Did you know Panama City is the only capital in the world with a rainforest right in its backyard? That’s right, this city with over 2 million residents (according to Macrotrends) in Central America blends jungle vibes with urban energy in a way no other place can. And guess what? There are so many things to do in Panama City Panama, from exploring historic places to experiencing modern activities.
I know you’re tired of those fake travel guides just trying to make a quick buck through affiliate links. This isn’t one of those. I’ll share with you my actual adventures and everything you need to know in Panama City – the good, the bad, and the ugly. No fancy words, just honest advice from a fellow traveler. Let’s get this show on the road!
Why Panama City Is a Must-Visit Travel Destination
Panama City, the capital of Panama sits right at the point where North and South America meet, making it a melting pot of cultures and experiences. The city’s story goes way back to 1519 when the Spanish first set up shop here. But it wasn’t until the famous Panama Canal opened in 1914 that the city really took off.
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s so special about a canal?” Well, this 50-mile waterway is like a shortcut for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Without it, ships would have to go all the way around South America! The canal puts Panama City on the map as a major player in global trade and tourism.
But Panama City isn’t just about big ships and business. The old town, called Casco Viejo, was built in 1673 after pirates (yes, real pirates!) destroyed the original city. Nowadays, Panama City is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk on streets that have seen over 300 years of history.
And let’s not forget about the food! From fresh ceviche (raw fish “cooked” in lime juice) at local markets to high-end restaurants serving up fusion cuisine. Plus, some of the world’s best coffee is grown right here in Panama, so you’ll never be short on caffeine to fuel your adventures.
Day 1: Exploring Old Town and the Famous Canal
On your first day, we’re going to explore Panama City’s rich history and check out its world-famous canal. You’ll see colorful colonial buildings, watch massive ships navigate through a man-made waterway, and enjoy some breathtaking views. Here’s what your day will look like:
Activity | Time | Cost | What to Expect |
---|---|---|---|
Casco Viejo Tour | 3-4 hours | Free (self-guided) | Historic buildings, churches, plazas |
Lunch at Fonda Lo Que Hay | 1 hour | $15-20 per person | Traditional Panamanian cuisine |
Panama Canal Visit | 2-3 hours | $18 for adults | Watch ships pass through locks |
Amador Causeway | 2-3 hours | $4/hour for bike rental | Scenic views, biking, sunset |
Dinner at Capitán Bahía | 1 hour | $15-20 per person | Fresh seafood, local flavors |
Roam Around Casco Viejo: A Journey Through Time
Let’s start in Casco Viejo, the old town that’s bursting with character. Built in 1673 after the original Panama City got sacked by pirates, this place is like stepping into a time machine. UNESCO thought it was so special that it made it a World Heritage site in 1997.
As you stroll down the narrow streets, keep your eyes peeled for these must-see spots:
- Panama Metropolitan Cathedral: This impressive white church took a whopping 108 years to build, from 1688 to 1796! You’ll find it right on Plaza de la Independencia, where Panama declared independence from Spain in 1821.
- Iglesia de la Merced: This church is even older, dating back to 1680. The coolest part? Its altar was actually moved here from the original Panama City before the pirate attack!
- Plaza de Francia: At the tip of Casco Viejo, this square honors the French workers who died trying to build the Panama Canal. Check out Las Bóvedas nearby – these old jail cells are now art galleries and shops.
- Paseo de Las Bóvedas: Take a walk along this sea wall for awesome views of the Panama City skyline and the Bridge of the Americas.
When hunger strikes, go to Fonda Lo Que Hay for some seriously tasty Panamanian food. Their fried chicken with mashed potatoes ($16) is a local favorite. If you’re feeling fancy, grab a cocktail at Mayda bar in the swanky Sofitel Legend hotel. It’s housed in a building from 1917 and offers great views of Panama Bay.
Watch Giant Ships at the Panama Canal
Next up, we’re heading to the famous Panama Canal. This 50-mile waterway is basically a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and it’s been changing the game for ships since 1914.
The best place to see the action is at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. Here’s what you need to know:
- It’s open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM
- Tickets cost $18 for visitors, $10 for students, and $3 if you live in Panama
- Try to get there around 4 PM – that’s when you’re sure to see ships passing through, and it’s not as hot
At the visitor center, you can watch huge ships being raised or lowered 85 feet as they pass through the Panama Locks. It’s like a giant elevator for massive cargo ships, tankers, and cruise liners!
Don’t forget to check out the Panama Canal Museum (they call it Museo del Canal Interoceánico de Panamá in Spanish) to learn how this incredible feat of engineering came to be.
Ride Bikes and Enjoy Views at Amador Causeway
To wrap up your first day in this Panama City itinerary, we’re heading to the Amador Causeway. Amador Causeway is a 6-kilometer stretch that connects four small islands (Naos, Culebra, Perico, and Flamenco) and offers some of the best views in the city.
Rent a bike from Moses Bike Rentals (about $4 an hour) and cruise along the water. As you ride, you’ll see:
- Massive ships lining up to enter the Panama Canal
- The impressive Bridge of the Americas
- Panama City’s skyline in all its glory
Make a stop at the Biomuseo, a colorful museum designed by famous architect Frank Gehry. It’s open Monday and Wednesday to Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and on weekends from 10 AM to 5 PM. Tickets are $18.
Finish off your day with some fresh seafood at Capitán Bahía. Their ceviche is amazing – try the bass with passion fruit for $9. Pair it with a local beer for $5, and you’ve got the perfect end to an awesome first day in Panama City.
Day 2: Nature Walks and City Culture
On your second day, we’re going to show you that Panama City isn’t all concrete and skyscrapers. We’ll explore lush forests, more museums, and hang out where the locals do. Here’s a quick overview of the things to do in Panama City Panama on day 2:
Activity | Time | Cost | What to Expect |
---|---|---|---|
Metropolitan Natural Park | 2-3 hours | $5 entrance fee | Wildlife spotting, hiking trails |
Lunch at El Trapiche | 1 hour | $10-15 per person | Traditional Panamanian dishes |
Biomuseo Visit | 2 hours | $18 | Interactive exhibits on Panama’s biodiversity |
Cinta Costera Walk | 2-3 hours | Free | Scenic stroll, street food, local life |
Dinner at Mercado de Mariscos | 1 hour | $5-10 per person | Fresh seafood, especially ceviche |
Spot Sloths in Metropolitan Natural Park
We’re starting the second day at Metropolitan Natural Park, a huge chunk of tropical forest right in the middle of the city. Covering 265 hectares, it’s like having a piece of the Amazon right next to skyscrapers.
This park is home to all sorts of wildlife:
- Two-toed and three-toed sloths (they’re super slow, so you’ve got a good chance of spotting them!)
- Geoffroy’s tamarin monkeys (tiny little guys with white furred heads)
- Agoutis (they look like big guinea pigs)
- Toucans and parrots (keep your ears open for their calls)
The best trail in Panama City Panama is probably the Mono Tití trail. It’s about 1.2 kilometers long and takes you to a great viewpoint. Here are some quick tips:
- Go early! The park opens at 6:30 AM, and that’s when the animals are most active.
- Wear good shoes and bring water – it can get hot and humid.
- Keep your eyes up in the trees – that’s where you’ll spot most of the animals.
- If you’re not confident about going alone, you can hire a guide at the entrance for about $30.
After your hike, head to El Trapiche for lunch. This local favorite serves up traditional Panamanian dishes like sancocho (a hearty chicken soup) and carimañolas (yuca fritters stuffed with meat).
Learn About Panama’s Unique Wildlife at Biomuseo
After lunch, head over to the Biomuseo on Amador Causeway. This place is hard to miss – it looks like a bunch of colorful metal pieces all jumbled together. It was designed by Frank Gehry, the same guy who did the Guggenheim in Bilbao.
The museum tells the story of how Panama rose from the sea millions of years ago and changed the world’s climate and wildlife. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
- The Panamarama: It’s like standing in the middle of a giant movie screen with scenes from all over Panama.
- The Building Bridges gallery: Shows how animals moved between North and South America when Panama formed.
- The Human Path: Tells the story of how people have lived in Panama for thousands of years.
The museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays (except Tuesdays) and 10 AM to 5 PM on weekends. Tickets are $18 for international visitors.
Stroll and Snack Along Cinta Costera
As the day cools off, take a walk along Cinta Costera. This 5-kilometer stretch along the bay is where Panama City comes to play. You’ll see people jogging, cycling, and just hanging out.
Start at the fish market (Mercado de Mariscos) and work your way along the water. Here’s what to look out for:
- The fish market itself: Pop in and try some ceviche. La Bendicion stand has some of the best.
- The big Panama sign: Perfect for that “I was here” photo.
- Street food vendors: Try a raspao (shaved ice with fruity syrup) or some chicheme (a sweet corn drink).
As you walk, you’ll see the whole mix of Panama City – modern skyscrapers on one side, the old town of Casco Viejo on the other, and the busy Avenida Balboa right next to you.
End your walk at the Mirador del Pacífico, a viewing point where you can watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. For dinner, head back to the Mercado de Mariscos. The upstairs restaurant serves up fresh seafood at great prices.
Day 3: Awesome Day Trips from Panama City
For your last day, we’re busting out of the city limits to show you some of Panama’s knockout natural beauty and interesting history. Get ready for pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and maybe even some monkey business! Here’s what’s on the agenda:
Activity | Time | Cost | What to Expect |
---|---|---|---|
San Blas Islands Trip | Full day (5 AM – 6 PM) | $100-$150 | Beautiful beaches, Guna culture |
Panama Viejo Visit | 2-3 hours | $15 entrance fee | Historic ruins, archaeological site |
Monkey Island Tour | 4 hours | $60-$80 | Wildlife spotting, boat ride |
Dinner at Maito | 2 hours | $50-70 per person | High-end Panamanian cuisine |
Chill on the Beautiful San Blas Islands
First, we’re heading to paradise – also known as the San Blas Islands. This group of 365 islands (yep, one for each day of the year!) is run by the indigenous Guna people and is about as close to untouched tropical beauty as you can get.
Here’s the deal:
- It’s a bit of a journey: 2.5-hour drive from Panama City, then a boat ride
- Most tours leave super early (like 5 AM early)
- A day trip usually costs between $100-$150, including transport and food
- Bring cash for buying crafts – there are no ATMs on the islands
Once you’re there, you can:
- Swim in crystal clear water
- Snorkel around coral reefs
- Visit a Guna village and learn about their culture
- Buy colorful molas (traditional textile art)
Remember, the San Blas Islands are pretty basic – no luxury resorts or anything but that’s what makes them so special. It’s all about enjoying nature and experiencing a totally different way of life.
Check Out Old Ruins at Panama Viejo
If you’re more into history than beaches, head to Panama Viejo instead. These are the ruins of the original Panama City, founded way back in 1519 and abandoned in 1671 after pirate Henry Morgan attacked (yes, that Captain Morgan).
The site is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and tickets cost $15. Here’s what you’ll see:
- The Old Panama Cathedral Tower: You can climb up for a great view
- Plaza Mayor: The main square of the old city
- Convento de las Monjas de la Concepción: Ruins of an old convent
Make sure to check out the Museum of the Plaza Mayor. It’s got lots of artifacts they’ve dug up from the site and tells the whole story of the city’s rise and fall.
Meet Real Monkeys on Monkey Island
Last but definitely not least, how about hanging out with some monkeys? Monkey Island is actually a group of islands in Gatun Lake, which is part of the Panama Canal.
A typical tour goes like this:
- Boat ride through the Panama Canal (you might see big ships up close!)
- Visit to the islands to see monkeys (they might come right up to the boat)
- Stop at the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
You might see four different types of monkeys:
- Geoffroy’s tamarin (tiny with white puffy heads)
- White-faced capuchin (the smart ones you see in movies)
- Mantled howler (they make crazy loud noises)
- Lemurine owl monkey (nocturnal, so you might not spot these guys)
Tours usually take about 4 hours and cost $60-$80 per person. Please, don’t feed the monkeys – they’re wild animals and need to stay that way.
To cap off your Panama City adventure, treat yourself to dinner at Maito. This high-end restaurant serves modern takes on traditional Panamanian dishes. Try their corvina (sea bass) with coconut rice, or their version of sancocho, a traditional Panamanian soup.
Where to Sleep in Panama City: Comfy Spots for Every Budget
After all these adventures, you’ll need a good place to rest. Panama City has tons of options, from fancy hotels to budget-friendly spots. Here’s a rundown of some great choices:
Hotel Name | Price Range | Location | Features |
---|---|---|---|
American Trade Hotel | $180 – $200 per night | Casco Viejo | In a historic building, rooftop pool, jazz bar |
Marriott Executive Apartments Finisterre | $100 – $120 per night | Near Cinta Costera | Apartment-style rooms, great for families |
Residence Inn by Marriott Panama City | $90 – $110 per night | San Francisco area | New hotel, connected to a shopping mall |
Plaza Paitilla Inn Hotel | $70 – $90 per night | Punta Paitilla | Ocean views, close to shopping areas |
Hotel Casa Magnolia Inn | $33 – $50 per night | Casco Viejo | Budget-friendly, in a colonial building |
Want to know more about Panama City and other amazing travel destinations around the world? Check out destination.com for detailed guides and expert tips to plan your dream vacation.
Getting Around Panama City: It’s Easier Than You Think!
Panama City is pretty easy to get around. Here are your main transportation options to navigate Panama City:
- Metro: Clean, fast, and cheap at $0.35 per trip. There are two lines that cover a lot of the city.
- Buses: Local buses (Metrobus) cost $0.25 for most trips. You’ll need to buy a card first, which you can do at any metro station or authorized vendor.
- Taxis: They’re everywhere and pretty cheap. A ride within the city usually costs $3-$5. Always agree on the fare before getting in.
- Uber: Works great in Panama City and can be safer than hailing a random taxi. It’s often cheaper than regular taxis too.
- Walking: In areas like Casco Viejo, walking is often the best way to explore. Just be careful of uneven pavements and watch out for traffic.
To get to and from the Panama City airport, expect to pay about $20-$25 for a taxi. Take note not to pay more than $30 for an airport ride – if someone’s trying to charge you more, they’re probably trying to take advantage of you or scam you.
Best Time to Visit Panama City: When to Plan Your Trip
Panama City is warm all year round, but there are better times to visit Panama depending on what you’re looking for:
Dry Season (December to April):
- Less rain, more sunshine
- Temperatures around 90°F (32°C) during the day
- More tourists, so prices might be higher
- Great for outdoor activities and beach trips
Rainy Season (May to November):
- Short, heavy rain showers most afternoons
- Slightly cooler, around 86°F (30°C)
- Fewer tourists, so you might find better deals
- The countryside is lush and green
If you want to see something special, come in November. Panama celebrates three independence days this month:
- November 3: Independence from Colombia
- November 10: First Cry of Independence from Spain
- November 28: Independence from Spain
During these Panama celebrations, you’ll see parades, traditional Panama dances, and lots of flags. It’s a great time to experience Panamanian culture at its liveliest.
Top Tips for Your Panama City Adventure
- Money Matters: Panama uses US dollars, which they call Balboas. Don’t be confused if you hear locals talking about Balboas – it’s the same thing! Credit cards are widely accepted in the city but carry some cash for small purchases and taxis.
- Language: Spanish is the main language, but many people in tourist areas speak English. Learning a few Spanish phrases can go a long way, though! Try “Hola” (hello), “Gracias” (thank you), and “¿Dónde está…?” (Where is…?).
- Stay Safe: Panama City is generally safe, but like any big city, keep an eye on your stuff, especially in crowded areas. Stick to well-lit areas at night and use official taxis or Uber.
- Water: Tap water is usually safe to drink in Panama City, but if you want to be extra careful, stick to bottled water. It’s cheap and widely available.
- Coffee Break: Panama grows some of the best coffee in the world. Try the local Geisha coffee – it’s pricey but super tasty! Café Unido is a great local chain to try it at.
- Beat the Heat: It gets hot and humid. Drink lots of water, wear light, breathable clothing, and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces if you’re not used to the heat.
- Respect the Rainforest: If you’re visiting natural areas like Metropolitan Park or Monkey Island, stay on marked trails and don’t feed the animals. Take only photos, leave only footprints!
- Try Local Food: Don’t leave without trying sancocho (chicken soup), patacones (fried plantains), and fresh ceviche. El Trapiche is a great place to try traditional Panamanian food.
- Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually included in restaurant bills. If not, or if the service was great, add 10-15%. Tipping isn’t expected for taxis, but rounding up is appreciated.
- Sunscreen is Your Friend: The sun is strong here, even on cloudy days. Always wear sunscreen when you’re out and about, and reapply often, especially if you’re at the beach or pool.
Wrapping It Up: Why Panama City Rocks
So there you have it – your guide to three awesome days with lots of things to do in Panama City Panama! From wandering through historic streets in Casco Viejo to watching huge ships in the Panama Canal, from chilling on pristine beaches to spotting monkeys in the rainforest, this city has it all.
Hey, this is just a taste of what Panama City has to offer. There’s so much more to explore, from hidden coffee shops in Casco Viejo to secret beaches just a short boat ride away. So don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path a bit – that’s often where you’ll find the best adventures!
What is Interesting About Panama City Panama?
Panama City has the famous Panama Canal, the old Casco Viejo area with colonial buildings, and the Amador Causeway with great views. You can also see wildlife at Metropolitan National Park and enjoy city views from Ancon Hill.
What to Wear in Panama City
Wear lightweight, breathable clothes like cotton or linen due to the hot, humid weather. Choose casual yet stylish outfits like dresses, skirts, or pants with comfortable shoes such as sandals or sneakers. Bring a light jacket for air-conditioned places and a rain jacket for the rainy season from May to December.
Can I Walk in Panama City?
Yes, you can walk in Panama City. Areas like Cinta Costera and Casco Viejo are safe and pedestrian-friendly, offering beautiful views and historical sites. However, avoid walking alone at night in neighborhoods like Santa Ana and Calidonia due to safety concerns.