Things to Do in Panama City, Panama
Panama City stands out as one of the most vibrant capitals in Central America, offering a plethora of exciting and engaging activities. We highly recommend spending a few days here, as it’s much more than just a travel hub for the region.
In this concise travel guide, we’ll highlight the top attractions we explored during our two-week visit to Panama. Additionally, we’ll share some valuable travel tips and lessons learned along the way.
Let’s get started on planning your Panama City itinerary!
Explore More Posts from Our Panama Trip:
Top Things to Do in Panama City, Panama
1. Stroll Through the Charming Streets of Casco Viejo
For first-time visitors to Panama City, a trip to Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe, is a must. This historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage site and arguably the most popular attraction in the city.
Casco Viejo is characterized by a fascinating blend of Spanish colonial and neoclassical architecture. The area features historic buildings—some beautifully restored and others in various states of decay. Here, you’ll find trendy restaurants, lively bars, boutique hotels, artsy shops, and hipster cafes.
This district is relatively safe for tourists, allowing for leisurely exploration, although caution against pickpockets and scams is advisable, just as it is in any major city.
Whether you opt for an organized sightseeing tour or choose to wander the cobbled streets at your own pace, Casco Viejo is a delightful place to explore.
Related Post – 50 Photos of Casco Viejo, Panama City’s Historic Old Town
The Panama Metropolitan Cathedral
Known as the Metropolitan Archcathedral Basilica of Santa María la Antigua, this stunning church is situated in the heart of Casco Viejo at Plaza de la Independencia. Take a moment to admire its beautiful altar and artwork during your visit.
Additionally, Casco Viejo offers stunning views of the Panama City skyline.
Paseo Las Bóvedas Shopping
Located in Casco Viejo, this area is ideal for visitors seeking unique souvenirs and local handicrafts. You’ll find various items such as indigenous Guna Yala artwork, woven baskets, carved wooden masks, handmade jewelry, and affordable souvenirs to take home.
2. Experience Ships Passing Through the Panama Canal
Another essential attraction in Panama City is the world-renowned Panama Canal. It’s one of the largest engineering feats ever completed, often considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Once you learn about its groundbreaking engineering achievements, it’s hard to disagree.
The canal is an artificial waterway that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean, featuring a lock system that raises and lowers ships to Gatun Lake, an expansive freshwater lake sitting 85 feet above sea level.
The best place to witness ships navigating the canal is at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, as shown in the image below. Check out this short video from our visit to the Miraflores Locks.
Read More – Our Visit to the Miraflores Locks in Panama City
Visitors flock to the observation deck to watch a magnificent cruise ship pass through the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks.
3. Discover Monkey Island
If you’re in search of a distinctive experience in Panama, a trip to Monkey Island is a fantastic choice. We participated in the Monkey Island Tour, a four-hour adventure that includes round-trip transportation and an English-speaking guide. The tour features a boat ride on the Panama Canal, providing an exhilarating view of massive ships navigating the waterway.
Find More Details About the Monkey Island Tour Here.
The Lake Gatun area hosts four species of monkeys, including the Panamanian white-faced capuchin, Geoffroy’s tamarin, lemurine owl monkeys, and mantled howler monkeys. The Monkey Island tours offer you the unique opportunity to observe these monkeys in their natural habitat.
Additionally, you can combine the Monkey Island tour with a visit to the Sloth Sanctuary, where you can witness rescued three-toed and two-toed sloths. More details about this tour can be found here.
Related Post – Photos from Our Monkey Island Visit
We spotted a Panamanian white-faced capuchin during our Monkey Island tour.
Monkey Island actually refers to a cluster of small islands within Gatun Lake. Because the resident monkeys tend to move around, the boat tours stop at various locations.
4. Explore Soberania National Park
Located 25 kilometers from Panama City, near Gamboa, Soberania National Park is an ideal day trip for nature enthusiasts who wish to experience the lush Panamanian rainforest. The park can be reached within a 45-minute drive from downtown Panama City.
Home to over 500 bird species, Soberania National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Visitors can trek along Pipeline Road while searching for toucans, crimson-fronted parakeets, crested owls, and other exotic birds like the red-bellied woodpecker and yellow-eared toucanets.
This expansive national park, covering more than 55,000 acres, is also home to over 100 species of mammals, including white-faced capuchin monkeys, mantled howler monkeys, Geoffroy’s tamarins, anteaters, and both two-toed and three-toed sloths.
During your visit, consider stopping by the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, where you can climb 174 steps to the top of the Observation Tower for breathtaking views of the forest.
Check out this brief video about the Discovery Center.
Gamboa Rainforest Reserve is situated at the edge of Soberania National Park, serving as the starting point for numerous outdoor excursions and attractions. Enjoy an Aerial Tram tour through the rainforest and visit the nearby Panama Sloth Sanctuary.
You might also choose to spend the night at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort for a more immersive jungle experience.
Check Out More Panama Blog Posts from Our Travels Here.
5. Walk or Bike the Amador Causeway
Amador Causeway is a prime location for many of Panama City’s key attractions and activities. Spanning 6 kilometers, it connects the small islands of Naos, Perico, and Flamenco.
This area marks the southern entrance of the Panama Canal, making it a perfect vantage point to observe colossal container ships as they navigate in and out of Panama’s famed canal.
Biomuseo
The highlight of Amador Causeway is the Biomuseo, a museum dedicated to Panama’s natural history. You can’t miss this unique museum, identifiable by its vibrant and unconventional architecture. The museum comprises eight exhibition halls showcasing Panama’s geology, natural history, and diverse cultures.
Activities at Amador Causeway
Visitors have the option to rent bikes (consider checking out Bicicletas Moses) or stroll along the waterfront boardwalk. Don’t forget to capture a photo in front of the giant Panama sign along the way. If you’re feeling lucky, you can even try fishing from the platform just before Isla Naos.
Other attractions on the Amador Causeway include the Punta Culebra Nature Center, La Playita Pool Bar at The Beach House, Omar Torrijos Herrera’s Mausoleum, Museo de la Libertad, and Flamenco Marina.
Popular dining options along the causeway include Mi Ranchito, Beirut Calzada de Amador, Hapai Tiki Bar, and Restaurante Bucaneros.
6. Enjoy the Megapolis Hotel Panama Rooftop Bar
The hotel has undergone a name change since our visit; previously known as Hard Rock Hotel Megapolis, it’s now referred to as Megapolis Hotel Panama. We’ve been informed that the rooftop bar is still undergoing construction, so check back soon for any updates on its opening.
Meanwhile, feel free to explore our curated list of rooftop bars in Panama.
Unwind with sunset views of the Pacific Ocean from the 62nd floor of Hard Rock Hotel Panama.
Check out this brief video captured from the rooftop bar at Hard Rock Hotel in Panama City.
Panama City is vast and features a remarkable array of architectural styles.
7. Stroll Along Avenida Balboa and Cinta Costera
If you’re looking for budget-friendly activities in Panama City, head over to Avenida Balboa and Cinta Costera. This picturesque location is perfect for enjoying the warm Panama climate outdoors.
Cinta Costera is a pedestrian path that connects Punta Paitilla to Casco Viejo and Amador Causeway.
By walking, running, or cycling along this waterfront path, you’ll experience much of what Panama City has to offer. Several parks and grassy areas provide an ideal setting for children to play and burn off some energy.
As you stroll along Cinta Costera, keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant Panama signs—after all, every traveler needs a photo with one of those!
Near the entrance to Casco Viejo, you can visit Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera, a bustling fish and seafood market that’s a fun spot to grab lunch. If you enjoy fresh seafood, don’t miss the chance to try some local ceviche here.
Palm trees grace the Cinta Costera pathway that winds along the waterfront of Panama City.
Avenida Balboa and Cinta Costera boast plenty of outdoor basketball courts and parks for everyone to enjoy.
8. Take a Day Trip to the San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands are among Panama’s finest treasures. Here, you won’t find large all-inclusive resorts or bustling cruise ships; it’s all about untouched beauty and tranquility.
Reaching the San Blas Islands may not be straightforward. While you can technically rent a vehicle and drive from Panama City to the coast, we strongly recommend joining a San Blas Islands tour. Considering rental costs, insurance, fuel, parking, and boat transportation, an organized tour proves to be more efficient.
If you plan on taking a day trip, joining a tour will allow you to visit various islands. This will undoubtedly be a long day starting around 5:00 AM and concluding late in the evening. If possible, we suggest spending at least one night on one of the islands.
You can book San Blas Islands tours here—there are numerous options available. We booked our trip through San Blas Dreams.
Our San Blas Islands experience didn’t quite go as planned—find out what happened here.
Related – Getting to San Blas Islands from Panama City
Watch this video to explore the smallest island we visited (also pictured above).
Our water taxi to Yanis Island, one of the many remote islands in the San Blas archipelago.
The above photo exemplifies why a visit to the San Blas Islands is worth it.
9. Visit Taboga Island or the Pearl Islands
A fun day trip from Panama City includes a visit to Taboga Island or one of the Pearl Islands.
Taboga Island is just 20 kilometers away from Panama City, and the Taboga Express Fast Ferry makes the journey in approximately 30 minutes. The ferry departs multiple times each day. You can find more information on tickets and schedules here. The ferry terminal is located at Fuerte Amador Mall on Isla Flamenco (Amador Causeway).
Contadora Island is the most popular destination among the Pearl Islands for tourists.
We spent a few nights on Contadora Island. Read about that experience here.
Like the San Blas Islands mentioned earlier, we recommend an overnight stay on Contadora Island. This allows for ample time to unwind on the beach and explore the island. However, if you’re pressed for time, a day trip is feasible.
The ferry ride from Panama City to Contadora takes 90 minutes in each direction.
Related – How to Take the Contadora Island Ferry from Panama City
Views of Playa Cacique on Contadora Island. Truly a tropical paradise.
10. Unwind at a Rooftop Pool
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything during family vacations. While we aim to pack in as many experiences as possible, we also value taking some downtime by the pool.
Fortunately, several hotels in Panama City feature rooftop pools with stunning views.
We spent countless hours lounging by the pool. Given the typically hot and sunny climate of Panama, it’s essential to take a break and savor the tropical ambiance.
Try to carve out some time each day to relax by the pool, particularly if you’re traveling with kids. When we ask our boys for their favorite memories of our Panama trip, the rooftop pools always come to mind.
Check out a few hotels in Panama City that offer rooftop pools.
This is the rooftop pool at Marriott Executive Apartments Finisterre in Panama City.
Where to Stay in Panama City, Panama
There’s a wide range of hotels in Panama City, providing plenty of choices at various price levels. For family travel, we generally prefer mid-range hotels.
Your money can go further in Panama City compared to other major cities. Can you believe that the hotel pictured here only cost us $100 CAD per night?
During our visit, we stayed at three different hotels.
- Marriott Executive Apartments Finisterre – We chose this property for its one-bedroom apartment-style rooms. It features a restaurant, rooftop pool, and is conveniently located within walking distance to Cinta Costera, Iglesia del Carmen Cathedral, and a variety of restaurant options.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Panama City – This newly built hotel is attached to a shopping center. The rooms are modern, spacious, and very nice (see photo below). The rooftop pool offers stunning views of the ocean and cityscape, plus it’s competitively priced, providing excellent value.
- Plaza Paitilla Inn Hotel – This budget-friendly hotel is centrally located on Cinta Costera. While it’s an older property, we stayed in a newly renovated room. Amenities include an outdoor pool and a restaurant with lovely views of the city and ocean.
After exploring the picturesque streets of Casco Viejo, we recommend considering a stay in that neighborhood. Though we didn’t reside in a hotel there this time, we plan to in our future visits to Panama City.
The photograph above features our room at the Residence Inn by Marriott Panama City.
Transportation in Panama City
If you intend to use a taxi, it’s safer to request one through your hotel rather than hailing one from the street. The rates may vary based on your location.
We favor using Uber for getting around Panama City, as it operates excellent service and eliminates language barriers.
You don’t need a new app; the Uber app available in Canada or the US works seamlessly in Panama City.
Using Uber simplifies the navigation process, helping you avoid miscommunication or giving poor directions. You also won’t need to deal with cash, which reduces the chance of being overcharged by an opportunistic taxi driver.
Overall, we felt much safer using Uber in Panama City.
Learn about additional options for getting around Panama City here.
Above is the Catholic Church Our Lady of Carmen, also known as Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen.
If you enjoy visiting cathedrals, don’t miss this one, as it’s considered one of the most beautiful churches in Panama City.
This enormous ‘Big Foot’ statue is located in the lobby of the luxurious JW Marriott Panama, near the Trump International Hotel and Tower Panama.
Explore More Blog Posts from Our Panama Trip:
Have You Visited Panama City, Panama?
We’d love to hear your Panama City travel tips below. Our readers will thank you!
