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Panama City, Panama

Destination Guide

Panama City

Panama

Best things to do in Panama City

17 curated attractions in Panama City, Panama. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

December - March

Average temp

28°C/82°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Panama City

Panama City is the gateway to the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering that has defined the city since it opened in 1914. The Canal influences everything: the skyline filled with modern high-rises, the port activity, and the international businesses that thrive on trade. As ships transit through the Canal, the city’s heart beats with a mix of cultures, reminding visitors of its colonial past, particularly in Casco Viejo, where crumbling facades stand next to trendy cafes. Meanwhile, Ancon Hill offers a view of the whole city and the Canal’s entrance, and the Parque Natural Metropolitano serves as the city’s ecological lungs. People come to witness the extraordinary feat of the Panama Canal, but they leave with a taste of its rich history and a bit of tropical flair.

Who it's for

Those who appreciate a blend of modernity and history will enjoy it here. A poor choice for anyone seeking quaint, uncommercialized charm or a peaceful retreat, as the lively atmosphere and urban pace might overwhelm. If you’re hoping for a quiet beach escape, you might want to keep looking.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The old town of Casco Viejo is compact enough to walk across in about twenty minutes
  • The Metro offers quick access to various neighborhoods and runs reliably
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available, though traffic can be unpredictable
  • The Panama Canal is about a thirty-minute drive from downtown, depending on the time of day
Panama Viejo

Panama Viejo

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Bridge of the Americas

Bridge of the Americas

Bridges
Multiplaza Pacific Mall

Multiplaza Pacific Mall

Malls & department stores
Cinta Costera

Cinta Costera

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Biomuseo

Biomuseo

Science & natural history museums
Plaza de Francia

Plaza de Francia

Squares & plazas
Panama La Vieja

Panama La Vieja

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Old towns & historic quarters
National Theatre of Panama

National Theatre of Panama

Theatres & opera houses
Salsa Safari

Salsa Safari

Entertainment
Casco Peatonal

Casco Peatonal

Streets & neighbourhoods
Amador Causeway

Amador Causeway

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Ancon Hill

Ancon Hill

Mountains & volcanoes
Punta Culebra Nature Center

Punta Culebra Nature Center

Aquariums
The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Parque Natural Metropolitano

Parque Natural Metropolitano

National parks & nature reserves
Mi Pueblito

Mi Pueblito

Traditional villages

Where to eat in Panama City

The places worth planning a meal around.

Mercado de Mariscos

Mercado de Mariscos

Seafood, Panamanian · $$

★ 4.2 · 15,580 reviews

Sabroso Panamá

Sabroso Panamá

Panamanian Fusion · $20–$40

★ 4.7 · 3,902 reviews

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