A Bird's Eye View of Panama City
What's going on, my beautiful friends! Austin Hes here, COO and lead relocation specialist with Do Panama Real Estate and Relocation, bringing you another incredible episode of Pana'Life. Today, I'm taking you to one of my absolute favorite spots in Panama City – Cielo Rooftop Bar, a must-visit destination perched on the 37th floor of The Sands building on Avenida Balboa.
If you're planning your first trip to Panama City, make Cielo one of your priority stops. There's simply no better way to experience the breathtaking Panama City skyline than from this spectacular vantage point overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The panoramic views are genuinely one-of-a-kind, offering glimpses of Taboga Island, Flamenco Island with its cruise port, the entire causeway, and even ships waiting to pass through the famous Panama Canal.
More Than Just a View
While the stunning vistas might initially draw you in, Cielo Rooftop is so much more than just an Instagram-worthy backdrop. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Luis Pinard, one of the founders of this incredible venue, about what makes Cielo special.
As Luis explained, "We've been expanding our hospitality business, moving into the rooftop industry because we love rooftops – who doesn't? Here on the 37th floor, we offer the best view of Panama that you can't get anywhere else. You can find great cocktails and food in many places, but this experience and view are truly one of a kind."
A Culinary Journey Above the Clouds
As the senior editor of The Restaurant Magazine, I always pay special attention to the culinary offerings, and Cielo doesn't disappoint. Their menu features international cuisine with significant Panamanian influences, giving tourists something special to savor.
What sets their food apart? Fresh ingredients sourced daily from the Panama Bay and local fish market. "Everything that has to do with the sea, we get it fresh every day," Luis shared. "We buy from our local suppliers and ensure high-quality protein daily."
The menu is designed for sharing but also accommodates full dining experiences, whether you're visiting with family or enjoying a romantic evening. From appetizers to full dinners, every dish showcases the best of Panama's local ingredients with international flair.
An All-Day, Every-Day Experience
One of the most convenient aspects of Cielo is its reliability – they're open seven days a week and have never closed since their grand opening on January 16, 2023. Operating hours run from 5 PM until midnight (and sometimes until 2 AM), giving you plenty of time to enjoy dinner, drinks, and that magical Panama sunset.
Beyond the Rooftop
The experience doesn't have to end at Cielo. As Luis mentioned, they've partnered with several tourist experiences nearby, including a zipline and sky deck for the adventure seekers. After enjoying the sunset and some signature cocktails at Cielo, you can continue your night at their other venues located throughout Panama City – downtown, Amador, Casco, and other vibrant neighborhoods.
This approach gives visitors a comprehensive taste of Panama City's nightlife, starting with the sophisticated ambiance of Cielo and expanding to other unique venues across the city.
What's Coming Next?
Cielo keeps things fresh with monthly special events like their popular Sunset Sessions. They're celebrating their anniversary in June and launching a new menu in May. Their cocktail menu rotates every two months, featuring seasonal specialties that showcase innovative mixology.
To stay updated on all their events and new menu launches, follow Cielo on Instagram and TikTok. Their website is launching soon as well, providing even more ways to connect with this exceptional venue.
Making Your Cielo Experience Perfect
If Cielo sounds like your kind of place (and trust me, it is), here are a few tips to enhance your visit:
- Make a reservation – The place fills up quickly, especially around sunset
- Time your visit – Arriving before sunset allows you to experience both daytime and nighttime views
- Dress to impress – The atmosphere is upscale but relaxed
- Try the seafood – With fresh daily deliveries, it's a highlight of the menu
- Plan for a full evening – Consider starting at Cielo and continuing to their partner venues
Your Panama City Adventure Awaits
Whether you're a first-time visitor to Panama or a long-time resident looking for a special night out, Cielo Rooftop offers an experience that combines the best of Panama City – breathtaking views, exceptional food and drinks, and that special Panama hospitality that makes our country unique.
If you're considering relocating to Panama and want to experience more gems like Cielo, stop by our Do Panama Real Estate and Relocation office. We're located inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on level P, just inside the front doors of the spa entrance. Alternatively, visit our specialist at the Hilton Hotel on Avenida Balboa, available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Until next time, enjoy the Pana'Life experience!
Looking to relocate to Panama? Contact Do Panama Real Estate and Relocation at info@DoPanama.com or visit dopanama.com for expert assistance every step of the way.
Follow Cielo Rooftop on Instagram @cieloroofto for event updates and stunning visuals.
Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and tap the notification bell to stay updated on all our Pana'Life episodes!
