Discover Panama City: My favorite experiences, itinerary, and more

Map of Panama City's Attractions

11 Experiences I Think Are Worth It in Panama City

1. Explore Casco Viejo 👍 Must Visit

The best place to begin your exploration of Panama City is Casco Viejo, the city's old quarter and arguably its most beautiful neighborhood. This is where the city was reestablished in 1673 after the original settlement was destroyed by pirates. Don't worry, we will discuss and visit this old settlement later on in the guide as well 😉.

While much of Casco Viejo feels polished and well-maintained today, you will find a wonderful mix of old brick ruins, beautifully restored colonial buildings, charming plazas, centuries-old churches, and a lively atmosphere waiting for you to explore.

One moment, you are surrounded by Panama City's modern skyline of glass skyscrapers, and the next, you find yourself wandering along narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, flower-covered balconies, and centuries-old churches.

I would highly recommend exploring Casco Viejo both during the day and again around sunset. During the day, you can admire the architecture and visit its many attractions, while in the evening, the district becomes much livelier as people gather at outdoor restaurants, rooftop bars, and plazas. I loved wandering through the city's crisscrossing streets in the morning and evening, never quite knowing what I might discover around the next corner.

Places you will not want to miss in the old town include Independence Square, San Francisco de Asis Church, the Mola Museum, and Plaza de Francia, all of which we will discuss later in this guide. Be sure to also check out the centuries-old ruins of churches such as Arco Chato and the Church of the Society of Jesus, two of my favorite sites in Casco Viejo.

Where to Stay in Panama City?

Budget

Viajero Casco Viejo Hostel

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Magnolia Inn

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High-End

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama City

$$$ | Double Room

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2. Hang out at Independence Square

Located right in the heart of Casco Viejo, you will find Independence Square, a beautiful public square surrounded by colonial buildings, cafes, restaurants, and several of the district's most notable landmarks. If you have just arrived in the city, this is the perfect place to get acquainted with Panama City's history, architecture, and atmosphere.

The square dates back to the founding of Casco Viejo in the 17th century and has long been the center of social life in the city. Today, it remains one of the liveliest areas in the neighborhood, with both locals and tourists gathering beneath the shade of its trees throughout the day.

You will often find people practicing music, performing traditional dances, and engaging in all kinds of activities taking place here throughout the day, so I highly recommend visiting both during the day and in the evening. You never know what you might come across. During one visit, I saw a group of Indigenous people performing traditional dances in the square, while on another, I stumbled upon a group of students practicing their band instruments. I love it!

Several of Casco Viejo's most important landmarks can also be found around the square, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the city's most iconic churches, and the Panama Canal Museum, a great place to learn about the history of the canal and its impact on Panama.

I particularly enjoyed my time visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral. It is beautiful both inside and out, from its massive scale and elegant white facade to the stunning altar and intricate details within. If there is one church you should visit in Casco Viejo, it is this one. The cathedral is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM and the entry is 2 USD per person.

3. Check out the view from San Francisco de Asis Church

For one of the best views in Casco Viejo, be sure to visit San Francisco de Asís Church, a beautiful colonial church located just a short walk from Independence Square. While the church itself is worth a visit, the real highlight is the panoramic view from its bell tower, which offers one of the best views over the old town and its coastline.

Once you get in, you will have to climb a short flight of stairs before you are rewarded with sweeping views over Casco Viejo's colorful rooftops, church domes, and Panama City's impressive skyline rising in the distance. It is one of the best places to appreciate the contrast between the city's historic old town and its modern skyscrapers.

I went up on a beautiful morning and had the entire bell tower to myself. The views were spectacular, with the soft morning light illuminating the cityscape while the city was just beginning to wake up. I can also recommend coming here just before sunset when the sky often turns beautiful shades of purple and orange over the old town.

If you enjoy photography, this is definitely a spot you will not want to miss. The church is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, except on Mondays, and entry to both the church and the bell tower costs 8 USD per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site.

4. Drop by Mola Museum

If you are interested in learning more about Panama's Indigenous cultures, be sure to stop by the Mola Museum, a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the traditional textile art of the Guna people, one of Panama's most important Indigenous groups and creators of some of the most beautiful and intricate textile artworks you will ever see.

Molas are colorful hand-stitched textile panels created by the Guna people, an Indigenous group from the San Blas Islands and Panama's Caribbean coast. Traditionally worn as part of women's clothing, these intricate designs often depict animals, nature, geometric patterns, and scenes from everyday life. The craftsmanship involved is truly impressive, especially when you see the amount of detail that goes into each piece.

Inside the museum, you will find a collection of molas from different periods, as well as exhibits explaining their cultural significance and the techniques used to create them. Despite its relatively small size, I found the museum surprisingly informative and a great place to admire some of the Guna people's finest textile artworks, many of which you will not find in the souvenir shops around the city.

I was so inspired by the artwork on display that I went out and bought a few mola pieces for my home right afterward! 🤣 The museum does not take long to visit, and you can easily explore it in less than an hour, making it a great stop while wandering around the old town. The museum is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM every day except Monday, and admission is free.

5. Learn More About Panama at Panama Canal Museum

If you are a history buff and would like to learn more about the Panama Canal and how it came to be before or after your actual visit of the canal itself, you can do so at Panama Canal Museum, a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of the Panama Canal and its profound impact on the country located right on on Independence Square.

Inside, you will find several well-curated exhibitions covering everything from the canal's early conception and construction to the challenges faced by the thousands of workers who helped build it. The museum also does an excellent job explaining the complex relationship between Panama and the United States and how control of the canal eventually returned to Panama.

Even if you are not particularly interested in engineering or history, I still found the museum surprisingly engaging. The exhibits are modern, informative, and easy to follow, with impressive visuals, interactive displays, and a fascinating history lesson on Panama that will leave you with a much deeper appreciation for the country. Everything is also presented in English, which is not always easy to find in museums across Latin America.

If you plan to visit the Miraflores Locks later, the most accessible section of the Panama Canal from Panama City, I highly recommend stopping by here first. It provides excellent context for what you will see at the canal. The museum is spread across two floors, so expect to spend around an hour exploring the exhibits. It is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day except Monday, and admission costs 15 USD per person.

6. Walk Around Plaza de Francia

If you are looking for a nice atmospheric place to hang out in the evening, you might want to go for a walk around Plaza de Francia, a beautiful square located at the southern tip of Casco Viejo, with a lively atmosphere and a nice view of the city's stunning coastline.

The square is surrounded by beautifully restored colonial buildings and features a historic monument topped with a rooster, a symbol of France. Why France? Well, France was the first country to attempt building the Panama Canal before the project was abandoned and later taken over by the United States. The monument was built to honor the French engineers and workers who first started the construction of the canal.

From here, you can also enjoy fantastic views over the Pacific Ocean, the Amador Causeway, and Panama City's modern skyline rising in the distance. If you are exploring Casco Viejo on foot, Plaza de Francia is an easy stop to include in your itinerary. I recommend coming around sunset when the temperatures are cooler and the golden light makes both the old town and the skyline look even more beautiful.

7. Visit Biomuseo 🏛️ Best Museum

Just a short Uber drive from Casco Viejo, you will find the Biomuseo, one of Panama City's best museums, housed inside one of the most unique structures you will see here. You might even see its odd-looking exterior from Plaza de Francia! Trust me, there's no mistaking it as you won't find a structure like this anywhere else in the city.

The museum, designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry, is dedicated to Panama's incredible biodiversity and the geological history that shaped the region. Inside, you will find a series of well-designed exhibitions that explain how the rise of the Isthmus of Panama transformed global ecosystems by connecting North and South America millions of years ago.

Right from the start, you will find yourself in a room filled with life-sized sculptures of animals found in Panama, which is pretty impressive to see up close. There is also a small aquarium, along with exhibitions dedicated to the flora and fauna of the region, with massive flower sculptures hanging above you as you explore. All of them are extremely well thought out and beautifully executed, in my opinion.

This is probably the most engaging museum you will visit in Panama City, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Even if you are not usually into museums, I still think it is worth a visit, not just for the exhibitions, but also for the views of the Pacific Ocean and the Panama City skyline, as well as the lovely walking paths and parks along the Amador Causeway.

The museum is quite large, so expect to spend at least one to two hours here. It is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and admission costs around 20 USD per person. Tickets can be purchased on site.

8. Check Out the View from Mirador Cerro Cedro at Metropolitan Natural Park

If you are looking to escape the bustle of Panama City without traveling very far, head to Metropolitan Natural Park, the city's main urban nature reserve and one of the best places to experience rainforest right next to the skyline. One of the highlights here is the hike up to Mirador Cerro Cedro, a viewpoint where you can enjoy some really cool panoramic views of the city.

To get here, you will first need to take an Uber to the Metropolitan Natural Park Visitor Center, where the staff will give you an overview of the park and help direct you to the trailhead for Mirador Cerro Cedro. You can also use the toilets here and buy water if needed. I recommend bringing at least 1 liter of water for the hike.

The hike takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes one way to reach the viewpoint. The trail is relatively short but steep in sections, and it takes you through dense tropical forest filled with birds, butterflies, and the occasional monkey if you are lucky. It is a great reminder that you are still in the middle of a capital city, even as the sounds of nature completely take over.

At the top, you are rewarded with a sweeping view over Panama City's modern skyline rising behind the lush green canopy of the park. The contrast between nature and skyscrapers is what makes this viewpoint so special for me, especially on a clear day when visibility is at its best.

I recommend coming early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and increase your chances of spotting wildlife. The park is open from 7 AM to 4 PM daily, and entry is 5 USD per person. Expect to spend at least 3–4 hours here if you plan to hike to Mirador Cerro Cedro.

The hike is relatively easy, and I did the whole trail in flip-flops, which was fine. However, I would recommend wearing proper walking shoes to make it a bit more enjoyable, as I was tripping over roots and uneven sections quite a bit 😅.

9. See the Panama Canal

No trip to Panama City is complete without seeing the Panama Canal, one of the most impressive engineering feats in the world and what the country is most known for. The easiest place to experience it from the city is the Miraflores Locks, where you can watch massive cargo ships slowly pass through the canal just a 30-minute Uber ride from the city center.

The visitor center here is well set up, with viewing platforms that overlook the locks as well as an IMAX theater and exhibits explaining how the canal operates, voiced by none other than Morgan Freeman 😉. It is surprisingly fascinating to watch the entire process in real-time as ships are carefully raised or lowered between the Pacific and Atlantic sides.

I recommend visiting in the morning, as there are usually a number of ships passing through during that time. There is no fixed schedule you can plan around, so you will need to rely a bit on luck, at least based on my experience. I went around 9 AM and saw two massive cruise ships passing through. The process of moving a single ship can take quite a while, so you might see several if you stay long enough.

I stayed for about an hour and a half, watching the ships being slowly moved through the canal and catching the IMAX shows that help you understand what it took to build it and what it takes to operate the Panama Canal. The movie is voiced by Morgan Freeman, which was awesome 😎.

If you have time, try to combine this with a visit to Metropolitan Natural Park, as it isn’t too far away by Uber and makes for a great day trip outside the city. The Miraflores Locks visitor center is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, and entry is $17.22 USD per person, which also includes the movie ticket.

10. Visit Panamá Viejo 💎 Hidden Gem

As I mentioned previously in the Casco Viejo section about the old settlement being destroyed by pirates, which eventually led to the creation of the current old town, Panamá Viejo is the site of that original settlement. It is located around 10 km north of the old town, and you can easily reach it by Uber and spend some time exploring the grounds.

Panamá Viejo is the original site of Panama City, founded in 1519. This was the city’s first settlement before it was destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671, leaving behind haunting ruins that still stand today. Here, you will find a variety of well-preserved ruins, and you can spend about one to two hours exploring the parts of the site that are open to the public.

To get here, you will have to take an Uber to the Panamá Viejo Visitor Center where you can buy the ticket and take the free shuttle, which will take you to the main museum building inside the park. You can walk around the museum and learn more about Panamá Viejo before you explore the ruins surrounding it.

Panamá Viejo is nothing like Casco Viejo. Instead of restored colonial streets, you will find crumbling stone walls, remnants of churches, convents, and old colonial buildings slowly being reclaimed by nature. It has a raw, atmospheric feel that gives you a real sense of the city’s early history.

One of the most iconic sites here is Conjunto Monumental de Panamá La Vieja, an old historic cathedral tower, the tallest structure in the area, that is still standing today and can be climbed for a great view over the surrounding ruins and the modern city in the distance.

I recommend visiting either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer, it’s not too hot, and the site is quieter. That said, you should be fine visiting at any time, as the site doesn’t get many tourists since most visitors don’t even know it exists.

You should be able to see the main sites in around 1 to 2 hours, but if you have time, I recommend taking the shuttle there and walking back so you don’t miss the other beautiful ruins scattered across the archaeological site.

The site is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day except Mondays, and entry is $17 USD per person. If you like history and would rather see the original historic part of Panama City instead of the more polished Casco Viejo, then this is the place to be.

11. Spend a few nights on San Blas Islands ☀️ Great Side Trip

If you have extra time in Panama, I highly recommend escaping the city altogether and spending a few nights on the San Blas Islands, a stunning archipelago made up of more than 300 islands off Panama’s Caribbean coast. This is one of the most unique places in the country, where you can experience simple island life while being surrounded by turquoise waters and white sand beaches.

The islands are home to the Guna people, who manage and protect the region, and visiting here gives you a rare opportunity to experience their culture and way of life. Accommodation is very basic, usually in small beachfront huts, but that is part of the charm. There is no luxury here, just nature at its most beautiful.

To get there, you will need to book an organized tour prior to your arrival, and one of the most well-known companies offering these trips is San Blas Dreams, which I also used. They offer a variety of trips and itineraries you can choose from. I highly recommend spending 2 to 3 days on Chichime Island, a larger and more remote island in San Blas with fewer people and stunning beaches.

Other popular islands you can choose to spend the night on include Isla Diablo, Isla Perro, and Isla Iguana, which are smaller and closer to the coast and may cost a little less to visit. However, from what I saw, these islands can feel quite crowded, whereas Chichime is larger and more spread out, so it feels more like a private island experience compared to the others.

Most trips include car transfer from Panama City (at an additional cost) to the pier, as well as boat transfers from the pier to the island of your choice. The tour usually includes all meals on the island, while drinks are typically extra, including drinking water. If you don’t want to pay extra, make sure to bring a few bottles of water with you just in case. There is no running water on these islands.

Keep in mind that the trip will depend entirely on the weather, and if conditions are deemed unsafe, tours may be canceled. In fact, when I arrived in Panama City, the taxi driver told me that San Blas had been canceled for the entire week prior due to bad weather.

On my trip, the day we went out was sunny and calm, but on the way back, it became very rainy and windy. We were traveling by speedboat, and despite having a roof, I was still completely soaked from head to toe as waves sprayed over the sides.

I’ve been on a lot of rough boat rides in my life, but this one genuinely had me worried for the first time. It was that intense. Some people in my group even talked about leaving negative reviews for the company, but I personally don’t think that’s fair since the weather is simply unpredictable out there. Unlike places like Bocas del Toro, which are more sheltered by islands and bays, traveling to San Blas means crossing open water where you are fully exposed to the elements.

So if you are planning a trip, make sure the weather forecast looks good and be prepared for potentially rough conditions at sea. Other than that, the islands are incredible and it looks and feels like I was really in paradise, and that's coming from me, a person who was born and raised in Thailand!

During the day, you will go on boat trips and visit smaller islands in the area like Isla Diablo, Isla Perro, and Isla Mynor, a natural pool where the water is so shallow that you can walk to the island in the middle of the ocean. It was awesome.

I recommend staying at least 2 to 3 nights if possible, as day trips feel rushed and don’t really do the islands justice. The journey from Panama City takes around 3–5 hours by car and boat one way, depending on which island you want to visit, but it is absolutely worth it once you arrive. You can book the tours here.

What to Eat & Drink in Panama City

1. Drink Geisha Coffee at Geisha Experience

If you are a coffee lover, one of the coolest things you can do in Panama City is trying Geisha Coffee at the Geisha Experience, a specialty coffee tasting experience dedicated to one of the most expensive and highly regarded coffees in the world.

Panama's Geisha coffee is famous for its incredibly delicate flavor profile, often with floral, jasmine-like aromas and a clean, tea-like body. Even if you are not a coffee expert, the experience of tasting it freshly brewed is something quite memorable and very different from your usual cup of coffee.

At the Geisha Experience, you can either join a guided tour or simply try their coffee, which costs around 10 USD per serving. If you go with the tour, you will usually be guided through different brewing methods and learn a bit about how this coffee became so famous in Panama’s highlands. If not, you can just walk around their small exhibition inside and read up on it afterward.

I did learn a thing or two here myself, as apparently Thailand has a competing product called Black Ivory, which I had never heard of, and it is ranked second on the coffee ranking index, just below Geisha coffee. It was a pretty cool experience, especially for those who love coffee! The café is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.

2. Eat at Cafe Coca Cola

If you are looking for a taste of old-school Panama City, head to Café Coca Cola, one of the oldest cafés in the country and a true local institution. Open since 1875, this place has been serving simple Panamanian comfort food for generations, and it is located right by the old town, making it a great stop for lunch or dinner in between your explorations.

The menu is straightforward, with classic dishes like rice, beans, fried eggs, and plantains that are both affordable and filling. It is not a fancy spot by any means, but that is exactly the charm. You come here for the history, the atmosphere, and a glimpse into everyday life in Panama City.

Inside, you will find a pretty basic dining room with a mix of locals, workers, and curious travelers all sharing tables. It is a great place to stop for breakfast as they open quite early in the morning or a quick lunch while exploring the city center. The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 11 PM daily.

When to Visit Panama City?

The best time to visit Panama City is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to April. During these months, you can expect mostly sunny skies, lower humidity, and far more predictable weather, perfect for exploring Casco Viejo, visiting the Panama Canal, or taking day trips to nearby nature spots.

The rainy season runs from May to November, and while it brings frequent afternoon downpours, it does not mean constant rain all day. In fact, mornings are often clear, and the city remains very visitable if you plan your days around the weather. Rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day storms.

I was here in late January, and the weather was a mix of sunny days, cloudy days, and a bit of rain. San Blas, on the other hand, is a little more unpredictable due to its location. It rained for the entire week before I arrived, and it was rainy and windy for most of the time I was there. I had one nice day while I was on the island, so be sure to check the forecast if you plan to visit San Blas.

How to Get to Panama City?

Most international travelers arrive in Panama City via Tocumen International Airport, the country's main gateway and one of the busiest airports in Central America. From here, it is about a 20–30 minute drive to the city center depending on traffic.

The easiest way to get into the city is by Uber or taxi, both of which are readily available at the airport. Uber is usually more affordable and convenient, and I always use the app when I want to get around the city.

If you are already traveling within Central America, you can also reach Panama City by long-distance bus from countries like Costa Rica, although the journey can be quite long and involves border crossings that may take some time depending on traffic and immigration queues.

If you are coming from Costa Rica, I would recommend breaking up the trip and stopping in places like Bocas del Toro and El Valle de Antón before continuing on to Panama City. You can rely on local buses to get between these places without any problems.

For finding flights, I would recommend browsing through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to Panama City.

How to get Around Panama City?

By Walking: Panama City is fairly walkable in certain areas, especially in Casco Viejo and parts of the modern city center. Casco Viejo, in particular, is compact and best explored on foot, with its cobblestone streets, plazas, churches, and hidden cafes all within easy walking distance.

By Uber: Outside of Casco Viejo, walking becomes less practical. Distances between neighborhoods can be quite large, and some neighborhoods may not feel very safe for tourists. The heat and humidity can also make longer walks uncomfortable during the day. In these cases, it is better to rely on Uber to move between areas.

How many days to spend in Panama City?

I would recommend spending around 4 to 6 days in Panama City to comfortably explore both the historic and modern sides of the city without rushing. Below is an example of an itinerary for Panama City:

• Day 1: Explore Casco Viejo
• Day 2: Visit Panama Canal and hike around Metropolitan Natural Park
• Day 3: Visit Biomuseo, Panama Viejo, and relax
• Day 4-6: Visit San Blas Islands (optional)

Is it safe in Panama City?

From my experience, Panama City felt generally safe, especially in tourist-friendly areas like Casco Viejo, the Amador Causeway, and the modern city center. I had no issues walking around during the day, and even in the evenings, the main areas were busy enough to feel comfortable.

That said, like any large capital city, safety depends on where you are and when. Outside tourist zones, some neighborhoods, such as areas just west of Casco Viejo, can feel less safe, especially at night or if you are unfamiliar with the area. It is not something that usually affects typical sightseeing routes, but it is still worth being aware of.

Here’s a simple rule of thumb for exploring Panama City, or anywhere else in Central America: use common sense, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid wandering into unfamiliar residential areas at night, don’t flash valuables like expensive jewelry, and rely on Uber for getting between places. I used Uber throughout my time there and had no issues at all.