Searching for things to do in Panama City, Panama? Whether you are going on a cruise through the Panama Canal or getting away to among Panama’s glamorous islands, opportunities are you are going to check out Panama City for a minimum of a day or more. This Panama City guide will assist you prepare your time there.
We initially went to Panama City when we were welcomed to have a look at all the cool aspects of the Acid rock Hotel downtown Panama. Not just was it a cool hotel, however the city likewise blew us away! It has the ideal mix of a state-of-the-art modern-day city integrated with an unspoiled history in its old town and historical ruins.
Things to do in Panama City
Throughout our very first time in Panama City, we invested a week checking out whatever it needed to use in the downtown core. We went to the Old Town, and the waterside, and remained at among Panama City’s many identifiable hotels, the Acid rock Hotel Panama.
Just recently, we went back to Panama with Uncruise to cruise to Costa Rica from Panama and had the possibility to check off the rest of our Panama City pail list. This city is a contemporary marvel that has mixed its cutting edge architecture with its historical center. If you are checking out Central America, make certain to invest a minimum of a couple of days checking out the very best of Panama City. Take pleasure in these must-see tourist attractions in Panama City and additional travel suggestions to assist you maximize your stay!
1. Panama Canal– Miraflores
The apparent option for newbie visitors to Panama City is to have a look at the Panama Canal. The closest locks to Panama City are the Miraflores Locks situated less than thirty minutes from downtown making it a simple excursion. It is remarkable to see the crowds that the locks still draw in and even we were a bit giddy when we saw a freight ship going through.
The Panama Canal, which links the Atlantic ocean with the Pacific ocean, is among the 7 Industrial Marvels of the World and when you stroll through the amazing interactive Miraflores visitors center, you’ll comprehend why! This was not a simple waterway to make. There are 2 levels of seeing platforms to enjoy the ships and a Panama Canal museum. It is absolutely the number 1 thing to do in Panama City.
Very first time to Panama City? This city trip is a terrific intro to Panama where you’ll check out a lot of the leading tourist attractions consisting of the Miraflores Locks visitor center where you’ll avoid the lines getting here as quickly as they open. After you have actually seen the popular Panama Canal, you’ll make your method to Casco Viejo, the Amador Causeway, the perspective of Panama City, and the boardwalk and waterside with your regional specialist guide.
2. Casco Viejo
No see to Panama City would be total without taking a walk through its old town. Casco Viejo, (Old Town) is the historical center of Panama City that is being brought back to its initial magnificence. Going back to 1673, Casco Viejo deserves checking out on a trip to find out about all the structures, cathedrals, and history of the location.
The historical center of Panama is a must-visit. It advised us of the old town of Havana, Cuba and I can picture it being as stunning in simply a couple of brief years as hotels and corporations change the falling apart ruins into shop hotels. This 2-hour walking trip takes you through the old quarter, where you’ll see the leading traveler destinations consisting of San Francisco de Asis and San José churches, the Panama waterside and appreciate the architecture motivated by Spanish, French and early Americans.
3. Plaza de Francia
While in Casco Viejo make certain to check out Plaza de Francia. Likewise, called The French Plaza, Plaza de Francia is a monolith devoted to the 22,000 employees who passed away throughout the building and construction of the Panama Canal. Here you’ll have the ability to see the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (National Institute of Culture) that houses a theater and cultural occasions. The statues and tablets portray the function that the French played in the building and construction of the Panama Canal.
Enjoyable Truth: It is here that you’ll see a plaque devoted to the Cuban medical professional Carlos J. Finlay, who found out how mosquitoes transferred yellow fever.
4. Convent Santo Domingo
Found in the Casco Viejo, a fast photography stop is the Convent Santo Domingo and its Flat Arch (El Arco Chato). Comparable to another popular traveler destination in Panama (eh-hem, The Panama Canal), the arch is an accomplishment of engineering for its time. Covering almost 50 feet with no assistance, it stood the test of time and assisted strengthen Panama as the location for the canal linking the 2 oceans. Because it had actually stood because the 17th century, it showed that Panama wasn’t as susceptible to earthquakes at Nicaragua, hence producing much better, … for the Panama Canal.
5. Plaza de la Independencia (Self-reliance Square)
Likewise called Plaza Mayor or Cathedral Plaza, Plaza de la Independencia is a plaza with the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama (Basilica of the Virgin of Santa María la Antigua) standing proud at its center. It is a peaceful reprieve from the city with colonial architecture real estate dining establishments, stores and shop shopping. You’ll likewise see the Panama Canal Museum and the head office of the Community Council in Plaza de la Independencia. We came across this square throughout a walk around the city and fell for its colonial architecture, its charming white gazebo and the dubious trees lining the square.
7. Iglesia San Felipe Nativity Scene
Even if you are not spiritual, this nativity scene in Iglesia San Felipe is remarkable. For many years, households in Panama established their own nativity scenes around the city however after the remediation of Iglesia San Felipe de Neri, one household contributed their huge scene that they developed for many years for everybody to take pleasure in. If you walk trip of the Old Town, opportunities are your guide will take you into this covert gem.
Other Things to see in Casco Viejo
You ought to invest a minimum of an afternoon in Caso Viejo. Walk trip of Casco Viejo to see all the primary websites and tourist attractions. Take a look at this city trip with GetYourGuide
Among the very best methods we checked out Panama was on a personal trip. This extremely ranked personal trip lets you check out Panama at your own rate with a personalized trip to match your desires. Follow your regional guide to premier tourist attractions such as Casco Viejo, The Causeway, and other parts of the city as you discover expert suggestions, such as the very best locations to consume, purchase groceries and the simplest methods to navigate.
Historical Society of JesusChurch of San Jose– Gold Altar
Gentrification is ending up being an issue for the regional households that resided in this area rent-free, so I do hope the federal government looks after individuals who are the heart beat of Panama City. However I do likewise think in development, and turning this UNESCO World Heritage Website into a labyrinth of strolling streets filled with stores, cafés, and dining establishments, will assist everybody in the long run.
8. Panama Viejo
Not to be puzzled with Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo is a remarkable trip through the deserted ruins of the initial city. The highway as soon as ran straight through these historical monoliths, however fortunately, it was diverted prior to everything vanished.
A UNESCO World Heritage Website, going back to 1519, Panama Viejo was the heart of the financial power of trade, faith, and commerce. The city remained in usage up until 1671 when the Spaniards sacked the city themselves prior to relocating to what we understand today as Panama Viejo.
Panama was the very first European settlement on the Pacific Coast and ended up being a tactical place for mining gold and silver. There are a number of walls and exteriors staying and they are doing routine remediation. The most remarkable mess up is the Cathedral– Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción where you can climb the belfry for a breathtaking view of Panama City.
9. Cinta Costera
Cinta Costera is the pounding heart of Panama City. This 64-acre oceanfront parkway is within strolling range from the significant hotels, going shopping malls and dining establishments. Among our preferred things to do in Panama was to stroll along the strolling tracks of Cinta Costera taking in the views of the city. Spanish for Coastal Sidewalk, travelers and visitors alike utilize this greenspace for biking, exercising or merely taking unwinding far from the pressure.
You can lease bikes or work with a rickshaw to take you on a trip of Cinta Costera to check out a lot of the leading tourist attractions in Panama City.
10. Balboa Opportunity
Opportunity Balboa is Panama City’s downtown area with high-rise buildings lining the waterside. This ultra-modern waterside area is an enjoyable location to hang out for the afternoon.
There’s a paved sidewalk for biking or walking. You can stroll all the method along the 3km path to Casco Viejo. We dropped in at first-class hotels for a mixed drink and for roof views of the bay.
11. Amador Causeway
This unbelievable 6km stretch of roadway houses a few of Panama’s leading tourist attractions. It lies 20 minutes outside the city and uses outstanding views of Panama.
It is here, that you can take pleasure in some enjoyable in the sun paddle boarding, hanging out at the swimming pool bars or do some shopping. You can likewise get on the aqua bus here for a view of Panama from the water.
12. Centro Craftsmen Market
Found at the Amador Causeway, this big Craftsmen Market is a terrific location to purchase your keepsakes. I have actually gotten numerous a locket from here, however you can likewise get masks, fashion jewelry, Panama hats, and other nick nacks here. For another terrific shopping experience check out the pedestrian shopping center at the end of Avenida Central.
13. Albrook Shopping Mall
If shopping is your thing, visit Albrook Shopping mall. It is the biggest shopping center in Central America. This shopping center truly is a traveler destination unto itself. It’s the 14th biggest shopping center on the planet which’s stating a lot. When you think of the mega shopping centers discovered in Dubai and Asia, its’ remarkable that a person of the leading 20 remains in Panama. The shopping center lies near the airport and is simply minutes from 3 of Panama’s most popular traveler destinations, the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, the historical location of Casco Antiguo, and the Causeway.
The Wyndham Hotel is linked to the Albrook Shopping mall making it an excellent option to remain in Panama if you are flying out the next day.
14. Bridge of the Americas
It is from the Amador Causeway that you can see the Bridge of the Americas. This huge bridge covers the Pacific entryway of the Panama Canal. It was constructed by the United States in 1962. What is so special about this bridge? It links the landmasses of The United States and Canada and South America.
15. Sundown at the JW Marriott 65 Flooring
Another domestic area popular with ex-pats is Punta Pacifica. It has to do with a 20-minute walk from Balboa Opportunity, or you can take an Uber or taxi for a sensible rate.
The JW Marriott has a substantial Gambling establishment connected to the primary flooring. If you go here, take the elevators approximately the 65th flooring to the roof bar ignoring the infinity swimming pool. This roof swimming pool and bar is among the most trendy locations in the city. It is among the very best sundown views in the city!
16. Sundown at Acid Rock Hotel
Another outstanding area for sundown is the “Bits Roof Lounge” at the Acid Rock Hotel. The Acid rock uses outstanding views of the special modern-day architecture of Panama from its roof bar. The Float Swimming Pool Bar was our preferred view of the city with various perspective ignoring the infinity roof swimming pool.
17. Admire El Tornillo
Certainly, the most special structure in Panama City is the spiral skyrise of El Tornillo. The very best view we discovered of it was from the Acid rock swimming pool bar, however we likewise chose a walk to inspect it out up close. There isn’t a lot around there, so we recommend seeing it from afar rather.
18. Purchase a Panama Hat
Here’s an enjoyable reality. Panama Hats are not made in Panama. Panama Hats came from Ecuador and are still made there. The Panama Hat got its name when President Roosevelt was photographed using one while checking out the Panama Canal.
The name stuck and although they are not made here, they are incredibly popular. In Casca Viejo, you can discover numerous Panama Hats on sale at stores. Victor’s is the most popular area for buying a hat. What we enjoyed about purchasing a Panama Hat in the stores, is that there is no bargaining. You can purchase high quality or more affordable replicas varying from $25– $200.
19. Biomuseo
Created by designer Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo checks out the biodiversity of Panama. It’s special place bridges North and South America. It’s likewise a quite cool and cool structure!
20. Ancon Hill
For among the very best overhead views of Panama, Ancon Hill is a terrific stop. It is consisted of in numerous Panama City Day Tours, so if you do not have transport, opportunities are you’ll have the ability to see it if you reserve a trip!
Panama City Day Trips
21. San Lorenzo Fort
Taking A Look At the San Lorenzo Fort belonged of our UnCruise travel plan and I am so happy we had the possibility to see this! Another UNESCO World Heritage Website in Panama, this previous Spanish military fort was a tactical place for the gold trade. Found on a gorgeous clifftop the ocean and Chargras River views are amazing. Plus, it is an unspoiled fort going back to the 1500s.
22. Monkey Island of Gatun Lake
As part of the UnCruise land extension for their Panama to Costa Rica cruise, Gatun Lake is an exceptional method to see Panama wildlife such as iguanas, crocodiles, monkeys, toucans, and sloths. I had no concept that the Panama Canal was linked with broad and large waterways.
This extremely ranked trip takes you to Monkey Island where you’ll capture a riverboat to the Chagres River to see the monkeys of Monkey Island consisting of white-face monkeys, howler monkeys and tamarinds on this island in Gatun Lake.
23. Agua Clara Visitor Center
This Panama Canal growth lies at Gatun Lake and is an intriguing journey to the village of Colon City. This lock was made to accommodate bigger ships cruising through the Panama Canal. You can enjoy the cruise liner and freight ships go through from the seeing platforms.
There is a forecast space, dining establishments, and a treking tracks where you can to attempt to identify wildlife. You Can check out Colon, Agua Clara, and San Lorenzo Fort on a day trip with Get Your Guide from Panama City.
Enjoy our Video Trip of Panama City
No journey to Central America would be total without getting on the water, and this boat trip out of Panama City takes you to Taboga Island where you’ll hop aboard a catamaran for a 45-minute cruise where you’ll see the amazing Panama City horizon, and Cinta Costera with light treats, lunch and a complete bar consisted of.
24. San Blas Islands
San Blas Island has actually acquired in appeal because the Netflix series Cash Break-in included the stunning and remote white sand beaches of the San Blas Islands surrounded by blue-green water. San Blas Port lies 2.5 hours beyond Panama City and from here you’ll take a Pangas boat to the islands. If you have more time, we recommend investing a night or more on the island, however day trips are used from downtown.
You can reserve a Cash Heist-themed trip to San Blas Islands from Panama City. ON this trip you’ll check out 4 islands in one day consisting of snorkeling at Perro Chico, called the very best snorkeling area in the San Blas Islands, Waily Lodge, Pelicano and the natural pool on a sand bar in the middle of the ocean.
Where to Remain In Panama City
Marbella Area
Acid Rock Hotel– The Acid Rock Hotel is among the most identifiable hotels in the city and it remains in an exceptional place near the waterside and Balboa Opportunity. It is likewise linked to the Multicentro Shopping mall for some duty-free shopping. See our evaluation here. Inspect accessibility and costs on Booking.com or TripAdvisor
Bella Vista Area
Bristol Hotel– We enjoyed our remain at the Bristol Hotel and discovered it to be an even much better place than the Acid rock. It didn’t have the features of the Acid rock though if you are trying to find a complete hotel. Rather, it is an excellent high-end option for a number of days of sightseeing. We enjoyed the breakfast. Inspect Accessibility and Rates on Booking.com or TripAdvisor
Punta Pacifica Area
JW Marriott– We didn’t discover this location to be preferably situated as it is far from the majority of Panama’s leading tourist attractions. However the hotel is glamorous with complete features and an exceptional view of the city. Inspect Accessibility and Rates on Booking.com or TripAdvisor
Casco Viejo Nieghborhood
Central Hotel Panama– Casco Viejo is most likely the very best place to remain in Panama if you wish to remain in the heart of the action. A lot of night life has actually relocated to this location and it is near lots of shopping and culture. Inspect Accessibility and Rates on Booking.com or TripAdvisor
Panama City Information
Panama utilizes the USD currency. It is $1– $1. When shopping at markets, it is reasonable to deal, however when entering into stores, costs are repaired. Uber is readily available in downtown Panama City. When taking taxis make certain to work out costs initially. The primary worldwide airport of Panama City is Tocumen Airport Panama is an excellent strolling city and we felt safe walking throughout the day. Usage care when strolling during the night.
Schedule your own Panama/ Costa Rica Panama journey within the next year with UnCruise, you’ll get $100 per individual cost savings on the very same 10-night journey we are taking!
And these are the very best things to do in Panama City. Make certain to invest a couple of days checking out Panama City prior to you set out on your Panama Cruise or Panama trip, you will enjoy it!
Read Next:
Did you take pleasure in all this Panama City guide? Wait to Pinterest for future travel preparation.
