A Quick Guide To Panama’s Via Argentina Neighborhood

Tag : El Cangrejo
Tag : Panama City
Tag : restaurants

Via Argentina is a vibrant and eclectic street located in the heart of Panama City, Panama and part of the larger El Cangrejo neighborhood. It’s known for its bustling streets lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.


La Cabeza de Einstein

Tree-lined streets with wide sidewalks

Via Argentina is easily accessible by public transportation, via the Via Argentina metro stop. Once you’re here, it is easy to get around on foot as this is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Panama City. If you visit early in the day it will mostly be people working in cafés or exercising in the park. If you want to really see the neighborhood come to life, I recommend visiting after 7pm when the locals get off work and are out and about.

The neighborhood offers a mix of local flavor and international influences, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. The locals that live here are young, creative, queer-friendly, rockers, hipsters, and simply making this the cool place to be in Panama City right now.


Small boutiques are starting to open in the neighborhood

El Cangrejo Radio is one of the coolest spots to party right now

So whether you’re a foodie, or just looking to soak up the local culture, you’re sure to find something to love. Read on for my quick guide to the Via Argentina neighborhood in Panama City, Panama.

Where to Stay

Here are the best places to stay for the traveler looking to stay around Via Argentina.

PANAMA ZEN HOTEL

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RIANDE URBAN

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ISTHMUS CONCEPT

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RAMADA

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Things To Do

A few fun activities to do around Via Argentina.

PARQUE ANDRES BELLO

VISIT HERE

This small park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Via Argentina. Take a leisurely stroll through the park’s gardens or relax on one of the benches and people watch.

COFFEE TASTING & TEA CEREMONY

BOOK HERE

Embark on a special coffee tasting experience and a traditional tea ceremony in the vibrant and multicultural heart of the city, El Cangrejo. 

GET A TATTOO

Get a permanent souvenir while you’re in the Via Argentina neighborhood. Popular spots include Red Line, La Barberia, Wild Tattoo Society, Pangea Ink, and High Groove.

EL CANGREJO BAR HOPPING

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See the nightlife where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the coolest bars in the El Cangrejo neighborhood on Via Argentina and make new friends.

CRAFT BEER & RUM TASTING

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Visit 3 handpicked breweries where you’ll be introduced to a range of locally brewed beers & one rum bar where you’ll try several rums.

ESCAPE ROOM

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Head to one of the best escape rooms in Panama City (you even have to solve a puzzle to enter the building). They have 4 games that can be done in English or Spanish.

Shopping

Check out these stores for locally made souvenirs in Panama.

GATO GIFTY

@gatogifty

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M.SALDAÑA ART

@m.saldanaart

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Cafés

Looking for a cozy café to pass the day? Via Argentina has become a hotspot for cool coffee shops, cafés, and bakeries. Here are the spots you have to get to know.

MENTIRITAS BLANCAS

@mentiritasblancas

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IL MULINO

@ilmulinopty

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SUCARO

@sucarocafe

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TRES COSECHAS

@trescosechascoffee

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GUT

@gutpty

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ATYPICO

@atypicorestaurante

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FEEL GOOD

@feelgoodpanama

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CASA 25

@casa25panama

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MANCORA

@mancora._

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CAFE UNIDO

@cafeunido

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MUNDO DEL PAN

@mundodelpan

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SALON DEL TE CHINO

@salondeltechino

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CASA VALIENTE

@casavalientecafe

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SIETE GRANOS

@sietegranos

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Restaurants

Via Argentina is a food lover’s paradise with a wide range of dining options to suit every palate. From traditional Panamanian cuisine to international fare, you’ll find it all here.

EL CARIBE

@elcaribepanama

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TABERNA LA MALAGUENA

@tabernalamalaguena

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RIESEN

@riesenpanama

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ESA FLACA RICA

@esaflacarica

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IZAKAYA KABUKI

@izakayakabuki

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ANGEL

@restuarant_angel

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THE RAJ

@therajpty

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TAQUERIA MONTERREY

@taqueriamonterreypanama

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EL CIPOTE

@elcipote_pty

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EL TRAPICHE

@eltrapichepty

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ANNIE & MOTTS

@anniemotts

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SUSHI MIYAGI

@sushimiyagi

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ARMONICA

@armonicashop_

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EL REY DE LA EMPANADA

@elreydelaempanada

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EL MUELLE HABANERO

@elmuellehabanero

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SHAMROCK EATERY & PUB

@shamrockpanama

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CHURRERIA MANOLO

@churreriamanolo

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CHOLO GRILL

@chologrill

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Bars

After the sun goes down, Via Argentina comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a brewery, cocktails, live music, karaoke, or dancing, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.

EL CANGREJO RADIO

@elcangrejoradio

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OLIVO WINE BAR

@olivowinebar

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PEDRO MANDINGA RUM BAR

@pedromandinga

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ANIMAL BREW

@animalbrew

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LA RANA DORADA

@laranadorada

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THE ROOF

@bwpanamazenhotel

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Tres Gatos Taproom

@3gatoscerveceria

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CENTRAL COFFEE & WINE

@centralcoffeeandwine

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CERVECERIA CENTRAL

@cerveceriacentral

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MURPHY’S

@murphysclubpanama

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LIVE KARAOKE

@livekaraokepanama

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EL PAVO REAL

@elpavo.real

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Who To Follow

Follow these Instagram accounts for the latest happenings in Via Argentina.

VIA ARGENTINA CULTUROSA

@viaargentinaculturosa

The best account for finding out what’s going on in Via Argentina with an agenda of events posted each week.

QUE XOPA CRAB

@quexopacrab

This account shows you where the best hidden gems and new restaurants are in El Cangrejo & Via Argentina.