Panama City, Panama: Travel Guide
Panama City is mostly known for the Panama Canal, but there is so much more to this city. It’s a unique metropolis where the ocean meets an epic skyscraper-lined horizon. Where charming historic neighborhoods meet chic modern infrastructure. To us, Panama City feels like the Dubai of Central America. And after your stay, you’ll be able to guess the Panama City skyline out of hundreds, just as you would Dubai or New York.
Most travelers treat Panama City like a transition hub on their way to the beaches. And we can’t blame them - the country is full of beautiful gems, many of which have not yet been discovered by the masses. But with so many things to do in Panama City, let us tell you why it’s worth staying a little longer.
1. Endless Walks on Cinta Costera
The absolute best city views are found from the multiple stops along Cinta Costera. Directly translating to ‘Coastal Beltway’, it consists of 4.3 miles of bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and patches of garden that wrap the coast. And part of it extends over the ocean like a concrete rainbow.
Head out for a bike ride, run or walk in the morning or at sunset. Stop along the way to capture the best shots of the Panama City skyline from the lookout points and taste Panamanian street food. We recommend starting from the Paitilla neighborhood and finishing your walk in the vibrant Casco Viejo, which brings us to the next item on the list of things to love in Panama City.
2. Charming Casco Viejo
If you ask anyone about their favorite place in Panama City, most will probably say Casco Viejo. The vibrant historic district, also a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, is full of plazas and colorful buildings, some of which date back to 1673. But what’s hidden in these plazas and buildings are hip and quirky art galleries and eateries. You would need to be quite efficient to try them all to find the best ones. But lucky for you, we spent a month living in Panama City, so we got you covered! But let’s save the best for last.
We must say that staying on the 23rd floor with epic views over the coast is pretty awesome. But if you are looking for colonial charm and having an array of amazing restaurants right at your fingertips, then look for accommodation in Casco Viejo instead staying downtown.
In addition to the art galleries and souvenir shops in Casco Viejo, you will also find plenty of opportunities to pick out your perfect Panama hat!
3. The Original Panama Sombrero
Fun fact: what most call the Panama hat is actually from Ecuador! It was misnamed when President Theodore Roosevelt was photographed at the Panama Canal wearing the Ecuadorian hat. You will find plenty of those being sold around Panama City, but how to spot the original one from Panama?
The authentic Panama sombrero is a bit wider to provide more sun protection and is decorated with black patterns. The tradition of weaving these hats dates back 200 years, and the work that goes into handcrafting them is incredible. That’s why the price can easily go up to $300!
So, find a pattern you love and rep the real Panama hat, or stick to Roosevelt’s fashion. Just be sun-smart during your stay!
4. The Old City Ruins of Panama Viejo
Panama Viejo ruins are where it all started. The original heart of the city is now under UNESCO World Heritage protection, but you can get up close and personal with Panamanian history by walking through the old city in its original state, as no renovations have been made to it.
5. The Panama Canal and Museum
The number one thing to do in Panama City on every visitor’s itinerary is to watch the ships pass through the Panama Canal. If it’s not already on yours, do add it, as it’s one of the seven man-made wonders of the world and an important chapter in Panama’s history to learn about.
6. Hike and Views at Ancon Hill
If you’ve ever seen a shot of Panama City framed by jungle greenery in the foreground, it was probably taken from the top of Ancon hill.
The park is the city's highest point, the top of which is marked with the tallest flag of Panama. It takes only 30 minutes to traverse well-paved paths to the top and enjoy views over Casco Viejo, Cinta Costera, and the downtown. And if you are lucky, you might spot monkeys or a sloth.
7. Dreamy Beaches
Panama City offers the perfect blend of city and nature, but if you are coming to Panama on vacation, you are probably after the beaches. Well, friends, you are in luck because you don’t have to go far to access endless stretches of black sand fringed by palms, and get this – you can pick between the thrilling waves of the Pacific Ocean or the gentle rocking of the Caribbean Sea.
The best beach on the Pacific side closest to Panama City is Coronado, located only an hour away or a bit longer with traffic. Volcanic sand, water sports, and luxury accommodation with all the amenities at affordable prices are what you can expect from your stay in Coronado. The other nearby gem in the Pacific Ocean is Taboga Island. Located only a 30-minute ferry ride away, it is a peaceful escape so close to the city.
The Caribbean side of Panama is full of beautiful beaches, but if we are talking ‘the best of the best’ of course, the award goes to the San Blas islands. The archipelago is so picture-perfect we guarantee you will be pinching yourself and checking your pulse. You can visit on a day trip from Panama City or hire a boat and sail around for a few days, which is the ultimate bucket list thing to do in Panama.
8. Fun Panamanian Words
During your stay in Panama City, try to interact with locals as much as possible, and you will uncover plenty of amusing facts. Here is one we loved.
In the past, Panama has appealed to many settlers and visitors who have left their mark. The most popular was the Panama Canal which was started by the French first and finished with the help of Americans. But their stay also influenced Panamanian Spanish. For example, driving around the city, you may notice street signs for Arraijan, a neighborhood west of the Panama Canal. Say it aloud a few times, and you may notice it sounds like an adaptation of ‘on the right hand’ - driving directions once given by the Americans!
9. Fantastic Place for Foodies
As we mentioned, some of the best dining experiences are found in Casco Viejo. That is where we will begin with the oldest café in Panama City – Coca-Cola Café. The café is an institution and should be experienced not just for delicious local grub but for the historical value that permeates the place.
For breakfast, we recommend visiting the American Trade Hotel and enjoying the best stack of pancakes you can find in Panama City, accompanied by decadent coffee in a beautiful boho-chic setting. If a big breakfast is not your thing, grab a quick coffee and pastry at café Unido around the corner.
Our lunch favorite was the Hawaiian-inspired Mahalo restaurant, serving fresh and nourishing bowls, which are a nice palate cleanser for the hearty Panamanian fare. Their luscious courtyard is a welcome escape from the afternoon heat.
Make sure you end your epic days exploring Panama City by watching the sunset on a rooftop with a drink in hand. To get that iconic view of the city skyline, you want to find a rooftop in Casco Viejo, like Tantalo Roofbar. But to enjoy the view of the skyscrapers all around you, Panaviera at JW Marriott located on the 66th floor will do the trick.
We hope these 9 reasons are more than enough to convince you to extend your stay in the capital. Let us know what experience you loved the most!