1 404 865 1629    + 011 507 320 4310
1 404 865 1629    + 011 507 320 4310
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Welcome to El Cangrejo!

Welcome to El Cangrejo! Centrally located, eclectic, and often considered one of Panama City’s most bohemian neighborhoods, there is a lot to love about El Cangrejo. This super walkable area of the city has plenty of old school charm, accented by the diversity of people, food, and buildings that make it one of the most unique areas in Panama City.

Popular El Cangrejo Listings

Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular listings in El Cangrejo right now. If anything catches your eye, be sure to use the contact form next to the listing to request further information. One of our professional brokers will follow up with you in less than 24 hours!

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Getting to El Cangrejo

El Cangrejo is bordered by Via Espana to the south, Avenida Manuel Espinosa to the west, Transismica to the north, and Via Brasil to the east. These boundaries make up a neighborhood of about 150 square blocks that hosts an eclectic mix of residences and businesses. The two main thoroughfares that transect El Cangrejo are Via Veneto and Via Argentina, each of which is lined with plenty of restaurants, shops, and hotels

You can take a 15 minute walk and you will arrive at Avenida Balboa neighborhood and a 20 minute walk will take you to Punta Pacifica.

El Cangrejo is also around a 30 minute drive to the Tocumen International airport and an hour’s drive to the closest beach on either the Caribbean or the Pacific.

To learn more about El cangrejo, the ins and outs of the real estate market, and to get an insider look at living and traveling here, download our free guide…

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  • How to make El Cangrejo your hub of activity for the whole family
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el cangrejo neighborhood guide

What to Expect in El Cangrejo

So why relocate to El Cangrejo? Panama City residents love this charming neighborhood for its relaxed vibe and and walkability. The variety of coffee shops, ethnic restaurants, funky old buildings, and towering new condominiums give El Cangrejo plenty of character and make it a very vibrant neighborhood. Not to mention, it’s centrally located and within walking distance of several other popular areas such as Obarrio and Punta Paitilla.

When it comes to things to do and see, El Cangrejo boasts one of the best urban parks in the city, great for an evening stroll or morning jog. There is also a plethora of great restaurants to be found here, whether you’re in the mood for Panamanian fare or something a bit more exotic.

Is El Cangrejo the right place for you? The eclectic nature of this neighborhood extends beyond just the architecture or culinary offerings. The people who call El Cangrejo home also make up a diverse group. 

Many young professionals and families choose El Cangrejo for it’s relaxed, community feel. On any given weekend, you’ll see plenty of locals and expats alike enjoying breakfast at a cafe, walking their dogs, or pushing strollers. There are also a number of good schools in and around El Cangrejo, a popular draw for parents with children. 

El Cangrejo is also a favorite destination for retirees to put down roots. The neighborhood offers a great place from which to enjoy and explore many other areas of the city but from the comfort of a place that is relaxed and free from the hectic hustle and bustle of other parts of the city.

It’s also worth noting that often, real estate prices in El Cangrejo are lower (at least for now) than in many of the other centrally located neighborhoods of the city. That’s because El Cangrejo offers a mix of older buildings, one and two-story houses, and newer construction projects. While the older buildings don’t offer all the same amenities of newer developments, they often have larger units at lower prices, further adding to the diversity of housing options available in this desirable neighborhood.

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Life in El Cangrejo

When it comes to life in El Cangrejo, one thing everyone agrees with is that there is always plenty to do. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Andrés Bello Park, where you’ll find residents walking their dogs, getting some exercise, or visiting with friends and family.

Foodies rejoice! El Cangrejo has an abundance of great eateries to choose from. Angel Restaurant is a city-wide favorite for upscale Spanish fare, while Le Mar offers delicious plates of Peruvian inspired seafood. La Negra Tomasa is a charming Italian restaurant with incredible service and unbeatable desserts. There are also plenty of options for grabbing a cheap and delicious Panamanian meal at one of a number of restaurants run by locals.

Finally, no afternoon in El Cangrejo is complete without grabbing a leisurely cup of coffee. Mentiras Blancas and Armonica Café are two of our favorites, but there are dozens of cafes to choose from. Enjoy a warm drink and a pastry while you chat with friends or sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of your neighborhood.

When the sun sets, you can often find El Cangrejo residents spending time with friends at one of the dozens of bars in the area. Most of the bars are located on or around Via Argentina, making it easy to spend an evening hopping from one place to the next. From casual beer gardens to cocktail bars or even karaoke, El Cangrejo residents have plenty of options when it comes to nighttime outings.

As far as shopping goes, El Cangrejo offers tons of options for whatever you need to buy. The El Rey on Via España is open 24 hours and will be the one-stop-shop for all of your grocery needs. The store is clean and orderly and includes tons of selection on produce, packaged goods, and household items as well. The bakery and deli are well staffed and offer plenty of freshly prepared foods to bring home.

Apart from El Rey, there are dozens of other smaller scale grocery stores located throughout El Cangrejo. Mercado Justo y Bueno is known for having some of the best prices in town, though the selection tends to be a bit more limited. At the other end of the spectrum, the nearby Grand Deli Gourmet is a great place to go for specialty food and drink options of a more gourmet variety.

As far as other purchases you’ll need to make, El Cangrejo offers plenty in the way of shopping. El Cangrejo is known for its walkability because there are plenty of banks, pharmacies, gyms, shops, and restaurants within a relatively compact area. Small boutiques and shops can be found around the neighborhood for those looking to buy clothing or gifts. Additionally, some of the city’s best malls, including SOHO Mall and Multiplaza Mall, are a short walk from the heart of El Cangrejo.

Want to Learn More About El Cangrejo?

If you’re interested in learning more about El Cangrejo, take a look at our library of valuable insights. 

In addition to being the leading the real estate broker in Panama City, we have also been monitoring and releasing valuable market insights. 

Take a look at the insights below, and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We’re here to help and be your eyes and ears in El Cangrejo!

Current El Cangrejo Real Estate Listings

Get started with your search and find the best El Cangrejo Real Estate for you and your family.  If you have any questions about the listings here, simply use the contact form next to each listing and one of our professional real estate brokers will follow up with you in less than 24 hours.
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Want More Tips for Buying Real Estate in Panama

If you can snatch up a pre-construction condo, you may be eligible for developer financing, which is a big time saver and can be prudent in the long run, depending on how much time you plan on spending in Panama. 

For additional insight on buying in Panama, read the Ultimate Guide to Moving to Panama. This is the most comprehensive guide available on moving to Panama…

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Browse through our listings of El Cangrejo Panama real estate and contact us with any questions. Literally translated “the crab,” the El Cangrejo neighborhood is approximately two miles inland from the Bay of Panama and is home to over 150 different restaurants, shops, and open air cafes. The generally accepted borders of El Cangrejo are Via Espana to the south, Avenida Manuel Espinosa to the west, Transismica to the north, and Via Brasil to the east and the neighborhood is comprised of roughly 97 Hectareas, or 150 square blocks. The two main thoroughfares that transect El Cangrejo are Via Veneto and Via Argentina. Many consider this neighborhood to be the touristic center of Panama City because there are close to 50 hotels located here, including the Veneto Hotel and Casino, Toscana Hotel, Torres del Alba and many other small hotels. In 2012 Holiday Inn and a handful of other high profile hotels will be added to the list. El Cangrejo is about a 15 minute walk to the Avenida Balboa neighborhood and a 20 minute walk to Punta Pacifica. El Cangrejo is also about a 30 minute drive to the Tocumen International airport and an hour’s drive to the closest beach on either the Caribbean or the Pacific. The El Cangrejo neighborhood is in one word eclectic. The variety of coffee shops, ethnic restaurants, funky old buildings, towering new condominiums and office buildings give it plenty of character and make it a very vibrant neighborhood. Many consider El Cangrejo to be one of Panama’s best walking neighborhoods because of the close proximity to 24-hour grocery store (El Rey), gyms (Power Club and Sportek), banks, pharmacies, and restaurants. There are several parks in El Cangrejo, with the largest being in the middle of Via Argentina and the preferred site for many local concerts, art exhibitions, and community fairs. Local El Cangrejo restaurant favorites include Angel Restaurant for Spanish fare, Le Mar for Peruvian themed seafood, Rincon Habano for Cuban cuisine, and the ever popular Del Prado and Café Manolos for their local Panamanian menu. There are several schools located in El Cangrejo including La Salle Academy, la Universidad Interamericana, and UMECIT. Apartments for sale in El Cangrejo range from large, older condos to new, modern living spaces. Within the last five years, Marquis, Cangrejo 507, Onyx, Kubik, Park City, The Forum, Medeteraneo Loft and Harmony have all been delivered. In the first quarter of 2012, Dali Tower and Luxor Tower will both be ready for occupancy, along with a handful of other projects slated for completion in the coming years. In the last three years, prices in the El Cangrejo neighborhood on newer construction have consistently hovered within the $1400-1600 per square meter range. Generally, older buildings in El Cangrejo tend to be priced below that range but many do not have the amenities of the new towers like pools and large social areas. What they lack in facilities, older real estate in El Cangrejo often makes up for with large balconies and spacious rooms. In 2011, the government of Panama invested in a large scale beautification project for the El Cangrejo neighborhood that included burying power lines, planting trees, repairing sidewalks, and other aesthetic and livability projects. The Panama underground metro due for completion in 2014 will have two stops in El Cangrejo: one at the base of Via Argentina and Via Espana and the other near the Iglesia del Carmen.