Panama City Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Tips

Panama City , Panama

🌆 Panama City: Where Modern Marvels Meet Colonial Charm

Rating: ⭐ 4.8/5 (Based on culture, attractions, and overall experience)
Best Time to Visit: December to April (dry season)
Ideal For: History lovers, urban explorers, foodies, and cruise travelers

🧭 Overview

Panama City, the cosmopolitan capital of Panama, is where the Pacific Ocean meets a skyline of glass towers, and just steps away, you'll find the cobbled streets of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a city where cutting-edge urban design coexists with centuries-old ruins, and where world trade flows through the iconic Panama Canal.

🌟 Top Attractions & Things to Do

🚢 Panama Canal

One of the world’s greatest engineering feats.
Visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to see ships rise and fall.
Interactive museum & IMAX film included.

🏛️ Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)

Colonial-era charm with pastel buildings, boutique hotels, rooftop bars.
Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Bolívar, and local art galleries.
A perfect mix of history and modern nightlife.

🏙️ Cinta Costera

Scenic coastal beltway for walking, biking, or rollerblading.
Great views of the city skyline and a perfect sunset spot.
Connects to Casco Viejo and offers a safe, relaxing vibe.

🌳 Metropolitan Natural Park

Jungle trails within the city limits — how cool is that?
See monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds with views of the Panama Canal.

🛍️ Amador Causeway

Enjoy ocean views, local dining, bike rentals, and access to Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry.
Ideal for families and sunset lovers.

🍽️ Foodie Finds

Seafood Market (Mercado de Mariscos): Fresh ceviche with a local beer.
Rooftop Dining in Casco Viejo: Stylish spots like Tantalo or Salvaje for international flavors.
Try Ropa Vieja, Sancocho, and Patacones for a taste of Panamanian tradition.

🚖 Travel Tips

Use Uber or DiDi – safer and cheaper than local taxis.
USD is accepted everywhere (Panama uses the Balboa and US dollar interchangeably).
Stay in Casco Viejo for culture, or the Financial District for luxury and views.

🧳 Nearby Day Trips

Taboga Island: A 30-min ferry ride to golden beaches and a peaceful village.
Gamboa Rainforest: Boat tours, sloth sanctuaries, and aerial tram rides.

✈️ Why Visit Panama City?

It’s the only city in the world where you can watch giant cargo ships pass through a jungle-lined canal, then sip cocktails on a colonial rooftop minutes later. Whether you’re in for adventure, history, or a vibrant food scene, Panama City will surprise and impress at every turn.