Panama City is generally safe at night for tourists when staying in popular areas such as Casco Viejo, Punta Pacifica, Marbella, Obarrio, Costa del Este, Amador Causeway, and major hotel zones. However, safety depends strongly on the area, time, and behavior.
The safest approach at night is to avoid long walks between neighborhoods, keep valuables discreet, use Uber or hotel-arranged transportation, and stay in busy, well-lit places. Petty theft, pickpocketing, phone snatching, and opportunistic crime can happen in tourist areas, especially where there are crowds, nightlife, ATMs, or poorly lit streets.
Travelers should be more cautious around areas with higher crime reports, including El Chorrillo, Santa Ana, San Miguelito, Río Abajo, 24 de Diciembre, Juan Díaz, Calidonia, Avenida Central, and some areas near bus stations. Casco Viejo is popular and active at night, but visitors should avoid wandering too far into nearby less-touristic zones after dark.
For most tourists, Panama City at night is best enjoyed by choosing a safe base, moving by rideshare, avoiding flashy jewelry or large amounts of cash, and not walking alone in quiet streets late at night.