Is Panama City Worth Visiting In 2024? 21 Reasons To Visit
If you’re wondering if Panama City is worth visiting, then you’re in the right place!
Jack and I visited the city and found it to have a lot more character than we first imagined, and since there are plenty of fun things to do in Panama City, we thought we’d throw together this guide for you.
In all honesty, we hadn’t really been expecting too much. It was a means to an end, as I was sailing into the country via the San Blas Islands – a group of tropical paradise islands!
Panama City was going to be our meeting point as Jack had decided to fly instead of come sailing with me, and as with any capital city, we made it a point to stay for a few days and explore.
Discover Panama City: The Best Things To Do And Reasons Why It’s Worth Visiting.
🌟 Guess what ->> As travel experts, our experiences have led us to be great at planning travel itineraries, so much so that I offer a bespoke travel itinerary service to all my readers. Interested? See what it’s all about here on my custom itinerary page.
Is Panama City Worth Visiting?
First up, is the question of whether Panama City is worth visiting. Panama as a whole, is a beautiful country surrounded by national parks and diverse wildlife, Panama City, however, was completely unexpected.
We didn’t realise how developed the city was, in comparison to the rest of the country, it’s hard to believe they are one of the same!
Nevertheless, we did enjoy our time in Panama City. We found it to be built up and accessible with areas which were truly beautiful. It works like any other metropolis: lots of bodies, towering skyscrapers, coffee shops (including their fair share of remote workers), green parks and plazas and the old town – Casco Viejo – was something to marvel at.
⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re going to be visiting Panama City you might want to explore the rest of the country, but is Panama a country worth exploring? I think so, and here’s why!
Of course, there were ugly, dirty areas which were definitely a little seedy and not places I’d want to walk alone. However, there’s not much reason, as a tourist, that you’d ever need to visit these areas.
For a short visit, long weekend or connecting point, Panama City is worth visiting (and so is its neighbour Costa Rica) . You can expect fine dining, contemporary architecture, trendy shopping districts and hints of nature sprawled throughout a modern, bustling city.
If you love city breaks, Panama City is for you!
Are you planning a trip soon? Use my links below to book!
Accommodations – I recommend Booking.com
Flights – I recommend Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – I recommend SafetyWing
Tours/experiences – I recommend Get Your Guide
Car rental – I recommend DiscoverCars
These are all the sites I personally use to book my trips, and if you use them, some of them will earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping my site up. Thanks!
How Many Days Do You Need In The City?
I wouldn’t say you need more than 5 days in Panama City. The city is interesting and has enough attractions and entertainment for a few days but other than that, it’s just like any other capital city.
It’s a good base if you’re planning on doing tours and excursions outside of the city. Most tour agencies arrange pick-up from within the capital, so you could break up your trip by spending a few days back and forth.
We spent 3 days in Panama City and since we like to spend our time hiking, surrounded by nature or on beaches, 3 days was plenty. If you have similar goals then you might want to consider a shorter visit too.
⭐ Pro tip >> If you fancy it, a great way to see the city is to get on the hop-on-hop-off bus and go around the sites. This is also a great way to start your trip and get your bearings!
TOP-RATED ACTIVITIES IN PANAMA CITY
21 Reasons To Visit Panama City
Since we’ve determined that Panama City is worth visiting, the next thing you’re going to need is a list of fun and interesting things to do there.
I bring forth my 21 best things to do in Panama City just for you!
1. Visit The Panama Canal At Miraflores – Popular Thing To Do
Of course, number one on my list is a visit to the Panama Canal. The closest viewing dock is at Miraflores, around 30 minutes outside the city centre.
Note: You can use a taxi to get there, it’s really really cheap – $6.58. Panama uses the USA Dollar, so all my costs will be the same.
The Panama Canal is one of the seven man-made wonders of the world and really is quite the engineering feat everyone makes it out to be. There’s a small museum and two viewing decks where you can watch the ships pass through the canal.
⭐ Pro tip >> If you don’t want to visit the Panama Canal on your own there are some fab options to go on Panama Canal guided tour! We’ve hand-picked the best of the bunch and put it together in a Panama Canal tour guide here.
2. Hike The Metropolitan Nature Park Trails
Not far from the Miraflores viewing station is an area of unspoiled forest. It’s a beautiful slice of nature that feels so disconnected from the city while being right in the middle!
There are a few walking trails but they all converge at the same point, which is a viewing point right at the top of the park. It’s a really nice place to get a photo of Panama’s skyscrapers in the distance.
Another fantastic thing about this park is that there’s a lot of wildlife, including sloths (which we didn’t see) but many others, which we did see! The best time to visit is in the morning when the animals are out foraging for food.
3. Sundowners At Panaviera Roof Top Bar (Trump Tower @ Punta Pacifica)
One of the best things to do in Panama City is to enjoy the sunset at one of the city’s fantastic rooftop bars. The Old Town is known for its rooftop bars however the city boasts some incredible skyscrapers which offer even better panoramics!
Head to the Trump Tower and you’ll be able to see the sunset over the Panama City skyline which is something majestic, plus they do pretty decent daiquiris too…
4. Stroll Around The Old Town (Casco Viejo)
Casco Viejo is the historic district of Panama City and somewhere we enjoyed visiting. It’s a really pretty part of Panama City, bursting with colonial buildings many of which have been restored.
Mixed within the newly restored are old churches and ruined buildings creating a place which is truly a dynamic mixture of heritage. Considered a World Heritage Site in 1997 it attracts a lot of well-deserved hype.
It’s well known for its gastronomy, rooftop bars and boutique shops which make it a great place to spend an afternoon. There are a few notable spots which are worth a visit during your wander; I’ll breeze over them below.
🌟 My top pick >> You might want to explore the old city with a local guide instead. If so check out these carefully selected tours which will take you around Panama City’s best sites!
5. Plaza de la Independencia
Independence Square is the main plaza in Casco Viejo which attracts tourists and locals. The plaza is encircled by museums and the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica.
6. Plaza de Francia
Right at the point of the southern tip of Casco Viejo, you’ll find Plaza de Francia. It showcases a wonderful monument which pays homage to the French role in the construction of the Panama Canal.
7. Museo de la Mola – A Unique Thing To Do In Panama City
What is the Guna Mola? A Mola is traditionally a dress or shirt typically worn by women from the indigenous Guna people. It’s known for its colourful and intricate design depicting emblems expressive of Mother Nature.
The Mola Museum is in the heart of Casco Viejo and showcases handcrafted works of art and the history of the craft, its importance to the people and the technique used to create them.
Outside of the museum, you will be able to pick up molas (which will be cheaper than inside the museum) for around $10 – $20 depending on the size of the fabric.
8. Convent Santo Domingo
Is a building full of history dating back hundreds of years to the 1570s. It’s the best-preserved church of the ruins of Panamá Viejo – the original city of Panama (see below).
The convent was run by nuns before the city was ransacked and the convent set fire. It’s free to enter and makes for an interesting half-hour of wanders!
9. Head To Panama Viejo – Cultural Activity In Panama City
The former capital of Panama City, Panama Viejo is all that remains after the city’s destruction in 1671 by the Welsh privateer Henry Morgan. It’s found on the northern fringe of Panama City and is worth a visit!
You can visit Panama Viejo on a guided tour or walk around alone; either way, it’s best to visit the ruins before entering the well-informed and engaging museum (which luckily has its information in English as well) so you can picture and follow which areas are being discussed.
There’s a $10 entrance fee.
⭐ Pro tip >> It’s possible to get a private tour of Panama’s historical and famous sites, this one has excellent reviews and takes you around Panama Viejo, Casco Viejo and the Panama Canal! Also, a traditional Panamanian lunch with locals is included… love, love, love.
✅ However, if you want a guided tour with hotel pick-up to Panama Viejo, this one might suit you better (it’s also cheaper!)
10. Go On A Panamanian Tasting Tour
We love food! Jack has more control than I do, evidenced by the fact I can’t walk past stalls selling concoctions of dishes I’ve never seen and absolutely have to try everything (I love tapas) whereas he will wait, but where’s the fun in that?!
Nevertheless, Panamanian cuisine is a mix of African, Spanish, and Native American flavours. All of the ingredients highlight its diverse population, and flavours introduced and combined through the years create some truly unique dishes.
😋 If you fancy a tasting tour I’ve found this “Real” Panamanian Tasting Tour which promises to indulge your inner foodie. You’ll be tastings dishes like sancocho and carimañolas, chicheme and tamales, local beer and coffee, sopa de pata and ceviche!
11. Bike Along Cinta Costera – a Fun Activity In Panama City
Cinta Costera (Coastal Beltway) is a 7km stretch of land which runs along Panama Bay and includes international gardens (such as a Japanese zen garden), multiple bike lanes, sports fields, lookouts and traditional restaurants.
Something which shouldn’t be missed is the famous raspa’o panameño – crushed ice bathed in condensed milk and fruit flavours – at Anayansi plaza.
Biking along the Cinta Costera is a nice way to experience Panama Bay. You can pick up a rental bike for 24hrs at about $20 otherwise it’s $5 an hour. Extend your bike ride and continue along the Amador Causeway below…
12. Bike The Amador Causeway
This is a great place to visit if you want some fresh air and wonderful views. There are lots of restaurants to grab lunch but make to check the weather before you go, as rain will not be kind to you on this activity!
One thing you have to try is the coconut milkshake at any one of the restaurants! You don’t have to cycle as it’s possible to walk too or you can drive to the end but I think the best way is on a bike.
13. Discover The Biomuseo
The museum focuses on the natural history of Panama and is a great immersive experience for all ages. You’ll learn about the culture, people and places that make Panama so special and all about the important role of the Isthmus which allowed for the creation of the Panama Canal.
What is an Isthmus? A narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of land.
14. Centro Natural Punta Culebra
A relatively small nature centre but you will get to see sloths, butterflies and many, many birds. If you’re heading along the Amador Causeway this is a good place to make a stop but I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit as there are other natural places to visit such as the Metropolitan Nature Park.
⭐ Pro tip >> Be sure to check opening times as they are constantly changing. You can check the website here.
15. Brave The Seafood Market – A Unique Thing To Do In Panama City
Mercado de Mariscos in Panama City is Panama’s main seafood market. You can find two areas; the first is where you can find freshly caught fish for sale while the other is a string of restaurants.
You won’t find fancy restaurants, however, think more of Jimbaran fish markets in Bali rather than Sydney’s fish markets in Pyrmont! Even so, the dish of choice is ceviche. Raw fish cooked in citrus juices with a side of fries to be enjoyed with a Panamanian beer.
16. Shop Till You Drop In San Francisco Neighbourhood
If you’re searching for a chic area to do some shopping and indulge your inner foodie then San Francisco is where you want to be. Known for its upbeat entertainment and food scene the neighbourhood is a fun and buzzing area.
You’ll find Panama’s biggest shopping mall, a cinema and all levels of eateries from food trucks to fine dining experiences! This is a good place to spend some much-earned holiday cash…
17. Walk To The Top Of Ancon Hill
Probably one of the more popular lookouts and nature reserves to visit in Panama City, it has two accesses, Pueblito and Quarry Heights. If you’re visiting via taxi the easiest trailhead to locate is Pueblito
The hill is only 199 metres high, which means climbing to the top is relatively easy. It takes around 40 minutes; however, expect high humidity. If you’re lucky, you might spot some sloths!
An interesting fact: Ancón Hill is an area that was used for the administration of the Panama Canal. It was under U.S. jurisdiction as part of the Panama Canal Zone until being returned to Panama in 1977!
Day Trips From Panama City
If you’re planning to head to Panama City for a long holiday then it’s worth visiting some of the islands and historical sites outside of the city. You can take day trips to explore further afield or sometimes a multi-day trip might be worthwhile!
18. Relax On The San Blas Islands – Don’t Miss This Activity
As briefly mentioned in the intro, I came to Panama via these idyllic islands from Colombia and let me tell you, they are heaven! They are truly somewhere which shouldn’t be missed off your Panama City itinerary.
From the city, it’s possible to take a day trip over, although this will require a lot of travel and will be a long day. If you’re strapped for time, this is a good way to visit them.
However, if you have time I would suggest taking a multi-day trip as they really are somewhere you’re going to want to stay and disconnect! Here are some options.
👉 Since I absolutely loved my San Blas Islands experience, I thought it only right to put together the ultimate guide showcasing the best San Blas Island tours from Panama City. So you can enjoy these paradise islands too!
19. Visit The Fort Of Portabelo
I actually drove past this UNESCO World Heritage Site unaware of what it was at the time just thinking to myself, “Oooo interesting ruins”! These fortifications on the Caribbean coast form part of the defence system built by the Spanish Crown to protect transatlantic trade.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get the opportunity to revisit them however they hold cultural importance and are magnificent examples of 17th and 18th-century military architecture.
So, if you are a history buff and love colonial military architecture you’re sure to enjoy this site!
✅ It’s in the Province of Colon which is on the Caribbean side of Panama but makes for a great day trip. Check out this tour of Portobelo, relax on the beautiful beach and, of course, discover the ruins!!
20. Head To Monkey Island
A popular day trip from Panama City is to visit Monkey Island. Located on the Chagres River it’s a 35-minute boat ride to the islands which boast three species of monkeys and a whole load of other wildlife from sloths to crocs!
The tours on offer are generally half days with a morning or afternoon departure, we suggest you do the morning tour to get a better chance of seeing the monkeys and not get struck by the heat.
✅ Viator, which is a popular tour booking platform, offers this Monkey Island Tour from Panama City.
✅ I also found a combined full-day Monkey Island with an indigenous tribe tour which sounds pretty epic and something which might interest you!
21. Bird Watching at Soberania National Park
Another popular day trip is a visit to Soberania National Park. This lush tropical rainforest is only 25 km from Panama City and is full of nature trails and abundant in exotic wildlife.
In fact, it’s one of the best places to go bird-watching from Panama City! You are guaranteed to see lots of birds and monkeys, and possibly sloths ( if you’re lucky).
⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re interested in the Soberania National Park Day Tour, you can click on the link to find out more information, costs and what’s included.
Planning Your Trip To Panama
To help you plan your trip to Panama, we’ve gathered some useful information below, including where to stay, when to visit, and how much to budget! Have a great trip, and if you have any questions, get in touch, and we’ll try to help as much as we can.
Where To Stay In Panama City?
Jack and I stayed in a hostel in the El Cangrejo neighbourhood and it was okay. I would have much preferred a stay in the old town.
Casco Viejo is more expensive than other areas, hence why we stayed where we did. However, if you can afford it then it is the place to be.
⭐ Pro tip >> Although we didn’t stay at all of these recommendations, I have done a lot of research, and we’re happy to recommend them to you. Feel free to do your own research by clicking here.
Where We Stayed: Blu Hostel
The reviews are exceptional for this hostel. Set within a residential zone block building, this hostel was actually really well located. It was close to the metro and had a lot of restaurants, hip bars and vibrant nightlife, but it was very basic and had no pool, which made it affordable!
It wasn’t difficult for us to get around and although the hostel didn’t have much going on it was comfortable, very clean and the staff were friendly.
Budget Suggestion: Hostel Mamallena
The reviews for this hostel are excellent: “A very neat place. I loved the location. Very close to many places. The staff were very useful. I liked everything. Nice people. I made good friends!”
Mid-Range Suggestion: Selina Casco Viejo
The reviews for this hostel are very good. “Selina is a large chain of co-working/living hostels worldwide. A very great social place to stay. Fun events, tasty restaurant and nice co-work spaces.”
Something A Bit Nicer: Plaza Paitilla Inn
The reviews are excellent for this hotel. Guests especially like how good the breakfast is. ” Breakfast was good , more choices can be added Must try the Friday night buffet, the Karaoke was excellent”.
Resources For Panama
Is it your first time visiting Panama? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Panama Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:
- Firstly, read this post to find out why we think the whole country is worth exploring.
- If you want to know more about the San Blas Islands, this is a review of my trip.
- I’ve also put together a list of the best San Blas Islands tours for you.
- Panama is a fun country to explore; I’ve written a 2-week itinerary to help you plan.
- For excursion ideas in the city, check out these Panama Canal tours and the best Panama boat trips.
- One location we enjoyed visiting was Boquete. I’ve written a hotel guide and things to do guide for you.
- If you’re backpacking and want to use public transport to get around, try this guide to get to Playa Venao.
- Playa Venao is a beach location we love; it’s great for surfing!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Panama?
Panama has a tropical climate which means it’s hot all year round. In Panama City, the monthly average temperature ranges from 27 °C (80.5 °F) in October and November to 28.5 °C (83 °F) in April.
The January-April period is the hottest, driest and sunniest of the year, although the humidity is lower than in the rainy period. The hottest months are March and April.
- Dry Season: From December to April, expect the weather to be like a hot summer with no rain and temperatures around 27°C – 28.5°C.
- Wet Season: From May to November, expect the weather to be hot and humid, especially in low-lying regions.
Our full weather guide on visiting Panama, we’ve written about each month in detail so you can plan your perfect trip!
Is It Expensive To Visit Panama City?
For us, travelling as budget backpackers, Panama was expensive. We had come from Asia (which was ridiculously cheaper) before spending a month in Colombia (which was a little cheaper). So if you were to ask us, we would say Panama City is expensive.
If you’re travelling to the city on a holiday then it’s likely to be your average-priced vacation. It’s worth knowing that visiting Panama City is more expensive than the rest of the country, especially in areas such as Playa Venao and Boquete which are still developing – but don’t expect Asia prices!
👉 Related Post: Have you heard of Boquete before? If not, it’s a great place in Panama high in the mountains with unbeatable views and fantastic for hiking. Fancy going? Check out the Best Boquete Panama Hotels now by here!
One thing which is cheap in Panama City is transportation. We used a mix of the Panama Metro Rail and Metro Bus which runs as efficiently as any western country.
To put it into perspective here are some typical costs we picked up from our travels.
| Washing (wash and dry) | $6.00 |
| Typical train journey – one direction | $1.00 |
| Pizza (large) | $11.00 |
| Taxi to Miraflores | $6.38 |
| Museum entry | $15.00 |
| Metropolitan Park Fee | $4.00 |
| Meal and Glass of Wine | $20.00 |
| Cocktail (typical) | $8.00-$10.00 |
| Panama Sim Card | $5.00 |
Are There Any Reasons Not To Visit?
Okay, listen up, if you know you don’t like cities or you’re someone who enjoys a slow pace, outdoor adventures and nature then Panama City is not going to be for you!
However, international flights will fly into Panama City and so even if it’s only for a night or two – since you will already be there – I’d say it’s worth a quick stop. Just because there are some nice areas to visit (Casco Viejo, cough).
Another reason you might want to skip it is if you’re travelling on a budget. Panama isn’t the most budget-friendly travel destination, especially if you’re coming to the end of your trip like we were! Sigh.
That being said, there are free and more affordable ways to explore the city which won’t cost you an arm and a leg! Simple things like exploring the old town and the causeway on bikes to the churches, museums (some) and Metropolitan Park are fun and inexpensive.
Is Panama City Worth Visiting FAQs
Panama City is best known for the Panama Canal. It’s also famous for its Panama Hats, which between you and me aren’t actually from Panama! They originate from Ecuador and still do, however, the name has stuck.
It’s also a popular city for luxury holidays, shopping and island-hopping adventures!
Panama is known for its chocolate, hiking trails and diverse wildlife and flora; such as the sloth, which can be spotted even within the city at places like the Metropolitan Park.
Due to its location in Central America, many people think of Panama City as being dangerous. In truth, the city has one of the lowest crime rates in the whole of Latin America.
It does have its fair share of gang-related crime however this rarely affects or is aimed towards tourists. The most common type of crime in Panama City (and Panama) is a petty crime; pickpocketing and muggings.
To make sure you’re not targeted remain vigilant. Don’t take out expensive belongings or large amounts of cash. Keep alert in busy tourist sites and shopping areas; Calidonia, Casco Viejo, Via España, Avenida Central and Albrook Mall in particular.
The districts of San Miguelito, El Chorillo and Juan Diaz are known to have the most street crime and are areas best avoided. You can find more information on the Government website here.
Absolutely, Panama is an incredible country, diverse and cultural. Once we left Panama City we headed for the beach of Playa Venao on the Pacific Coast where we spent a few days surfing and then into the mountains of Boquete chasing waterfalls. We got to see both the coast and the mountains and loved every part of it, so much so, that visiting Panama again is high on the Agenda!
Conclusion: Is Panama City Worth Visiting
If you enjoy cities and the fast pace at which they move, a touch of history, shopping and an expensive but buzzing social scene then you’re going to enjoy Panama City.
For us, Panama City was worth visiting but only for a short period. It’s not somewhere we would likely go again, (although never say never – I wouldn’t mind revisiting the Casco Viejo with a bit more expendable cash!).
I say this, as I think there are so many more beautiful places outside of the city, such as the small but quaint town of Boquete, to discover.
That being said, Panama as a whole is certainly somewhere I would visit again and would strongly recommend the country to anyone who asks!
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