- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Panama City
Our city began with Panamá Viejo in 1519, but today's heart is Casco Viejo, a UNESCO site rebuilt after pirates. Its streets blend Spanish colonial, French, and Caribbean styles. Notice the Arco Chato, a flat arch that helped prove our stability for the canal.
Escape the skyline in the Metropolitan Natural Park, a 232-hectare rainforest inside the city, home to sloths and toucans. For panoramic views, hike Ancon Hill. Birders know Pipeline Road in Soberanía Park is a world-class destination for any Panama City travel guide.
Discover our flavors beyond the canal. Try Sancocho, our national soup, or fresh ceviche with fiery aji chombo pepper at the Mercado de Mariscos. Local fondas offer authentic meals, best paired with a refreshing Chicha, our traditional fruit drink.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Dec-Aprdry season, warm, busy
- May-Octrainy season, humid, fewer crowds
- Shoulder Seasontransitional periods, mild weather
- #LightClothing
- #RainJacket
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with beaches & day trips
- Balboa (B/.), USD ($)
- Spanish
- English widely spoken in urban areas
- #PanamaCanal
- #CascoViejo
- #MetropolitanNationalPark
- #Biomuseo
- #AmadorCauseway
- #CintaCostera
- Visit Panama Canal
- Explore Casco Viejo
- Hike in Metropolitan National Park
- Enjoy local cuisine
- Bike along Cinta Costera
- Relax at Playa Bonita
Recommended Hotels in Panama City by Experience
Things to do in Panama City
Discover
Exploring Panama City reveals a mix of colonial and modern marvels. See the historic Casco Viejo, the engineering feat of the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks, and the lush rainforest of Metropolitan Natural Park right in the city.
Experience
Hike Ancon Hill for panoramic views, sample fresh ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos, or stroll the scenic Amador Causeway. Enjoy traditional dance performances or join a Diablo Rojo bus tour for a unique cultural immersion experience.
Panama Canal Miraflores Locks
Visitor center to watch massive ships pass through the canal.
Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)
Historic district with colonial plazas, churches, and cafes.
Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
Scenic causeway connecting four islands with city views.
Biomuseo
Frank Gehry-designed museum on Panama's biodiversity.
Metropolitan Natural Park
Tropical rainforest reserve with hiking trails and wildlife.
Panamá Viejo Ruins
Archaeological site of the original 16th-century city.
Ancon Hill
Highest point in the city offering panoramic skyline views.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Panama City, fly into Tocumen Airport (PTY). For the route from Panama City airport to city center, Metro Line 2 is a direct option, or take a taxi/ride-share for about $30 (30-45 min). Albrook Bus Terminal is the hub for land travel.
Getting Around
For public transport in Panama City, use the two-line Metro or the MetroBús system. Both require a rechargeable Rapi>Pass card, available at stations. Ride-sharing apps and official taxis are also widely available for convenient city travel.
Local Essentials
Driving in Panama City is challenging due to heavy traffic; car rental is best for day trips. Use Waze, not Google Maps. Carry small US dollar bills for small purchases. Agree on taxi fares before you start your ride to avoid surprises.
Where to Stay in Panama City
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Panama City. Taste sancocho stew and fresh ceviche from the Mercado de Mariscos. Locals enjoy a large, leisurely lunch, making it the day's main meal. Don't miss a refreshing glass of chicha.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Panama City, try Maito's chic garden, book ahead. Taste local brews at La Rana Dorada's lively pub, try samplers. Eat at Rene Cafe in Casco Viejo for a cozy vibe, great for coffee.
Maito
Panamanian fusion cuisine in a sophisticated garden space.
El Trapiche
Authentic, homestyle Panamanian dishes. Very popular.
Mercado de Mariscos
The city's bustling seafood market with food stalls.
La Vespa
Classic Italian pastas and pizzas in a vibrant setting.
Gaucho's Steak House
A classic Argentinian steakhouse with hearty portions.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Panama City's culture through its Fiestas Patrias in November, celebrating independence with parades. Experience the massive Carnival in February with its queen coronation, floats, and water parties known as 'culecos'.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary Panama City attractions at events like the Panama Jazz Festival, attracting global artists. Immerse yourself in indie rock and multimedia art at MacroFest or catch a film at the International Film Festival.
Panama Carnival
A four-day festival before Ash Wednesday with parades & floats.
Fiestas Patrias
A month of national pride in November with patriotic parades.
Panama Jazz Festival
A must-see week of concerts by international jazz artists in January.
International Film Festival Panama
April screenings of international and Panamanian films.
MacroFest
March festival mixing music, fashion, art, and design.
Pinta Panamá Art Week
Contemporary art exhibits and gallery tours held in May.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Religious processions and reenactments before Easter.
A City of Awesome Contrasts
Panama City has such a cool dynamic with the super modern skyscrapers right next to the historic old town. It's a very walkable place, especially along the Cinta Costera where you get amazing views of the skyline. Easy to get around and felt safe.
Beautiful Old Quarter
I could have spent all day exploring the streets of Casco Viejo. The restored colonial buildings are gorgeous, with so many small plazas and churches to find. It's full of great little rooftop bars and cafes. Such a picturesque area to just get lost in.
More Than Just the Canal
Panama City is an impressive, modern hub. Seeing the massive ships pass through the Miraflores Locks was incredible, a true engineering wonder. The city itself is clean, with great shopping and plenty of good places to eat some fantastic ceviche.
Nature Right in the City
It's amazing how you can be in a huge metropolis and then be surrounded by rainforest minutes later. The view from the top of Ancon Hill is just spectacular; you can see the whole city, the canal, and the ocean. So much accessible green space.
Great for Walking and Eating
The Amador Causeway is perfect for a long walk or bike ride with awesome views of the bridge and skyline. There are tons of restaurants along the way. We found a spot with great sancocho, the local chicken soup. It was perfect after a day out.
Such a scenic waterfront
Loved the walkability of the city. The layout makes it easy to explore different neighborhoods on foot. The waterfront path is a huge plus, connecting everything with a great view of the ocean. It's a well-designed city for visitors.