✦ Quick answer
Base yourself in Casco Viejo, the restored colonial old town, for the best food, bars, and walkability, or in Marbella/Bella Vista for a modern high-rise stay near the Cinta Costera waterfront. The unmissable experiences are the Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks visitor center), a wander through Casco Viejo, and a rainforest boat trip on Gatun Lake to see monkeys. Eat ceviche from the Mercado de Mariscos, sancocho (chicken soup), and world-class Geisha coffee.
Panama City is Central America's most cosmopolitan capital, a place where container ships glide past a skyline of mirrored towers and the smell of fried plantain drifts through cobblestone plazas. Founded in 1519, moved after a pirate raid, and rebuilt as the walled quarter now called Casco Viejo, the city has always been a crossroads of the Americas.
The canal made it a global shipping hub, and that traffic still shapes daily life. You can watch a ship rise 26 meters through the Miraflores Locks in the morning and be swimming in the Pacific off an island by afternoon. Rainforest with howler monkeys sits 40 minutes from downtown; that proximity of city and jungle is Panama's signature.
It is also a genuinely good food and coffee city, fueled by Panamanian, Afro-Caribbean, Chinese, and international kitchens, and by some of the finest coffee beans on Earth grown in the Chiriquí highlands. Add a US dollar economy, easy visas for most travelers, and it becomes one of the smoothest first stops in the region.
Best time to visit
The dry season, mid-December through mid-April, is peak: sunny, breezy, and busy, with Carnival (February or early March) the biggest party of the year. The green season (May to November) brings afternoon downpours that usually pass in an hour or two, plus lower prices and lush rainforest; September and October are the wettest. Temperatures barely move all year, hovering around 30 to 32 C (mid-80s to low-90s F) with high humidity, so pack light layers regardless of season.
Getting around
Most travelers arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), about 30 to 45 minutes east of downtown; a licensed taxi or Uber runs roughly $30 to $40 into the city. Uber works well and is the easiest way to get around (cheaper and less hassle than negotiating street taxis). The Metro (lines 1 and 2) is clean, fast, and costs under $1 with a rechargeable card, handy for Albrook bus terminal and some neighborhoods, though not Casco Viejo. Casco Viejo itself is best on foot; avoid walking alone into the adjacent El Chorrillo neighborhood.
✦ Where to stay
Neighborhoods & hotels
Casco Viejo (San Felipe)The restored colonial old town, packed with boutique hotels, rooftop bars, and the city's best restaurants on cobblestone streets. Ideal for first-timers, couples, and anyone who wants to walk everywhere; slightly pricier and can be noisy on weekend nights.
Marbella & Bella VistaThe modern business and banking district with high-rise hotels, malls, and easy access to the Cinta Costera waterfront promenade. Suits travelers who want reliable mid-range and chain hotels, restaurants at every price, and a central base for exploring.
El CangrejoA leafy, walkable neighborhood known for its dining scene, universities, and Chinatown roots, with good-value hotels and hostels. Great for budget-conscious travelers and foodies who want local energy without paying Casco Viejo prices.
Amador CausewayA string of islands linked by a palm-lined roadway with sea breezes, marinas, and the Biomuseo. Best for families and those wanting quieter waterfront views, though you will rely on Uber to reach it.
The Bristol Panamamidrange Google
A polished, well-run hotel in the Marbella financial district with attentive service, a spa, and a strong restaurant, walkable to banks, malls, and the waterfront. A reliable mid-range choice that often punches above its price for business and leisure alike.
Hotel Casa Panamáboutique Google
A comfortable, design-forward hotel with a rooftop pool and easy access to the Bella Vista dining and nightlife scene. Good value for a stylish stay close to the action without Casco Viejo's premium.
Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall Hotel & Convention Centerfamily friendly Google
A large, practical hotel attached to the enormous Albrook Mall and next to the main bus terminal and Metro, with pools and family rooms. Handy for families, shoppers, and anyone catching regional buses.
Casco Viejo vacation rentalunique Google
Restored colonial apartments with balconies over the old town's plazas put you steps from the best restaurants and rooftop bars. A good pick for groups or longer stays who want a kitchen and local character.
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✦ Eat & drink
Best Coffee Shops
Panama grows some of the world's most sought-after coffee, including the legendary Geisha varietal from Boquete, and the city's cafes take it seriously.
Café Unido Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The flagship of Panama's specialty-coffee movement, pouring single-origin Panamanian beans including pricey Geisha lots. The American Trade Hotel branch in Casco Viejo is the prettiest spot to try a pour-over. Expect $3 to $6 for espresso drinks, more for rare Geisha flights.
Bajareque Coffee House Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
A cozy Casco Viejo cafe roasting estate-grown beans, with knowledgeable baristas happy to talk through brew methods. Order the cold brew or a Geisha pour-over and a slice of cake. Casual, air-conditioned, and a good work spot.
Café Coca Cola Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Not a specialty roaster but a piece of history: Panama's oldest cafe, open since 1875 and named for being the country's first Coca-Cola vendor. Come for strong, cheap coffee, tamales, and old-Panama atmosphere on the edge of Santa Ana. Coffee runs around $1.50.
Sisu Coffee Studio Google
Closed Mondays
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
A modern, minimalist cafe in the El Cangrejo area popular with remote workers for its consistent espresso and calm vibe. Reliable flat whites and light bites around $3 to $7. A good caffeine stop between city sights.
✦ Eat & drink
Where to Eat Breakfast & Brunch
Panamanian breakfast means fried dough and eggs; the city also does a strong weekend brunch.
Fonda Lo Que Hay Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Chef José Olmedo Carles's casual counter serving elevated Panamanian street food, a good place to try hojaldras (fried dough) and tortillas de maíz with local flavor. Come early and expect a line at peak times. Most plates $6 to $14.
Mahalo Kitchen Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 5:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Tuesday: 5:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Wednesday: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 5:00 - 11:00 AM
- Sunday: 5:00 - 11:00 AM
A bright, health-leaning cafe known for açaí bowls, avocado toast, smoothies, and proper brunch plates. Popular with expats and digital nomads; go on a weekday to skip the wait. Brunch mains around $9 to $15.
Café del Mar Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 12:00 - 11:30 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 - 11:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 - 11:30 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 - 11:30 PM
- Friday: 12:00 - 11:30 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 - 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 - 11:30 PM
A relaxed spot for a classic Panamanian breakfast of eggs, plantain, and carimañolas at fair prices. Friendly, unfussy, and popular with locals. Full breakfast around $5 to $9.
Manolo Caracol area bakeries
For a quick morning bite, the panaderías around Casco Viejo turn out fresh empanadas, pan de yuca, and strong coffee for a couple of dollars. Grab-and-go and authentic. Under $5 for a filling start.
✦ Eat & drink
Best Restaurants
From ceviche shacks to some of Latin America's most acclaimed tasting menus, Panama City eats extremely well.
Mercado de Mariscos Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The city's seafood market and the essential Panama City food experience: fresh ceviche in styles from classic corvina to shrimp and octopus, sold in cups for $3 to $6 from the ground-floor stands. The upstairs restaurant serves fried whole fish and patacones. Go before noon for the freshest catch.
Donde José Google
Chef Ricardo Mihm's intimate, deeply personal tasting menu built on Panamanian ingredients and history, long considered the country's most important restaurant. Just a handful of seats mean you must reserve weeks (sometimes months) ahead. Multi-course dinner runs well over $100 per person.
Fonda Lo Que Hay Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
The dinner incarnation of José Carles's project is a Latin America's 50 Best regular, serving a market-driven Panamanian menu in a lively courtyard. More approachable than Donde José but still a highlight; reserve ahead. Expect roughly $40 to $70 per person.
Maito Google
Closed Sundays
Opening hours
- Monday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
- Friday: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 - 10:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Chef Mario Castrellón's flagship blends Panamanian, Afro-Caribbean, and Asian influences and consistently ranks among Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants. Set in the Coco del Mar area, it is worth the taxi ride. Mains around $18 to $35; reserve in advance.
Diablicos Google
A festive, folkloric restaurant serving hearty Panamanian classics like sancocho, ropa vieja, and arroz con pollo, often with live music and dance shows. Great for a first taste of the national cuisine. Mains $12 to $22.
✦ After dark
Bars & Nightlife
Casco Viejo's rooftops draw the crowds at sunset; the city stays out late, especially Thursday to Saturday.
Tántalo Rooftop
The rooftop that helped launch Casco Viejo's nightlife, with skyline and old-town views, cocktails, and a DJ later in the evening. Arrive around sunset for the best light and to beat the line. Cocktails around $9 to $14.
Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar
A rum-focused bar celebrating Panama's Afro-Caribbean roots, with house rum, creative cocktails, and regular live music. Warm, unpretentious, and great for a spirited night out. Drinks $8 to $13.
La Rana Dorada
Panama's popular craft brewpub, with several locations pouring house-brewed IPAs, blondes, and stouts alongside pizza and wings. The Casco Viejo branch is a relaxed early-evening choice. Pints around $4 to $6.
The OG Crawl - Afro Vibes Nightlife Experience
A guided bar-crawl built around Panama City's Afro-Caribbean nightlife and high-energy music, an easy way to find the good spots with a local host. Check their social media before booking as venues rotate. From about $65.
✦ Top experiences
Top Things to Do
The canal, the old town, and the city's rainforest edge form the essential trio; here is how to see each well.
Miraflores Locks (Panama Canal) Google
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The canal's most accessible viewing point, with a visitor center, museum, and terraces where you watch giant ships rise and fall through the locks. Aim for morning or mid-afternoon transit windows and buy tickets ahead. A guided half-day tour bundles the canal with a city overview and skip-the-line entry.
Casco Viejo Walking Tour Google
Panama's UNESCO-listed colonial quarter is a maze of restored plazas, churches, rooftop bars, and the ruins of old Panama's cathedral tower. A local-led legends-and-history walk brings the cobblestones to life and points you to the best hidden courtyards. Allow at least half a day even without a guide.
Biomuseo Google
Closed Mondays
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Frank Gehry's only building in Latin America, a burst of crumpled color on the Amador Causeway, tells the story of how the isthmus of Panama rose from the sea and changed the planet. Compact but worth an hour or two; entry runs around $18 to $22. Combine with a stroll or bike ride along the causeway.
Panama Viejo Google
Closed Mondays
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The atmospheric ruins of the original 1519 city, sacked by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671, with a climbable cathedral tower and a small museum. Entry is a few dollars and a half day is plenty. It pairs well with the modern skyline views across the bay.
Panama City Bike Tour
A guided ride along the flat, breezy Cinta Costera and Amador Causeway is a fun, low-effort way to link the waterfront, skyline views, and old town. Well-reviewed operators supply bikes and helmets. From about $40 for a few hours.
Private Classic VW Safari City Tour
A Tripadvisor Best of the Best winner, this private tour tours the city's highlights in a restored open-air Volkswagen safari, heavy on photo stops and local storytelling. A splurge but memorable for special occasions. From about $249 for the group.
✦ Top experiences
Rainforest & Wildlife Near the City
Panama's rainforest starts minutes from downtown, and Gatun Lake (part of the canal itself) is the easiest place to meet monkeys and sloths.
Gatun Lake Monkey & Wildlife Boat Safari
A short drive to Gamboa Marina puts you on a boat across Gatun Lake, weaving between rainforest islands home to capuchin, howler, and tamarin monkeys, plus sloths and birds. It is one of the highest-rated and best-value half-day trips from the city. From about $30.
Monkey & Sloth Jungle Habitat Tour
A high-speed boat safari through the canal and around the monkey islands of Gatun Lake, with strong odds of spotting monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. Fast, fun, and family-friendly. From about $30.
Canal, Miraflores & Gatun Lake Combo
For a fuller day, this tour pairs skip-the-line entry to the Miraflores visitor center with a Gatun Lake wildlife cruise, covering the canal's engineering and its jungle in one go. From about $110. A good choice if you only have one big day.
Metropolitan Natural Park
A genuine tropical rainforest inside city limits, with well-marked trails, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and a lookout over the skyline. Entry is a few dollars and you can hike the main loops in one to two hours. Go early for wildlife and cooler air.
✦ Beyond the city
Day Trips Worth Taking
Beaches, islands, and indigenous villages are all within easy reach for the day.
Taboga Island Catamaran Day Trip
The 'Island of Flowers' sits a short ferry or catamaran ride across the bay, with beaches, a historic village, and easy swimming. The all-inclusive catamaran tours add music, drinks, and swim stops for a full day on the water. From about $99.
San Blas Islands Day Tour
The Guna Yala archipelago of palm-dot islands and turquoise water is one of the Caribbean's most beautiful. A long but rewarding day involves an early 4x4 transfer over the mountains, then boats between islands for snorkeling and swimming. From about $149; expect a pre-dawn start.
Embera Village & Waterfall Tour
A dugout-canoe journey up the Chagres River to an Embera indigenous community, with a rainforest waterfall swim, traditional lunch, and cultural exchange. Consistently one of the highest-rated experiences from the city. From about $40 including lunch.
Ocean to Ocean Canal & Fort San Lorenzo
An ambitious full-day trip crossing the isthmus from Pacific to Atlantic, combining a canal boat ride, the locks, and the UNESCO-listed Spanish fort of San Lorenzo near Colón. Long but memorable for history buffs. From about $135.
✦ Good to know
Before you visit
MoneyPanama uses the US dollar (locally called the balboa), so US travelers need no currency exchange. Cards are widely accepted in the city, but carry small bills for taxis, markets, and ceviche stands. ATMs are common.
Getting aroundUber is the easiest and most transparent way to move around; the Metro is cheap and clean for longer hops. Street taxis do not use meters, so agree a price first. Avoid driving yourself downtown, where traffic and parking are stressful.
SafetyCentral tourist areas like Casco Viejo, the Cinta Costera, and Amador are generally safe by day and busy at night, but petty theft happens. Skip the neighborhoods bordering Casco Viejo (El Chorrillo, parts of Santa Ana) on foot, especially after dark, and use Uber at night.
LanguageSpanish is the official language; English is spoken in hotels, tour offices, and upscale restaurants but less so elsewhere. A few basic Spanish phrases go a long way, especially at markets and with taxi drivers.
TippingRestaurants usually add a 10 percent service charge; leaving a little extra for good service is appreciated but not required. Tip tour guides and drivers a few dollars if they do well.
Power & SIMPanama uses US-style plugs (types A and B) at 120V, so US devices need no adapter. Buy a local prepaid SIM or eSIM from +Móvil or Tigo for cheap data; coverage is strong in the city.
Weather & packingIt is hot and humid year-round, so pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a rain layer for green-season showers. Bring water shoes or sandals for island and river trips.
✦ Before you go
Plan-ahead checklist
Reserve top restaurants like Donde José and Fonda Lo Que Hay well ahead; the small dining rooms book out fast. book 2-6 weeks ahead
Buy Panama Canal Miraflores Locks tickets or a guided canal tour in advance, and check the day's ship-transit windows so you actually see a vessel pass. book a few days ahead
Book San Blas and Taboga day tours ahead in dry season, as boats and 4x4 transfers fill up, especially on weekends and around Carnival. book 1-2 weeks ahead
Check visa requirements for your nationality; many travelers get visa-free entry, but confirm passport validity and any onward-ticket rules before you fly.
If visiting during Carnival (February/March), reserve hotels early and expect closures and big crowds around the celebrations.
Panama City rewards the curious: order a ceviche at the fish market, watch a freighter climb the canal locks, get lost in Casco Viejo's plazas at golden hour, and be face to face with a howler monkey by lunch the next day. Few capitals pack this much variety into such a small footprint. Start with your canal and island tours, book a table or two, and let the isthmus surprise you.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Panama City?
Three to four days is ideal: one for the Panama Canal and city sights, one for Casco Viejo, one for a rainforest or wildlife trip like Gatun Lake, and an optional day for an island or the San Blas archipelago.
Where should I stay in Panama City?
Casco Viejo is best for first-timers who want atmosphere, restaurants, and walkability, while Marbella and Bella Vista offer modern high-rise hotels near the waterfront. El Cangrejo is the best value for foodies on a budget.
Is Panama City expensive?
It is more affordable than most US and European cities but pricier than the rest of Central America. Ceviche and local meals cost a few dollars, while fine dining, cocktails, and full-day tours run $50 to $150 or more.
How do you get around Panama City?
Uber is the easiest and most reliable option and usually cheap, while the Metro is fast and costs under a dollar for longer trips. Casco Viejo is best explored on foot, and street taxis should have a price agreed in advance.
Is Panama City worth visiting?
Yes. Few cities let you watch giant ships cross a canal, wander a 400-year-old colonial quarter, and see wild monkeys in the rainforest all in the same day, plus world-class coffee and a strong food scene.
What food is Panama City known for?
Fresh ceviche (especially at the Mercado de Mariscos), sancocho chicken soup, fried plantain (patacones), Afro-Caribbean rice dishes, and some of the world's finest coffee, including Geisha beans from the Chiriquí highlands.
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