftop
© Selina Panama
This year Tacos La Neta is hosting a New Year’s Eve party to remember! Located in the Selina Hostel, Casco Viejo and sitting on one of the best rooftops this is sure to be a great night for all.
Start the celebration at 9 pm with live music and enjoy a premium open bar and a fantastic view of the fireworks once the clock strikes 12.
Pre-sale tickets are $ 75 and you can collect them at Tacos La Neta branches or by contacting the WhatsApp 507 6032 3882
Relic Bar
Located in Casco Viejo in what feels like an underground cave, Relic Bar is a fun spot for drinks and dancing all year round. As it’s right under a popular hostel, Relic Bar tends to attract a younger crowd composed of a mix of locals and tourists.
The moderately priced drinks and contemporary music will keep everyone happy well into the night.
V Piso
The difficulty of finding this bar makes it all the more special. Located on a hidden rooftop above the Tomillo restaurant in Casco Viejo, you really have to know what you’re looking for to make it to V Piso.
Perched on the 5th floor (hence the name), this bar has a great view of the ocean and surrounding Casco Viejo, which makes it a great spot to celebrate with a group of friends.
Biergarten
As the name implies, Biergarten is a beer garden. But there’s plenty more in store for visitors. During a normal weeknight Biergarten often offers promotions such as 2×1 sangria or $1 beer nights.
The reasonable prices and fun vibe tend to attract a diverse crowd to this laid back environment and we don’t expect December 31st to be any different.
The Strangers Club
The Strangers Club has fast become a Panama City favorite for locals and tourists alike. With great food (try the burgers) and unique and thoughtful cocktails, this is a lovely spot for drinks and a meal with friends.
Given the fabulous drinks and lounge-like atmosphere, this is also a great place to spend New Year’s Eve if you’re looking for something a little more laid back.
Gatto Blanco
Next door to Tantalo, Gatto Blanco is another fun rooftop bar, but this one with a more bohemian vibe.
Catto Blanco is the rooftop bar of Casa Nuratti Boutique Hotel making it a convenient place for hotel guests, but a great option for others as well. Make your way through the ever-stylish foyer to take the elevator up to Gatto Blanco.
Once there you’ll be guaranteed great views, good drinks, and lively music to keep the party going until early the next morning.
La Tana Panama
La Tana has only been open for about a year and has already left its mark on the clubbing scene in Casco Viejo. This is one of the current favorite spots for an upscale club experience amongst locals.
Music ranges from reggaeton to electronic to top 40 and keeps the dancefloor hopping all night long.
Upscale Options
If your perfect New Year’s Eve involves going glam, there are plenty of upscale options where you can see and be seen. Many of these involve special events that are ticketed, so you’ll want to confirm with the venue ahead of time to see if tickets need to be purchased in advance.
Capital Bistro Panamá
Do you want to spend your new year’s eve with the best view in Panama? Then you are going to want to put Capital Bistro Panamá down on your NYE plan.
Located in the first Panamá fire department site, (Cuerpo de Bomberos de Panama) Capital Bistro offers a unique history and is the only restaurant on the beachline next to the presidency.
While Capital Bistro has been around for a while, many of you may not know that it recently got a full makeover that aims to bring the best experience to its customer’s primary senses.
As a result, their new year’s eve party is set to be a good one with open menu stations (the food is great, trust us), a live salsa band and DJ, an open bar with a variety of liquor options available and much much more.
Tickets are $120 and to get yours you can simply contact them here on Whatsapp or email them at reservas@capbistropanama.com.
Casa Casco
Casa Casaco has a bit of everything. This venue boasts three different restaurants, a nightclub, and a rooftop terrace. In addition, this makes it the perfect place to spend your whole evening.
Book a reservation for a gourmet dinner for earlier in the evening, and then spend the rest of the night dancing upstairs.
Tantalo
Another great option for those looking for a full night event is Tantalo. Similar to Casa Casco but not quite as polished, Tantalo offers a night of music and dancing.
This year Tantalo is hosting a New Year’s Party called “PANAMA” which will include an open bar, snacks, party favors, performances and more that are all sure to impress.
Get more information or buy your ticket ($80 + taxes) by visiting the event here or by contacting newyearseveparty@tantalohotel.com
Salvaje
One of the trendiest rooftop bars in Panama City is Salvaje. Located in the heart of the Casco Viejo historic district, this luxurious bar and restaurant have a great view of the skyline and unbeatable ambiance.
The food is phenomenal, the drinks are delicious, and the unique environment is the perfect place to kick off the new year in style.
W Panama
W Hotel Panama will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party to remember. Guests can enjoy a buffet dinner at the Moró Restaurant, live music and an open bar for $125 per person. Regardless of which you choose, it’s sure to be a fun night.
American Trade Hotel
Another tempting prix fixe option is at the American Trade Hotel. Here, you can receive the New Year amongst great company and enjoy a delicious meal with a special menu accompanied by sparkling wine.
There will also be live music followed by a guest DJ so you can enjoy food, drink, and entertainment all night long. Tickets are $160 and click here to get more info on how to reserve.
Haleigh
on said
Great information! Any places that have no entrance fee or a cheaper fee? Thanks!
Melissa
on said
This is the most legit list!