Things to see and do in David Panama?

David is the capital of the Chiriqui province, the heart of the west and the third largest city in the country. However, despite its size, there is not much to see in David. That is why tourists use the city as a strategic place to stay and move around, which is what is really interesting. David is also known as one of the hottest places in the country, so if you are not a heat fan, it is better to stay somewhere else.

In this post we will tell you everything you need to know before starting your trip to David in Panama. We have prepared a list of the main points of interest in the city and its surroundings where you will find some of the most spectacular natural sites in the country. We also recommend some hotels and restaurants where you can recharge your batteries and enjoy the local cuisine. And we will give you some other travel tips, so that you only have to worry about enjoying your trip. Get your suitcase ready, we are on our way!

What are the best places to see in David?

1. Miguel de Cervantes Park

As we have already mentioned, David is the hottest city in the country, so this park is a perfect option to take refuge in the shade and enjoy the peace and tranquility there.

The park was built by the local government in 2006, and today it is one of the main tourist attractions in David. It is a common meeting place for the locals as there are stands selling ice cream, coconut juice and other cold beverages in the park.

2. Barrio Bolivar, the historic center of David

The historic center of David is located in the Bolivar neighborhood, where you still can find some buildings of the colonial era. It is the most charming part of the whole city and it takes just 20 minutes to visit as it is formed by two streets: calle Noreste y la Avenida 8 Este (Northeast Street and Avenue 8 East).

In this area you will find many stores and restaurants, as well as some museums such as the Museum of History and Art of José de Obaldía.

3. José de Obaldía Museum of History and Art

Before entering the museum, what is most striking is the facade of the colonial-style building that once belonged to the founder of the province of Chiriqui, Jose de Obaldia. Inside the museum, which takes just 15 minutes to visit, you’ll find different knick-knacks and various objects from the colonial era.

The museum’s visiting hours are from Thursday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the entrance fee is $1.

4. David’s New Artisan Center 

In David, on the Boquete road, we find a shopping center specializing in local crafts where we can appreciate their works and make our souvenir purchases. It is undoubtedly a very curious place to learn about the culture of the country and especially its art. The center is open every day from 10:00h to 20:00h.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Things to do around David

1. Boquete, another town to visit in Chiriqui

A 45-minute drive from David lies Boquete, another important city in the region. The city is completely surrounded by nature that does not go unnoticed, nor do the aromas of coffee, fruits and flowers that invade the streets. The main economic activity in the area is the cultivation of coffee, flowers and fruits, in addition to the indigenous people’s crafts.

There are several options to get to Boquete from David. By private car and cab it takes 45 minutes, and if you take a cab, the price is 15€. A cheaper option is the bus, which costs only 1/2€ and takes 1 hour.

2. Baru Volcano National Park

The Baru Volcano National Park is one of the most incredible natural corners of the country because there you will find the Baru volcano, the highest volcano in Panama. The surroundings of the volcano are famous for its great biodiversity. There you can observe exotic birds and enjoy a landscape that will leave you speechless.

There are hiking trails in the area around the volcano, and if you want to climb, you will have to pay an entrance fee of $ 5 in addition to the guide. The route to the summit takes 6h and requires a certain amount of fitness.

3. Coiba National Marine Park

The Coiba National Marine Park, besides being one of the largest marine parks in the world, is one of the most visited places in the country for its incredible landscapes formed by tropical rainforests, islands and white sand beaches and crystal clear waters where colorful coral reefs hide.

In the Gulf of Chiriqui you can also do whale watching such as dolphins, whales and even orcas. It is a fantastic place to practice water sports, diving or relaxing on the beaches.

What to see in 1 day in David?

Although the historic center of the city is really beautiful, the truth is that all the places of interest in David can be covered in a morning. However, the city, along with Boquete, is the perfect place to stay to visit the natural surroundings in the Chiriqui region. We recommend to spend several days there since with the Coiba National Marine Park and the Baru Volcano National Park you will have plenty of entertainment.

What is clear is that David is a key point to move around the area, especially if you do not have private transport. And the provincial capital is very well connected by public transport.

Where and what to eat in David?

Chiriqui, the region where the city of David is located has a long tradition of farmers, ranchers and fishermen. So, as you can imagine, the cuisine of the area has very fresh and good quality products, including coffee. Some of the most typical dishes are the mono (rice with beans, meat, sausage and plantain), patacones with shrimp, tamales and some sweets such as bienmesabe or almojabanos. Here are some suggestions of restaurants where you can try these delicacies:

• El Fogón: is a simple restaurant specializing in local and Central American cuisine. The prices are very moderate and the portions are plentiful.
• Smoke King: It’s one of the best fast-food restaurants in town. The burgers are the best known thing on the menu, but they also cook meats very well. The price is affordable.
• Sedimar: is the best seafood restaurant in town. They have a wide variety of local fish and seafood based dishes that you are sure to love.

Where to stay in David?

Here are some suggestions for the best places to stay in David. In this post you can also see other accommodations in the rest of the country: The best hotels and accommodations in Panama.

• PaCasa Hostel: this simple hostel is a very affordable option to stay. It is clean and well-kept, and has nice common areas such as a terrace. It also has a billiard room and pets are allowed. The price per night in a bunk bed is 12€, and in a private room prices start at 26€.
• Hotel-Boutique Patampa: this 4-star hotel is a great option to stay in David. It is a nice complex with garden and swimming pool, ideal for families and couples. It also has a barbecue, solarium and pets are allowed. The price per night starts at 80€.
• Hotel Puerta del Sol: This is a 3-star hotel located in the center of David. It is a simple but nicely decorated place where you will surely feel at home. It does not have a restaurant because it is located in an area where in addition to a market there are many restaurants to choose from. The price for a double room with private bathroom starts at 61€.

How to get to David

The city of David is about 450km from Panama City, where the country’s main international airport is located. This is a long distance, so you might consider making stops along the way to see other places of interest. There are several ways to get there from Panama City.

• Bus: costs between $13 and $19 and departs directly from the airport. They leave fairly frequently and the trip takes about 7 hours.
• Private car: is a good option if we are going to take a trip through the country. It also allows us to make stops along the way. You can rent cars at the airport.
• Airplane: is the fastest way to travel. The journey takes about 2h and usually costs between $70 and $170.

What should I consider before traveling to David

• No visa is required to enter Panama, but a passport valid for at least 6 months is required.
• The country is not the safest, so it is recommended to avoid going out at night and be careful with your belongings.
• The official language in Panama is Spanish although there are more than 19 languages.
• It is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, triple viral, tetanus-diphtheria, typhoid fever, but it is not mandatory if traveling from Spain.
• In Panama there are two current currencies, the dollar and the balboas.
• It is best to change money before starting your trip, there are stores and restaurants that do not accept credit cards.
• The weather is warm year-round, but the rainy season runs between May and December.
• Tap water is potable in most of the country.
• Hedge yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel insured.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to David

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all of its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions into it.
• Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travelers the things to do in David.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to David Panama