Panama City is a large and vibrant metropolis, where old and new blend together in an interesting way. In Casco Viejo, you’ll stroll through narrow streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, while just a bit further along the coast, skyscrapers rise into the sky. Of course, you’ll want to see the world-famous Panama Canal, but the city’s parks, scenic viewpoints, and trendy rooftop bars are also well worth a visit. In this travel guide, you’ll find my tips for the best things to do and see in Panama City, from must-see sights, cool activities to nice hotels and restaurants.
With over 1.5 million residents, Panama City is the economic heart of the country and a major hub in Central America. There’s a good chance you’ll pass through here on your journey through the region, or start your Panama itinerary in the capital. I’ve visited Panama City several times myself, and I still love wandering through its streets and discovering new spots. Here are the top activities and my favorite things to do in Panama City.
Are you visiting Panama City for the first time? And do you only have a few hours during a layover before continuing your journey? Then it’s a great idea to join a short city tour to break up the wait and get a first glimpse of the city. You can book a nice and easy highlights of Panama City tour here.
If you’re looking to capture great photos of the Panama City skyline, don’t miss a visit to Parque Natural Metropolitano. Just outside the busy city center, this beautiful stretch of rainforest offers several walking trails with chances to spot deer, monkeys, coatis, agoutis, and tropical birds. It’s one of those places I try to revisit every time I’m in the city.
Casco Viejo is Panama city’s historic heart, full of charm and packed with interesting things to do, that should be at the top of your must-see list. You’ll find colorful colonial buildings, old churches, lively plazas, and a great selection of restaurants and cafés. Make sure to visit the cathedral at Plaza Mayor, the Arco Chato and Paseo de Las Bóvedas, explore the Museo de Canal Interoceánico, and browse the many design shops and galleries. In the evening, the neighborhood comes alive when rooftop bars and eateries open their doors.
One of the most iconic attractions in Panama City is the BioMuseo, a colorful building designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Its bold shapes and vibrant colors immediately catch your eye, while inside, interactive exhibits dive into Panama’s biodiversity and geological past. It’s a beautiful and fascinating place to start your journey through the country.
No visit to Panama City is complete without seeing the famous Panama Canal. At the Miraflores Locks, you can watch massive ships pass through up close. The visitor center offers insights into the canal’s history, construction, and global importance. Do you want to learn more? This half-day tour covers the highlights of the canal.
Tip: Head to the viewing platform around 8 a.m. or 2 p.m. to catch the ships in action. Want to sail the Panama Canal yourself? You can book a cruise here, which includes various stops along the way
The Mercado de Mariscos is Panama City’s most famous fish market and a fun stop for a local experience. Watch fishermen and vendors at work with the day’s fresh catch. Around the market, you’ll find casual eateries where you can try ceviche and other seafood specialties.
Cerro Ancón is a green hill right in the heart of Panama City. From the top, you get sweeping views of the skyline, the canal, and the historic districts. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a sloth or toucan along the way. You can reach the summit by car, or enjoy a scenic 30- to 45-minute hike
One of the relaxed things to do in Panama City is to walk around the Cinta Costera, the go-to coastal boulevard. It is a nice place where something’s always happening. You can walk, bike, run or just enjoy watching local life unfold around you. Along the way, you’ll pass parks, sports courts, food stalls, and curious raccoons, all with constant views of the skyline and the ocean. The path stretches all the way to the historic Casco Viejo.
Just outside the modern center you will find the ruins of Panamá Viejo, the original city founded in 1519 by the Spanish. The city was destroyed in 1671 by pirate Henry Morgan, but today you can walk among its remnants, churches, convents, and city walls that echo its colonial past. From the old cathedral tower, you get a nice view of the modern skyline in the distance. It is one of the things to do if you are interest in the history of Panama City.
If you have more time in Panama City, head to the neighborhood of El Cangrejo. Around Via Argentina you’ll find trendy cafés, upscale restaurants, and street art hidden in side streets. This area also hosts the Andrés Bello park and the monument of Panamanian writer Ricardo Miró. On weekends, it’s one of Panama City’s top nightlife attractions.
Looking for greenery in Panama City? The Amador Causeway is a six-kilometer strip connecting the mainland with the islands of Naos, Perico, and Flamenco, built using rock from the Panama Canal. Today, it’s a great place in Panama City for activities such as cycling, running, walking, or grabbing a meal by the water. It offers scenic views of the skyline, the Bridge of the Americas, and the open sea. Ferries to Taboga Island (30 min) and the Las Perlas archipelago (2 hrs) depart from here, and you can also book a catamaran day tour.
Panama City is known for its amazing rooftop bars, where you can enjoy cocktails with sweeping views of the ocean and skyline. Local favorites include Tantalo, Selina Rooftop, Panaviera, and Lazotea. It is one of the must do activities during your stay in Panama City.
One of the nicest things to do in Panama City is to take a boat trip across Gatun Lake, part of the Panama Canal, where you’ll visit the tropical Monkey Island. Here, you’ll spot different species of monkeys like capuchins and howler monkeys, and with a bit of luck, also sloths and toucans. This is a great tour, that includes a jungle walk in Soberanía National Park.
An interesting day trip from Panama City takes you deep into the rainforest to visit a traditional Emberá village. These Indigenous communities welcome guests as a source of income and cultural exchange. During your visit, you’ll learn about their way of life, listen to local music, and experience traditional dances. It’s one of the more meaningful cultural activities in Panama City, especially if you’re curious about Panama’s Indigenous heritage. You can book your tour here. Overnight stays in the area are also possible.
Just 40 minutes from Panama City, Gamboa is the gateway to the rainforest and perfect for a day trip. You can take a river and lake boat tour, with high chances of spotting howler monkeys, caimans, and exotic birds. At the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, hop on the aerial tram through the jungle canopy, walk along hanging bridges, and visit a butterfly farm, orchid center, frog pond, and the Sloth Sanctuary, home to rescued and orphaned sloths.
At the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, hop on the aerial tram through the jungle canopy, walk along hanging bridges, and visit a butterfly farm, orchid center, frog pond, and the Sloth Sanctuary, home to rescued and orphaned sloths. You can book a tour here. If you’re looking for nature just outside Panama City, this is one of the best things to do.
When visiting Panama City, Casco Viejo and Marbella are great neighborhoods to stay in, Casco Viejo for its historic charm and attractions, Marbella for its modern upscale hotels. These are my favorite hotels to stay Panama City.
Looking for more places to stay in Panama City? You will find an overview of hotels here.
Panama City is home to an exciting mix of Latin American, seafood, and international cuisine. Here are some of my personal favorite best restaurants to eat at in Panama City.
The metro is a fast, affordable way to get around Panama City and connects key neighborhoods. Yellow taxis are common, but it’s best to agree on a fare in advance or use apps like Uber or DiDi. For shorter distances, buses and minivans (chivas) are an option as well. Central sights and attractions like Casco Viejo and the Cinta Costera are easily explored on foot in Panama City.
I recommend staying at least three to four days in Panama City to explore its main highlights and attraction at a relaxed pace. This gives you time to see Casco Viejo in Panama City, the Panama Canal, and the Amador Causeway, with an extra day to experience activities in the surrounding nature on a day trip. But as mentioned earlier, the city also works well as a one-day stopover, something I’ve done many times myself. One of the best things to do in Panama City if you are short on time is to go on a highlights tour.
Did you enjoy reading this travel guide with things to do and see in Panama City? In Passport the World I am taking you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations in Central America. Curious? Check out the next Central America travel guides.
Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our disclosures for more information.
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
