Do I need to own a car in the Panama City, Panama area of Marbella?

To move around and within the area of Marbella in Panama City, I would not recommend a car since everything it is pretty close and you can find all things needed: shopping malls, supermarkets, movies, health centers and hospital, restaurants, night clubs and bars, offices buildings for all sort of companies, hotels, schools, kids' day-care, parks, banks, government offices, etc.

 

Most people prefer to walk around instead of driving a car since the area is in the...

To move around and within the area of Marbella in Panama City, I would not recommend a car since everything it is pretty close and you can find all things needed: shopping malls, supermarkets, movies, health centers and hospital, restaurants, night clubs and bars, offices buildings for all sort of companies, hotels, schools, kids' day-care, parks, banks, government offices, etc.

 

Most people prefer to walk around instead of driving a car since the area is in the middle of downtown and very congested by heavy traffic during business days.

 

Marbella is a very safe neighborhood.

 

To go from Marbella to distant areas of the city, your own car is definitely the best option instead of a bus or a cab.

 

 

 

 

 

Marbella is pretty much a central area, with access to several neighborhoods around it, like Paitilla, Punta Paitilla, San Francisco, Obarrio, Punta Pacífica, Ave. Balboa or "Cinta Costera", Cangrejo, and Bella Vista.

 

Panamá is a very small city, and walking is a good option if you like to exercise. Heat and rain could be an obstacle if you are not used to it.

 

But definitely, a car is needed, either taxi or your own...

Marbella is pretty much a central area, with access to several neighborhoods around it, like Paitilla, Punta Paitilla, San Francisco, Obarrio, Punta Pacífica, Ave. Balboa or "Cinta Costera", Cangrejo, and Bella Vista.

 

Panamá is a very small city, and walking is a good option if you like to exercise. Heat and rain could be an obstacle if you are not used to it.

 

But definitely, a car is needed, either taxi or your own private car, unless you only plan to move around just in the central area of Marbella.  The closest hotels there are Hotel Four Point Sheraton Marbella at the World Center Tower, and the Riu.  There are also many other 5 stars hotels like Marriott, El Ejecutivo (Executive), Bristol, Courtyard (at Multiplaza Mall), among many, many others not far away.

 

Another option is to take the public metro bus, which has new buses, but only runs on certain main streets, and usually only locals use them.  Next year Panamá will have the only metro in Central America, which will be fantastic for public transportation within the city.  Again, it will be only travel through the main streets like Vía España, but visitors will enjoy good transportation, at an excellent price to go to malls, the airport and other sites.

 

The last option would be to rent a car.  it is a little difficult for foreigners to drive in Panamá City, because it doesn´t have good directions and there can be extreme traffic jams, especially at peak hours until all mega-projects are finished.  (When finished, these projects will bring a great look and comfort to the city.)  If you are a very patient person, you are a good candidate to drive here.

 You don’t need to own a car in Panama City. You can get around easily enough by taxi.  Just make sure you determine a price first. If you use the new Metro bus system keep an eye on your possessions (PICK POCKETS).

 You don’t need to own a car in Panama City. You can get around easily enough by taxi.  Just make sure you determine a price first. If you use the new Metro bus system keep an eye on your possessions (PICK POCKETS).