Things to Do in Panama City, Panama

Panama City is a dazzling blend of historic charm, modern sophistication, and tropical adventure. With its world-famous canal, lush rainforests, and lively neighborhoods, this cosmopolitan capital offers an unforgettable mix of culture, history, cuisine, and natural beauty. Here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Panama City.

🌍 Explore Panama’s Rich History & Culture

🏛️ Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo): The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Panama City is a must-visit. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with Spanish and French colonial architecture, boutique hotels, and charming cafes. Key stops include Plaza de la Independencia, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Panama Canal Museum. Spend a full afternoon exploring its plazas, artisan shops, and vibrant street art. Stop at a rooftop café to enjoy sweeping views of the city’s skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Casco Viejo is also home to several small galleries and cultural centers, offering insight into Panama’s artistic scene and heritage.
🏰 Panama Viejo (Old Panama): Explore the atmospheric ruins of the original Spanish settlement, founded in 1519 and destroyed by pirates in 1671. Climb the cathedral tower for panoramic views and visit the small museum detailing early colonial life. Take a guided tour to learn how this site became one of the first European settlements on the Pacific coast of the Americas. The ruins span more than 20 acres, featuring remnants of convents, homes, and trading posts. Informative displays describe how Panama became a key hub for gold shipments during the colonial era, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans long before the canal.
🚢 Panama Canal & Miraflores Locks: Witness one of the greatest engineering marvels in the world at the Miraflores Visitor Center. Watch ships pass through the locks, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy the IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman. The center includes observation decks, a small museum, and exhibits showcasing the canal’s expansion project. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see large vessels pass through. For an even more immersive experience, consider booking a partial or full transit cruise to travel through the locks yourself—a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on this global trade route.
🧩 Biomuseo: Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, this colorful museum tells the story of Panama’s unique biodiversity and how it shaped the natural world. Its bold design reflects the country’s cultural diversity and environmental importance. Inside, you’ll find interactive displays explaining how Panama’s geological formation linked North and South America, changing the planet’s ecosystems forever. Outside, lush gardens host native plants and sculptures, making it a delightful stop for families and nature lovers. The museum also serves as an educational hub, regularly hosting workshops, art exhibits, and scientific lectures that connect visitors with Panama’s ecological wonders.

🌳 Outdoor Adventures & Nature Escapes

🐒 Metropolitan Natural Park: Just minutes from downtown, this 573-acre rainforest reserve teems with wildlife including monkeys, toucans, and sloths. Follow scenic trails leading to viewpoints overlooking the city skyline. Visitors can choose from several trails like the Mono Titi and Los Caobos paths, where they can encounter iguanas, colorful birds, and sometimes even three-toed sloths. The park is also a great spot for photography and birdwatching. Early morning visits are ideal for spotting animals when they are most active, and guided tours provide valuable insight into the region’s flora and fauna.
🦜 Soberanía National Park & Pipeline Road: A paradise for bird watchers, this lush park is famous for its biodiversity. Join a guided tour to spot howler monkeys, toucans, and tropical butterflies. The famous Pipeline Road stretches over 17 kilometers and is recognized as one of the top birding destinations in the world, home to over 500 bird species including trogons, motmots, and eagles. Adventurous travelers can also explore the Rainforest Discovery Center, which features a 32-meter observation tower offering panoramic views above the forest canopy. Bring binoculars and insect repellent for the full experience.
🚴 Amador Causeway: A scenic six-kilometer causeway built from rocks excavated during the canal construction. It’s perfect for walking, biking, or rollerblading with beautiful views of the skyline. Stop by seaside restaurants, visit the Smithsonian Punta Culebra marine center, or catch a ferry to Taboga Island. The causeway connects four small islands, providing peaceful waterfront paths lined with palm trees and modern art installations. It’s a favorite spot for locals to exercise, watch sunsets, and enjoy ice cream or seafood snacks at open-air kiosks. Bicycle rentals are available along the route, and weekends often feature live music and local markets.
🛥️ Monkey Island & Gatun Lake Tours: Take a boat trip along the Panama Canal’s Gatun Lake to Monkey Island, where capuchin and howler monkeys might hop aboard your boat. This family-friendly tour offers close encounters with Panama’s wildlife. The tour also passes small islands where sloths, crocodiles, and exotic birds can be seen up close. Guides usually share fascinating facts about the canal’s ecosystem and history, and some excursions even include kayaking or lunch on a floating lodge. It’s one of the best ways to combine nature, adventure, and a bit of Panama Canal history in one outing.

🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink in Panama City

🍤 Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market): A bustling waterfront market where you can savor fresh ceviche and grilled fish for a few dollars. Don’t miss the upstairs restaurants for excellent seafood with local flair. Arrive early in the morning to see local fishermen unload their catch of the day—snapper, octopus, lobster, and shrimp—and watch as vendors skillfully prepare ceviche in large tubs. The market is a vibrant scene of color and energy, with locals enjoying casual lunches at plastic tables overlooking the bay. You can also grab a cold Balboa beer or coconut water while you sample the freshest seafood Panama City has to offer.
🍽️ Fine Dining & Local Flavors: Try Maito for creative Panamanian fusion cuisine, Donde José for intimate tasting menus, or Cantina del Tigre for a modern take on local dishes. For casual eats, explore the fondas (local diners) serving sancocho, patacones, and carimañolas. Panama City’s food scene has exploded in recent years, and many chefs focus on using local ingredients like yucca, corn, and tropical fruits in inventive ways. For dessert, try a creamy flan de coco or tres leches cake, and don’t forget to pair your meal with Panamanian coffee, particularly the world-famous Geisha variety from Boquete, prized for its floral aroma and smooth taste. Food lovers can also take a guided food tour through Casco Viejo to sample traditional dishes while learning about their cultural origins.
🍸 Rooftop Bars & Nightlife in Casco Viejo: As night falls, Casco Viejo transforms into the city’s social hub. Sip cocktails at CasaCasco or Tantalo Rooftop, enjoy craft beer at La Rana Dorada, or dance until sunrise in lively clubs. The nightlife scene is diverse—there are stylish lounges with skyline views, salsa bars playing Latin rhythms, and speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors serving artisan cocktails with tropical ingredients like passionfruit and hibiscus. For a more relaxed evening, enjoy a glass of wine on a terrace overlooking the Panama Canal entrance or take a romantic walk through Casco’s cobblestone streets under the glow of vintage streetlights. Weekend nights are especially vibrant, with live bands and DJ sets creating an energetic yet welcoming atmosphere.

🎢 Family-Friendly Fun

🚢 Miraflores Locks Visitor Center: Kids love watching enormous ships transit the canal and exploring the interactive exhibits. The center also features a 3D IMAX theater that explains the canal’s history and engineering in a fun, educational way. Families can enjoy outdoor terraces where you can see vessels passing through the locks, and a small cafeteria offers snacks and ice cream while you wait for the next ship. The center’s multilingual guides are skilled at engaging children, explaining how the locks function with hands-on displays and models. It’s a great place to spark curiosity about science and engineering.
🦋 Biomuseo: Colorful, hands-on biodiversity displays designed by architect Frank Gehry make this an exciting experience for all ages. Kids can learn about Panama’s incredible wildlife through interactive exhibits, games, and videos. The museum’s outdoor area includes gardens and shaded spaces perfect for a family stroll with skyline views. Families can join weekend workshops or temporary exhibits featuring themes like rainforests, coral reefs, and animal migration, making each visit unique. The striking architecture alone fascinates kids with its bold, playful shapes and bright colors.
🦀 Punta Culebra (Smithsonian Marine Center): A small marine discovery center offering tide pools, touch tanks, and turtle enclosures. Families can learn about marine biology and conservation in an approachable, engaging way. Keep an eye out for iguanas and sloths wandering the grounds! It’s both educational and entertaining for young explorers. The center also offers guided programs where children can feed sea turtles or help collect water samples to study plankton under a microscope, turning learning into adventure.
🚴 Amador Causeway: Family bike rentals with ocean views are a highlight here. The wide, safe pathways make it easy for kids to ride while parents enjoy the skyline and canal views. Stop at one of the waterfront restaurants for smoothies or local seafood. There are also playgrounds, photo spots, and occasional weekend festivals that make this a lively area for all ages. Sunset hours bring live music and food stalls, making it a festive setting for a relaxed family evening.
🌿 Metropolitan Park: Easy jungle trails ideal for children and families looking for light adventure. The park’s shorter trails are shaded and full of opportunities to spot monkeys, parrots, and butterflies. Bring binoculars and snacks for a small picnic at one of the lookout points. Guided nature walks can be arranged to make it both fun and educational for kids interested in wildlife and nature. On weekends, local guides sometimes lead themed tours focusing on birds or plants, and the park’s visitor center has exhibits explaining how urban forests help balance the city’s ecosystem. It’s an accessible yet unforgettable nature escape for families of all ages.

🗺️ Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots

🕊️ Bahá’í House of Worship: A serene hilltop temple offering peaceful gardens and sweeping city views. The building’s striking white dome and nine entrances symbolize unity and peace, welcoming visitors from all faiths. Spend time walking the tranquil paths around the temple, taking in panoramic views of Panama City and the Pacific Ocean. Early morning or sunset visits provide the best light for photography and meditation.
🥭 Mercado de Abastos: The city’s wholesale produce market – chaotic, colorful, and full of life. This bustling hub supplies most of the city’s fruits, vegetables, and spices. Wander through aisles filled with exotic tropical produce like mangos, papayas, and passion fruit. Engage with friendly vendors who often offer samples or share recipes. Visiting early in the morning gives you a glimpse of the daily rhythm of local commerce.
🎨 Street Art & Artisan Markets: Discover murals in Santa Ana and Calidonia that showcase Panama’s urban creativity, many painted by local artists celebrating cultural identity and social change. Explore artisan stalls selling handmade crafts, wooden carvings, and traditional molas (vibrant textiles made by the Guna people). Casco Viejo’s weekend markets are especially lively, featuring live music, street food, and small workshops where you can watch artisans at work.
🛶 Emberá Village Tour: Take a canoe up the Chagres River to visit an indigenous Emberá community deep within the rainforest. Learn about their ancestral traditions, from handwoven baskets dyed with natural pigments to traditional dances performed to drum rhythms. Share a meal of fresh fish and plantains, swim in the river, and buy locally crafted souvenirs. The experience provides a meaningful cultural exchange and supports sustainable tourism for the Emberá people.

🌈 Best Time to Visit

The dry season (December to April) is the ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor adventures, offering clear skies and warm temperatures that range from 27°C to 32°C (80°F–90°F). During these months, Panama City’s parks, beaches, and canal viewpoints are at their most inviting, making it the prime time for photography, boat tours, and rooftop sunsets. Expect slightly higher hotel rates and more visitors, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, when locals and tourists alike fill the streets of Casco Viejo for festive celebrations.

The rainy season (May to November), though often overlooked, brings its own charm. Tropical rains usually fall in short afternoon bursts, leaving mornings bright and fresh. The city’s greenery flourishes, wildlife sightings increase, and waterfalls in nearby parks like Soberanía are at their most dramatic. Travelers looking for deals will find discounted hotel rates and fewer crowds, making it ideal for slow-paced exploration or cultural immersion. Carry a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes if visiting during this season.

If you’re a culture lover, Panama City’s calendar overflows with events all year long. Major celebrations include:

🎷 Panama Jazz Festival (January): A world-class event attracting renowned musicians and jazz enthusiasts, held at venues across the city including the University of Panama and the Ateneo Theatre.
🎭 Carnival (February/March): The country’s largest festival, bursting with parades, music, and colorful costumes. Locals celebrate with traditional dances, water fights known as mojaderas, and street parties that last for days.
🎆 Independence Day Celebrations (November): A patriotic month filled with parades, marching bands, and fireworks commemorating Panama’s independence from Colombia and later from Spain. The entire city is decorated with flags, and every community hosts its own festivities.

Other noteworthy events include the International Film Festival of Panama (IFF Panama) in April, which showcases Latin American cinema, and Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions around March or April, where traditional music and faith blend in atmospheric ceremonies. Whether you visit for sunshine or festivals, each season reveals a different side of Panama City’s vibrant soul.

✈️ Essential Travel Tips

💵 Currency: Panama uses the Balboa (PAB), pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. US cash is widely accepted. Prices are often displayed in dollars, and both Balboa coins and U.S. coins are interchangeable. ATMs are readily available across the city, but note that some charge small fees for foreign cards. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large stores, but cash is preferred for taxis, local markets, and rural areas. Keep small bills handy for everyday purchases.
🗣️ Language: Spanish is the official language, though English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Learning a few key Spanish phrases like “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?) or “Gracias” (Thank you) will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Locals appreciate visitors who try to speak Spanish, even just a little.
🚕 Transport: Getting around Panama City is easy and affordable. The Metro system is modern, clean, and connects many key areas including Albrook and Via España. Uber operates widely and is often cheaper than taxis. If you prefer taxis, make sure to confirm the fare before starting your ride since most do not use meters. Renting a car is possible, but traffic can be intense during rush hours. Walking is pleasant in areas like Casco Viejo or Cinta Costera, but avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods at night.
🛡️ Safety: Panama City is one of the safest capitals in Central America, but basic precautions are still important. Stick to well-lit areas at night, especially outside Casco Viejo and the financial district. Avoid displaying valuables or large amounts of cash. Use hotel safes for passports and extra money. Be cautious when using ATMs in isolated areas, and always rely on reputable transportation services.
💧 Health: Tap water in Panama City is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended for sensitive travelers or when visiting rural regions. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as the tropical climate means strong sun and occasional mosquitoes. Pharmacies are well-stocked and accessible, and hospitals in the city provide good medical care. No special vaccinations are required for most travelers, but it’s smart to have routine immunizations up to date.
📶 Connectivity: SIM cards from Claro, Digicel, or Tigo are inexpensive and available at the airport, malls, and convenience stores. Data coverage is reliable in the city and along major highways but may be weaker in remote areas. Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi, and portable Wi-Fi devices can be rented for seamless connectivity. Panama’s internet speed is above average for the region, making it convenient for digital nomads and remote workers.

🔹 Final Thoughts

Panama City perfectly blends history, culture, and adventure. From exploring the iconic Panama Canal and Casco Viejo to hiking in lush urban jungles or relaxing on island beaches, there’s truly something for every traveler. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, nature lover, or beachgoer, Panama City invites you to experience the vibrant spirit of Central America’s most dynamic capital.