Boquete’s misty cloud forests and mountain charm are captivating, but just 40 minutes downhill lies a completely different side of Chiriquí Province: David, Panama’s third-largest city and the bustling commercial heart of the western highlands. While David may not have Boquete’s postcard scenery, it offers something equally valuable—an authentic slice of Panamanian urban life, vibrant markets, rich history, practical services, and a gateway to the broader region. Whether you’re craving city energy, need to stock up on supplies, or want to experience local culture beyond the tourist trail, a day trip to David is well worth the journey.
Why Visit David?
- Authentic urban Panama: Experience daily life in a working Panamanian city—markets, plazas, street food, and local commerce.
- Practical hub: Banks, supermarkets, pharmacies, medical facilities, shopping malls, and government offices make David essential for residents and long-term visitors.
- Cultural and historical sites: Colonial-era churches, museums, and public spaces tell the story of Chiriquí’s development.
- Culinary diversity: From traditional Panamanian comedores to international restaurants, David’s food scene is surprisingly varied.
- Transportation gateway: David’s airport, bus terminal, and highway connections make it the jumping-off point for beaches, highlands, and the Costa Rican border.
- Contrast and context: Seeing David helps you appreciate Boquete’s uniqueness and understand the region’s economic and social fabric.
Top Attractions and Experiences
1) Parque de Cervantes (Parque Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra)
- What it is: David’s central plaza and social heart—a shaded square with benches, fountains, monuments, and constant activity.
- Why go: People-watching at its finest. Locals gather here throughout the day to chat, play chess, sell snacks, and enjoy the shade. It’s the pulse of the city.
- Nearby: Surrounded by shops, cafés, banks, and government buildings; perfect starting point for exploring downtown.
- Tips: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler and more active. Weekends bring families and street vendors.
2) Parque de las Madres (Mothers’ Park)
- What it is: A family-friendly public park dedicated to mothers, featuring Playgrounds, walking paths, green spaces, and shaded seating areas. Smaller and quieter than Parque Cervantes, it offers a more relaxed, residential atmosphere.
- Why go: Perfect for families with children; a peaceful spot to rest and observe local family life. The park is well-maintained with mature trees providing shade, making it a pleasant escape from David’s heat.
- What to see: Playground equipment, walking paths, benches under large trees, occasional food vendors, and families enjoying picnics and outdoor time together.
- Location: Located in a residential area, a short taxi ride from downtown.
- Tips: Best visited in late afternoon (4–6 p.m.) when families gather after school and work. Bring snacks or buy from vendors; it’s a great spot to relax between errands or sightseeing. Weekends are busier and more festive.
3) Museo José de Obaldía
- What it is: A small but well-curated museum housed in a restored 19th-century home, showcasing Chiriquí’s history, indigenous cultures, colonial artifacts, and the life of José de Obaldía (a key figure in Panama’s separation from Colombia).
- Why go: Gain context on the region’s pre-Columbian roots, Spanish colonial period, and modern development.
- Location: Near Parque Cervantes
- Cost: Minimal entrance fee (typically $1–$2 USD)
- Tips: Signage is mostly in Spanish; consider hiring a local guide or using a translation app for deeper understanding.
4) Mercado Público de David (Public Market)
- What it is: A sprawling, bustling indoor/outdoor market selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, spices, flowers, household goods, and prepared foods.
- Why go: Immersive sensory experience—vibrant colors, lively haggling, exotic fruits, and the chance to see what locals actually eat and buy. Perfect for photographers and food lovers.
- What to try: Fresh tropical fruits (mango, papaya, maracuyá, guanábana), local cheeses, empanadas, tamales, and fresh juices.
- Tips: Go early (7–10 a.m.) for the best selection and energy. Bring cash, watch your belongings, and don’t be shy about asking vendors questions—they’re usually happy to explain their products.
5) Barrio Bolívar
- What it is: One of David’s older residential neighborhoods with colorful houses, tree-lined streets, and a more relaxed, residential vibe.
- Why go: Escape the commercial center and see everyday life; good for a quiet walk and street photography.
6) Shopping and Services
- Malls: Chiriquí Mall and Paseo del Puente offer air-conditioned shopping, supermarkets (Super 99, Romero), pharmacies, electronics, clothing, and food courts.
- Why go: Stock up on supplies not available in Boquete; enjoy modern amenities; escape the heat.
- Supermarkets: Larger selection and better prices than Boquete’s smaller stores—great for long-term visitors or expats.
7) Street Food and Local Eateries
- What to try:
- Sancocho: Hearty chicken soup with yuca, cilantro, and culantro—Panama’s comfort food.
- Carimanolas: Fried yuca rolls stuffed with seasoned meat.
- Empanadas: Savory turnovers filled with beef, chicken, or cheese.
- Raspados: Shaved ice with fruit syrups—perfect for David’s heat.
- Arroz con pollo: Classic rice and chicken dish.
- Where: Look for small comedores (family-run eateries) around the market and Parque Cervantes; street vendors near the plaza.
- Tips: Eat where locals eat; don’t be intimidated by humble appearances—the food is often excellent and very affordable.
8) Balboa Avenue (Avenida Balboa)
- What it is: One of David’s main commercial streets, lined with shops, restaurants, banks, and businesses.
- Why go: Good for errands, window shopping, and observing urban Panamanian commerce.
Practical Information
Getting There from Boquete:
- By car: ~40 minutes via the main highway; straightforward drive with good signage.
- By bus: Frequent buses run between Boquete and David (every 20–30 minutes); fare is around $1.50 USD; buses depart from Boquete’s main terminal and arrive at David’s central bus terminal.
- By taxi/Uber: Available; expect to pay $25–$40 USD one-way for a private ride.
Getting Around David:
- Walking: Downtown core (Parque Cervantes, cathedral, museum, market) is compact and walkable.
- Taxi: Plentiful and inexpensive; short rides within the city typically $2–$5 USD. Agree on fare before departing.
- Uber: Available in David; often cheaper and more transparent than taxis.
- Bus: Local buses connect neighborhoods and malls; very cheap but can be confusing for first-timers.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning (7–11 a.m.): Market is lively, temperatures are cooler, and the city is most active.
- Avoid midday (12–3 p.m.): David is hot and humid; this is the least comfortable time to explore on foot.
- Late afternoon (4–6 p.m.): Cooler temperatures return; Parque Cervantes comes alive again.
- Weekdays vs. weekends: Weekdays are busier with commerce; weekends bring families to the plaza and parks.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (David is much hotter than Boquete)
- Water bottle
- Cash (many small vendors and comedores don’t accept cards)
- Light, breathable clothing
- Small daypack for purchases
Safety Tips:
- David is generally safe, but use common sense: watch your belongings in crowded areas like the market and bus terminal.
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash.
- Stick to well-populated areas, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city.
- Use registered taxis or Uber, especially at night.
Sample Half-Day Itinerary
Morning Market & Culture Tour (4–5 hours)
- 8:00 a.m.: Arrive in David; park near Parque Cervantes or take a taxi from the bus terminal.
- 8:15–9:30 a.m.: Explore Mercado Público—browse produce, try fresh fruit, sample empanadas or tamales.
- 9:45–10:30 a.m.: Visit Catedral de San José and Parque Cervantes; people-watch, take photos.
- 10:45–11:30 a.m.: Tour Museo José de Obaldía for regional history and culture.
- 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Lunch at a local comedor—try sancocho or arroz con pollo.
- 12:30–1:00 p.m.: Quick stop at Chiriquí Mall for supplies or air-conditioned break.
- 1:00 p.m.: Return to Boquete.
Full-Day Urban Exploration (6–8 hours)
- Morning: Market, cathedral, museum, and plaza as above.
- Midday: Lunch and shopping at Chiriquí Mall or Paseo del Puente; escape the heat.
- Afternoon: Explore Barrio Bolívar, visit local shops, try street food, and enjoy a raspado.
- Late afternoon: Return to Parque Cervantes for sunset people-watching.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to Boquete.
Shopping Highlights
Supermarkets:
- Super 99, Romero, El Machetazo—stock up on groceries, household items, and specialty products not available in Boquete.
Pharmacies:
- Farmacias Metro, Arrocha—well-stocked with medications, health products, and toiletries.
Electronics and Appliances:
- Chiriquí Mall and standalone stores offer better selection and prices than Boquete.
Clothing and Footwear:
- Malls and downtown shops; good for practical items and local fashion.
Artisan Goods:
- Limited compared to Boquete, but the market occasionally has handmade crafts and textiles.
Cultural Insights
Language:
- Spanish is the primary language; English is less common than in Boquete’s tourist areas. Basic Spanish phrases are helpful.
Pace of Life:
- David moves faster than Boquete—it’s a working city with commerce, traffic, and urban energy.
Local Etiquette:
- Greet vendors and shopkeepers with “buenos días” or “buenas tardes.”
- Bargaining is acceptable at the market but not in formal stores.
- Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in casual eateries; 10% is standard in sit-down restaurants.
Dress:
- Casual and practical; locals dress modestly but comfortably given the heat.
Beyond David: Regional Connections
David serves as the transportation hub for:
- Pacific beaches: Las Lajas, Boca Chica, Playa Barqueta (30–60 minutes by car)
- Volcán and Cerro Punta: Western highland towns (1–1.5 hours)
- Paso Canoas: Costa Rican border crossing (1 hour)
- Bocas del Toro: Caribbean archipelago (bus or flight connections)
- Panama City: Domestic flights from Enrique Malek International Airport; 6–7 hours by bus.
What Makes David Unique
David doesn’t compete with Boquete’s natural beauty or tourist polish—and that’s precisely its appeal. It’s real, unfiltered Panama: a place where people work, shop, eat, and live without catering to visitors. Exploring David gives you a fuller picture of Chiriquí Province and a deeper appreciation for the region’s diversity. It’s the yin to Boquete’s yang—hot where Boquete is cool, urban where Boquete is pastoral, practical where Boquete is picturesque.
Key Takeaways
A day trip to David offers a refreshing contrast to Boquete’s mountain serenity. Whether you’re navigating the sensory overload of the public market, savoring authentic street food, or simply soaking up the energy of Parque Cervantes, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of life in western Panama—and maybe a bag full of fresh mangoes and empanadas.
Discover More:
- After exploring David’s urban energy, retreat to the cool highlands with a coffee farm tour in Boquete.
- Combine your city day trip with a relaxing afternoon at the Caldera hot springs.
- Plan a coastal escape to Panama’s Pacific beaches from David’s transportation hub.
