PANAMA CITY
Panama City is the high-octane heart of Central America, where gleaming glass skyscrapers meet the salt-air charm of a colonial past. It is a world-class capital defined by its legendary canal.
This cosmopolitan hub offers a unique fusion of three distinct eras. From pirate-pillaged ruins to trendy historic alleys and a sprawling modern skyline, it is a city of constant, vibrant evolution.
Most Popular Attractions
Historic Core & Colonial Heritage:
Casco Viejo (San Felipe): The city’s historic heart, a UNESCO site filled with pastel-colored colonial buildings and vibrant plazas.
Metropolitan Cathedral: A grand twin-towered basilica in Plaza de la Independencia, showcasing intricate colonial architecture.
Iglesia de San José: Famous for its “Golden Altar,” which legend says was painted black to hide it from pirate Henry Morgan.
Plaza de Francia: A beautiful square dedicated to the French effort to build the canal, offering panoramic bay views.
Teatro Nacional: An opulent performing arts venue featuring stunning ceiling frescoes by Panamanian artist Roberto Lewis.
Palacio de las Garzas: The official residence of the President, named for the herons that roam the courtyard.
Convento de la Compañía de Jesús: The atmospheric ruins of an 18th-century Jesuit convent and church.
Panama Viejo: The archaeological ruins of the original city, destroyed by pirates in 1671.
The Panama Canal & Engineering Marvels:
Miraflores Locks: The most popular visitor center for watching massive container ships transit the canal’s Pacific locks.
Panama Canal Museum: Located in a historic building in Casco Viejo, detailing the epic saga of the canal’s construction.
Bridge of the Americas: The iconic steel bridge connecting the two continents at the canal’s Pacific entrance.
Agua Clara Locks: A modern visitor center on the Caribbean side showcasing the massive Neo-Panamax expansions.
Modern Districts & Urban Landmarks:
Amador Causeway: A scenic four-mile road connecting four islands, perfect for walking, cycling, and dining.
Biomuseo: A world-class science museum designed by Frank Gehry, celebrating Panama’s impact on global biodiversity.
F&F Tower (El Tornillo): An architectural icon in the financial district known for its striking “screw” shape.
Cinta Costera: A waterfront park and beltway offering a lush escape for joggers and incredible skyline views.
Mercado de Mariscos: The bustling local fish market where you can enjoy the city’s freshest ceviche.
Punta Pacifica: An ultra-modern neighborhood home to some of the tallest residential skyscrapers in Latin America.
Nature & Province Day Trips:
Ancon Hill: The highest point in the city, offering a hike through tropical forest to reach 360-degree views.
Metropolitan Natural Park: A massive tropical rainforest located entirely within the city limits.
Soberanía National Park: A world-renowned birdwatching destination just a short drive from the downtown core.
Taboga Island: Known as the “Island of Flowers,” a short ferry ride away with beaches and a colorful village.
Monkey Island: Located in Gatun Lake, where visitors can see howlers and capuchins in their natural habitat.
Chagres National Park: Home to the indigenous Emberá communities who share their culture and traditions with visitors.
Activities & Experiences
Watch Ships Pass Through the Panama Canal: Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to witness massive cargo ships being lifted through the locks from the observation decks.
Explore the Ruins of Panamá Viejo: Wander through the remains of the original city, founded in 1519 and destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.
Take a Walking Tour of Casco Viejo: Explore the UNESCO-listed historic district’s cobblestone streets, colonial plazas, and the famous “Golden Altar” at Iglesia de San José.
Hike up Ancón Hill: Trek to the highest point in the city for panoramic views of the skyline, the canal, and the Bridge of the Americas, while spotting sloths and toucans along the way.
Bike the Amador Causeway: Rent a bicycle or a four-wheeled pedal cart to ride this 6-kilometer road connecting four islands, offering great ocean breezes and city views.
Visit the Biomuseo: Explore the world-renowned, brightly colored museum designed by Frank Gehry, which details how the Panamanian isthmus changed the world’s biodiversity.
Eat Ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos: Join the locals at the bustling seafood market for a cup of fresh ceviche and a cold beer at the outdoor stalls.
Escape to Metropolitan Natural Park: Experience a tropical rainforest within city limits, featuring well-marked trails perfect for birdwatching and seeing Geoffroy’s tamarins.
Take a Boat Trip to Monkey Island: Head to Gatun Lake to see various species of monkeys, including capuchins and howlers, in their natural habitat.
Visit an Emberá Indigenous Village: Take a traditional dugout canoe up the Chagres River to meet the Emberá people, learn about their culture, and enjoy a traditional lunch.
Day Trip to Taboga Island: Hop on a ferry from the Amador Causeway to the “Island of Flowers” for a day of beach lounging and exploring its quaint, car-free village.
Local Tips & Transport
The Metro is Your Best Friend: Panama City has the only metro system in Central America. It is clean, air-conditioned, and incredibly cheap ($0.35 per ride). Use it to bypass the city’s notorious traffic jams.
The MiBus System: The city’s white-and-orange buses (MetroBus) cover almost every corner. You must purchase a rechargeable RapiPass card at a station or pharmacy beforehand, as drivers do not accept cash.
Uber vs. Taxis: Yellow taxis are plentiful but do not use meters; you must negotiate the fare before getting in. For a safer, fixed-price experience with air conditioning, Uber and DiDi are widely used and very reliable.
Walking Constraints: While Casco Viejo and the Amador Causeway are pedestrian paradises, the rest of the city is not very walkable due to heat, uneven sidewalks, and aggressive traffic. Stick to the Cinta Costera for long, scenic walks.
From the Airport: Tocumen International (PTY) is about 20-30 minutes from downtown. Use Uber or a registered “Tourism Taxi” (white cars) for a flat rate. There is also an airport bus that connects to the Albrook Metro Station for budget travelers.
The “Rainy Season” Reality: From May to December, expect heavy downpours in the afternoon. They usually last an hour or two; use this time to visit a museum or a mall (like the massive Albrook Mall) and carry a sturdy umbrella.
Dress Code: Despite the heat, Panamanians tend to dress “urban chic.” While shorts are fine for sightseeing, locals often wear long pants and stylish tops. Avoid wearing flip-flops or swimwear in the city center or upscale restaurants.
Dining Customs: Lunch is the main meal of the day, often featuring a Menu del Día. For dinner, locals eat around 8 PM. Tipping is generally 10% and is often already included in the bill as “Servicio.”
The “US Dollar” Economy: Panama uses the US Dollar as its official currency (locally called the Balboa). Keep small bills ($1, $5, $10) handy, as many small shops and taxis struggle to give change for $20 bills or higher.
Hidden Gems:
- Paseo de las Bóvedas: A beautiful bougainvillea-covered walkway at the tip of Casco Viejo with the best views of the sunset over the Pacific.
- Sabores del Chorrillo: A local food court near the stadium where you can get the city’s best fried fish and patacones (fried plantains) at local prices.
- Museo de la Mola: A small, free museum in Casco Viejo dedicated to the intricate textile art of the Guna people.
- Taboga Island’s San Pedro Church: Visit what is claimed to be the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere, located on a quiet street on Taboga Island.
Top Restaurants
El Trapiche [$15-$25] – A quintessential Panama City institution in the El Cangrejo neighborhood serving authentic Panamanian staples like sancocho and ropa vieja in a warm, wood-paneled setting.
Café Coca-Cola [$10-$20] – The oldest cafe in Panama City, located on the edge of Casco Viejo, offering a legendary, no-frills historic atmosphere where locals gather for affordable breakfasts and classic sandwiches.
Mercado de Mariscos [$10-$20] – Located at the end of the Cinta Costera, this lively fish market features outdoor stalls where you can enjoy the city’s freshest and most affordable ceviche while watching the fishing boats.
Mercado San Felipe Neri [$8-$15] – A bustling public market in the Santa Ana district featuring small fondas that serve hearty, traditional lunches like arroz con pollo to the local working crowd.
Niko’s Café [$10-$20] – A 24-hour local legend with several city locations, including Balboa, known for its cafeteria-style service and famous club sandwiches that satisfy late-night cravings.
Restaurante Napoli [$15-$25] – A beloved, decades-old Italian-Panamanian spot near the National Institute known for its old-school service and generous portions of pizza and pasta favored by local families.
Pio Pio [$5-$12] – The ultimate Panamanian fast-food chain found throughout the city, famous among locals for its crispy fried chicken and sancocho at unbeatable prices.
Sabores del Chorrillo [$10-$20] – A colorful open-air food court along the Amador Causeway where local cooks from the El Chorrillo neighborhood serve up traditional fried fish and patacones with ocean views.
Costa Azul [$15-$25] – A classic 24/7 diner in the Campo Alegre area that has served as a meeting point for generations of Panamanians looking for a reliable late-night meal.
El Mundo del Pan [$5-$15] – A popular, budget-friendly bakery and eatery on Via Argentina in El Cangrejo, perfect for a quick lunch of traditional empanadas or a simple daily special.
Fonda Pritty Pritty [$10-$20] – A hidden gem in the San Francisco neighborhood that offers authentic Panamanian home cooking, including thick soups and slow-cooked meats, in a simple and friendly environment.
Tinajas [$25-$40] – A traditional restaurant in the Bella Vista district that pairs regional Panamanian dishes with nightly folklore dance performances in a colonial-style setting.
Fonda Lo Que Hay [$25-$45] – A trendy, award-winning spot in Casco Viejo that reinterprets traditional Panamanian “fonda” dishes with high-end techniques in a casual, vibrant space.
Intimo [$40-$70] – An intimate “farm-to-table” restaurant in San Francisco with a 90/10 philosophy, where 90% of the ingredients are sourced locally to create innovative, seasonal tasting menus.
Cantina del Tigre [$30-$55] – A modern and lively cantina in the San Francisco neighborhood that puts a creative, chef-driven spin on classic Panamanian appetizers and seafood dishes.
Kaandela [$35-$60] – A high-energy restaurant in Casco Viejo focused on wood-fired cooking, offering a bold menu of shared plates that highlight local Panamanian produce and fire-grilled meats.
Casa Escondida [$25-$45] – A charming and somewhat “hidden” house in San Francisco that serves creative comfort food and innovative cocktails in a lush, garden-like setting.
Duo [$30-$50] – A chic and modern dining destination in Casco Viejo that fuses local ingredients with Mediterranean techniques, perfect for a stylish night out.
Maito [$60-$90] – Ranked among Latin America’s best, this Coco del Mar landmark explores Panama’s diverse culinary identity by blending indigenous, Afro-Antillean, and Asian influences.
Tacos La Neta [$20-$35] – A hip rooftop spot in Casco Viejo offering a playful, Panamanian take on Mexican street food with incredible views of the city skyline.
Brutto [$35-$60] – A sophisticated and fashionable restaurant in San Francisco known for its creative sushi rolls, inventive small plates, and a high-energy social atmosphere.
Azahar [$45-$80] – A stunning “secret” restaurant in the Avenida Balboa area entered through a florist’s freezer, offering high-end fusion cuisine and spectacular views of the Bay of Panama.
La Posta [$35-$60] – A vibrant and elegant bistro in the Calle Uruguay area that blends Italian tradition with fresh Panamanian seafood in a space that feels like a classic social club.
Salvaje [$50-$90] – A glamorous rooftop venue in Casco Viejo that combines wild decor, live performances, and high-end Japanese fusion cuisine for a full sensory experience.
Lazotea [$30-$50] – A trendy rooftop restaurant and bar in Casco Viejo offering creative Latin fusion dishes and a pool-side lounge area with panoramic views.
Makoto [$70-$120] – A world-class Japanese restaurant in the Obarrio district featuring a sleek rooftop terrace and expertly crafted sushi and robata dishes.
Donde José [$80-$130] – A very exclusive and intimate 16-seat tasting counter in Casco Viejo that tells the story of Panama’s history and biodiversity through a series of storytelling courses.
Santa Rita [$40-$75] – A sophisticated fusion of Spanish and Argentinian cuisines located in Casco Viejo, offering top-tier steaks and a refined wine list in a romantic, historic building.
La Vespa Vista Mare [$35-$60] – An upscale Italian restaurant at Punta Pacifica with a stunning oceanfront terrace, known for its authentic pastas and high-quality seafood.
Caliope Steakhouse [$50-$90] – A glamorous restaurant located in the historic Teatro Amador in Casco Viejo, offering an artistic approach to fine dining and premium cuts of meat.
Cabana [$50-$90] – A luxury Italian-influenced restaurant on the 9th floor of a skyscraper in the Yacht Club tower, offering upscale dining with floor-to-ceiling views of the Pacific Ocean.
Tejas [$60-$100] – Located in the JW Marriott (formerly the Trump Tower) in Punta Pacifica, this high-end seafood restaurant specializes in elegant Latin-inspired dishes.
Esa Flaca Rica [$15-$25] – A famous gourmet food truck in San Francisco that has gained a cult following for its creative, oversized burgers and local street food twists.
Palacio Lung Fung [$20-$40] – A massive and iconic Chinese restaurant in the Bethania area, famous for having the most traditional and bustling weekend Dim Sum experience in the city.
La Fabrica [$20-$35] – An industrial-chic microbrewery and gastropub in Casco Viejo offering craft beers brewed on-site and a menu of creative pub favorites.
Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar [$15-$30] – A charming, vintage-style rum bar in Casco Viejo that serves locally distilled craft rum and Caribbean-inspired small plates.
La Nave tBier Klooster [$15-$30] – A unique Belgian-inspired food truck and beer garden in the Marbella district, known for its extensive craft beer list and gourmet burgers.
Golden Unicorn [$25-$45] – Perched on a high floor in the Paitilla area, this upscale Chinese restaurant is a local favorite for its refined dim sum and panoramic city views.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar: Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, this is Panama’s first dedicated craft rum bar. It offers a vintage, Caribbean vibe with house-distilled spirits and a “neighborhood” feel.
Lazotea Rooftop: Perched atop a building in the historic Casco Antiguo, this trendy spot features a pool, live DJs, and creative signature cocktails paired with a panoramic view of the modern city skyline.
Selina Rooftop: Situated in the vibrant Casco Viejo district, this high-energy terrace is a favorite for travelers and locals alike, offering eclectic décor, craft cocktails, and some of the best sunset views in the city.
The Strangers Club: Founded by a group of world-class bartenders from New York, this stylish Casco Viejo bar focuses on precision mixology and high-end hospitality in a beautifully restored colonial building.
La Rana Dorada (Casco): While famous for its local craft beer, this central Casco Viejo location also serves as a prime social hub for refreshing “Micheladas” and spirits in a relaxed, pub-style atmosphere.
Casa Casco: A massive, multi-level venue in Plaza Herrera. The rooftop bar is the crown jewel, offering 360-degree views of the old and new city while serving sophisticated gin and tonics.
Tántalo Roofbar: An iconic pioneer of the Casco Viejo rooftop scene. It is known for its artistic interior, upbeat music, and “encalanto” cocktails that attract a fashionable international crowd.
Amano: Tucked away in the upscale San Francisco neighborhood, this is a dedicated cocktail laboratory known for using local Panamanian ingredients like geisha coffee and tropical fruits in its drinks.
La Barbarie: Located in the San Francisco district, this intimate and dimly lit spot focuses on the “speakeasy” experience, offering complex, spirit-forward cocktails away from the tourist crowds.
Blue Bay Rooftop Bar: Located on the top floor of the Hilton on Balboa Avenue, this bar offers a sophisticated, modern setting with sweeping views over the Bay of Panama and the Pacific Ocean.
507 Rooftop: Found at the top of the Selina in the downtown area, this spot provides a more urban, local alternative to the historic district with views of the towering skyscrapers.
Piso 5: Located in the posh Costa del Este neighborhood, this refined bar offers a curated selection of wines and classic cocktails for a more professional and quiet evening.
Capital Bistro Panamá (CBP): Situated at the entrance of Casco Viejo by the sea, this bar features a massive outdoor terrace where the ocean breeze complements their extensive list of imported spirits.
Central Hotel Rooftop: Overlooking Plaza de la Independencia, this refined hotel bar offers a quiet, luxury atmosphere perfect for a classic Martini in a historic setting.
Madrigal: Located in the historic center, this spot combines a high-end restaurant vibe with a sophisticated bar program, ideal for an upscale pre-dinner drink.
Teatro Amador: Housed in a beautifully restored 1910 theater in Casco Viejo, this club is a cultural landmark that hosts world-class electronic music DJs and high-concept themed parties.
La Séptima Central: A high-energy “dinner-and-party” venue in Casco Viejo that transitions from a restaurant into a full-blown nightclub featuring Latin hits and reggaeton.
Chillout: Located in the Amador Causeway area, this massive open-air club is a local favorite for crossover music, featuring large dance floors and a tropical, festival-like atmosphere.
Bling: Situated within the JW Marriott (formerly the Trump Tower) in Punta Pacifica, this is one of the city’s most exclusive and luxurious nightclubs, catering to a high-end clientele.
Hangar 18: For those looking for an alternative scene, this club in the El Dorado area is the city’s premier venue for rock, metal, and alternative electronic music.
Infinity: A modern, neon-lit nightclub in the downtown area known for its state-of-the-art sound system and heavy rotation of electronic dance music (EDM).
Villa Agustina: A unique, semi-outdoor “ruin bar” and club in Casco Viejo. It offers a raw, bohemian atmosphere with a mix of reggae, dancehall, and electronic beats.
Zaza Lounge: Located in Casco Viejo, this spot offers a sophisticated lounge vibe early on, which evolves into a high-energy dance floor with commercial hits and house music as the night progresses.
La Fabrica: Found near the Amador Causeway, this venue operates as a craft brewery by day and a high-volume club by night, often featuring live bands and local Latin DJs.
Silencio: A “secret” boutique club in Casco Viejo that focuses on underground house and techno, providing an intimate, high-fidelity audio experience for electronic music purists.