Things to Visit in Panama City: Skyline, Canal, and Old Town
Hit every highlight in Panama City from the engineering marvel of the Canal to the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo. Covers landmarks, museums, nature escapes, neighborhoods, and the best food spots.
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The Panama Canal Zone
Watch ships transit at Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
The observation deck offers the closest view of ships passing through. Arrive before 9 AM or after 2 PM to catch the largest vessels. Entry costs around $20 for adults and includes the museum exhibits.
Explore the expanded Agua Clara Locks
This newer facility on the Atlantic side handles the massive Neopanamax ships. The visitor center is less crowded than Miraflores and offers equally impressive views from its observation platform.
Cross the Canal on the Bridge of the Americas
This iconic bridge connects North and South America. Best viewed from the Amador Causeway side at sunset for dramatic photo opportunities with the skyline in the background.
Walk or bike the Amador Causeway
This 6-km causeway connects four small islands and offers views of the Canal entrance, the Bridge of the Americas, and the city skyline. Bike rentals are available at the start for around $5 per hour.
Casco Viejo and Old Town
Wander the UNESCO-listed streets of Casco Viejo
This colonial neighborhood dates to 1673 and mixes restored mansions with crumbling facades. Stick to the main plazas and surrounding blocks during the day. The area is walkable in 2-3 hours.
Visit the Church of San Jose and its Golden Altar
Legend says a priest painted the altar black to hide its gold from pirates. The massive baroque altar has been restored and is one of the most photographed religious artifacts in Central America.
Climb the bell tower at the Metropolitan Cathedral
The twin mother-of-pearl towers are visible from across the district. The cathedral sits on Plaza de la Independencia, making it a natural starting point for exploring Casco Viejo.
Watch the sunset from Plaza de Francia
This waterfront plaza at the southern tip of Casco Viejo offers unobstructed views across the Bay of Panama. The French memorial here honors the 22,000 workers who died during the first Canal attempt.
Browse rooftop bars along Calle 9a
Casco Viejo has a growing nightlife scene with rooftop cocktail bars overlooking the skyline. Most open around 5 PM and get busy after 9 PM on weekends. Expect cocktails priced $8-15.
Museums and Culture
Visit the BioMuseo designed by Frank Gehry
Gehry's only work in Latin America tells the story of how Panama's isthmus changed the world's biodiversity. The colorful, angular building is worth seeing from outside even if you skip the exhibits. Entry is around $22.
Explore the Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo
Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, this museum covers the Canal's history from the French disaster to the American completion. Allow about 90 minutes for the full collection.
Tour the ruins of Panama Viejo
The original Panama City was founded in 1519 and destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. The stone tower and cathedral ruins are now a UNESCO site. Entry costs about $15 and includes a small museum.
See street art in the Calle Uruguay neighborhood
This trendy area has become a canvas for local and international muralists. The colorful walls contrast with the modern restaurants and bars that line the streets. Best explored on foot during daytime.
Nature and Day Trips
Hike through Metropolitan Natural Park
One of the only tropical forests within a major city limits, this 265-hectare park has well-marked trails ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The Cerro Cedro lookout offers panoramic views of the skyline and Canal.
Visit the San Blas Islands
These pristine Caribbean islands are home to the indigenous Guna people. Day trips by boat or small plane take about 45 minutes from the city. Book with Guna-operated tours to support the community directly.
Take a boat tour through Gatun Lake
This artificial lake in the Canal zone is surrounded by rainforest. Boat tours pass howler monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles. Half-day tours typically cost $80-120 per person including lunch.
Hike the Pipeline Road in Soberania National Park
This 17-km unpaved road is one of the top birdwatching spots in the world, with over 500 species recorded. Start early in the morning when birds are most active. The park is a 30-minute drive from the city center.
Food and Local Experiences
Try ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos fish market
The upstairs restaurants serve the freshest ceviche in the city for $3-8 per cup. The market is busiest and best on weekend mornings. Go early for the widest selection of seafood.
Eat sancocho, Panama's national chicken soup
This hearty soup made with culantro, yuca, and chicken is served everywhere from street stalls to upscale restaurants. It is considered a hangover cure and comfort food staple across the country.
Sample empanadas from a street vendor
Panamanian empanadas are made with corn dough and usually filled with seasoned beef. They cost $0.50-1 from street carts and are best eaten fresh and hot. Look for vendors near bus stops in the early morning.
Visit a coffee farm in the Boquete highlands
Boquete in the Chiriqui highlands produces some of the world's most expensive coffee, including the Geisha variety. Day trips or overnight excursions from Panama City take about 6 hours by car or 45 minutes by domestic flight.
Experience the nightlife in Calle Uruguay
This street and its surroundings form the main nightlife district with bars, clubs, and live music venues. Things pick up after 11 PM on Thursday through Saturday. Cover charges at clubs range from $10-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Panama City?
Three to five days covers the major attractions comfortably. Spend one day on the Canal and Amador Causeway, one day in Casco Viejo, one day on a nature excursion, and use remaining days for museums, food tours, or a day trip to San Blas. If you only have two days, focus on the Canal and Casco Viejo.
What is the best time to visit Panama City?
The dry season from mid-December through April offers the most reliable weather, with sunny days and temperatures around 30-33 degrees Celsius. The rainy season from May through November brings daily afternoon showers but lower hotel prices and fewer crowds. Rain usually clears within 1-2 hours.
Is Panama City safe for tourists?
Tourist areas like Casco Viejo, the Banking District, and the Canal Zone are generally safe during the day. Use standard precautions: avoid displaying expensive jewelry, take registered taxis or ride-hailing apps at night, and stay on well-lit main streets. The Calidonia and El Chorrillo neighborhoods should be avoided.
Do I need a visa to visit Panama?
Citizens of the US, Canada, EU countries, and most Latin American nations can enter Panama visa-free for up to 90-180 days depending on nationality. You need a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay and proof of onward travel. Check the Panamanian immigration authority website for your specific country requirements.