Is Panama City Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion After Spending a Week There

What I particularly enjoyed about Panama City is how much variety it offers. You have the charming historic streets of Casco Viejo, an impressive modern skyline, an excellent food scene with plenty of restaurants, cafés and rooftop bars. But what makes the city even more interesting is the amount of nature surrounding it. You can explore tropical rainforest, spot wildlife within the city limits or head just outside the capital to visit places like Monkey Island.

There are also plenty of opportunities for day trips to tropical islands and other destinations around the country, making Panama City a great starting point for exploring more of Panama.

Would I travel all the way from Norway just to spend a weekend in Panama City? Probably not. But if you live closer, it is definitely a cool city for a weekend getaway. And if you’re already travelling around Panama or Central America, I definitely wouldn't skip it.

In this guide, I'll share why I think Panama City is worth visiting, what you shouldn't miss and how much time I recommend spending there.

Why I Think Panama City is Worth Visiting

Casco Viejo has all the historic charm you could want

If there is one part of Panama City that you absolutely shouldn't miss, it’s Casco Viejo. This is the historic heart of the capital and, in my opinion, one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Panama.

The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a fascinating mix of colonial architecture, colourful buildings, historic churches and atmospheric plazas. Some buildings have been beautifully restored into boutique hotels, restaurants and cafés, while others have a more weathered appearance that gives the streets plenty of character.

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I loved simply walking around and seeing what I would find. You can wander between the different squares, stop for coffee, browse little shops and admire the architecture without needing a strict sightseeing itinerary. There are also plenty of rooftop bars and restaurants, many with beautiful views across the bay towards the modern skyline. If you’re short on time in Panama City and want to see all the highlights, you should check out this guided walking tour that takes you around the city and to the Panama Canal.

Some of the highlights include Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza Herrera, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the waterfront promenade. The Panama Canal Museum is also located here and is worth visiting if you want to learn more about the country's history.

What I particularly like about Casco Viejo is the contrast between the old and new parts of Panama City. Standing in the historic quarter and looking towards the enormous modern skyscrapers across the water is quite a sight. I recommend visiting both during the day and in the evening, when the restaurants and rooftop bars bring the neighbourhood to life. If you want to my favourite rooftop bars check my Guide to The Top Things to do in Panama City.

Explore hidden gems in Casco Viejo on this guided tour of the city

The food scene in Panama City is surprisingly good

Another reason I enjoyed Panama City so much was the food. I wasn't necessarily expecting the city to have such a good selection of restaurants, cafés and international cuisine, but there is plenty to discover.

You will find everything from traditional Panamanian dishes and local seafood restaurants to Italian, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. There are also excellent speciality coffee shops, bakeries and brunch spots, particularly around Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo and the more modern neighbourhoods.

When it comes to local food, look out for sancocho, a traditional chicken soup, and carimañolas, which are fried cassava pastries usually filled with meat or cheese. Hojaldres, a type of fried dough often eaten for breakfast, are another local favourite. Ceviche is also popular, particularly if you enjoy seafood. I recommend heading to the Mercado de Mariscos if you want some really fresh ceviche.

What I appreciated most was the variety. Panama City has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and you can easily find somewhere for a casual lunch, a good coffee or a more special dinner. Combined with the modern cafés, supermarkets and other conveniences, it is also a particularly comfortable city to spend a few days in.

Best places to eat in Panama City

This is by no means a complete list, because there are so many great options to choose from and I obviously didn’t have time to try them all. However, I did a substantial amount of research before my trip and tried as much as possible, so below are a couple of places I would go back to on my next visit.

• Kaandela Restaurant
• Calicanto Trattoria
• Fonda Lo Que Hay
• Café UNIDO
• La Panaderia
• Afrodisiaco Restaurant
• Mercado de Mariscos
• Maito
• La Rana Dorado

You can find tropical rainforest right inside the city

One of the things that surprised me most about Panama City is just how much greenery there is. Despite being a modern capital with an impressive skyline and busy roads, you don't have to travel far to find yourself surrounded by tropical jungle.

The Metropolitan Natural Park is a great example, where you can explore different walking trails through tropical forest just a short distance from the city centre. The park is home to a surprising amount of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas and different bird species. Some trails also lead to viewpoints overlooking the city and Panama Bay.

For a better chance of spotting sloths, book this guided tour

Another place worth visiting is Ancon Hill. The walk takes you through tropical vegetation, and if you are lucky, you might spot wildlife along the way. At the top, you get fantastic panoramic views of the modern skyline, Casco Viejo and the surrounding greenery.

If you want to experience even more nature and wildlife, you can find it just outside the city. You can book a tour to Monkey Island in Gatun Lake where you can look for animals. We saw so many monkeys, sloths and crocodiles here, and it was such an amazing experience. I never expected to see more sloths here than I did in Costa Rica.

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The Panama Canal is definitely worth seeing

You cannot visit Panama City without learning a little about the Panama Canal. It’s one of the most important waterways in the world, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and playing a huge role in international shipping.

The easiest way to experience it from the capital is by visiting the Miraflores Locks. Here, you can watch enormous ships passing through the locks as they are raised or lowered to navigate the canal system. There is also a visitor centre with exhibitions explaining how the canal was constructed, how it operates and why it is so important to global trade if you want to learn more about it.

I recommend allowing a couple of hours for the visit, particularly if you want to explore the exhibitions and hopefully see a ship passing through. Just make sure to check the transit schedule before you go, so you don’t show up when no ships are passing. Alternatively you can do an organised tour and have it all planned out for you.

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There are plenty of great day trips from Panama City

Another reason to spend a little extra time in Panama City is the number of day trips you can take from the capital. You’re not limited to just exploring the city itself, and there are several beautiful islands and natural areas within easy reach.

One of the most famous options is the San Blas Islands, an archipelago of hundreds of islands in the Caribbean Sea, known for their white-sand beaches, turquoise water and palm-covered islands. Day trips from Panama City are possible, although they involve a very early start and a long journey by road and boat. If you have the time, I would seriously consider spending a night or two there instead of rushing back to the capital on the same day.

Another option is Taboga Island, which is much closer to Panama City and makes for an easier island escape. Taboga has beaches, a small village, restaurants and walking trails you can explore. Ferries connect the island with the city so you can easily get there on your own. Alternatively you can choose to join a catamaran for the day exploring the area while enjoying an open bar.

Book a Catamaran tour to Taboga Island

You can learn more about the local tribes

If you have an extra day in Panama City and want to experience something beyond the usual sightseeing, I recommend taking a trip to an Emberá village in Chagres National Park.

You’ll start the trip by travelling along the Chagres River in a traditional dugout canoe, surrounded by tropical rainforest, before arriving at a community where Emberá families welcome you and share aspects of their culture and daily life.

If you’re curious about Panama's Indigenous cultures and want to see a different side of the country I think this is a particularly interesting day trip. I at least had an amazing time when visiting.

What Is the Best Area to Stay in Panama City?

I personally think that Casco Viejo is the best area to stay in Panama City for most first-time visitors. Its historic streets, restaurants, cafés, museums and rooftop bars make it the most atmospheric part of the city, and you can explore most of the neighbourhood on foot.

However, Casco Viejo isn't necessarily the best choice for everyone. El Cangrejo is a great alternative if you want affordable accommodation, local restaurants and access to the metro, while Bella Vista and Marbella are convenient for modern hotels, shopping and exploring the wider city. San Francisco is worth considering if you prefer a more residential neighbourhood with excellent restaurants and access to green spaces.

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a relaxing, but practical stay in a charming area of Panama City.

Hotel La Compañía Casco Antiguo

This is one of the most distinctive luxury hotels in Panama City, set in a historic complex with architectural elements from different periods. The property combines heritage buildings with elegant guest rooms, several dining options and beautifully designed courtyards.

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Riu Plaza Panamá

This is a great choice for those who want a large, modern hotel with extensive facilities. The property offers contemporary rooms, restaurants, a swimming pool and fitness facilities, making it suitable for both short city breaks and longer visits.

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JW Marriott Panama

This is a nice luxury property in Punta Pacifica, known for its tall waterfront tower and views across the Pacific. The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, multiple dining options, swimming facilities and other amenities suited to an upscale stay.

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Map of the Best Hotels in Panama City

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Panama City to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

Is Panama City Safe for Tourists?

One thing I was pleasantly surprised by was how safe Panama City felt during our visit. We felt comfortable exploring the city and walking around the main areas, and overall it was a much more relaxed experience than I might have expected from a large capital in Central America.

That said, I wouldn't suggest letting your guard down completely. Panama City is still a big city, and I have heard stories of travellers being robbed. Like anywhere, there are areas where you should be more careful, particularly after dark, and you should avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighbourhoods without knowing where you are going.

And don't forget travel insurance! it's one of those things you hope you'll never need, but you'll be incredibly grateful to have if things doesn't go as planned. We personally use SafetyWing and I highly recommend them for every kind of trip.

My personal experience was very positive, and I felt comfortable spending time in Panama City. I would simply recommend taking normal big-city precautions rather than assuming that everywhere is completely safe.

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How Many Days Do You Need in Panama City?

I recommend spending at least two to three days in Panama City. This gives you enough time to see the main attractions while also enjoying the city rather than rushing between sightseeing stops.

With two days, I would prioritise Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal and a walk along the Cinta Costera or Amador Causeway.

With three days, you can add Ancon Hill or the Metropolitan Natural Park, as well as a visit to Panama Viejo or the Biomuseo. If you are particularly interested in wildlife, you could also organise a trip to Monkey Island.

With four or five days, you have more flexibility to explore the surrounding areas. You could take a trip to Taboga Island, visit Monkey Island or spend more time discovering the city's different neighbourhoods and restaurants.

If you have a week or longer, I would start looking beyond the capital as well. San Blas, for example, deserves more than a rushed day trip, and there are plenty of other destinations in Panama that are worth adding to your itinerary.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Panama City?

Panama City is warm throughout the year, with a tropical climate and distinct wet and dry seasons.

The dry season generally runs from December to April, and this is usually considered the best time to visit if you want more sunshine and less rain. It’s also a popular time for travelling around the rest of Panama, particularly if you plan to visit the islands and beaches.

The rainy season typically runs from May to November. You can still visit during these months, although you should expect more frequent showers, often in the afternoon. The advantage is that the city and surrounding rainforest become particularly lush and green.

If you are planning day trips to San Blas, Taboga or other islands, I would pay extra attention to the weather when choosing your dates. Rain and sea conditions can affect boat trips, so having some flexibility is useful.

Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Panama City?

So, is Panama City worth visiting? Absolutely, but I also think it depends on where you are travelling from and what else you have planned.

Would I travel all the way from Norway just to spend a short weekend in Panama City? Probably not. There are plenty of other destinations I would prioritise if I were making that journey specifically for a city break. But if you live closer, Panama City is definitely a cool weekend destination, and if you are already travelling around Panama or exploring Central America, I wouldn't skip it.

It was one of the cities that surprised me the most during my travels through the region, and I ended up enjoying it far more than I expected. I loved the contrast between the historic streets of Casco Viejo and the modern skyline, the excellent food scene and, perhaps most surprisingly, how much nature you can find in and around the city.

I wouldn't necessarily call Panama City a destination you need to travel halfway around the world to visit on its own, but it is absolutely a city worth making time for if you are in the region. And who knows, you might end up liking it as much as I did!

Plan Your Trip to Panama City

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan if you want to visit Panama City. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Booking.com

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Book buses, trains and ferries with 12Go

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Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

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If you have any questions about travel in Panama, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

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-Ingrid

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