Overview

The vibrant capital city of the country of Panama, Panama City, is a fascinating destination that has so much more to offer than just the Panama Canal that most people think (although that is pretty incredible!). So many travelers use this city as a stopover point for other adventures, but they are truly missing out.

The city’s epic skyline is dotted with sleek skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and business towers. At the same time, its historic district, Casco Viejo, a big part of the appeal to the city, offers a charming blend of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and bustling plazas. Visitors can also explore cultural landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Panama Canal Museum, and nearby Miraflores Locks for a close-up view of canal operations.

Panama City has a great reputation for its popular cosmopolitan dining scene, lively nightlife, and access to natural sites like the nearby rainforest of Metropolitan Natural Park. And the coastal islands of the Pearl Archipelago. This lively capital brings a unique mix of global energy with local culture, making is an incredible destination to explore.

Things to See & Do

Take a hop-on and hop-off tour of Panama City. The tour highlights 12 fabulous destinations around the city, including Casco Antiguo, Iglesia Nuestra Senora de La Merced, Museo del Canal Interoceanico, Biomuseo Frank Gehry, Albrook Mall and Amphora Duty-Free shop. The tour takes 2 hours and gives you a great overview of what Panama City has to offer.

Travel 30 minutes outside of the city and saturate yourself in various jungle adventures or merely disconnect yourself from the city. Gamboa is the starting point amid the rainforest and the Chagres River, which feeds Gatun Lake. Located on the Pacific side near to the Panama Canal, this small town originally served as housing for the Canal employees and their families. Today, it's home to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Discover the Panama Canal, one of the greatest feats of modern engineering, an icon of Panama, and a must-see spot. Built in the early 20th century to link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Canal developed an important shortcut for ships and has played a significant role in world trade and the global economy. The most visited place is the Miraflores Locks, where you will find the Canal Museum, videos that explain its operation, and a viewpoint for watching ships of all sizes make their way through the canal.

Stroll through Casco Viejo ('Casco Antiguo'), Panama's historical and cultural district that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. This is one of the highlights of the city; there is something about the sea breeze mixed with the rich history and culture that provides a truly special feeling when wandering through these narrow alleyways. You will find beautiful buildings - some undergoing restoration, and others completely restored - and there are many charming restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels, and craft shops. Casco Viejo has a colonial architecture, neoclassical and Art Deco buildings, which makes it different from old towns such as Cartagena or Quito. Visit the nearby San Jose Church, which is one of the most important and ancient places in both Casco Viejo and all of Panama. An exact replica of the church of the same name that once stood in Panama Viejo (Old Panama) protects the golden altar, the only relic that was salvaged when pirate Henry Morgan ransacked the old city.

Before the U.S. constructed the Panama Canal, the French made an attempt to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Located on the south end of Casco Viejo, Plaza de Francia (also known as 'Las Bovedas) praises that attempt and to the thousands who died in the process. In addition to the square's historic importance, there is a beautiful path above the panels, known as Paseo de Las Bovedas, which makes a wonderful place to sit and look out over the big Puente de last Americas and the boats waiting to pass through the canal.

The San Blas Islands are one of Panama’s most breathtaking destinations, offering postcard-perfect beaches and clear waters. Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, this archipelago is made up of over 300 islands, all part of the autonomous Guna Yala territory, home to the indigenous Guna people. While a multi-day stay allows for deeper immersion in the island’s serene beauty, even a single-day trip promises an unforgettable experience. For the best value, choose a tour that includes visits to three different islands along with lunch. Highlights include Isla Perro Grande, known for the sunken shipwreck you can snorkel around, as well as Isla Perro Chico, the Natural Pool, and Isla Chichime, each offering a slice of Caribbean paradise. For the fullest experience, plan to depart early in the morning to maximize your time in this idyllic setting.

Explore the Mercado de Mariscos, situated next to the public pier, this is the city’s main fish market where you can enjoy fresh ceviche and seafood. The most common fish eaten by Panamanians is corvina, or you can also ask for Pargo Rojo - both are really delicious.

Explore Panama La Vieja (Old Panama), which was founded in 1519, the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. It was destroyed in 1617 by the infamous pirate Henry Morgan, and in 2003 the ruins were declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2003. Close to the ruins is the museum that displays archaeological artifacts and tells about the city's history. Enjoy the busy waterfront boulevard and one of Panama's main streets, Cinta Costera, one of the city's most recognized public spaces because of its length and location. There is a lovely park with a footpath and cycle path bordering the sea, where many people go to exercise or enjoy the view.

Make your way to Amador Causeway, which connects the city with four little islands (Naos, Culebra, Perico, and Flamenco) in the Pacific area. It was built with rocks that were excavated during the Canal construction. Panamanians come here to get a bit of exercise, walking, cycling, jogging, or skating. Whatever you choose to do, the sea breeze will keep you company, as will amazing views of the Canal and the Panama Bay.

Shopping

Shopping in Panama City caters to all tastes and budgets. The city offers a mix of luxury malls, modern shopping centers, bustling local markets, and artisan boutiques. For high-end fashion, Multiplaza Pacific Mall features international designer brands like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, while Albrook Mall, one of the largest in Latin America, offers hundreds of stores ranging from affordable fashion to electronics, and even has entertainment options like a cinema and bowling alley. For a more local and cultural experience, shoppers can explore the Casco Viejo district, where charming boutiques and artisan shops sell handmade jewelry, textiles, and indigenous crafts, including the famous molas created by the Guna people. Street markets and the Mercado de Artesanías near Balboa are also great places to find souvenirs and traditional Panamanian goods.

Nightlife

Panama City offers a lively nightlife scene, with three main districts: Casco Viejo, the Business District (Calle Uruguay and Vía Argentina), and the San Francisco neighborhood. Casco Viejo is the spot to be, an atmospheric UNESCO-listed quarter where colonial streets transform at night into hubs of rooftop bars and clubs. These clubs offer a mix of cocktails, live DJs, or local tunes. Sip mojitos in intimate plazas, mingle in art gallery lounges, and dance until late in high-energy nightclubs.

Meanwhile, downtown, along Calle Uruguay and Vía Argentina, offers a more local scene ideal for bar-hopping, casual drinks, and mingling with expats. San Francisco has a trendier, more relaxed vibe with cocktail lounges and trendy eateries, though fewer full-scale clubs.