Things To Do
in David
David, Panama is the provincial capital of Chiriquí and a bustling inland hub near the Pacific coast. The city serves as a practical gateway to the region’s coffee country, cloud forests, and coastal escapes. It blends a colonial-influenced downtown with a lively market scene and modern eateries.
Visitors can base themselves here for day trips to Boquete, the highlands, and nearby beaches while enjoying warm Pacific-friendly hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in David and check into your hotel, taking some time to settle in and freshen up after your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring Panamanian coffee and fresh pastries. Stroll around the town's central park to get a feel for the local atmosphere.
Visit the nearby Parque Nacional Volcán Baru, where you can embark on a scenic hike that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the unique flora and fauna as you climb, and take the opportunity to capture some stunning photographs. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst nature as you soak in the tranquility of the park.
Dine at a traditional Panamanian restaurant in David, experiencing the flavors of the local cuisine. Try dishes like sancocho or ropa vieja, paired with a cold Panamanian beer. After dinner, explore the nightlife by visiting a local bar where live music often showcases the vibrant culture of Panama.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to the lush coffee plantations surrounding David. Join a guided tour that takes you through the coffee-making process, from bean to cup, learning about the rich history and importance of coffee in the region. Enjoy tasting freshly brewed coffee right from the source.
Continue the tour by participating in a hands-on coffee picking experience, immersing yourself in the local culture. Afterward, relax with a light lunch at the plantation's café, featuring local ingredients paired with your coffee. Engage with the locals and gain insights into their daily lives in this beautiful countryside.
Return to David and indulge in an exquisite dining experience at a local eatery known for its gourmet interpretations of Panamanian dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the city streets, appreciating the vibrant colors of sunset over the surrounding hills. Wrap up your day with a visit to a local artisan market for unique souvenirs.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🧃Soft drink or juice | $1-3 |
| 🚾Public restroom access | Free / small tip optional |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $50-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and relaxed pace
- Good base for day trips to Boquete and the coast
- Inexpensive compared to many travel hubs
- Growing food and cafe scene
- Limited nightlife compared to Panama City
- Occasional traffic around peak hours
- Some areas may lack high-end amenities
- "¿Dónde está el Mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
Places to Visit in David
Visit one of these nice places.
A leafy city park with historic architecture and morning activity—great for street photography and candid portraits.
Grand church with arches and a calm interior; ideal for architectural shots and evening light.
City overlook offering panoramic views of the valley and surrounding hills—perfect for golden hour photography.
Food in David
David Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty homestyle soup with stock, corn, cassava, plantain, and meat, best enjoyed at a local eatery after a day of exploring.
Must-Try!
Yuca croquettes stuffed with cheese or meat, perfect as a snack from street stalls or casual cafés.
Fried green plantain slices topped with cheese, meat, or beans—a staple side or snack.
Rice with chicken, vegetables, and saffron-like spices; a common, family-friendly dish you’ll find in many restaurants.
Freshly prepared seafood ceviche, often served with plantain chips or fried yuca.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market for produce, tropical fruits, and affordable snacks; try freshly squeezed juices and local pastries.
Portable bites like empanadas, patacones, yuca bites, and ceviche—great for a quick, inexpensive lunch.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a simple hola or buenos días; use formal usted in interactions with strangers; Spanish is the dominant language.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or cultural sites; keep voices low in sacred spaces; tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Safety
Tipping in David
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10–15% is standard if service is not included. Small tips for hotel staff and taxi drivers are appreciated.
Colón (Panama’s local currency) and US dollars are widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in urban areas; carry cash for markets and smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mostly sunny days with low rain; ideal for outdoor adventures, hikes, and city exploring.
Afternoon showers are common; humidity is higher but landscapes are lush and alive; plan for flexible itineraries.
David at Night
Hiking in David
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging day hike through forest and páramo with panoramic summit views on clear days.
Protected rainforest and cloud forest trails with diverse wildlife, accessible from the David/Boquete area.
Airports
How to reach David by plane.
Small international airport serving David; convenient for connecting to the Chiriquí region and beyond.
Panama’s main international hub near Panama City; use a domestic flight or ground transfer to reach David and the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Mestizo and Afro-Panamanian communities, with smaller Indigenous groups and a growing expatriate presence.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Panama’s most popular sport; local parks host casual games and pickup matches.
A traditional pastime with regional clubs and youth leagues; sometimes played in community spaces.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting David.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in most eateries: beans, rice, plantains, salads; ask for veggie versions of local dishes or simple side dishes like tostones or yuca.