What do you get when you mix history, modern flair, and a bit of adventure? Panama City! One minute, you’re marveling at the Panama Canal, and the next, you’re sipping coffee in a centuries-old plaza in Casco Viejo. I recently celebrated my birthday month with a very long getaway to this Central American city, and it was everything I needed—the perfect blend of historic sites, trendy rooftop bars, the best restaurants and scenic coastal walks along the Cinta Costera.
But, there are so many more things to do. So, let’s get into it. Here is everything you need to know about planning your trip to Panama City.
Planning Tips for Visiting Panama City
Best Time of Year to Go
The dry season (December to April) is when the weather plays nice. Think warm, breezy days with way less rain—temperatures usually hover between 72°F and 85°F. But fair warning: this is also prime tourist season, so things might get a bit pricier.
I went in February, and let me tell you, it wasn’t just warm — it was hot! We’re talking low 90s, the kind of heat that makes you seriously consider living in your swimsuit. But hey, that’s what cold drinks and shady plazas are for, right?
How Many Days to Spend in Panama City
Panama City is a cruise port so it is the kind of place where you can dip your toes in for a quick adventure or dive deep for an extended stay. Sure, you could hit the highlights in a day or two (Panama Canal? Check. Casco Viejo walk? Double check), but you’d definitely miss out on so much goodness. If you can, give yourself four to five days. That way, you can wander without a schedule, sip endless cups of coffee in old plazas, and eat an embarrassing amount of ceviche without feeling rushed.
I actually stayed a couple of weeks because I wanted to explore all the nooks and crannies at a slower pace. But if you’re short on time, check out my One Bucket List Day in Panama City, Panama itinerary— it’s packed with the perfect highlights.
Getting Around
Getting around Panama City is pretty easy, once you get the hang of it. The Metro and buses are super affordable—you just need to grab a reloadable fare card from any mall or Metro station for about $2. Bus rides are a steal at $0.25, and the Metro costs between $0.35 and $0.85 depending on the line.
If you’re hopping in a taxi, make sure you agree on a price first (usually $2.50 to $5 within the city). Or skip the awkward fare talk and use Uber—easy, cheap, and you’ll know the cost upfront (this was the way I got around). And, honestly, walking within districts is an option, too—especially in the historic districts like Casco Viejo.
Language
Spanish is the main language here, but don’t be surprised if you hear a lot of English—especially in the touristy spots. Most locals are friendly and happy to help you out, even if your Spanish is more “gracias” than fluent. While it always helps to know a few key phrases (like “a glass of red wine, please” ha, ha), you definitely won’t feel lost in translation here.
With that said, definitely download a translation app, like Google Translate, for those rare occasions. This came in handy with many of the Uber drivers.
Currency & Credit Cards
Panama’s currency situation is as simple as it gets. The Panamanian Balboa has a one-on-one conversion rate with the US dollar, and the US dollar is widely accepted. For anything under a buck, though, don’t be surprised when they give you Balboa coins for change instead of cents. It’s the same value—just a little more local flavor in your pocket!
Where to Stay
Panama City’s got a great mix of lodging, whether you’re into sleek high-rises or charming boutique stays. Though I chose an Airbnb in the San Francisco district (due to the length of time I was there), these are my top picks for hotels.
Central Hotel Panamá
Central Hotel Panamá in Casco Viejo has been around since 1874, but don’t let its age fool you—inside, it’s all about modern comfort wrapped in vintage elegance. Plus, the location is unbeatable; you’re literally neighbors with the Panama Canal Museum and Presidential Palace.
Waldorf Astoria Panama
If you’re looking for a touch of luxury, Waldorf Astoria Panama is the place to be. The service here? Top-notch, and the views—especially from the rooftop bar—are worth writing home about. Whether you’re unwinding at the spa or indulging in one of their many dining options, the hotel strikes the perfect balance between upscale pampering and city cool.
Hotel La Compania, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hotel La Compania is the perfect mix of old meets new. This beautifully restored building in Casco Viejo blends history with modern flair, and its rooftop pool and bar offer views that will have you snapping photos non-stop. The hotel’s vibe is intimate but far from dull—perfect for travelers looking to feel pampered without losing that local touch.
Top 5 Things to Do in Panama City
Take a Tour of the Panama Canal
Okay, so let’s talk about the Panama Canal—the reason Panama City is on the map for so many travelers. I mean, watching massive ships glide through this man-made marvel at one of its three locks is like witnessing magic, only with a lot more engineering involved.
I hopped on a five-hour tour at the Miraflores Locks and wow, seeing those ships squeezed through the locks in real time? Just unbelievable. It’s an iconic experience and one you won’t stop talking about!
For more great tours, see my picks for the Top Panama City Tours.
Explore the Old City of Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is the historic district that was built after the original Panama City was sacked by pirates in 1671, and today it’s a cool mix of old-world charm and modern flair. With cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and hidden courtyards, it’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself stopping every few steps to snap photos.
There’s no shortage of cool spots to explore, like the stunning Catedral Metropolitana and Plaza Francia, where you can soak in both history and views. Swing by Hat Street (Calle de los Sombreros) to admire rows of Panama hats dangling above you—it’s a quirky sight you won’t find anywhere else.
Short on time? See my self-guided Casco Viejo walking tour.
Take a Tour to the Embera Village
Visiting the Embera village deep in Panama’s rainforest was like stepping into a National Geographic episode. You start off gliding down the Chagres River in a canoe, and after a quick jungle hike, boom — waterfall! (Swimming optional, but come on, how could you not?)
The village itself? Pure magic. We were welcomed with music, dance, and a tilapia feast that tasted as fresh as it gets. Between the beadwork, basket weaving, and carvings, I left wishing I had some serious crafting skills. PS: We took Viator’s Embera Village tour and loved it.
Visit BioMuseo
If you’re into quirky architecture and learning cool stuff, make sure the BioMuseo is on your Panama City hit list. Designed by the legendary Frank Gehry (yep, the same guy behind the Guggenheim), this museum is as colorful as it is mind-blowing. Inside, you’ll find immersive exhibits that show off Panama’s insane biodiversity, from prehistoric beasts to modern-day ecosystems. Plus, there’s a nod to the Panama Canal, just to sweeten the deal.
Take a Monkey Boat Tour
If you’re looking for a day of nature, history, and wildlife, the Monkey Island Tour and Rainforest Walk is where you’ll find it. My adventure kicked off bright and early with a hotel pickup, whisking us out of Panama City before the city even had its first sip of coffee.
On our tour, we cruised along the Panama Canal and then took a boat across Gatun Lake, keeping our eyes peeled for the local wildlife—monkeys swinging from branches, colorful birds, and maybe even a crocodile lurking nearby. With a little luck (and A LOT of expert spotting from our tour guides), we saw all three monkey species: capuchins, howlers, and spider monkeys!
After the boat ride, we went on an easy rainforest walk that took us deeper into the jungle, where we were surrounded by howling monkeys, got a glimpse of some lazy sloths and saw lots of tropical birds.
The day wrapped up perfectly with a traditional Panamanian breakfast—carimañolas and hojaldres, anyone?
Do you want to book the same tour I took?: Here it is: Monkey Island Tour and Rainforest Walk
I’ve got even more fun activity ideas for you: Best Things to Do in Panama City, Panama (for first-timers).
What + Where to Eat
Panama City’s food scene is a tasty mix of traditional Panamanian dishes and trendy gourmet experiences. And I loved them both! Here’s my top 5 picks of places not-to-miss, but if your still hungry, see my list of all my favorite Panama City Restaurants.
La Pulpería
La Pulpería is a funky spot that feels like a hidden gem, and they’ve got some killer plates. Start with their chicken lollipops, then dive into their grilled octopus. The empanadas are crispy perfect, and their mac and cheese topped with popcorn chicken? Life-changing. You can share some tapas too, but honestly, you’ll want everything for yourself!
Corcho
I can never resist checking out a good wine bar when I’m traveling, and Corcho did not disappoint! This spot takes small plates and tapas to the next level (the tuna tataki was hands down my favorite), and their rotating wine list keeps things exciting. Plus, their charcuterie game? On point.
The staff here really know their stuff, so I happily let them recommend a wine—and ended up with an amazing Malbec.
Maito
Run by Chef Mario Castrellón, this place is hot—and I’m not just talking about the kitchen. With Panamanian cuisine mixed with influences from Afro-Caribbean, Asian, and Creole cultures, the food speaks for itself, and you’ll see why they’re part of both Latin America’s and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Try their pulpo al coco (stewed octopus with coconut milk) or fresas con crema dessert (strawberries with cream). Oh, and seriously, book ahead—this place fills up fast!
El Trapiche
When it comes to authentic Panamanian dishes and flavors, the El Trapiches is where you want to go. Their menu is packed with traditional favorites—think hearty stews, fried meat platters, and tasty rice-and-chicken dishes. I went for the Fiesta Panameña (highly recommended!) which gives you a little bit of everything: yuca frita, carimanola, plantains, sancocho, arroz con pollo, and more. Oh, and pro tip: save room for dessert—coconut ice cream is a must-try!
Mercado de Mariscos
If you’re a lover of seafood, then Mercado de Mariscos is your go-to spot. This bustling fish market serves up some of the freshest catches in town. Not only can locals buy fish to cook at home, but they have a whole section on eateries cooking right on site.
You can’t leave without trying the ceviche—zesty, citrusy, and absolutely addictive. And super cheap—a loaded styrofoam cup is just a few dollars. And here’s a fun fact: Anthony Bourdain himself indulged in the ceviche here, and if anyone knew good eats, it was him!
Traveling Soon? Use my Tips for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. They also has the option to choose ‘cheapest month’ as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination (I use this option A LOT!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels. Why? Because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you’re looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If your’e like me and want the freedom to really explore a destination, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars because it show options from all the big brand names and gives me the best pricing.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves for the best service and value:
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