Best things to do in Panamá City

The Panamá Canal: A Modern Marvel

Miraflores Visitor Center

For most visitors, the Miraflores Visitor Center offers the most accessible and well-appointed viewpoint to witness the canal’s operations. It provides a comprehensive introduction to this feat of engineering.

• What to see: You will find multi-level observation decks for prime viewing, a detailed museum that chronicles the canal’s history from its challenging construction to its modern-day expansion, and a short 3D film that brings its story to life.
• Pro-tip: We recommend checking the canal’s transit schedule online before your visit. The most activity occurs when large vessels pass through the locks, typically between 9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.
• Logistics: From popular hotel areas like Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo, expect a travel time of 20-30 minutes. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available and are the most convenient way to get there.

Partial Canal Transit Boat Tour

For those with a keen interest in engineering and history, the partial canal transit is the ultimate immersive experience. It allows you to see the canal not just as a spectator, but as a participant in its daily maritime ballet.

• What it is: This is a 4-5 hour boat tour that navigates you through one or two sets of the Pacific-side locks, usually Miraflores and Pedro Miguel. You will experience firsthand the water level rising and falling to lift your vessel.
• What’s included: These tours typically provide lunch on board and feature a knowledgeable guide who explains the mechanics of the locks and the history of the canal as you transit through it.
• Booking: Due to its popularity, it is essential to book this tour well in advance of your travel dates to secure a place.

Historic & Scenic Districts

Casco Viejo (The Old Quarter)

A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Casco Viejo is an absolute must-visit. This vibrant, beautifully restored historic district is the heart of the city’s culture, offering a captivating atmosphere for dining, exploring, and enjoying the nightlife.

• Key Sights: Be sure to visit the Plaza de la Independencia (Cathedral Square), the scenic Plaza de Francia with its waterfront views, the legendary flat arch at Arco Chato, and the stunning golden altar at the Iglesia de San José.
• Activities: The greatest pleasure is simply strolling the cobblestone streets to admire the colonial architecture. You’ll find charming artisan shops, local cafes, and numerous rooftop bars that offer magnificent sunset views over the modern city skyline.
• Practical Tip: The streets are uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. The area is generally safe and well-policed, but as in any urban center, remain aware of your surroundings, particularly after dark.

Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)

This scenic causeway is a recreational hub, built with rock excavated during the canal’s construction. It connects the mainland to three small islands—Naos, Perico, and Flamenco—and offers a refreshing break from the city bustle.

• Best For: The causeway is ideal for a leisurely bike ride, walk, or jog. It provides fantastic, unobstructed views of the Bridge of the Americas and the impressive Panamá City skyline across the bay.
• Attractions: It is home to the visually striking, Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo, which explores Panamá’s rich biodiversity. You will also find the main ferry terminal for day trips to nearby Taboga Island.
• Dining: A variety of casual restaurants line the causeway, many of which specialize in fresh seafood served with a pleasant sea breeze and an excellent view.

Panamá Viejo

It is important to distinguish this site from Casco Viejo. Panamá Viejo is the archaeological ruin of the original 16th-century city, the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas.

• What to see: Explore the archaeological park with its partially restored ruins. The highlight is the iconic cathedral tower, which you can climb for a panoramic perspective of the historic site against the backdrop of the modern city.
• Visitor Center: The on-site museum provides valuable context, detailing the city’s founding, its importance as a Spanish colonial hub, and its eventual destruction by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.

Urban Nature & Wildlife

Metropolitan Natural Park (Parque Natural Metropolitano)

Remarkably, this protected tropical rainforest is located right within the city limits, offering a genuine jungle experience just minutes from downtown. It is often referred to as the “lung of the city.”

• Activities: The park features several well-marked hiking trails. A rewarding hike to the viewpoint at Cerro Cedro offers a stunning vista of the city, the canal, and the surrounding green canopy.
• Wildlife Spotting: For the best chance to see the park’s inhabitants, such as sloths, monkeys (including Geoffroy’s tamarins), toucans, and a variety of other tropical birds, we advise visiting early in the morning when the animals are most active.

Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancón)

As the highest point in Panamá City, Ancon Hill provides the most commanding 360-degree views available. A giant Panamanian flag proudly flies at its summit, a symbol of national sovereignty.

• The View: From the top, you can see all of the city’s major landmarks in a single panorama: the historic Casco Viejo, the gleaming modern skyline, the entrance to the Panamá Canal, and the Bridge of the Americas.
• Getting there: A steep, paved road leads to the summit. It is a pleasant, shaded walk (approximately 30-45 minutes uphill), but you can also take a taxi to the top. Note that access for private vehicles may be restricted at certain times.

Local Culture & Flavors

Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market)

For adventurous foodies, a visit to the city’s seafood market is an authentic and bustling local experience. It is a vibrant slice of daily life in Panamá City.

• The Experience: The ground floor is an active fish market where fishermen sell their daily catch directly from their boats. Upstairs, you will find several small, no-frills eateries serving incredibly fresh seafood.
• Must-Try: The classic Panamanian ceviche is the star here. Served in a simple cup with crackers or plantain chips, it is fresh, delicious, and very inexpensive.

Explore the Culinary Scene

Panamanian cuisine is a flavorful blend of Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences. It is hearty, comforting, and relies on fresh, local ingredients like yuca, corn, plantains, and seafood.

• Dishes to try: Be sure to sample Sancocho, a hearty chicken and vegetable soup considered the national dish; Ropa Vieja, a flavorful shredded beef stew; Carimañolas, savory yuca fritters often stuffed with meat; and Patacones, fried green plantains that are a staple side dish.
• Where to eat: For a truly authentic meal, seek out a local fonda—a casual, family-run eatery serving traditional dishes at excellent prices. For a more refined experience, the restaurants of Casco Viejo offer creative, modern interpretations of Panamanian fusion cuisine.