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Sweden Things to Do

Sweden in August

Warm days, music festivals, outdoor activities – that’s Sweden in August. You can visit the cities, too but don’t be surprised to find some cultural venues closed unless there’s a special event taking place. However, traveling to Sweden in August also means the flights are expensive, so plan accordingly.

Weather

August offers pleasant weather , with warm, sunny days. But remember to pack a sweater for the evenings and nights out. The weather is great for exploring the outdoors and taking scenic rides. Short sleeves are perfect during the day and don’t forget the comfortable shoes.

Sample temperatures

Gothenburg avg high 18C/66F; avg low 12C/55F
Malmo avg high 20C/68F; avg low 12C/55F
Stockholm avg high 20C/68C; avg low 11C/53F
Uppsala avg temp 15C/59F

>>read more about Weather in Sweden

Flights and accommodation

August is another popular month to visit Sweden, thanks to being able to explore the outdoors and attend festivals. However, flights to Sweden are expensive and booking in advance doesn’t solve the problem all the time. On the plus side, many hotels offer discounts, so accommodation won’t always break the budget. Make sure to book the flight and hotel / hostel in advance.

Things to do

While locals tend to abandon the cities and go to the countryside to relax, travelers can experience the less crowded cities at a leisure pace. Some of the things to do in Stockholm include spending time in the Old Town , watching the changing of the guard and exploring the parks . You can also plan a day trip to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago or soak up the sun on the two city beaches.

Also in early August, you can watch the Stockholm Pride, the largest GLBT event in Scandinavia.

Another interesting event takes place in mid-August in Växjö: The Emigration Festival. It focuses on the country’s most popular emigration area. Visiting the House of Migrants adds more historical facts to this interesting mix of cultures. Växjö can be easily reached both from Gothenburg and Malmo.

And while you are in the area, don’t miss the The Way Out West Festival in Gothenburg, taking place each year in mid-August. It’s not a very old music festival but it’s been called one of the best of its kind in Europe.

Summer is also the best time to enjoy nature and try activities such as: fishing, hiking, diving, biking, golfing, scenic train or boat trips and horse riding. You can also enjoy water sports.

A scenic ride on the Lapland train is an excellent way to see the country. The train runs from Malmö in Sweden to Narvik in Norway and takes you across the Arctic Circle. While in August you cannot see the Midnight Sun anymore, visiting this part of the world is an amazing adventure any time of the year. The single fare for the entire length of the journey is 799 SEK / €90. Youth (under 26) and pensioners get 15% discount. Interrail and Eurail cards are valid for travel on the Lapland train.

Another interesting scenic ride is on the Islandsbanan which runs from Kristinehamn to Gällivare. The train operates between middle of June and the end of August. You can create your own itinerary as it’s possible to hop on/off the train as it makes some stops along its round. The Inland Railway Card is a great options for those planning the trip independently. Some examples of single fares are: Kristinehamn – Mora 306 SEK / €34; Östersund – Gällivare 962 SEK / €107.

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Sweden Transportation

Getting from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, a city well known for its cultural life and entertainment options. The shopping is not bad either. Plus, there are interesting museums to visit and you can even spend time at the beach.

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden , offering plenty of things to do and see. Make sure to visit the Skansen Kronan (Crown Keep), which is hilltop fortification, and step by the Fish Market, too. There are plenty of museums to keep you busy and of course, some interesting churches , too.

Summary

The cheapest option to get between Copenhagen and Gothenburg is the bus. Fares start at €24.30 one way and the travel time is about 4 ½ h. Slightly more expensive option – from €46.40 one way on the direct train – is the train, but there are trains departing by the hour between 6 a.m. / 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.

Flights from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

Copenhagen is served by Kastrup Airport (CPH) , the main international airport serving the capital. It is located just 8 km from the city center and is hub for the following airlines: Blue1, Jettime, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Novair, Primera Air, Scandinavian Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia, TUIfly Nordic, Copenhagen Air Taxi and Star Air. The easiest way to get from the city center to the airport is by train.

Gothenburg is served by two airports, but only Landvetter Airport (GOT) operates flights to/from Copenhagen. It is the second largest airport in Sweden , located 20 km from the city and is hub for the following airlines: City Airline, Scandjet and TUIfly Nordic.

Scandinavian Airlines is the only airline operating flights between Copenhagen and Gothenburg. The flight time is 45 min. If you plan to fly by the end of June 2012, expect to pay from €80 one way. A return flight starts at €154 during the same period. The fares remain the same during the year.

>>book a flight to Sweden

Trains from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

SJ – the largest train operator in Sweden – and Öresundstågen offer connections between Göteborg (Gothenburg) and Köbenhavn (Copenhagen) .

There are direct trains which depart from Göteborg (Gothenburg): every hour at 42’ from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (so 6:42 a.m is the first one and 8:42 p.m. the last time). The travel time is 3 h 46 min and the single fare starts at 417 SEK / €46.40 non-refundable.

On connecting trains (1 connection, travel time 6 h 16 min) the fares start at 293 SEK / €32.60 non-refundable.

On the way back, catch the trains in Köbenhavn (Copenhagen) every hour at 32’ from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. (so 5:32 a.m. is the first train and 8:32 p.m. the last train). The same fares apply for the direct trains.

Buses from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

The following bus companies operate between the two cities:

  • GoByBus (attention: website only in Sweden!) : offers two connections per day , leaving Gothenburg at 2:35 a.m. and 2:30 p.m ; the travel time is 4 h 25 min. The adult ticket is 219 SEK / €24.30 one way. On the way back, choose among three buses leaving Copenhagen, at 8:30 a.m, 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. On the first two buses the adult single are is 259 SEK / €28.80. Please note that an adult is considered anyone between 30 and 59 year old (anyone under 30 is a “youngster” and the fares are cheaper; i.e. 169 SEK / €18.80 one way).
  • Bus4You work together with GoByBus, so you can book on this site the same buses (at the same prices).

Driving from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

You can rent a car and drive the 317 km between Copenhagen and Gothenburg. Both countries are part of the European Union and Schegen area, so there shouldn’t be a problem taking the rental car across the border. Still, it’s a good idea to ask the rental company about it.

The travel time , on E20, is about 3 ½ h but depends on the traffic.

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in June

June is the first month of summer, the most popular time to visit Germany. The weather is warm , the festivals are in full swing and the tourists aren’t avoiding the country. It’s an exciting time to plan for outdoor activities, too.

Weather & temperatures

The days are long and sunny. But summer also means the rainfall is high, so pack an umbrella if you travel in June. The warmest weather is in Southern Germany.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 21C; avg low 11C
Dusseldorf avg high 21C ; avg low 11C
Frankfurt avg high 21C ; avg low 11C
Hamburg avg high 19C; avg low 10C
Munich avg high 20C ; avg low 10C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

June kicks off the most expensive time to visit Germany. The prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in June and won’t come down until September. To get the best rates, book the flight and accommodation some months in advance.

Things to do

In early June (until June 10, 2012), Halle an der Saale is home to the Handle Festival, which pays tribute to the German composer. You can listen to international musicians playing his work.

But while you are here, don’t miss visiting the Giebichenstein Castle, located on a hill above Saale river. There are also remains of two fortifications to see and many wonderful churches. The city is located just 177 km from the capital of Berlin.

>>book a flight to Berlin

If you prefer to visit Berlin, make sure to be here for the longest day of the year (June 21) when the Fete de la Musique takes place in the city. The festival offers every type of music you might want to hear.

Or stay longer – until the end of the month – to attend the Berlin Gay Parade. The festivities take place in the district of Schoeneberg and in Tiergarten park.

If you are looking for “tamer” activities in Berlin , take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

If you have rock music in mind, then head to the race track in Nuerburg during the first weekend of June for Rock am Ring Music Festival. It is the country’s biggest open air festival. There’s also a castle – Nürburg Castle – dating from the High Middle Ages to visit while here. The city is located 174 km from Frankfurt and 127 km from Dusseldorf.

You can plan to explore the Black Forest during June. Rent a car to have flexibility and visit the old towns within the mountain range, such as: Calw, Haslach and Altensteig. You can see the superb waterfalls or plan to hike in the mountains. There’s a picturesque wine route from Baden-Baden to Weil am Rhein, which is worth the time, too.

If you prefer to visit a city, then Munich is another good choice. Visit a beer garden, check out the museums, do some people watching or see the city from above.

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

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Sweden

Cheap Hotels in Stockholm

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is made up of 14 islands. So choosing the best hotel for your taste and budget can be a bit overwhelming at first. But some research will solve the problems. Remember that you can relay on the public transportation, but if you’ll stay in the city for just a couple of days , you’d want to be close to the sights.

Best areas to stay

Choosing the best area to stay in Stockholm depends on what you want to do here. The Old Town (Gamla Stan) is cozy but touristy and crowded. Östermalm is the area where you can find the upscale shops , while Södermalm is the trendy part of the town where you’ll find the younger crowds. Djurgården is basically a giant park where you’ll be close to the museums.

If you don’t mind staying further from the main sights , you can save some money and use the metro to get around. Or you can stay in a hostel.

Prices and hotels

Vanadis Hotell

This 2-star hotel is located close to Vanadislunden Park. The rooms have TV and you can choose either private or shared bathroom. The Frejagatan Bus Stop and Stockholm Central Station are close by. In mid-June 2012, expect to pay 1145 SEK / €127.50 per night in a Standard Double or Twin Room, breakfast included.

Colonial Hotel

The 2-star hotel is located just 10 min walk from Stockholm Central Station. All rooms have TV and free wi-fi. Guests can choose between private and shared bathrooms. In mid-June 2012, expect to pay 1150 SEK / €128 per night in a Double Room, breakfast included.

Reimersholme Hotel

The 2-star hotel is located in Reimersholme Island in central Stockholm , about 10 min walk from Hornstull Metro Station. The scenic island of Långholmen is located close by. Guests can choose between private and shared bathrooms. In mid-June 2012, expect to pay 795 SEK / €88.50 per night for an Economy Twin Room with Shared Bathroom, breakfast included.

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Stockholm, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

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Sweden Transportation

Getting from Copenhagen to Stockholm

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark , known for the good shopping, excellent nightlife an interesting sights.

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, a city which spreads on 14 islands, offering history, nightlife and nature.

Many travelers choose to visit all of the Scandinavian countries during a single vacation, so traveling between their capitals is usually the easiest and cheapest way to tackle the transportation.

Summary

When you plan to travel between Copenhagen and Stockholm, the bus is the cheapest option but takes at least 10 h. The airplane ticket is cheaper (as listed on line) but you need to take into account the booking fees (which depend on the method of payment) and the money paid to get to/from the airport. Overall, the flight might be just as expensive as taking the slower train, which has the advantage of leaving you right in the city center.

Flights from Copenhagen to Stockholm

Copenhagen is served by Kastrup Airport (CPH), located 8 km from the city center. It is hub for Blue1, Jettime, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Novair, Primera Air, Scandinavian Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia, TUIfly Nordic, Copenhagen Air Taxi and Star Air. The easiest way to get to/from the airport is by train.

Stockholm is served by four airports, but only 2 of them handle flights to/from Copenhagen:

  • Arlanda Airport (ARN): is the main international airport serving Stockholm and is located 40 km from the city center. It is hub for Amapola Flyg, Nextjet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Novair, Scandinavian Airlines, Skyways Express and TUIfly Nordic. To get from the airport to the city center, you can catch the express train, the regular train, the airport coaches or the regular bus. The flights to/from Copenhagen are operated by Norwegian Air Shuttle and Scandinavian Airlines.
  • Bromma Airport (BMA): is a smaller airport located just 10 km from the city center. It is not hub for any airline and is mostly used for flights to/from other Scandinavian countries. The flights to/from Copenhagen are operated by Flybe Nordic.

In mid-August 2012, expect to pay from €43 one way on Flybe Nordic. Slightly higher fares – from €48 one way – are offered by Norwegian Air Shuttle. The flight time is 1h 30 min to BMA and 1 h 15 min to ARN.

A return flight in mid-August will set you back from €82 (Flybe Nordic) ; while in mid-October 2012, you’ll pay from €41 for a single flight (Flybe Nordic) and €82 for a return flight on the same airline.

>>book a flight to Sweden

Trains from Copenhagen to Stockholm

SJ – the main train operator in Sweden – operates high-speed trains and regular trains from Copenhagen (Danish: Köbenhavn) to Stockholm Central. There are two direct high speed trains per day (11:37 a.m. and 2:29 p.m.) as well as 4 slower trains which require a stop in Malmo.

The cheapest fare (553SEK / €61.63) is on the train which departs Copenhagen at 1:12 pm. and takes 6 h 25 min to get to Stockholm. On the high speed train, the cheapest fare is 1074 SEK / €120 (at 11:37 a.m.) and the travel time is 5h 13 min. The return fares differ, because they also depend on when you purchase the ticket and when you travel.

Buses from Copenhagen to Stockholm

There are two companies which operate direct buses between the two capitals:

  • Swebus : look for buses from Stockholm to Kopenhamn ; there’s one direct bus, which leaves Stockholm at 10:45 p.m. and there are two buses with a stop along the way which leave at 11:05 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. The direct one takes 9 h 20 min and the single fare starts at 529 SEK / €59. The bus which leaves at 5:20 pm. takes 14 h and the single fare starts at 449 SEK / €50. On the way back, catch the direct bus at 8:35 a.m. and the indirect ones at 10:10 am and 9:05 p.m. The fares are not always the same as they depend on when you travel and when you book the ticket.
  • Eurolines : operates a bus per day between the two capitals, every other day and it leaves Stockholm at 1:45 p.m. The travel time is 9 h 45 min and the single fare is 385 DKK / €52.

Driving from Copenhagen to Stockholm

You can rent a car and drive between the two capitals without any problems. Both countries are members of the EU and Schengen so you won’t pay any surcharges for crossing the border. However, do ask the rental company if you are allowed to cross the border with the rental car.

The shortest route is on E4. The 658 km can be tackled in about 7 hours (of course, it depends on the traffic).

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Photo credits : Stockholm Airport ; Stockholm train station

Categories
Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Getting from Frankfurt to Berlin

Frankfurt is the business and financial center of Germany and an important travel hub in the country, offering connections to the rest of the world. The downtown area is very popular among travelers and its off the beaten track neighborhoods still retain the old charm.

Berlin is a city filled with history, known for the remains of the Wall and home to Branderburg gate.

Both are important and interesting cities and traveling between them is an absolute delight. And there are plenty of choices , depending on your budget.

Summary

The cheapest option for traveling between Frankfurt and Berlin is the bus. The fares start at €33 one way (but they can be higher if you don’t book in advance) and the travel time is 9 h. A more expensive, but much faster – 4 to 5 h – option is the train. Book in advance and you can pay just €59 one way.

Flights from Frankfurt to Berlin

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a major international hub , located 12 km from the city center. It is hub for Condor Flugdienst and Lufthansa and is the busiest airport by passenger traffic in Germany.

Berlin is served by three airports: Tegel International Airport (TXL), Schönefeld (SXF) and Brandenburg (scheduled to open in June 2012). When the airport opens, Schönefeld is scheduled to close (as of August 2012).

Tegel International Airport (TXL) is the main airport serving Berlin and is located 8 km from the capital city. The airport is hub for Air Berlin and Germania and is the fourth biggest airport in Germany. It is also a focus city for Lufthansa.

Flights between Frankfurt and Berlin are operated by: Air Berlin (Tegel) and Lufthansa (Branderburg, Tegel). The flight time is 1h 15 min.

In mid-June 2012, expect to pay from €71 one way on Air Berlin. Lufthansa charges a slight higher price (€74 one way). Return flights during the same period start at €122 on Lufthansa. By mid-October, expect to pay from €53 one way on Air Berlin and from €102 for a return flight on the same carrier.

>>book a cheap flight to Berlin

Trains from Frankfurt to Berlin

Bahn.de operates trains (ICE and IC) between Frankfurt and Berlin. The travel time is between 4 h and 5 h. Book in advance (about 1 month) and you can find the cheapest fare of €59 one way (savings fares) rather than the standard fare of €118. The fares do depend on the hour of departure and route. Some trains connecting the two cities are direct, while some require a change in Hannover.

>>read more about Train Travel in Germany

Buses from Frankfurt to Berlin

Berlin Linien Bus operates buses between Frankfurt and Berlin and offers the possibility to book the ticket online. Book in advance and you pay only €33 one way between the two cities. The bus leaves Berlin at 7:06 a.m and arrives in Frankfurt 9 hr later. On the way back, catch the bus in Frankfurt at 8 a.m. and by 5 p.m. you’ll be in Berlin. The schedule and prices are here (pdf).

>>read more about Bus Travel in Germany

Driving from Frankfurt to Berlin

Driving in Germany is an absolute delight. The roads are in excellent condition and the drivers obey the rules. Especially if you are not traveling alone, renting a car here can be an excellent way to get from one city to another.

There are several routes to choose from when getting from Frankfurt to Berlin and, if you use Google Maps, you can get accurate traffic information. On the shortest route – 547 km on A4 and A9 – you can cover the distance in about 6 h.

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Germany

Cheap Hotels in Berlin

After the airfare, the hotel is the second biggest expanse during a vacation. Choosing the right hotel for your style can make or break your stay. Some people don’t mind staying further from the center but it’s a must to have good transportation available, while others must stay close to everything. Location always determines the room price and that is true in the case of visiting Berlin , as well. Of course, the more facilities, the higher the room price will be.

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin is huge and it’s impossible to even think you can cover it on foot. Using the U-Bahn and S-Bahn is a must, so you are better off with looking for a hotel located near public transportation stations.

Prenzlauer Berg, located in the in the borough of Pankow, is where you can find plenty of pubs, cafes, restaurants, galleries , a good nightlife and good hotels. Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, also in the former East Berlin, are cheap and interesting areas to stay in as well.

Mitte, the most central borough of Berlin , is another good choice for a stay but expect more expensive hotels here. But you’ll be close to pretty much all the tourist sites. Alexanderplatz, in center Mitte, is a transportation hub and a good choice for short stays.

Some hotels in Berlin

Arte Luise Kunsthotel

This 3-star hotel is located in Mitte, just 10-min walk from the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building and Friedrichstrasse Train Station. All rooms have wi-fi and the bathroom is either private or shared. The hotel offers a restaurant and a courtyard terrace. In June 2012, a double room (private bathroom) costs €109 per night.

easyHotel Berlin Hackescher Markt

The budget hotel is located in Mitte, in the vibrant Hackescher Markt district. All rooms have AC and private bathrooms with shower. Wi-fi and satellite TV are available on request. The hotel is just 10-min tram ride from Prenzlauer Berg district and the Friedrichstraße shopping street. In June 2012, a double room costs €45 per night.

Hotel Pension Intervarko

The guest house is located in the Prenzlauer Berg, just 2 tram stops from Alexanderplatz Square. All rooms have TV and there are shared bathrooms on the hallway. In June 2012, an economy double room costs €44 per night.

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Berlin, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

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Germany Things to Do

10 Days in Germany: Itinerary Ideas

Germany is quite diverse. The traditional and the modern mix in many ways. Shining cities often snuggle against medieval castles. Each of these trips in the south of the country is designed to be a relaxing week long and is based around day trips from a central city. Though of course you can go to more or fewer day trips and adjust the length to your schedule. These are more for getting deeper into an area and not packing in sights. A night train or quick flight from one to another also lets you string a couple together if you have more time.

There are train connections to the day trip suggestions in less than 2 hours each way from the main city. If you stay on the regional trains (RE, RB) there are tickets called Länder Tickets that let you travel on the slow trains inside of the state you are staying in for a day. These can be cheaper than directly buying tickets, especially if you are traveling with several people. Also check with the public transport office of your base city, often there are tickets that work just in that region and could be even cheaper.

This is just a sampling of possible daytrips and activities around each base city. Definitely look for local festivals in nearby towns not mentioned. Due to the great public transport system, Germany is a great country for day tripping and exploring cities.

Quick search for cheap airfare to Frankfurt:

Quick search for cheap airfare to Berlin:

Quick search for cheap airfare to Munich:

Freiburg – South Baden : Spas and Nature


Freiburg is the gateway to the Black Forest and in the sunniest corner of Germany. The town is home to a university which keeps the city young and happening for the out of the way city. Bicycles rule the roads and an excellent public transport system lets you get up into the forest for some hiking or to any of several nearby spa towns. This region has been known as a spa resort area since the Roman towns.

Quick search for hotels in Freiburg:

Getting Here: Frankfurt airport is 2 hours on the ICE train and there is a bus from Basel-Mulhouse Airport that takes about an hour to Freiburg.

Baden-Baden : A Roman era spa town which still has modern spa houses, one of which is built above roman ruins. Once also a playground for the Parisian elite, this town retains its resort roots but is a pleasant place to stroll and relax. Bad Krozingen and Badenweiler are also nearby spa towns south of Freiburg if that s your thing.

Titisee & Schluchsee : These are two lakes up in the Black Forest. Titisee is more touristy while Schluchsee is bigger and more outdoorsy with its walking tracks. Good places to start hiking tracks or just get out of the town into the cool fresh mountain air.

Breisach : On the Rhein River looking out over France, there has been a human settlement here for thousands of years. A rebuilt cathedral stands on the promontory.

Outdoor Activities: Both the hills of the Black Forest and the wine growing dormant volcano of the Kaiserstuhl are popular hiking and biking areas.

France (Colmar and Strasbourg) and Switzerland are also within easy reach.

Nürnberg – North Bavaria : Medieval Charm


Nürnberg is a large city north of Munich. The most famous Christmas Market is here. The town is watched by a castle on a hill and straddles a river. This part of Bavaria is called Franconia and home to many towns with medieval and Gothic features.

Quick search for hotels in Nürnberg:

Getting Here: Although Nürnberg does have its own airport, it is small, so Munich is the larger airport of choice nearby.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber : A medieval village, Rothenburg is part of the Romantic Road. The town retains its almost cutesy look and is a popular tourist spot.

Nördlingen : One of the few towns (Rothenburg being another) in Germany to retain its full city wall.

Bamberg : A university town as well as a town of beer. Worth a day to walk the hills, see the many churches and gawk at the town hall built in the middle of the river.

Amberg and larger Regensberg lie to the east and south-east respectively. Both have Gothic features such as churches, town halls and bridges.

Munich – South Bavaria : Postcard Vistas


Munich is one of the most well known city in Germany and likely what most Americans are expecting when they picture Germany. There really is enough to do in Munich itself to spend a few days doing that, but there are plenty of nearby places that are interesting as well.

Quick search for hotels in Munich:

Getting Here: Munich has its own airport that is fairly well connected.

Füssen – Castle Neuschwannstein is world famous. Füssen is just over 2 hours south on the edge of the Alps and only a few miles from the castle. Avoid the tour busses if you have time and some hiking abilities. The less famous yellow Castle Hohenschwangau is just down the hill from its neighbor and not on most tour agendas.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Site of the 1936 Winter Olympics, this is your alpine day trip from Munich. The tallest mountain in Germany (Zugspitze) is also nearby. As expected, there are plenty of hiking trails around.

Dachau – Very close to Munich, a concentration camp with museum to experience some of Germany’s sad history.

Ulm – The tallest church spire in Germany is in Ulm, and is also the birthplace of Albert Einstein. The main part of Ulm is actually in Baden-Würtemberg not in Bavaria, so ask about tickets before you rely on the Länder tickets.

In addition, the day trips to Nördlingen and Regensberg (from Nürnberg above) are also easily reachable from Munich.

all photos by Andrew Couch & may not be used without permission

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Panama travel guide

Panama in July

While July falls right in the middle of the rainy season, the Caribbean coast enjoys a period with relative dryness. Yes, it might rain but the weather still allows for outdoor activities. You can also visiting Panama City, with its old Spanish colonial architecture and famous Panama Canal. Best of all, July falls during the off peak travel season so everything is affordable and you don’t need to tackle the crowds either.

Weather

July enjoys the veranito, or “little summer” , which means there is a dry spell right in the middle of the rainy season. You can expect some torrential rain on the Caribbean coast, but over all it’s not a very month. But on the Pacific Coast and inland, the storms are more powerful and the heat is also quite unbearable.

Sample temperatures

Boca del Toro avg high 28C / avg low 28C
Boquete avg 20C
David avg high 30C / avg low 23C
Panama City avg high 30C / avg low 25C

>>read more about Weather in Panama

Flights and accommodation

While most foreigners prefer to come to Panama during the cold season in the Northern Hemisphere (December to March), those who choose to visit Panama during July will appreciate not only the off peak airfare but also the lack of crowds. It also means you will get a better chance of finding good affordable accommodation .

What to do

Head to the Caribbean Coast and enjoy the beaches. You can dive, snorkel, work on your tan , try windsurfing or kayaking. Don’t forget about shopping and the night life, either.

The San Blas Islands are an excellent option for traveling to Panama in July. Aside from soaking up the sun you can also take rainforest tours and see the waterfalls and the wildlife. Or you can sail between the islands.

If you have some time to spend in Panama City, make sure to take a city tour and see the ruins of the 16th century original city. You’ll also want to see the famous Panama Canal. Casco Viejo – or the historical district- is the old Spanish colonial sector , which offers superb bay views and plenty of restaurants to try the local cuisine. And don’t leave the city without shopping for some souvenirs.

You can also enjoy a scenic train ride on the Panama Canal Railway , which spans between the two oceans. The train ride is about 90 minutes.

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Panama travel guide

Getting from Panama City to Bocas del Toro

Panama City , the capital of Panama, is also the transportation hub in the country. If you travel from abroad, this is where you’ll land and from where you’ll depart to visit the rest of the country. The city offers great shopping and even if you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll be happy to know that some English is spoken here.

Bocas del Toro is located in the Caribbean West region of Panama. The city is small and can be tackled on foot. Other good options include renting a bike or a scooter. One of the activities Bocas del Toro is popular for is scuba diving, but of course you can also soak up the sun and enjoy the beach related past time.

Quick summary

The cheapest option for travel between Panama City and Bocas del Toro is the bus via Almirante, followed by a ferry or a water taxi. Another option is the plane, but airfare costs about 3 times more than the bus fare.

Flights from Panama City (airport code: PAC) to Bocas del Toro

While your international flight will land on Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, the flights to Bocas del Toro depart from Gelabert/Albrook Airport (PAC). The airport is located just 1.5 km from the city center and the majority of the flights operated here a domestic.

Bocas del Toro is served by Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport (BOC) , which is also located just 1.5 km from the city center.

Flights between Panama City and Bocas del Toro are operated by Aeroperlas and Air Panama. The rumor is that both companies will start operating flights from Tocumen as well, starting with June 2012.

You don’t be able to find the flights via large search flight engines (i.e. Kayak), so you are left with checking the airlines directly. Expect to pay US$80 one way on either Air Panama or Aeroperlas. The flight time is an hour.

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Buses and ferries from Panama City to Bocas del Toro

There are direct buses from Panama City to Bocas del Toro , via Almirante. The bus departs Panama City from the terminal near Albrook Airport. In Almirante you need to transfer to the water taxi or ferry to Bocas del Toro. The total travel time is about 8 ½ h and the fare is around US$27 one way. Indirect buses are also available via David.

Your best bet is to show up at the bus terminal a day or two before the departure and get your ticket.

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Driving from Panama City to Bocas del Toro

You can rent a car in Panama City and drive to Almirante and then transfer to ferry or water taxi to Bocas del Toro. The distance is 508 km and the drive time is about 8 h.

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