Panama City Panama

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Panama City, Panama

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Places to Go
    • Casco Viejo
    • Panama Canal
    • Amador Causeway
    • Biomuseo
    • Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
  • Activities
    • Take a stroll through Casco Viejo’s streets
    • Visit the Panama Canal Museum
    • Go hiking in Soberanía National Park
    • Take a boat tour of the Panama Canal
    • Explore the local markets
  • Where to Eat
    • Café del Arte
    • Donde José?
    • Maito Panamá
    • El Trapiche
    • Fish Market
  • Where to Stay
    • Hotel Casa Panama
    • La Concordia Boutique Hotel
    • The Bristol Panama
    • Hyatt Place Panama City/Downtown
    • Airbnb apartments in Casco Viejo
  • Things to Know
    • Language and Currency
    • Safety Precautions
    • Weather and Climate
    • Cultural Differences
  • Transportation
    • Taxis
    • Uber
    • Public Transportation (Diablo Rojo)
    • Renting a Car
  • Tips and Tricks
    • Learn some basic Spanish phrases
    • Be prepared for crowds and lines
    • Bring sunscreen and insect repellent
    • Try local fruits and drinks
    • Explore beyond Casco Viejo
  • Other Things of Interest
    • Take a day trip to Gamboa
    • Visit the Panama Viejo ruins
    • Go on a coffee tour
    • Attend a festival or event

Introduction

Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, is a fascinating blend of old and new, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside historic colonial architecture. Located at the crossroads of the Americas, Panama City offers a unique cultural experience that reflects its rich history as a hub for international trade and commerce.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best places to visit, activities to enjoy, delicious food to eat, comfortable accommodations to stay in, and essential things to know before traveling to Panama City. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or simply soaking up the urban atmosphere, Panama City has something for everyone.

Places to Go

Casco Viejo

This historic neighborhood is a must-visit destination in Panama City. Founded in 1673, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features stunning colonial architecture, picturesque plazas, and vibrant street art. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets and explore the many shops, restaurants, and bars.

Panama Canal

One of the most impressive engineering feats in history, the Panama Canal is a 50-mile long waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to learn about the canal’s history and operation, or take a boat tour to experience it firsthand.

Amador Causeway

This scenic causeway connects three small islands in the Panama Bay and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. It’s a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and picnicking.

Biomuseo

Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo is a museum that showcases Panama’s natural history and biodiversity. The building itself is a work of art, with a striking design that blends into its surroundings.

Miraflores Locks Visitor Center

Located on the east bank of the Panama Canal, this visitor center offers stunning views of the canal and its operation. Learn about the history of the canal, its construction, and its importance in international trade.

Activities

Take a stroll through Casco Viejo’s streets

Get lost in the charming streets of Casco Viejo and discover its many hidden gems, from street art to historic landmarks.

Visit the Panama Canal Museum

Located in the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, this museum offers an in-depth look at the history and operation of the Panama Canal.

Go hiking in Soberanía National Park

Just outside Panama City, Soberanía National Park offers several hiking trails that take you through lush rainforests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Take a boat tour of the Panama Canal

Experience the Panama Canal firsthand with a guided boat tour. You’ll learn about its history, operation, and importance in international trade.

Explore the local markets

Visit one of the many local markets, such as the Mercado de Abastos or the Fish Market, to try local fruits, vegetables, and seafood. You can also find unique souvenirs and handicrafts.

Where to Eat

Café del Arte

This charming café in Casco Viejo serves delicious coffee, pastries, and light meals in a beautiful setting with stunning views of the surrounding streets.

Donde José?

This popular restaurant in El Cangrejo offers creative Panamanian cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. Try their famous yuca fries!

Maito Panamá

Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, this restaurant serves traditional Panamanian dishes with a modern twist. Be sure to try their famous sancocho (a hearty stew).

El Trapiche

This cozy restaurant in San Francisco offers delicious Panamanian cuisine at affordable prices. Try their famous tamales!

Fish Market

Located on the waterfront, the Fish Market is a great place to try fresh seafood and local specialties like ceviche.

Where to Stay

Hotel Casa Panama

This boutique hotel in Casco Viejo offers stylish rooms, a rooftop pool, and stunning views of the surrounding streets.

La Concordia Boutique Hotel

Located in the heart of El Cangrejo, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a relaxing atmosphere, and a delicious breakfast buffet.

The Bristol Panama

This luxurious hotel in the financial district offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and excellent service.

Hyatt Place Panama City/Downtown

This modern hotel in the downtown area offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and a 24-hour gym.

Airbnb apartments in Casco Viejo

Consider staying in an Airbnb apartment in Casco Viejo to experience life like a local. Many apartments offer stunning views of the surrounding streets and easy access to restaurants and shops.

Things to Know

Language and Currency

The official language of Panama is Spanish, but many Panamanians speak some English, especially in tourist areas. The local currency is the Panamanian balboa (B/), which is pegged to the US dollar.

Safety Precautions

Panama City is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Avoid traveling alone at night and keep valuables secure.

Weather and Climate

Panama City has a tropical savanna climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The rainy season runs from May to November.

Cultural Differences

Panamanians are known for their warm hospitality, but may have different customs and expectations than what you’re used to. For example, punctuality is not always a priority, and siestas are common in the early afternoon.

Transportation

Taxis

Taxis are widely available, but make sure to agree on the fare beforehand or use a taxi app like Tu Chofer.

Uber

Uber is also available in Panama City and offers a convenient way to get around.

Public Transportation (Diablo Rojo)

The Diablo Rojo is a popular form of public transportation that consists of colorful buses that operate on set routes. It’s an affordable way to get around, but can be crowded during peak hours.

Renting a Car

Renting a car can give you more flexibility to explore the surrounding area, but be aware that traffic in Panama City can be chaotic.

Tips and Tricks

Learn some basic Spanish phrases

While many Panamanians speak some English, learning basic Spanish phrases like “gracias” (thank you) and “¿dónde está…?” (where is…) can go a long way in showing respect for the local culture.

Be prepared for crowds and lines

Panama City is a bustling metropolis, so be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions and restaurants.

Bring sunscreen and insect repellent

The tropical climate of Panama City means that sun protection and insect repellent are essential.

Try local fruits and drinks

Panama City offers a wide range of delicious local fruits like mangoes, papayas, and pineapples. Be sure to try some fresh coconut water or a cold beer on a hot day.

Explore beyond Casco Viejo

While Casco Viejo is a must-visit destination, there are many other neighborhoods and attractions worth exploring in Panama City.

Other Things of Interest

Take a day trip to Gamboa

Located about an hour outside Panama City, Gamboa is a charming town that offers stunning views of the surrounding rainforest. Take a boat tour or go hiking in Soberanía National Park.

Visit the Panama Viejo ruins

These historic ruins are all that remain of the original city of Panama, which was destroyed by Henry Morgan in 1671.

Go on a coffee tour

Panama is known for its high-quality coffee, and there are many coffee plantations near Panama City that offer tours and tastings.

Explore the Amador Causeway

This scenic causeway connects three islands in the Pacific Ocean and offers stunning views of the city skyline. It’s a great place to go jogging or cycling.

I hope you find this guide helpful in planning your trip to Panama City!