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Panama City
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🇵🇦 Panama

Panama City

Where old world charm meets modern skyscrapers. — Panama City pulsates with a vibrant energy, showcasing a striking contrast between its historic Casco Viejo and the gleaming modern skyline. This bustling capital offers a gateway to both the wonders of the Panama Canal and a rich cultural tapestry.

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  • 📍Top places to visit: Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks), Casco Viejo, Biomuseo
  • 🍽️What to eat: Sancocho, Ceviche, Ropa Vieja
  • 🗓️Best time to visit: The dry season, from December to April, offers sunny days with less humidity…

Good to know

Best time to visit
The dry season, from December to April, offers sunny days with less humidity, ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings.
Getting around
Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available and affordable. The Metro system is efficient for certain areas, connecting key business and residential districts.
Currency
Panamanian Balboa (PAB), pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar. US Dollars are widely accepted and used.
Language
Spanish is the official language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by many professionals.
Safety
Panama City is generally safe for tourists, but usual precautions against petty theft should be taken, especially in crowded areas and at night.
Daily budget
Budget: $50-80, Midrange: $100-200 per day
💶 Travel money in Panama CityCurrency, cards vs cash, costs & tipping in Panama City
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Top places to visit

1Landmark

Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks)

Witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and watch ships navigate through the massive locks.

2Landmark

Casco Viejo

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with colonial architecture.

3Museum

Biomuseo

Explore the Biodiversity Museum designed by Frank Gehry, showcasing Panama's incredible natural heritage.

4Temple

Metropolitan Cathedral

Visit this beautiful historic cathedral in the heart of Casco Viejo, known for its impressive facade.

5Viewpoint

Amador Causeway

Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the Panama Canal entrance from this scenic strip of land.

6Viewpoint

Ancon Hill

Hike or drive up Ancon Hill for stunning 360-degree views of Panama City, the Canal, and the Bay of Panama.

7Park

Parque Natural Metropolitano

Discover a tropical rainforest within the city limits, home to diverse wildlife like sloths and monkeys.

8Market

Fish Market (Mercado de Mariscos)

Experience a lively atmosphere and sample incredibly fresh seafood at this bustling local market.

9Shopping

Albrook Mall

Shop 'til you drop at one of the largest malls in Latin America, featuring a vast array of international and local brands.

10Nightlife

Habana Panama

Dance the night away to live salsa music in this popular, vibrant nightclub in Casco Viejo.

11Restaurant

Restaurante Intimo

Savor innovative Panamanian cuisine in an intimate setting with a focus on local ingredients.

12Café

Café Paul

Enjoy a coffee and a pastry in a charming setting within the historic streets of Casco Viejo.

13Landmark

Panama Viejo

Explore the evocative ruins of the original Panama City, destroyed by Sir Henry Morgan in 1671.

14Beach

Taboga Island

Take a short ferry ride to this 'Island of Flowers' for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing.

15Café

Frankel's Coffee House

A popular spot for expertly brewed coffee and light bites, perfect for a morning pick-me-up.

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Things to do

Take a boat tour through the Panama Canal

Experience the engineering marvel up close by booking a partial or full transit tour.

Explore the historic streets of Casco Viejo on foot

Get lost in the charming alleys, admire colonial architecture, and discover hidden plazas.

Visit the Biomuseo

Immerse yourself in Panama's biodiversity through interactive exhibits in a stunning architectural space.

Hike Ancon Hill for panoramic city views

Enjoy a moderate hike or drive up for breathtaking vistas of the city, bay, and canal.

Sample fresh seafood at the Mercado de Mariscos

Indulge in ceviche and other local delicacies right by the waterfront.

Go birdwatching in Parque Natural Metropolitano

Spot diverse tropical bird species and other wildlife in this urban rainforest.

Where to stay

Casco Viejo

Perfect for history buffs and culture seekers, offering boutique hotels and vibrant nightlife.

Punta Pacifica

Ideal for luxury travelers and shoppers, known for its high-end malls and modern high-rises.

Obarrio

Suits business travelers and foodies, featuring upscale restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers.

Amador

Great for nature lovers and families, with parks, museums, and scenic waterfront activities.

What to eat

Sancocho

A hearty chicken soup with root vegetables, often considered Panama's national dish.

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices, typically lime, with onions and cilantro.

Ropa Vieja

Shredded beef stewed with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices.

Patacones

Twice-fried green plantain slices, often served as a side or appetizer.

Arroz con Pollo

A flavorful one-pot dish of chicken and rice seasoned with vegetables and spices.

Raspao

A popular shaved ice dessert, often topped with colorful sweet syrups.

Day trips

Pearl Islands (Archipiélago de las Perlas)

Take a ferry (approx. 1-2 hours) to these beautiful islands for pristine beaches and snorkeling.

Portobelo National Park

Drive (approx. 1.5-2 hours) to explore historic Spanish forts and enjoy snorkeling in clear waters.

El Valle de Antón

Travel (approx. 2 hours) to this picturesque crater town for hiking, hot springs, and a cooler climate.

Insider tips

  • Carry insect repellent, especially for rainforest visits.
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases.
  • Stay hydrated – the humidity can be intense.
  • Bargain politely at markets.
  • Use ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis.
  • Book Canal tours in advance.

Traveler reviews

4.8
★★★★★
5 traveler reviews
S
Sarah K.
United States
★★★★★
last month

Panama City truly surprised me! The Casco Viejo is a vibrant historical district, perfect for evening strolls and enjoying some delicious ceviche at a rooftop bar. The Panama Canal exceeded all expectations – watching the massive ships navigate the locks was fascinating.

J
Javier R.
Spain
★★★★★
in April

What a dynamic city! I loved exploring the modern skyline of Punta Pacifica, a stark contrast to the colonial charm of Casco Viejo. Don't miss trying the local coffee; it's robust and flavorful, a perfect start to a day of exploring museums like the Biomuseo.

A
Aisha S.
United Kingdom
★★★★☆
two months ago

Panama City offers a unique blend of old and new. Casco Viejo is beautiful, though some areas felt a bit too touristy. The food scene is exciting, especially the fresh seafood. I'd recommend taking a day trip to an island in the Pearl Islands if you have time.

K
Kenji T.
Japan
★★★★★
last year

The Panama Canal is a marvel of engineering. I spent hours at the Miraflores Locks visitor center, completely engrossed. Beyond the canal, the city has a lively atmosphere and surprisingly good international cuisine. The Metropolian Cathedral in Casco Viejo is also worth a visit.

M
Maria G.
Brazil
★★★★★
in May

Panama City is a fantastic hub! The energy of the city is infectious. I enjoyed wandering through Casco Viejo, popping into artisan shops and enjoying street performers. The view from Ancon Hill at sunset is absolutely breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the city and the canal.

Good to know — FAQ

What is the best way to see the Panama Canal?
The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center offers a great view and exhibits. For a more immersive experience, consider a partial or full transit boat tour, which can be booked in advance.
Is Panama City safe to walk around?
Most tourist areas, especially Casco Viejo and modern districts like Obarrio, are safe during the day. Exercise caution at night and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas. Petty theft can occur, so be mindful of your belongings.
What currency do I need?
Panama uses the US Dollar as its official currency, pegged at 1:1 with the Panamanian Balboa. US dollars are widely accepted everywhere, so you don't need to exchange money.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
The dry season, from December to April, is generally considered the best time to visit due to sunny skies and less rain. However, Panama City is a year-round destination with warm temperatures.

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