Best Things To Do In Panama City - 18 Must-See Places for Your First Visit

I ended up spending over a week exploring Panama City and only left because we absolutely had to catch a fly home to Norway.

What surprised me most about Panama City was just how much there is to do. One minute you're wandering through the colourful colonial streets of Casco Viejo, the next you're watching enormous ships navigate the Panama Canal, hiking up a jungle-covered hill with views over the skyline, or enjoying sunset drinks at one of the city's many rooftop bars. And that's before you even start looking at the day trips!

In this guide, I'm sharing my favourite things to do in Panama City, along with the experiences I didn't get around to but really wanted to, the day trips I'd recommend, and a few practical tips to help you plan your visit.

Whether you're stopping here for a couple of days before heading elsewhere in Panama or have a little longer to explore, I think you'll be surprised by just how much this city has to offer.

18 Amazing Things To Do In Panama City

When you think of Panama City, your thoughts probably jump to the Panama Canal, but I can guarantee you that there is so much more to do in this lovely city.

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in Panama City. If you also want more practical information like where you should base yourself, how to get around and my favourite restaurants, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need, including personal tips to help you experience the city beyond the obvious.

If you want all these things planned out for you in a detailed itinerary, check out my Ultimate itinerary for Panama City.

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Explore Casco Viejo, Panama City's Old Town

Casco Viejo quickly became one of my favourite places to explore in Panama City. This historic neighbourhood feels completely different from the modern skyline elsewhere in the city, with colourful colonial buildings, narrow streets and charming plazas that are perfect for wandering around without much of a plan.

Make sure to explore Plaza de la Independencia, home to the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, and continue towards Plaza de Francia, where you can walk along the old waterfront and enjoy views across the bay towards the modern city skyline. And don’t miss the charming La Calle De los Sombreros, where you’ll find sombrero hats decorating the whole street.

If you also want to learn more about the history of the city I recommend joining this guided tour that takes you around the city and shows you all the best spots.

I recommend visiting during the day to appreciate the architecture and historic landmarks, then return in the evening when the neighbourhood comes alive with restaurants and nightlife. If you're short on time in Panama City, this is definitely one of the areas I'd prioritise.

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

Explore museums in the Old City

If you’re interested in history or if you’re looking for more fun stuff to do for a rainy day, the old town has several interesting museums to explore.

Some of the best ones are the Panama Canal Museum, The Museum of the history of Panama and the Mola Museum where you can learn more about the textiles produced by Panamas indigenous people. Alternatively you can take a visit to the National Theatre and see if there’s a performance you can check out.

Looking for the perfect place to stay?

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Walk or bike along Cinta Costera

If you want to enjoy Panama City's waterfront without heading too far from the centre, Cinta Costera is a great place to wander around.

The waterfront promenade gives you amazing views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the city's impressive skyline on the other. It's a completely different experience from wandering through the historic streets of Casco Viejo. It’s the perfect spot for a morning jog or an evening stroll. If you want to explore the area even further you can rent a bike and explore on your own or join this bike tour that explores several areas of Panama City.

Book a guided tour in a classic car here

Explore Panama from a classic car! This tour is perfect for those who want to see as much as possible, but struggle to walk or stay on their feet all day.

Visit the Miraflores locks and Panama Canal

You can't really visit Panama City without learning a little bit about the Panama Canal. It’s one of the world's most impressive engineering projects and a waterway that changed global trade forever. So yes, it’s definitely worth a visit.

The easiest way to see it up close is to visit the Miraflores locks, located just outside the city centre. Here, you can watch enormous cargo ships make their way through the locks as the water level rises or falls to move them between different sections of the canal.

If you want to learn even more about the technical side of it you can check out the exhibitions at the Miraflores Visitor Center that explains how the canal was built, how it operates and why it remains so important to international shipping. There you can also watch the ships passing through from various viewing platforms.

My biggest tip is to check the official transit schedule before your visit, as ship movements vary throughout the day and you don't want to arrive only to find the locks quiet. Alternatively you can join this tour and have everything organised for you.

Hike up Ancon hill

One of the things I loved most about Panama City is that it’s a very modern city, but still has plenty of jungle adventures close by.

One spot you can easily reach by yourself is Ancon Hill. It’s about a 30 min walk up to Ancon Hill from the trail head and at the top you’ll be able to get some pretty amazing views of Panama City. It’s also possible to spot animals like sloths on the way, but my impression is that it’s not very common.

If you’re heading there on your own, just book a taxi and put «Mi Pueblito» as your destination and the driver will drop you off at the trailhead.

I personally didn’t see the sunrise or sunset here, but my guess is that it would be absolutely amazing to witness.

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

Explore the Metropolitan Natural Park

Another and slightly bigger nature adventure in Panama City is the Metropolitan Natural Park. I took a Taxi to the entrance and the moment I was going to buy my tickets, the heavens opened up and it started pouring down. I waited for a while hoping it would stop, but no luck. So unfortunately I didn't actually visit, but my impression is that it’s definitely worth a trip.

They have multiple shorter or longer trails to choose from, some very easy and some moderate, but bring good shoes no matter which one you choose. You might also be able to spot different animals and birds while walking around the area. You can explore the area on your own, but for an increased chance of spotting animals you can do this guided tour.

Want to make the most of your trip to Panama City?

Browse the highest-rated tours and experiences here.

Visit an Emberá Village

I’m often a bit unsure about these kinds of trips where you go to visit a local tribe and village because sometimes it’s honestly just a complete tourist trap. However, I gave it a chance and I’m very glad I did.

Yes, it was catered to tourists and there were more people there than I would’ve liked, but the experience was still very interesting and I had a really fun day meeting, talking to and learning from the various people from the Emberá tribe living just outside Panama City.

It started with an amazing kayak trip through the jungle and we were greeted with dancing as we entered the village. Once there, they showed us around their village, how they make food, build their houses and make traditional medicine. I even got a tribal tattoo. Not a permanent one, but still fun.

After the visit you also get to hike to a nearby waterfall if you like, so bring your bathing suit and some sturdy shoes that can get wet.

If you have the budget for it, I think booking a private tour would have made the experience even more memorable, because the only thing I didn’t like about this experience was that there was just a bit too many people exploring the village at the same time and the waterfall experience felt a bit more like a photo shoot for some. But all in all, I’m really glad I went because it was a super fun and interesting day!

Explore Monkey island

If you're looking for more wildlife and nature I can highly recommend this tour to monkey island. We did this tour and saw so many monkeys and even some sloths which I honestly hadn’t expected to see just outside Panama city.

To get there you have to cruise along the Panama Canal which is a fun bonus if you want to experience the famous canal up close.

The highlight of the trip is the visit to monkey island where you’ll see plenty of monkeys, and if you’re lucky other animals like sloths and crocodiles as well.

Afterwards we went for a walk in the jungle to look for more animals, but on the day we did the tour it started pouring down like crazy so we didn’t see as many animals during that part of the trip, but it was still fun just exploring the nature and learn more about it from our guide.

Grab lunch at Mercado de Mariscos

If you’re a fan of ceviche, his local fish market just outside Casco Viejo, is definitely worth a stop.

You can choose to come here and simply people watch as locals do there shopping at the busy market, or grab some lunch if you’re hungry. It’s nothing fancy, but a fun activity to add to your itinerary if you have some extra time and want to see something more local.

Travel with peace of mind and get travel insurance before your trip.

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Do a rum tasting at Pedro Mandingo Rum Bar

Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar is known as Panama’s first artisanal rum distillery and you can come here to sample some of their award-winning rum.

The tasting experience includes a flight of their smooth, small-batch rums made from locally grown sugarcane, including their award-winning aged rum and a few inventive infusions worth a try.

Even if you’re not a big fan of rum, you can still head over for a drink and relax. the bar is very charming and the perfect spot to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Grab a drink at one of the best rooftop bars in Panama City

Panama City is packed with amazing rooftop bars and we spent every evening exploring at least one new to find our favourites.

Most of them have really great views of the city as well as amazing drinks and nice vibes. So if the weather works in your favour, I recommend trying a couple of different spots during your time in the city.

It can get quite crowded at some spots around sunset, so if you’re short on time in the city or have a specific bar in mind, I recommend you book a table in advance, especially during sunset.

My favourite rooftop bars in Panama City, that I think you should check out:

• CasaCasco
• Vista Corona Panama
• Mazatlan Rooftop
• Selina
• The Old Town Lighthouse
• Cielo Rooftop Bar
• Lazotea Rooftop Bar
• Sama Sky Lounge

Make chocolate at Nome

One of the most delicious experiences in Panama City is joining a chocolate-making workshop at Nome Chocolate, a small bean-to-bar shop tucked away in Casco Viejo.

You’ll get to experience every step of the process, from roasting and grinding the locally sourced cacao beans to creating your own chocolate bar.

Even if you don’t want to make your own chocolate, it’s worth a visit just to buy some fresh chocolate to taste.

Book your chocolate making class here

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Visit Panama Viejo (Old Panama City ruins)

This is a UNESCO world heritage site that works to preserves the ruins of the original Panama City. So if you love archeology and history this is probably a very fun spot to visit, especially if you have plenty of time in Panama City

I chose to prioritise other things during my time in Panama City so I can’t share any personal tips for this one, but I’m still adding it here so you know about it in case it’s something for you.

It’s a short drive outside the city, but you can easily book a taxi and explore it on your own, or choose to book a guided tour like this one.

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Shop at Albrook Mall

This might be a bit different, but if you’ve been traveling for a while like I had when I visited Panama City, a huge mall with everything you need is a great place to visit. I spent a day here and barely scratched the surface of this huge mall. It truly has everything and it’s surprisingly cheap.

However, if you’re only visiting for a couple of days I probably wouldn’t spend so much time here unless you love shopping. It’s the second largest mall in the Americas, but not really a sight in itself.

Ready to explore Panama City?

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Best Day Trips From Panama City

If you have a couple of extra days and want to explore more of the area around Panama City, these are some amazing spots to check out. All of them are worth a longer stay so if you’re planning a longer trip through Panama I would rather add them to the itinerary. But if that’s not possible, they could all be done as day trips.

Head to the beach on Taboga or Pearl Island

If you're craving some beach time there are some really nice spots to explore just outside Panama City. The two main options are Taboga or Pearl Island.

Taboga Island is the closest island to Panama City, but if you want to venture a bit further out you can choose to visit Pearl island instead.

You can reach both islands with a ferry, so you can actually explore the area on your own if you feel like it. However, if you want a more easy and pre-planned trip, you can choose to spend the day on a catamaran with lunch and open bar as you cruise to Taboga Island.

Book a Catamaran tour to Taboga Island

Hike in Valle de Anton

Another day trip to consider is to head to Valle de Anton for some hiking.If you’re on a longer trip traveling through Panama, this might be a stop in itself for a couple of nights, but if you’re only visiting Panama City and love hiking, this is a great choice for a day trip.

Visit the San Blas Island

This is probably the thing I’m most upset about missing out on during my whole six months trip through Central America. The weather was just too bad for us to be able to get there, but at least I have a good reason to come back to Panama as soon as possible.

My goal was to go there and stay for a couple of nights, but I would have done a day trip as well if the weather permitted.

If you decide to go, you’ll see some of the most remote and pristine beaches in Panama, and even though I didn’t make it I definitely think you should head there if you’re visiting outside the worst rain season like I did.

If you’re on a longer trip you can also choose to visit the San Blas Island as a stopover on a boat trip to Colombia.

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.

What Is The Best Time to Visit Panama City?

The ideal time to visit Panama City is during the dry season, roughly from late December through April. During this period you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall and comfortable conditions for walking around the city’s historic districts.

If you travel outside that window like I did, you’ll face more rain and higher humidity. On the plus side you might find better hotel deals and fewer crowds. I wouldn’t recommend it though as there were a couple of things I wanted to do around Panama City that just wasn’t possible due to the heavy rain.

Is Panama City Safe to Visit?

Panama City is generally safe to visit as a tourist, but like any big city it has areas where you need to be more careful.

I felt completely comfortable exploring the main tourist areas, including Casco Viejo and the waterfront, but it's worth being aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.

Even though I never experienced anything, I’ve heard of people getting robbed here, so keep your valuables out of sight and avoid carrying too much cash.

Some neighbourhoods, including parts of El Chorrillo and areas outside the usual tourist routes, have higher crime rates, so it's best to avoid wandering into unfamiliar areas especially at night.

With a bit of common sense and some basic precautions I wouldn’t worry about it too much. 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.

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

Final Thoughts: Is Panama City Worth Visiting?

Panama City has that perfect blend of different worlds with colonial charm in Casco Viejo and modern skyscrapers just outside. You also get a great mix of tropical vibes, nature and wildlife as well as a more cosmopolitan energy with great food and rooftop cocktails. So you really get everything you want in this small, but very charming city.

Whether you’re in Panama City for a relaxing weekend break or as part of a longer Central American journey I think Panama City deserves at least a couple of days. I at least ended up loving it and know I’ll come back one day.

Plan Your Trip to Panama City

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan what to do in 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

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Hotels.com

Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.com

Book buses, trains and ferries with 12Go

Brows the best tours on Viator here

Brows the best tours on Get Your Guide here

Compare eSIM plans with Airalo here

Get travel insurance from SafetyWing here

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

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

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-Ingrid

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