ankara escort çankaya escort ankara escort çankaya escort ankara rus escort çankaya escort istanbul rus escort eryaman escort ankara escort kızılay escort istanbul escort ankara escort istanbul rus Escort atasehir Escort beylikduzu Escort

Want to get to know the real Panama City, Panama? I’ve worked to narrow down everything there is to do in Panama City to 25 of the must-dos. Don’t worry if you can’t get to them all! You can always come back.


The Panama Canal

Panama Canal

I’m kicking off the list with the most obvious must-do in Panama City: The Panama Canal. You just can’t leave here without seeing one of the most significant accomplishments in Panama’s history.

You can visit the Miraflores Visitor Center, which is about a 20-minute drive or an uber ride (also accessible by Metro Bus) from Panama City. The best time to go is 4 pm as you’re guaranteed to see boats go through and it will be less hot while you’re sitting on the bleachers. The entrance includes and iMax film that’s recommended to see first so you can appreciate the history behind this engineering marvel. Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday (holidays included) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets: $18 for visitors | $10 for students | $3 for Panama residents


Casco Viejo

Photo by Leygh Allison, Leygh.com

Casco Viejo (also called Casco Antiguo) is my favorite neighborhood in Panama City, and I recommend staying in this area if you can. It’s a stark contrast to Panama City’s chaotic metropolis and instantly feels like you have traveled to a completely different world, even though it’s only a few minutes away.

Casco is a mix of restored Spanish colonial buildings that are now boutique hotels & hostels, apartments, trendy bars, and restaurants. Interspersed between these are condemned buildings where a few local families live that proudly blast their music all day, with their windows and doors wide open, and a good view of what they are watching on their large flat-screen TV.

Simply strolling through the streets and taking in the scenes is a great way to spend the day but there is so much more to do! Check out my “Quick Guide to Casco Viejo” article with insider tips on Panama’s coolest neighborhood.

Stay in Casco Viejo:

Experience Casco Viejo:


Spend the day on a catamaran

Hop aboard a catamaran and enjoy an open bar, music, and food as you make your way to Taboga Island, the closest island to the city! Sunbathe, lay down and enjoy the big deck with huge nets and speakers. Once the boat gets to the island you’ll have a chance to swim, snorkel, explore the island, or just hang out on the boat! The catamaran departs every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday – RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE.


Or get boozy on a champagne cruise

Sip on champagne as you glide past landmarks like the Bridge of the Americas, the Biomuseo, Casco Viejo, and Panama City skyline. I would recommend the 5 pm time slot so you get to see sunset! BOOK HERE.


Visit the Mola Musem

Museo de la Mola is one of my favorite museums in Panama and it’s completely free to visit. Here you’ll learn all about the indigenous Guna culture from the San Blas Islands and the meaning behind the intricate tapestries they create. Open Tuesday – Friday from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm. Free admission. 


Panama Viejo

Panama Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first location of Panama City. It was abandoned in the mid-17th century and relocated to where Casco Viejo is located today.

There’s one story where Captain Morgan burned down the city and another version where the Panamanians burned down the town before he arrived to make it look like it had already been taken over.

There is a $10 entrance fee to walk through the ruins and visit the museum. However, this is only an activity to do if you’re really into history as there is not much to do besides this. Also don’t go in the middle of the day as it’s too hot!


Spend a day in the Pearl Islands or San Blas Islands

Sonny Island Resort in the Pearl Islands

Since there isn’t a beach in Panama City, you should plan to spend a day on one of the stunning islands off the coast. Both the Pearls Islands and San Blas offer quick and easy escapes to paradise complete with white sand beaches and clear, turquoise water that visitors are looking for.

Sonny Island Resort in the Pearl Islands

The Pearl Islands: The Pearl Islands aren’t heavy on the tourist trail and offer some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find near Panama City. I would actually consider choosing here over a day trip San Blas as the beaches are just as nice and the journey is much easier since you just have to hop on a ferry. The best island to visit is Sonny Island Resort and they have an incredible day trip package for $135 that includes a round-trip ferry, lunch, snacks, beverages, snorkeling equipment, and all access to the island’s facilities (BOOK HERE). This is for people looking for a barefoot luxury island experience rather than some of the more rustic options that you’ll find in other islands in the country. Beaches here are never crowded and offer the picturesque white sand and turquoise waters that sun-seekers are looking for. Also if you happen to be here between July–October, it offers some incredible whale-watching opportunities.

Isla Nubesidub, San Blas
Isla Nubesidub, San Blas

San Blas: This is made up of over 300 rustic islands inhabited by Panama’s Guna natives. If you’re looking for that unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience – this is where you need to go. You can choose to just visit San Blas for the day (check out this day trip here) or stay overnight in one of the following recommended options. The journey here is a pretty rough 2-hour car ride that feels like a roller coaster so I would recommend overnight to make the journey worth it.


Or head to the mountains of El Valle for a night

The Golden Frog Inn, El Valle de Anton

Not a beach person? Head to Panama’s nearby highlands in El Valle de Anton for cooler temperatures, beautiful hikes, and pristine waterfalls. El Valle is easily accessible from Panama City for just $4.25 via a 2.5-hour bus ride that leaves every hour. For tips on everything to do and see in El Valle, check out my Quick Guide to El Valle de Anton.


Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar

There’s been a number of rooftop bars opening over the past few years and Panama City’s tropical climate creates the perfect environment for them. The views are so beautiful and best enjoyed at sunset. However, keep in mind that it will be dark by 6:30 pm so you’ll want to arrive at the bar around 5:30 pm to enjoy the views. Read my post, “Best Rooftop Bars in Panama” for my favorite spots.


Experience Panama City by helicopter 

I always say that the views in Panama City are stunning and now you have the chance to enjoy them in a private helicopter. I recommend booking at 5:30 pm for sunset or the morning for sunrise. You’ll get to see the Panama Canal, Panama City skyscrapers, the Biomuseo, the Bridge of the Americas, and Casco Viejo in a way that most tourists don’t get to see. BOOK HERE.


Go zip lining on a city skyscraper 

If you’re looking to experience some thrills in Panama City, you can now zip line and swing off the top of a building with Poin Panama. They have a full package for $80 that includes zip lining, swinging off the building, walking on a glass floor, and virtual reality experience plus a cocktail. You can also book each experience individually.


Take a Panamanian chocolate workshop

Love chocolate? During the Panamanian Chocolate Experience, you’ll make your very own chocolate bar to take home! You’ll learn about the entire chocolate-making process, from bean to bar, at a chocolate factory in Casco Viejo. You’ll also get to sample some of the store’s signature “bonbon” chocolates and enjoy a special chocolate drink. It’s guaranteed to be a “sweet” time! Book your spot here.


Walk on Cinta Costera & get a photo in front of the Panama sign

Panama City has an insanely beautiful long stretch of waterfront park called Cinta Costera where you can go running, biking, do yoga, use free workout equipment, play basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, ping pong, or just sit on a bench and people-watch while enjoying a raspao (snow cone). I recommend going after 4 pm because the heat can be intense. While here, be sure to get a photo in front of the Panama sign!


Eat Ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market)

Photo by Leygh Allison, Leygh.com

Enjoy freshly caught seafood with the locals at Panama City’s fish market located along the Cinta Costera. Be sure to try the locally prepared ceviche! My personal favorite ceviche spot is La Bendicion, which has a brightly colored green stand.


Visit Monkey Island & an indigenous village

Ever wanted to see monkeys up close in the wild? Well, Panama has an island full of them! The Monkey Island and Indian Village Tour are one of the best values because you get to visit Monkey Island and the Embera Indigenous Community which is not offered by most guides. You’ll start with exploring Lake Gatun by boat where you’ll see local wildlife and monkeys and then head to the indigenous community where you’ll learn about the local culture, history, and crafts. Then, hike along a short trail to see the plants that grow in this area and how they use them (practical, artist or medical uses) and see a dance that is part of their customs. More info here.


Visit the Sloth Sanctuary

If you want to be GUARANTEED to see a sloth, you need to travel to the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary. This is a rescue and rehabilitation center located in Gamboa (a 45-minute uber ride) where you can get up close to the sloths (but not touch them). You’ll also learn lots of information about the sloths and get to see the butterfly garden and frog enclosure. You can also enjoy lunch at the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve or book one of their activities like Zip-Lining, Aerial Tram, and Hiking. 

Operating Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00am to 3:30pm (Closed on Mondays)

Cost: Adults $20, Children $10 


Walk down Avenida Central

Photo by Leygh Allison, Leygh.com

See where the real locals do shopping in Panama City’s only pedestrian district, Avenida Central. This part of town has seen better days, but it’s one of my favorite areas of the city for its vibrancy, street art, noise, and interesting people. It’s also easily accessible from Casco Viejo or the 5 de Mayo metro station.


See the forgotten side of Panama City

Want to experience the other side of Casco Viejo? Victor Peretz is a passionate local taking visitors off the beaten path in El Chorillo, the forgotten side of Panama City. Get off the beaten path with Victor and see where boxer Roberto Duran trained, learn about how the U.S. invasion of Panama affected this neighborhood, try local food and drinks, visit the park where dominoes are played, chat with the locals in their homes and get to know the people of this area, and learn about the gentrification that has taken place in the now trendy Casco Viejo historic district. Reserve your spot here.


Biomuseo

Biomuseo_panama

The Biomuseo, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, features eight galleries focussing on the origin of the Panamanian isthmus and its impact on the planet’s biodiversity. If you don’t want to pay the entrance fee, the funky design is definitely worth a photo from the outside.

Located on the Amador Causeway | Operating Hours: Monday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Tuesday Closed, Wednesday thru Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Entrance: $18 for foreigners & $10 for Panama residents


Try Geisha Coffee

Coffee

Geisha coffee is one of the most premium and expensive coffees in the world and can sell for up to $170 a pound. Panama is one of the top producers of this particular blend of coffee, and you have to try it while you are here. Read my post, “10 Must-Try Coffee Shops In Panama City” to find out the best spots to try Geisha coffee.


Hike at Parque Metropolitano or Cero Ancon

Parque Metropolitano

Located at the edge of Panama City lies a massive nature reserve that is perfect for hiking. You can usually spot some exotic animals, birds, plants, and I’ve even seen monkeys there before! Either hike at Parque Metropolitano or Cero Ancon that you choose provides a panoramic view of Panama City at the top. If you’re interested in a guided tour check out the “Empanadas, coffee, and Urban Jungle Hike” experience on Airbnb.


Experience the nightlife

Boat Affairs

You can’t leave Panama City without heading out and experiencing the nightlife! Most of the city’s best bars and “discos” are located in Casco Viejo, so this is a good spot to base yourself for a night out. Check out this post for the best current spots to party. There’s also a super fun bar crawl you can join for a group night out (more info here).


Sip on rum at Pedro Mandinga

Pedro Mandinga is the type of place that I feel has successfully captured the essence of Panama. It is Panama’s first artisanal rum distillery and bar and is situated in the heart of Casco Viejo near Plaza Herrera and across from the iconic Rolo de Sedas mami murals. It is the kind of place you can hang out for hours, sipping the amazing house specialty rum cocktails and losing track of time with old friends.


Go Salsa Dancing 

Normally when you think of nightlife in Latin America, salsa dancing is the first thing that comes to mind. However, in Panama City, it can be difficult to uncover the salsa culture as reggaeton is the preferred genre of music. I did a bit of digging around and found that salsa lovers actually have a few places to go to. Some places offer lessons for beginners or advanced dancers wanting to finite their skills, while others have a live band to put what you learned into action. Visit THIS ARTICLE for my recommendations of where to go salsa dancing in Panama.


Experience the food scene with the blogger of this website!

Discover the pulse of Panama City with me on one of my unique food experiences! You get to experience the real Panama – from the gritty to the most Insta-gramable, and everything in between with food included. My original Panama Detour ($79/person) lasts 4-hours with 4 food stops, ending with a mojito making workshop from the 31st floor of a city rooftop. Or you can join my shorter, 2-hour experience Rooftop Mojito Making & Ceviche ($30/person) where we will explore street markets to source ingredients to make mojitos and then learn how to make them on my private rooftop in Casco Viejo at sunset. Or I also offer a morning experience Urban jungle hike, empanadas, and coffee ($35/person), where you’ll get to know an independent coffee shop, take the metro like a local, and explore an urban forest in the middle of the city.



Experience Panama



Author

I'm Joey, a guy from Louisville, Kentucky that packed up and studied abroad in Panamá at the age of 20 and haven't moved back since. What started as a semester trip to Panamá has turned into 10+ years of living in Latin America and becoming a full-time travel blogger. I now rotate between living in Panama City, Bogotá, and Lima. Follow me on Instagram @joeybonura for more updates on my life abroad!

Comments are closed.

ES