Things To Do
in Panama City
Panama City is a dynamic coastal capital where gleaming skyscrapers meet a UNESCO-listed colonial quarter and the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. The city blends modern Latin American business culture with rich Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean heritage visible in food, music and festivals. Tropical greenery and wildlife are never far away — from city parks and nearby rainforests to islands in the Pacific.
Visitors find a compact historic core for walking, wide modern neighborhoods for dining and nightlife, and easy access to nature and day trips outside the city.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City, where you can wander through cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local café, sampling dishes like ‘huevos pericos’ and freshly brewed coffee. Don’t forget to take in the views of the Pacific Ocean from the picturesque Plaza Francia.
After lunch, immerse yourself in the rich history of the area by visiting the Museo del Canal Interoceánico, which showcases the significance of the Panama Canal. Stroll through the vibrant streets, stopping by artisan shops and local markets for unique souvenirs. Experience the lively atmosphere as you interact with local vendors and savor some street food.
As the sun sets, head to one of the rooftop bars in Casco Viejo for an incredible view of the skyline while enjoying a cocktail. Dine at a local restaurant, indulging in Panamanian specialties like ‘sancocho’ and fresh seafood. End your night with a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade, taking in the beautiful lights of the city.
Begin your day with a visit to the Miraflores Locks, where you can watch massive ships navigate through the canal. The visitor center offers informative exhibits about the canal's history and engineering marvels, providing a perfect educational experience. Grab breakfast at the café overlooking the locks for a unique view of the canal in action.
Afterward, take a guided tour that provides deeper insights into the canal’s construction and operation. Journey to the Agua Clara Locks on the Atlantic side for a different perspective, learning about the expansion project that allows larger vessels to pass through. Enjoy a packed lunch while soaking in the views of the lush surroundings.
Return to Panama City and choose a restaurant with panoramic views for dinner, such as those in the Amador Causeway. Relish the flavors of international and local cuisine while enjoying the stunning sunset over the Pacific. End your evening with a leisurely stroll along the causeway, taking in the gentle sea breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short) | $3-8 |
| 🍺Domestic beer at bar | $2.50-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to both modern urban comforts and nearby tropical nature.
- World-class attraction in the Panama Canal and rich historical Casco Viejo.
- Good healthcare and international services compared with many regional capitals.
- Growing culinary scene with both street food and high-end restaurants.
- High humidity and frequent rain in the wet season can disrupt plans.
- Traffic congestion during rush hours and sometimes long travel times across the metro area.
- Some neighborhoods have safety concerns after dark; vigilance required.
- Costs (hotels, dining) can be higher than other Central American destinations.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Panama City
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful colonial facades, narrow streets and rooftop terraces offer golden-hour cityscapes, street scenes and skyline contrasts.
Close-up views of massive ships transiting the locks and the canal’s historic engineering make for dramatic photos.
Long causeway with views of the modern skyline, particularly striking at sunset and at night when buildings light up.
Frank Gehry’s colorful museum architecture is bold and photogenic from multiple angles on the Amador side.
Ancient stone ruins with open skies provide atmospheric shots and a contrast to the modern city skyline visible in the distance.
Food in Panama City
Panama City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh citrus-marinated seafood (typically corvina) often sold at the Mercado de Mariscos — a must-try for freshness and local flavor.
Must-Try!
A comforting chicken and root-vegetable soup flavored with culantro, popular in homes and casual eateries across the city.
Seasoned chicken and rice — Panama’s version of this Latin favorite is ubiquitous at family-style restaurants.
Fried yuca stuffed with meat or cheese (carimañolas) and savory fried dough (hojaldres), commonly found as street snacks or breakfast items.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market by the old port where you can taste fresh ceviche, fried fish, and seafood dishes while watching fishermen unload their catch.
Neighborhood markets and stalls selling fresh fruit, empanadas, carimañolas and other quick bites — great for sampling everyday foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake or light kiss on one cheek among acquaintances is common. Use polite greetings like 'Buenos días' and 'Buenas tardes.'
Dress smart-casual in the city; more conservative attire is expected in churches and formal settings. Public displays of anger are frowned upon; polite, calm interactions go far.
Show deference to elders and polite forms of address; use 'usted' in formal situations until invited to use 'tú.'
Ask before photographing people, especially in Indigenous communities and informal neighborhoods.
Safety
Tipping in Panama City
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants often add a 10% service charge; check your bill. If service is not included, 10–15% is customary for good service. Taxis usually do not expect tips but round up for short rides; bellhops and hotel staff appreciate $1–3 depending on service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and hotels; carry cash (US dollars are used interchangeably with Panamanian balboa) for markets, street food and small vendors. ATMs are common in the city, but bring a backup card and notify your bank of travel plans.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Bright, sunnier days and lower rainfall—best time for beach trips, island hopping and outdoor activities. Expect higher prices and more tourists around Christmas and spring break.
Frequent afternoon or evening downpours and higher humidity; mornings are often fine and wildlife is lush. Plan for flexible scheduling and bring quick-drying gear and insect repellent.
Transitional months (April–May, November–December) can offer good deals, fewer crowds and a mix of sun and showers—watch forecasts for optimal day-trip planning.
Temperatures are warm year-round with high humidity; lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection are always recommended.
Panama City at Night
Hiking in Panama City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
City-adjacent trails offering short hikes, good birdwatching and dramatic views of the skyline and the bay; accessible and family-friendly.
Short but steep hike in the city with panoramic views of the canal, Casco Viejo and modern skyline; good for sunrise or sunset.
Famous birding trail network about 30–40 minutes from the city with excellent wildlife sightings along old forest roads and trails.
A mountain valley about two hours from the city offering crater hikes, waterfalls, cloud forest walks and cooler temperatures.
Historical route through tropical forest used during colonial times; sections can be hiked from different trailheads near Gamboa.
Airports
How to reach Panama City by plane.
Main international gateway located about 24 km east of downtown Panama City, with extensive connections to the Americas and Europe; taxis, shuttles and buses connect to the city.
Smaller airport near the city center handling domestic flights and regional services—convenient for quick island or domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, shaping much of Panama’s culture and language.
Significant Afro-Caribbean communities, particularly along the Caribbean coast and in Panama City neighborhoods, with strong cultural influence in music and cuisine.
Several Indigenous groups (Guna, Ngäbe-Buglé, Emberá and others) maintain distinct cultural practices and communities, some of which run tours and craft markets.
Growing expat community attracted by business, banking, and lifestyle, contributing to an international culinary and cultural scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of the nation’s most popular sports with strong local leagues and community participation.
Widely followed throughout the country with local clubs and passionate fans.
Coastal waters off the Pacific offer excellent sport fishing and surf spots within a few hours’ drive of the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Panama City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in Panama City—many restaurants offer salads, rice-and-bean dishes and vegetable mains. Ask for 'sin carne' and look for vegetarian/vegan listings, or visit health-food cafés in El Cangrejo and Casco Viejo.
Vegan-specific restaurants are limited but growing; markets provide fruit and plantain-based snacks. Carry snacks when traveling outside the city where vegan options are scarce.
Not widely labeled; explain 'sin gluten' and avoid fried foods that may be cross-contaminated. Upscale restaurants usually accommodate dietary needs if notified in advance.