Best Things to Do in Panama City, Panama

Panama City sits at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, on the eastern side of the Panama Bay. The things to do in Panama City span colonial heritage, engineering marvels, rainforest, and modern urban culture. Casco Viejo (San Felipe district), established in 1673 after the original city was destroyed by Henry Morgan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a restored colonial quarter of Spanish and French-influenced architecture, now home to boutique hotels, rooftop bars, excellent restaurants, and the Palacio de las Garzas (the Presidential Palace, where herons (garzas) have been kept as a tradition for decades). The Panama Canal Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre allows viewing of the Panamax and Neo-Panamax locks with a comprehensive museum; the best hours for vessel traffic are morning and late afternoon. Panama Viejo, 8 km east of Casco Viejo, are the ruins of the original city founded by Pedrarias Dávila in 1519 — one of the oldest European settlements on the Pacific; the 59m Tower of Panama Viejo is climbable. Ancon Hill (191m, directly adjacent to the city) is covered in primary tropical rainforest; sloths, toucans, and even harpy eagles have been sighted within the city limits. Soberanía National Park (15 minutes from the city) has the Pipeline Road, considered by many birders the single best birding road in the world for tropical species.

Best time to visit

December through April is the Pacific dry season — the best time for outdoor activities, with reliable sunshine and lower humidity. The Carnaval de Panamá (before Lent, usually February) is the country’s most celebrated festival — La Villa de Los Santos and Las Tablas in the interior are the most traditional celebrations; Panama City is more modern but still lively. May-November is the wet season: afternoon rains, sometimes very heavy, but the city functions normally and accommodation is cheaper.

Getting around

Tocumen International Airport is 24 km east of the city; taxis and Uber serve the 40-minute airport transfer. The Metro (Lines 1, 2, and 3 expanding) is an efficient way to reach Albrook Mall (Line 1) and the bus terminal. Uber is reliable throughout Panama City; taxis are available but negotiate fares in advance (meters are not always used). For Casco Viejo, taxis or Uber from the downtown hotels take 15-20 minutes. The IRHE (Panama Bus Terminal in Albrook) serves intercity buses to all provinces.

What to eat

Panama City has the most cosmopolitan dining scene in Central America, reflecting its international status as the canal country. Panamanian food: sancocho (chicken and vegetable soup with yuca, considered the national dish), ropa vieja (shredded beef), patacón (fried plantain with chicken or beef), and ceviche (shrimp, octopus, or fish in citrus with aji chombo). The Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) near Casco Viejo sells the freshest catch for ceviche and grilled fish at very low prices. Manolo Caracol (no-menu tasting format, Casco Viejo), Donde José (sustainable Panamanian tasting menu), and La Rana Dorada brewery restaurant are among the city’s most celebrated dining destinations.