The fascinating old ruins of Panama Viejo

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10 Ultimate Things To Do In Panama City, Panama

Panama City is the heart of Panama, a pulsing city in the midst of a tropical paradise with the Panama Canal Locks and Casco Viejo as top Panama City attractions. There are numerous things to do in Panama City, Panama with its big city vibes, history, food, wildlife, and beaches making it a go-to destination.

Panama City has become an international commerce and financial hub thanks to the Panama Canal. Its international exposure is reflected in the city’s mix of cultures, food, and history.

As a vital port city to the world, I could easily see the blend of Caribbean, South American, American and Central American influence throughout every facet of the city.

It provides travelers with the attraction of both an urban city and tropical wilderness all in the same visit.

One minute you are walking the grounds of old ruins and the next minute you are immersed in a thick forest with monkey’s, sloths, and coati!

Ruins of a cathedral tower of Panama Viejo or Old Old Town on a sunny day and one of the best things to do in Panama City, Panama.

An added bonus for Americans traveling to Panama is that the U.S. dollar is the currency used throughout the country.

I recommend spending 3-4 days in Panama City before heading out to tour other regions of this stunning country.

If you are looking to spend more time in the country, consider using this Panama 2 week itinerary to plan your trip in more depth.

Where To Stay In Panama City, Panama

All of these hotels have an excellent location, great amenities such as rooftop pools, restaurants and a casino along the beautiful Panama Bay.

Hilton Panama, Panama City

Central Hotel Panama

InterContinental Miramar Panama City

View of Panama Bay and Panama City skyline from the Hilton Panama.
View of Panama Bay from the Hilton Panama

Panama City Tours

See the best of Panama City with a guide! Consider taking one of these awesome Panama City Tours that will take you to the best sights in Panama City!

Panama City & Canal Half Day Tour – In this tour you will get to see up close the Panama Canal lock system, explore the colonial Casco Viejo (old town) and Amador Causeway!

Panama Canal, Colon Rainforest & Fort Lorenzo – In this Panama City tour, you get to visit the famous Panama Canal and learn about the lock system and how ships pass through, visit the Colon rainforest with numerous wildlife sightings such as sloths and monkeys!

Then spend some time visiting Fort Lorenzo with incredible views of where the Caribbean Sea meets the Panama Canal.

Panama City Canal Railway & Gatun Locks – Take a one hour train ride that travels along the Isthmus of Panama from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. Then visit the Gatun locks to see ships passing through the Panama Canal!

San Blas Islands Day Trip – This tour will take you to the stunning white sand and turquoise waters of the San Blas Islands for the day. Swim, play and sunbathe on the prettiest beaches seen in the Netflix show Money Heist!

Caribbean Snorkel & Zip Line Tour – Taking off from Panama City, get ready for a day of adventure as you snorkel in the gorgeous Caribbean Sea and zip line in the jungle!

READ MORE: Best Places To Visit In Panama

Best Things To Do In Panama City, Panama

1. The Famous Panama Canal

There is no question that one of the best Panama City attractions is the Panama Canal and should be number one on your list when visiting.

The Panama Canal opened for use in 1914, creating a pathway for ships to pass from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

This was a big deal, as prior to the canal, ships had to sail down to the tip of South America and back up on the Pacific side.

Large cargo ship passing through the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal in Panama City, Panama.

From coast to coast, the Panama Canal is 50 miles in length.

Even with the hefty price tag to pass through the Panama Canal (up to $1 million for the biggest cargo ships), the canal saves a tremendous amount of time and money.

Depending on the size of the ship and traffic, a ship can easily take 8-10 hours to pass from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

Due to the high demand to pass through the canal, ships book a year in advance to pass through this vital passageway!

Panama Canal Locks at Miraflores location near Panama City, Panama.

Panama Canal Locks

There are two places (3 locks in total) to view the Panama Canal locks in action as ships and boats of all sizes pass through, the Gatun Locks and the Miraflores Locks.

The majority of people will only visit the Miraflores Locks (closer to Panama City) but it is worth visiting both to get different viewing perspectives.

The Gatun Locks are also a little less crowded which is a plus.

Large cargo ship passing through the Gatun Locks at the Agua Clara Visitors Center of the Panama Canal.

The Gatun Locks are located a few miles from the Caribbean Sea.

The Agua Clara Visitors Center is where visitors can wait in anticipation for ships to pass through the Gatun Locks.

There is a theater with an interesting video displaying the history and building of the canal. There is also a café for a quick bite to eat.

Close view of cargo containers on a ship passing through the Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal.

The Miraflores Visitor Center is home to the Miraflores Locks (Pacific Ocean side) that has a larger visitor center with a theater, museum, restaurant, café and viewing platforms.

Give yourself time to browse the museum and theater to take in the marvel of the Panama Canal’s engineering feat.

I recommend 2 hours to explore everything onsite and the passing of a ship.

Cargo ship containers on ship at the Miraflores Locks along the Panama Canal in Panama City, Panama.

Tip: If you want to see the big cargo ships passing through the lock system, visit between 9am – 11am or 3pm – 5pm.

The big ships can take up to 15 minutes to pass through the lock system. If you come in between, you are likely to be bored as there isn’t much happening…

The viewing platforms get packed so if you want a front row view, get a spot on the platforms early!

2. Step Back In Time At Panama Viejo

Most cities have an Old Town but Panama Viejo is Panama City’s “Old Old Town”.

Yep, you read that right! It is the original settlement of Panama City from the early 1500s and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, various ruins remain to wander and are impressive for its colorful history.

Unfortunately, back in 1671, Captain Henry Morgan (yes, the rum guy!) destroyed the town by attacking and burning the neighborhood killing most residents.

Morgan was later prosecuted but got off saying he didn’t realize he had broken any laws. I don’t think that excuse would work today…

Ruins of old cathedral tower in Panama Viejo or Old Old Town a short distance from downtown Panama City.

Ruin walls at Panama Viejo in Panama City with a wooden cross at the top.

The city never recovered and moved the city to what is now known as Casco Viejo (Old Town).

The most prominent attraction still standing is the cathedral tower which is impressive to see.

To learn more about the Old Old Town’s history, spend some time in the museum (plus it’s nice to cool off in there).

Huge rock and brick section of a wall, old ruins at Panama Viejo in Panama City in focus with an old wall in the foreground and slightly blurred.

Contrasting view of old ruins the cathedral tower of Panama Viejo with modern high rises of downtown Panama City behind it.

Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, closed on Mondays. Adult admission is $15.

Tip: I recommend spending 1.5 – 2 hours roaming the ruins and museum.

3. Wander Metropolitan Park

Minutes from downtown Panama City is Metropolitan Park that is a tropical wildlife park.

It’s hard to imagine walking in what feels like a jungle right in the heart of a bustling city!

I was surprised at how humid it was walking up to the top of the hill making it a little difficult to breathe but luckily there are spots along the way to sit and take in all the beauty.

View of Panama City skyline from the top of Metropolitan Park seen through the thick foliage.

Starting out at the Visitor Center, follow the path for Monkey Trail that leads up to the lookout point and take the Cienegurita Trail back down (creates one big loop) for 3 miles.

The views of Panama City from the lookout point is breathtaking and definitely worth sweating it out to get to the top!

Keep your eyes out for sloth (curled up in the trees), monkeys, iguanas, coati, and several birds.

Seeing so much wildlife in their natural habit made this one of my favorite things to do in Panama City!

Hiking a trail through the dense rain forest in Metropolitan Park, minutes from downtown Panama City, Panama.

A coati running across the hiking path in Metropolitan Park in Panama City.
One of many adorable coati running across the hiking trail!

Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm and a $4 admission fee for adults. Tip: It can get very hot and humid in the park so bring a lot of water to keep hydrated. I recommend spending 2 – 3 hours hiking up to the top and back.

4. Casco Viejo aka Panama City Old Town

Casco Viejo is the Old Town of Panama City, the new settlement after the destruction of Panama Viejo (Old Old Town) above.

The Panama City Old Town might be my favorite area with its charming buildings and cobblestoned streets brimming with history and culture.

I have never been to Cuba, but from photos, Casco Viejo has a Havana feel.

A beautiful palm tree lined street of Casco Viejo or old town in Panama City.

Explore the various churches, plazas and wonderful restaurants and cafes that dot the cobblestoned streets.

The colorful buildings provide for great photo opportunities especially the crumbling paint that gives it so much character.

Because Casco Viejo is a small neighborhood, it is easy to wander around on foot.

An old and weathered building with three ornate doors. The doors are blue against a faded pink building. Located in Casco Viejo, Panama City.

The huge front brick facade of an old church ruins of Santo Domingo in Casco Viejo (old town) as the only side still standing.

Old and beautiful building in Casco Viejo part of Panama City with its tan color and green trim.

Don’t miss out on walking along the waterfront promenade where locals sell embroidered artwork (molas) on anything from a wall hanging, clothes or purse.

Looking for a bite to eat? Tacos La Neta had the most delicious tacos, with killer sauces to top it off.

My favorite taco was the chorizo queso and I even went back a second time for them! And you can also capture awesome views from their rooftop seating.

Great tacos at Tacos La Neta in Casco Viejo or Panama City's Old Town.

Delicious tacos at Tacos La Neta in Casco Viejo.

But if you are craving seafood, make a stop at Mercado de Mariscos.

A busy fish market that has everything your appetite might want ranging from fresh ceviche, lobster, shrimp or even a whole fish.

No meal at any spot is complete without an ice-cold Panamanian beer!

Note: The Panama City & Canal Half Day Tour will take you to visit the charming colonial streets of Casco Viejo!

5. Stroll The Amador Causeway

Back in 1913, during the construction of the Panama Canal, the removal of the dirt needed a place to go.

The dirt was then used to build a long peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean with four small islands. Each connected by a tiny strip of land.

The islands are Naos Island, Culebra Island, Perico Island and Flamenco Island.

View of boats and Panama City skyline from the Amador Causeway.

It is great that they were able to create something that is one of the biggest attractions in Panama City and is an excellent place to walk, run, ride a bike or dine along the 2 km causeway.

There are several spots to rent a bike through Amador Bike Park.

From various spots along the Causeway, take in the spectacular views of Panama City’s skyline that won’t disappoint.

The most recognizable attraction on the Amador Causeway is the brightly colored Biomuseo designed by Frank Gehry.

Another one of Gehry’s famous designs is the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.

The Biomuseo museum centers around Panama’s history and abundant biodiversity, home to so many species of animals and plants.

Tip: A great spot to get some yummy Panamanian food and take a break, is to get a table at Mi Ranchito Amador Restaurant. Any taxi or Uber driver will know the place!

6. Cinta Costera

The Cinta Costera is a beautiful long walkway along Panama City’s waterfront that is quite ideal for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

If you are staying along the waterfront in Panama City, head near the water and hop on the Cinta Costera path that will take you all the way to Casco Viejo.

It is a great location to get in a workout as it is a flat, paved stretch for pedestrians.

Walkway through Cinta Costera along Panama City's waterfront.

Cinta Costera was originally built as a way to bypass the heavy traffic of Casco Viejo that plagued those traveling to Panama City. But there is a debate on whether it has succeeded in doing so.

Either way, one can take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Panama City skyline.

Strolling along Cinta Costera is an excellent way to end the day and take in the sunset as it will likely be much cooler with a breeze at that time.

7. The Panama Sign

A fairly recent attraction to Panama City is the “Panama” sign that has probably been made famous by Instagram (I’m guilty of that too!).

It is such a colorful and vibrant sign that its hard not to love it. There are two locations in Panama City that you can find the larger than life Panama sign.

Large and colorful Panama sign along Cinta Costera that is a great photo opportunity.
Colorful Panama sign along Cinta Costera

The first sign can be found along the waterfront of Cinta Costera, a little south of the Balboa Statue (towards Casco Viejo) in a park that rounds out into the Pacific Ocean.

A large and colorful Panama sign on the marina waterfront on Flamenco Island on the Amador Causeway.
The Panama sign on the marina waterfront on Flamenco Island at the end of the Amador Causeway

The second Panama sign can be seen at the end of the Amador Causeway on Flamenco Island.

The sign is located along the marina waterfront. Depending on when you go, be prepared to wait for a photo with no one else in it! Believe me that can be a challenge that requires patience.

8. Gatun Lake

Close to the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal is the man-made Gatun Lake.

It is a significant portion of the water pathway that ships take traveling between the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean.

The lake was formed in the making of the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River and became instrumental in the Panama Canal’s success.

At the time Gatun Lake was created in 1913, it was the world’s largest man-made lake!

Boat cruise on Gatun Lake with lush foliage surrounding it near Panama City, Panama.

Cruising along Gatun Lake with a dense rain forest along the edge.

Gatun is also home to the Gatun Locks, one of the locks where visitors can watch ships passing through (See above under Panama Canal for more details).

There is nothing like getting out on the water to explore the Panama Canal first hand. I took the Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal & Jungle Tour with Panama Day Trips.

The tour explored Gatun Lake and the surrounding lush jungle that is home to so many species of animals and birds.

A treat was stopping along Monkey Islands that had plenty of playful capuchin, howler and tamarin monkeys!

A monkey that hopped on the boat during the jungle cruise.

I recommend touring the Panama Canal, as it is a great way to explore the lake, wildlife, the canal (Gatun Locks) and learn the importance of how the natural habitat and biodiversity is so vital to this region.

Tip: If you are going on a tour expect to spend the majority of a day.

9. Fort San Lorenzo

Situated out on the point where the Caribbean Sea flows into the Chagres River, is Fort San Lorenzo built in the late 1500’s.

The fort located a few miles from the city of Colon is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Although most visitors will only see the Panama Canal (which is a must!), the history and beautiful nature of Fort Lorenzo shouldn’t be missed.

Old canons at San Lorenzo Fort where the Caribbean Sea flows into the Chagres River.

Mouth of the Chagres River from San Lorenzo Fort.

The fort might be most notable for being destroyed by the pirate Captain Henry Morgan (who destroyed Panama Viejo) in 1670.

Yes, he was on quite a roll with his path of destruction! The fort has since been rebuilt perched up on the cliff above the entrance to the Chagres River.

Today, the fort, old cannons and abundance of flora and fauna create a wonderful backdrop for photos.

Maybe it is the location along the sea or just being immersed in nature but I found it incredibly peaceful wandering the grounds.

Beautiful ferns growing on the old walls of the San Lorenzo Fort.
Beautiful ferns growing on the old walls of the San Lorenzo Fort

Tip: Travel to Fort San Lorenzo is part of the Panama Canal, Colon Rainforest & Fort Lorenzo tour.

10. Panamanian Food

The food in Panama City was a real mix of different regions, ranging from American, Caribbean, and Latin America.

Although I enjoyed the food, overall it wasn’t my favorite among the countries I have visited. I think it is because I encountered more fried food than I prefer.

Some of the dishes that everyone should try when visiting is the ceviche, tacos, ropa vieja (shredded beef), carimanolas (deep fried stuffed yucca pastry), sancocho (stew) and various forms of yucca or plantains.

Sandwich at El Trapiche
Sandwich at El Trapiche

One of my favorite meals was a hot sandwich from El Trapiche in Panama City. It was so good that I went back another day! If you are looking for some local Panamanian food, then look no further.

One of the best things about traveling is trying different foods and getting out of one’s comfort zone when it comes to tasting new cuisines.

Where Is Panama City, Panama Located?

Panama City is located in the country of Panama in Central America. Panama is bordered by Costa Rica to the north and Colombia (South America) to the south of it.

Panama is also uniquely bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east!

Panama City is the capital and the largest city in Panama making it the main destination to fly in and out when visiting the country. From here you will branch off to travel to other regions in Panama.

The main airport that you will fly into is the Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

To book your airfare to Panama City, go to Skyscanner and find the best flight deals available!

When To Visit Panama City

After researching, I knew that I wanted to go between mid-December and April as that is the drier season and less rainfall.

Of course, it is a tropical climate, so rain is likely a given on any trip but planning around the wettest time of the year was a priority to get in as many sunny days as possible.

I traveled in December/ January and encountered a handful of rainy days but not enough to ruin the trip.

Lush landscape of the San Lorenzo Fort.

The temperatures in Panama City are warm year-round averaging 86 F (30C) but somehow it seems hotter because of the humidity.

The humidity can get pretty steamy and quite impossible for my hair to be managed… But that happens in any humid climate!

How to Get Around Panama City

For locations that are close by, I say walking is the best way to get around a city to explore.

But for those attractions farther out, I found the easiest and cheapest way to get around Panama City was to use Uber.

With a lot of walking comes sore feet and there is nothing worse than aching feet at the end of the day.

Wearing comfortable walking shoes completely changes that and this pair is the best for comfort!

A beautiful door in Panama City.

I had heard that local taxis were extremely expensive and not consistent with pricing.

I tested both and found that Uber was much cheaper than a taxi and easier to travel from one location to another because it was plugged into the app.

It eliminated any issues with the language barrier and having to deal with negotiating which was a huge plus!

The only negative with using Uber is that you need to have phone service or wifi to be able to schedule an Uber pickup.

Many hotels and restaurants have free wifi you can use to schedule a pickup but I also this wifi hotspot which is helpful when on the go.

Got Travel Insurance?

I had always heard that it was wise to get travel insurance before going on a vacation. But I always thought that would be extra money to spend and not needed as my medical coverage would be enough.

Well, I am here to tell you that I was wrong to ignore those recommendations! Granted for most trips, nothing goes wrong but it just takes one bad accident or hospital visit to change your perspective.

On this trip to Panama, I traveled with both of my parents. Although I recommended that we get travel insurance, my dad was adamant that his medical coverage would be enough. Long story short, he got severe pneumonia and was hospitalized four days.

It was the scariest few days as not many spoke English and we weren’t sure how bad it really was.

In the end, he was treated and we were on our way again but we lost out on a lot because we had to cancel excursions, activities and a hotel. We were out of that money! And for hospital treatment, my dad had to pay out of pocket which he never got reimbursed by his health insurance…

Since this trip, let’s just say I will always purchase travel insurance.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance

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