Panama City is a vibrant metropolis where glittering skyscrapers meet historic charm and lush tropical rainforests. As a content creator specializing in travel, culture, and experiences, I’ve explored this dynamic capital extensively to bring you the absolute must-dos.
Beyond the famed canal, Panama City offers a rich tapestry of history, unique cultural encounters, thrilling adventures, and diverse culinary delights waiting to be discovered. If you’re wondering Where To Go In Panama City to truly capture its essence, this guide is for you. Get ready to explore everything from UNESCO World Heritage sites to hidden local gems and breathtaking natural escapes.
Iconic Landmarks: Where to Go in Panama City for History & Engineering Marvels
A trip to Panama City wouldn’t be complete without visiting its most famous landmarks. These sites are not just tourist attractions; they are keystones of the nation’s identity, telling stories of ambition, resilience, and global connection. Understanding their significance enriches your entire travel experience.
The Panama Canal: Witness History in Motion
Kicking off any list of where to go in Panama City has to be the incredible Panama Canal. It’s more than just a waterway; it’s a monumental achievement in engineering and a vital artery of global trade. Witnessing the massive ships navigate the locks is an unforgettable experience.
The Miraflores Visitor Center is the prime spot to see the action. It’s a short drive from the city center. Aim for the afternoon (after 2 pm) for the best chance to see boats passing through, and the heat will be less intense. The center includes informative exhibits and an IMAX film that provides essential historical context for this marvel.
Casco Viejo: Step Back in Time in the Historic Quarter
Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo, is my personal favorite neighborhood and definitely where to go in Panama City for atmosphere and charm. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a delightful contrast to the modern skyline. It’s a place where beautifully restored colonial buildings stand alongside those awaiting renovation, creating a unique blend of old-world beauty and raw authenticity.
Wandering the cobblestone streets, discovering hidden plazas, browsing artisan shops, and admiring the architecture is a highlight. The area is incredibly walkable, unlike much of the sprawling city. Casco Viejo is brimming with boutique hotels, trendy bars, and world-class restaurants, making it a fantastic place to stay and explore day and night.
This historic district is not just about looking at old buildings; it’s a living, breathing community with a rich past. Every corner tells a story, from the French Plaza commemorating canal workers to the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Staying in Casco Viejo puts you right in the heart of the action, allowing you to easily experience its transformation from a sleepy morning into a lively evening hub.
There are numerous accommodation options, from cozy apartments to luxurious hotels, catering to different budgets and styles.
Immersing yourself in Casco Viejo provides a deeper understanding of Panama City’s history and cultural evolution. It’s a place where every walk feels like a journey through time.
Panama Viejo: Explore the First City Ruins
Adding to the historical journey, Panama Viejo is the site of the original Panama City, founded in 1519. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it represents the very beginnings of this significant port city before it was moved to its current location (Casco Viejo) in the mid-17th century.
Walking through the ruins offers a glimpse into what was once a bustling colonial city. There are fascinating stories about its demise, including tales of pirate Captain Morgan. While primarily an interest for history buffs, the site provides valuable context about the city’s origins. It’s best visited in the early morning to avoid the heat.
Culture & Arts: Where to Go in Panama City for Local Insights
Panama City’s cultural scene is a vibrant mix of indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial heritage, and modern influences. Exploring its museums, neighborhoods, and art spaces offers a deeper understanding of the Panamanian identity.
Visit the Mola Museum
For a unique cultural dive, the Museo de la Mola is a must-visit. It showcases the intricate and beautiful mola textiles created by the indigenous Guna people, primarily from the San Blas Islands. This museum is completely free to enter and offers fascinating insights into Guna culture, artistry, and the symbolism embedded in their mola designs. It’s a chance to appreciate a vibrant living tradition.
Explore the Bohemian Via Argentina Neighborhood
Via Argentina is a cool, bohemian street within the El Cangrejo neighborhood, offering a different flavor of Panama City life. It’s where a younger, creative crowd gathers, making it a hub for trendy cafes, diverse restaurants, lively bars, and independent shops.
During the day, you’ll find people working from cafes or enjoying the nearby park. But in the evening, Via Argentina truly comes alive with a buzzing energy as locals head out after work. It’s where to go in Panama City for a taste of contemporary urban culture and nightlife beyond Casco Viejo.
Walk Down Avenida Central: The City’s Pedestrian Hub
Avenida Central is Panama City’s main pedestrian shopping district and offers a look at local life. While perhaps past its prime compared to other areas, it retains a vibrant energy, filled with shops, street vendors, noise, and interesting characters. It’s easily accessible and provides a stark contrast to the more curated tourist areas, showing you a different facet of the city.
See the Forgotten Side of Panama City in El Chorillo
For a truly authentic and eye-opening experience, consider a tour of the El Chorillo neighborhood, adjacent to Casco Viejo. This area was heavily impacted by the 1989 U.S. invasion and offers a perspective often missed by tourists. Exploring El Chorillo with a local guide can provide powerful insights into the city’s complex history, the impact of gentrification on nearby Casco Viejo, and the resilience of its community. It’s where to go in Panama City if you seek a deeper, more challenging understanding of its social landscape.
Biomuseo: Explore Panama’s Biodiversity Story
Located on the Amador Causeway, the Biomuseo is a stunning piece of architecture designed by Frank Gehry. Its colorful, deconstructed design alone is worth seeing and photographing. Inside, the museum tells the incredible story of how the formation of the Panamanian isthmus changed the world by connecting North and South America and dividing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, leading to unparalleled biodiversity. It’s where to go in Panama City to understand the natural history that shaped the region. Even if you don’t go inside, the building itself is a work of art.
Culinary Delights: Where to Go in Panama City for Foodies
Panama City’s food scene is a delicious blend of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and influences from its diverse population. From upscale dining to local markets, there’s something to tantalize every palate.
Eat Ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market)
For a truly local culinary experience, head to the Mercado de Mariscos, Panama City’s bustling fish market located along the Cinta Costera. Here, you can sample incredibly fresh seafood prepared right before your eyes. The absolute must-try is the ceviche. Served in small cups, it’s a refreshing mix of marinated fish, shrimp, or mixed seafood. It’s where to go in Panama City for an authentic and affordable seafood feast alongside locals.
Try Geisha Coffee
Panama is renowned for producing some of the world’s most expensive and prized coffee: Geisha. Known for its complex floral and fruity notes, this coffee offers a unique tasting experience. You absolutely must try it while in Panama City. Seek out specialty coffee shops, particularly in areas like Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo, that serve authentic Panamanian Geisha. It’s where to go in Panama City to savor a truly exceptional brew.
Take a Panamanian Chocolate Workshop
Panama also produces cacao, and experiencing the journey from bean to bar is a sweet way to spend time. Joining a Panamanian chocolate workshop allows you to learn about the cultivation, processing, and making of chocolate. You might even get to create your own bar to take home! This hands-on experience offers insight into another of Panama’s delicious natural resources and is a delightful activity, especially in areas like Casco Viejo.
Experience the Food Scene with a Local Expert
One of the best ways to delve into a city’s culture is through its food, guided by someone who knows the ins and outs. Joining a food experience led by a passionate local can take you to hidden spots, explain the significance of dishes, and connect you with the community. Look for tours that combine tastings with cultural insights, taking you beyond typical tourist areas to experience the city’s true flavors and stories.
Outdoor & Adventure: Where to Go in Panama City for Nature & Thrills
Despite being a major urban center, Panama City is surrounded by incredible natural beauty and offers surprising opportunities for outdoor activities and adventure.
Spend the Day on a Catamaran to Taboga Island
Since Panama City doesn’t have its own beaches directly downtown, heading out to a nearby island is a popular escape. Taboga Island, the “Island of Flowers,” is the closest option and easily reachable by ferry or catamaran. A catamaran tour often includes food, drinks, music, and time for swimming or exploring the island. It’s where to go in Panama City for a relaxed day on the water with beautiful coastal views.
Or Enjoy a Sunset Catamaran Ride with City Views
If a full day trip isn’t on your agenda, a sunset catamaran cruise around Panama Bay offers spectacular views of the city skyline and Casco Viejo as the sun dips below the horizon. With the city lights beginning to twinkle, it’s a magical perspective. This is where to go in Panama City for a romantic or visually stunning evening experience from the water, often complete with drinks and music.
Visit Monkey Island on Gatun Lake
Embarking on a tour to Monkey Island on Gatun Lake (part of the Panama Canal system) is an excellent way to encounter wildlife close to the city. Boat tours take you across the lake, allowing you to spot monkeys (often capuchins, tamarins, and howlers) that come down to the boats. You might also see sloths, tropical birds, and other rainforest creatures. It’s where to go in Panama City for a quick nature fix and wildlife viewing adventure.
Spot a Sloth in the City’s Green Spaces
Panama City is remarkably green, with parks and reserves where you can spot wildlife. One of the most sought-after sightings is the sloth. These slow-moving, tree-dwelling creatures can be challenging to spot due to their camouflage. Your best bet is to visit urban parks or protected areas in the early morning and look carefully among the branches for a ball of fur. It takes patience, but spotting a sloth near the city is a rewarding experience.
Hike at Parque Metropolitano or Cerro Ancón
For easily accessible hiking trails near the city center, head to Parque Metropolitano, an urban rainforest reserve, or Cerro Ancón, a hill offering panoramic views. These green lungs of the city provide trails for walking and hiking, offering chances to see birds, monkeys, and other small wildlife within minutes of the urban sprawl. Climbing to the top of Cerro Ancón provides stunning views of the skyline, Casco Viejo, and the Bridge of the Americas. It’s where to go in Panama City for a quick nature escape and some exercise.
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For an adrenaline rush with a unique urban twist, you can experience zip lining off a skyscraper in Panama City. This activity offers thrilling views as you soar through the air high above the city streets. It’s where to go in Panama City if you’re looking for a dose of adventure and a different perspective on the urban landscape.
Experiences & Entertainment: Where to Go in Panama City for Fun
Beyond sightseeing, Panama City offers plenty of ways to engage with its energy, from its buzzing nightlife to unique tours and activities.
Go on a Bike Tour to Explore Different Neighborhoods
Exploring Panama City by bike allows you to cover more ground and experience neighborhoods more intimately than from a car. Guided bike tours can take you through areas like Santa Ana (adjacent to Casco Viejo), the Canal Zone, and other parts of the city, offering historical context and unique photo opportunities. It’s a fun and active way to discover off-the-beaten-path locations.
Experience Panama City by Helicopter
For a truly spectacular perspective of the city, a helicopter tour offers unparalleled aerial views. See the Panama Canal, the towering skyscrapers, Casco Viejo, and the Amador Causeway from above. Booking a flight during sunrise or sunset provides particularly stunning light. It’s where to go in Panama City for a luxurious and unforgettable sightseeing experience.
Walk on Cinta Costera & Get a Photo in Front of the Panama Sign
The Cinta Costera is a long, modern waterfront park that’s a favorite spot for locals for recreation. It’s perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or simply relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze and city views. Along the path, you’ll find free sports facilities and vendors selling snacks like raspaos (shaved ice). Don’t miss the iconic colorful Panama sign here – it’s a quintessential photo opportunity.
Ride in a Classic Car Around Iconic Sites
Experience Panama City in style by taking a tour in a classic car. This fun and photogenic way to get around lets you see major landmarks while enjoying the ride in a vintage vehicle. It’s a memorable experience that turns sightseeing into an event, often attracting smiles and waves from locals and tourists alike.
Experience the Nightlife
Panama City comes alive after dark, offering a variety of nightlife options. Casco Viejo is the main hub for bars, pubs, and clubs, ranging from relaxed rooftop lounges to energetic discos. Explore the diverse venues to find your scene, whether you prefer craft cocktails, live music, or dancing. Joining a bar crawl can be a fun way to experience multiple spots and meet people.
Sip on Rum at Pedro Mandinga
Located in Casco Viejo, Pedro Mandinga is Panama’s first artisanal rum distillery and bar. It’s a place with a distinct Panamanian vibe, offering a cozy atmosphere perfect for lingering over expertly crafted rum cocktails. It’s where to go in Panama City to sample local rum and enjoy a relaxed evening in a stylish setting. The unique rum blends reflect the spirit of the country.
Go Salsa Dancing
While reggaeton is popular, salsa has a presence in Panama City for those seeking a taste of traditional Latin dance. Finding salsa clubs might require a bit of searching, but several venues cater to dancers, sometimes offering lessons or hosting live bands. It’s where to go in Panama City to experience the passion of salsa and dance the night away like a local.
Day Trips: Where to Go Near Panama City for an Escape
Panama City serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby regions, from stunning islands to cooler mountain towns.
Spend a Day in the Pearl Islands or San Blas Islands
Panama City doesn’t have beaches, but incredible islands with white sand and clear turquoise water are just a boat ride away. The Pearl Islands (like Isla Bolaños) and the San Blas Islands (part of the Guna Yala comarca) offer tropical paradise escapes. Day trips or overnight stays are possible. While San Blas is legendary for its untouched beauty (requiring a more adventurous journey), the Pearl Islands are often easier to access for a quick island getaway. These islands are definitely where to go from Panama City for that classic Caribbean beach experience.
Or Head to the Mountains of El Valle for a Night
If you prefer cooler temperatures and lush mountain scenery, El Valle de Anton is a picturesque town located in the crater of an extinct volcano, about a 2.5-hour bus ride from Panama City. El Valle offers hiking trails, waterfalls, hot springs, and a Sunday market. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the city heat and where to go from Panama City for mountain air and natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Where to Go in Panama City
Q: What is the best time to visit Panama City?
A: The dry season, from December to April, is generally considered the best time to visit Panama City due to less rain and pleasant temperatures. However, the rainy season (May to November) offers fewer crowds and lush green landscapes, with rain often occurring in brief afternoon showers.
Q: Is Panama City safe for tourists?
A: Like any major city, Panama City has areas that require caution. Tourist areas like Casco Viejo and El Cangrejo (Via Argentina) are generally safe, especially during the day and evening. It’s advisable to be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, and use reputable transportation like ride-sharing apps or registered taxis, particularly at night. Stick to well-lit and populated areas.
Q: How do I get around Panama City?
A: Panama City has a few transportation options. Taxis are widely available but agree on the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is used (though meters are less common). Ride-sharing apps (Uber,