Part of the Panama Travel Guide
← Back to PanamaPanama City catches most people off guard. Travelers passing through on a Copa stopover, or spending a few days during a Panama trip with a few days in the capital, tend to arrive expecting a transit city and leave surprised by how much they actually liked it.
The skyline is striking and larger than expected: glass towers rising above the Pacific, a UNESCO-listed colonial neighborhood at the water's edge, and the Panama Canal a forty-minute drive from your hotel. It is one of the most manageable cities in Latin America, compact, easy to get around, and calm compared to Bogota or Mexico City.
Two to three days covers the highlights within the city without rushing, but there is so much more to discover in and around the city. Within a few hours in any direction you can reach Pacific islands, Caribbean coastline, rainforest reserves, or the Canal itself. Few cities in the Americas offer that kind of range without a long-haul flight.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your time well: what to do, where to eat, which neighborhood to stay in, and the day trips that make Panama City one of the best bases in the region.
Quick Resources to Plan Your Trip to Panama
highlights
Things to do in Panama City
Panama City has more going on than most first-timers expect. These are the experiences worth prioritizing, from unmissable highlights to the neighborhoods that can be experienced during a slower afternoon. You can read about all the different things to do in Panama City and how to prioritize your time in the city.
1
The Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is one of those rare things that genuinely lives up to the hype, but how much you get out of it depends on how you approach it. The Miraflores Visitor Center is the standard introduction: an observation deck where you can watch container ships pass through the locks in real time, paired with a museum that puts the engineering and history in context. If you have the time, a partial canal transit by boat takes you through the locks at water level and is one of the more memorable ways to experience the canal as something other than a viewpoint. puts the whole operation in context. From the observation deck you can watch vessels pass through the locks in real time. Or you can choose to take a boat through the locks to discover the engineering feat for yourself.
full Panama Canal guide →2
Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is the part of Panama City that stays with you. The UNESCO-listed colonial quarter sits on a small peninsula at the edge of the bay, its churches and weathered facades backed by the glass towers of the modern skyline. Spend time walking without a fixed itinerary. Find a cafe on Plaza Bolívar. Come back in the evening for the rooftop bars.
3
Mercado de Mariscos
Mercado de Mariscos is where Panama City eats seafood. The ground floor is a working fish market and the outdoor stalls on the upper level sell ceviche, cocteles, and fresh seafood at prices that bear no relationship to the quality. Go at lunch when the stalls are busiest and the catch is freshest.
4
Amador Causeway
The Amador Causeway extends into the Pacific from the base of the Canal zone, connecting a series of small islands with a wide promenade. It is one of the best spots in the city for views of the skyline and the queue of ships waiting to enter the Canal. Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and consider renting a bike to cover the full length.
5
Panama Viejo
Panama Viejo (not to be confused with Casco Viejo) is the site of the original city founded by the Spanish in 1519. Henry Morgan sacked and destroyed it in 1671. The tower at the center of the ruins gives you a panoramic view of both the ruins and the modern skyline behind them.
6
Biomuseo
The Biomuseo is housed in a Frank Gehry building and the exhibits explain how the formation of the Isthmus of Panama triggered one of the most significant biodiversity events in the planet's history. It is the clearest answer to why Panama has such extraordinary wildlife today, and worth an hour if you are already walking the causeway.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Panama City
Panama City is more spread out than it looks on a map, and where you base yourself shapes the experience. The main areas are easy to navigate between, and each one has a distinct character worth understanding before you book. Here is an article about the different neighborhoods to help you make a better decision on where to stay in Panama City.
Casco Viejo
Best for: Short stays, first-time visitors, atmosphere
Casco Viejo is the historic heart of the city: cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and rooftop bars. If you have two days or less, this is where to stay. It is atmospheric and walkable, with great restaurants and nightlife right outside your door. Keep in mind that much of the dining here caters to visitors, and hotels carry a premium.
El Cangrejo
Best for: Local feel, longer stays, an authentic neighborhood base
El Cangrejo is the pick for travelers who want something more local. It is a lively, central neighborhood with strong cafe culture, good transit connections, and restaurants that locals actually eat at. It feels more like the real Panama City than Casco Viejo does, and the prices reflect that.
San Francisco
Best for: Food-focused travelers, repeat visitors
San Francisco has arguably the best dining scene in the city, with a stretch of restaurants along Calle Uruguay covering everything from Peruvian ceviche to wood-fired pizza. It works well as a base if food is your priority, though it lacks the character of Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo. There are not as many hotels in this neighborhood as the others.
Punta Pacifica
Best for: Views, upscale stays, business travel
Punta Pacifica is where you go for views. The JW Marriott sits right on the water with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pacific and the ships queued to enter the Canal. It is the most resort-like option in the city and worth it if that is the experience you are after.
Where to eat
Where to eat in Panama City
Panama City's best eating is not in Casco Viejo. The old quarter has plenty of solid restaurants, but most are priced for visitors and the menus tend toward the familiar. However, if you are looking for a delicious meal in the tourist center of Panama City, we recommend visiting Fonda Lo Que Hay for elevated Panamanian cuisine. (You can read more about Panamanian food here.)
For the best food in Panama City, head to the San Francisco neighborhood. Calle Uruguay has a dense stretch of restaurants covering Peruvian ceviche, wood-fired pizza, craft cocktails, and Panamanian classics done properly. The quality is consistently high across the board. Outside of Calle Uruguay, there are many other restaurants in the neighborhood to discover. If you want one specific reservation to make before you arrive, Cantina del Tigre is a modern Panamanian restaurant in San Francisco that is worth going out of your way for. Another restaurant to try in the neighborhood is la Tapa de Coco.
Mercado de Mariscos is a different kind of experience and essential in its own right. The ceviche stalls are one of the best value meals in the city.
And if you are looking for a high-end experience, make a reservation at Maito. This restaurant has both a tasting menu and an a-la-carte experience that explores creativity around local cuisine and flavors. The restaurant has also been listed as one of the best restaurants in Latin America.
Casco Viejo is the center of the rooftop bar scene, especially on the old quarter's restored colonial rooftops to look out over the bay and the modern skyline. Drinks are not cheap by Central American standards but the views and the atmosphere make the markup worth it.
M
From the field · Melina
San Francisco neighborhood, Panama City
Calle Uruguay on a Friday night sounds like the kind of place you would walk past rather than into. It is louder than you expect, fuller than you expect, and the food is better than either of those things suggests. Cantina del Tigre made me reconsider what Panamanian food could be. It is a reservation worth making before you land.
First-hand observation
Shopping
Shopping in Panama City
Panama City covers a wider range of shopping than most Central American capitals, from artisan markets to international luxury malls. For handicrafts and souvenirs, Mercado de Artesanias in Casco Viejo is the most accessible option, with hand-stitched molas from the Guna people, woven baskets, and Panama hats across a single covered market. Hat Street, also in Casco Viejo, is exactly what it sounds like: a short pedestrian stretch where vendors hang traditional Panama hats from shopfronts and balconies. It is one of the more photogenic corners of the old quarter, and a good place to buy the real thing rather than the airport version. For modern shopping, Multiplaza Pacific in Punta Pacifica is the city's flagship mall and includes most international luxury and mid-range brands. It is useful for anything you forgot to pack and worth knowing about if heavy rain disrupts your day.
Safety
Is Panama City safe?
Panama City is generally safe for travelers sticking to the main tourist areas. The neighborhoods covered in this guide, including Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo, San Francisco, and Punta Pacifica, are all fine to walk around with normal awareness. A few areas are best avoided: El Chorrillo, Curundú, Calidonia, San Miguelito, and parts of Santa Ana. For getting around, we recommend taking Ubers over local taxis as a convenient and affordable option.
Beyond the city
Day trips from Panama City
Panama City is one of the best-positioned capitals in Central America for day trips. Within a few hours in any direction you have Caribbean islands, Pacific islands, rainforest, a crater town, and the Canal itself. Here are six different ideas that you can do and you can read more about how to execute day trips from Panama City here.
San Blas Islands
3 hr + boat · Best overall
The San Blas archipelago is governed by the Guna people: white sand, turquoise water, and zero resort infrastructure. A day trip is possible but three to four days is definitely worth it to enjoy the paradisaic island life. If you can only do one day trip from Panama City, this is the one.
Valle de Anton
2 hr drive
Valle de Antón sits inside the crater of an extinct volcano about two hours from the capital. Hot springs, waterfalls, and cloud forest trails make it one of the most complete day trips available from Panama City. This is a great option if you are looking for a cooler climate.
Gamboa Rainforest
1 hr drive
Gamboa is the closest rainforest to Panama City and a great place for wildlife and birdwatching. The Gamboa Rainforest Resort sits directly on the Canal and combines jungle access with visits to indigenous villages. The resort has daily experiences for visitors who are not staying the night.
Portobelo and Isla Grande
1 hr 45 drive · Caribbean
Portobelo is a full day rather than a quick stop. The Spanish colonial forts are among the best-preserved in Latin America, and Isla Grande is a short boat ride away for a Caribbean island experience. Go with a guide to get the most out of the history.
Las Perlas
1 hr boat · Pacific
Las Perlas is Panama City's Pacific island escape, accessible by boat from the Amador Causeway. Calmer water, less wind, and a more relaxed visitor demographic than the Caribbean side.
Embera Village
Guided tour from hotel
A visit to an Embera village along the Chagres River is one of the most culturally rich day trips available from Panama City. The Embera have maintained their way of life along the river and welcome visitors for guided experiences covering food, craft, and daily life.
On the ground
Getting around Panama City
Uber is the default recommendation. It is reliable, widely available across all main neighborhoods, and removes the price negotiation that comes with unmetered taxis. Fares between Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo, and San Francisco typically run under five dollars.
The Metro is clean and safe for the routes it covers, though most visitors will not need it beyond a few specific lines. The metro is a newer form of public transportation in Panama City and does not stretch to every neighborhood that you may want to visit.
From the airport: Tocumen International Airport sits on the eastern edge of the city. The drive to Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Allow more during the morning and evening rush. Uber is the most efficient way to get from the airport to your hotel or accommodation.
Planning
What does Panama City cost?
Panama City is more expensive than most of Central America, but less expensive than most people expect for a capital city of its size and quality. A mid-range trip (good accommodation, meals at local restaurants, a Canal visit, and one day trip) typically runs USD 150 to 250 per person per day.
Panama uses the US dollar as its official currency, which removes currency exchange entirely for American travelers. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses in Panama City. Bring cash before heading to San Blas, Bocas del Toro, or Santa Catalina, where ATM access is limited or nonexistent.
Accommodation
$80 - $150 per night
Accommodation ranges from around USD 80 to 150 per night for a solid mid-range hotel or boutique guesthouse. Casco Viejo and Punta Pacifica sit at the higher end of that range. El Cangrejo and San Francisco offer better value for equivalent quality.
Meals
$10 - $50 per person
Meals vary considerably by neighborhood. A ceviche at Mercado de Mariscos can be under USD 10. A full dinner at a San Francisco restaurant on Calle Uruguay lands between USD 20 and 50 per person including drinks. Casco Viejo restaurants are priced similarly but the quality-to-price ratio is lower.
Activities
$20 - $150 per tour
Activities are reasonable. Entry to the Miraflores Visitor Center is around USD 22 for adults. Guided day trips from the city typically range from USD 80 to 150 per person depending on the destination and group size and may include meals. These can be reserved in advance to help you determine your budget.
Tipping
Tipping is standard and expected. Ten percent at restaurants if a service charge is not already included, and USD 5 to 10 per person per day for guides.
Planning
When to visit Panama City
Panama City works year-round. The main attractions, Casco Viejo, the Canal, the food scene, are all fully accessible regardless of season.
Dry season (January to April)
Dry season brings reliably clear skies and lower humidity. If you are combining Panama City with other regions, this is the most straightforward window for a first trip.
Wet season (May to November)
The wet season handles better than you might expect. Rain is typically in the afternoon and lasts between 1 and 3 hours typically while mornings stay clear. You can continue to do outdoor activities and day trips if you plan them in the morning.
Practical tips for Panama City
Language
Spanish is the official language throughout Panama. English is widely spoken in Panama City, particularly in Casco Viejo, tourist-facing restaurants, and most hotels. Outside of those areas, a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way.
Cash and Atms
ATMs are widely available throughout Panama City's main neighborhoods. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls rather than standalone street machines. Notify your bank before travel if you plan to use a foreign card.
Metro Fare
The Metro costs USD 0.35 per ride, making it one of the better-value transport options in the city for the routes it covers. You can also use a tap credit card to pay for the metro (but you do need get a metro card with cash to use the buses).
Drinking Water
Tap water is safe to drink in Panama City. You do not need to buy bottled water.
Electricity
Panama uses 110V with US-style two-pin and three-pin plugs. American travelers do not need an adapter.
For a full country-level overview of practical information including domestic travel, health, and entry requirements, see our Panama travel guide →.
Planning
How long to spend in Panama City
2 days
Covers the highlights without rushing: Casco Viejo, the Canal, and a meal at Mercado de Mariscos. Add one evening in San Francisco for dinner on Calle Uruguay.
3-4 days
Opens up Panama Viejo, a proper wander through El Cangrejo, and one day trip. San Blas or Gamboa works well as a single-day addition to a three-day city stay.
5+ days
Is the right length if Panama City is your base for exploring the country. You can take two or three day trips, eat through San Francisco over multiple evenings, and move at a slower pace through the neighborhoods.
Getting here
Getting to Panama City
By air
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the main airport for all international arrivals. You can catch a direct flight to Panama City from most major US cities including Miami, New York, Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Copa Airlines operates the most frequent schedules and uses Tocumen as its Latin America hub. Flight times from the US East Coast run around three hours; from the West Coast, around six.
check out flight options for Panama City →Domestic connections
Air Panama operates flights to Bocas del Toro, David (gateway to Boquete), and other regional destinations in under an hour. Book early as capacity is limited and prices rise significantly closer to the date.
From the airport to the city
Uber is the simplest option. The drive takes 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
More Panama City guides
Where to stay in Panama City
Panama City is more spread out than most first-timers expect. Where you stay shapes your entire experience.
Day trips from Panama City
Panama City is a base, not just a destination. Here is what to do with a free day.
How to visit the Panama Canal
Planning a Panama Canal tour? Here's exactly what to expect, when to go, and whether it's worth it.
Things to do in Panama City
Here is everything worth doing in Panama City with honest advice on how long to allow and how to get there.
Best time to visit Panama
The dry season is not the only season worth going. Here is what the calendar actually looks like, region by region.
Is Panama safe?
Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America. But the answer shifts considerably depending on where you are going.