If you are looking for the most cosmopolitan Central American capital, look no further than Panama City. I adored my month in this city! It’s both a gateway to tropical escapes and a vibrant metropolis… and it’s also relatively affordable and close. It’s an amazing destination to consider!
Panama City is even more attractive to the many savvy travelers among you who took advantage of the increased deal on the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. That’s because there’s a beautiful Marriott hotel that costs just a few points right downtown, in the heart of the action. I spent 1 month in this hotel, which I’ll show you in point #4 below.
Here are the things to do in Panama City, Panama (not to be confused with the less cosmopolitan Spring Break capital — Panama City, Florida).
Overview of Panama City
Panama is on the border between Central and South America, and Panama City is situated almost in the middle.
The country’s capital is the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas! It is home to 1.5 million of Panama’s 4.5 million inhabitants.
Panama City showcases the contrast between old and new, with towering skyscrapers, luxury boutiques, and trendy bars and restaurants rubbing shoulders with cobblestone streets and ruins dating back to the 16th century.
Doing its part as a meeting point between west and east and north and south, the city serves as a major hub in the region, which has led to a more dynamic, fluid, and anything-goes attitude.
What’s more, the relatively low cost of living, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and numerous amenities make it a great place to combine culture and nature and enjoy the best of both worlds.
Beyond the hustle and bustle of the city, nature is omnipresent around Panama City, whether you want to see the Panama Canal, visit the sandy beaches of the Caribbean or Pacific coast, or explore the nearby lush rainforests.
And one thing’s for sure: you’ll love Panama City’s location and that it’s only a short drive away from a myriad of beautiful and diverse sites and activities.
Don’t forget to take a look at our cheap flight deals page — we sometimes spot big discounts to this incredible destination, although these days they’re less frequent than for other Central American cities.
Here’s a list of 11 things to do in Panama City.
1. Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is undoubtedly the most visited place in Panama, and for good reason: it’s 1 of the 7 wonders of the modern world and a true masterpiece of engineering.
As a civil engineer by formation, I kind of regret not going! Now that I’m a digital nomad (you can be too with our 5 job openings), I was in Panama City for a more intensive work retreat and I loved the city itself so much that I didn’t take the time, I know I’ll be going back to that country.
The Panama Canal is an 82-kilometer artificial waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, thanks to a system of locks that lifts ships 26 meters as they pass through. This transit takes them only 8 to 10 hours, instead of the several days it would otherwise take to go from one ocean to the other.
At the Miraflores Visitor Center, just 15 minutes from downtown Panama City, you can learn more about the history of this engineering marvel and see the locks in action.
2. Casco Viejo
The Casco Viejo neighborhood, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dating from 1673, is also one of the most visited places in and around Panama City.
It’s a beautiful place. You can stroll through this historic neighborhood and enjoy the beauty of its colonial architecture and lively public squares.
In addition to its old-world charm, Casco Viejo is home to religious monuments such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and San José Church, the Paseo de Las Bóvedas (a stone walkway once used to defend the city from pirates), and some of the city’s best museums.
3. Panama Viejo
Located about 30 minutes by bus from downtown, Panama Viejo is the original city of Panama, founded in 1519 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila. It was the very first permanent European colony settled along the entire coast of the Pacific in the Americas.
Later, the site was abandoned and the city relocated further along the coast, where Casco Viejo now stands.
Today, the archaeological remains and ruins, which have been preserved in their original state, are part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time.
4. Gamboa’s tropical Rainforest
If you’re seeking the kind of thrill and beauty you can only find in a lush verdant jungle, then head straight towards the Gamboa Rainforest, just half an hour from Panama City.
Located in the Soberanía National Park, a popular birding spot with over 500 species of birds, the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve offers cultural and natural experiences, including an aerial tramway, night safaris, encounters with the Emberá community, and boat trips on Lake Gatún and the Chagres River, where you’ll spot plenty of animals.
5. Coronado and its beaches
Just 1 hour west of Panama City, you’ll find a seaside town called Coronado on the Pacific coast. It’s popular with expats, young professionals, and local vacationers.
Whether you want to enjoy the affordable aspect of the town if you’re traveling on a budget or fancy indulging in modern luxury amenities, this place has a little bit of everything. Best of all, it’s a beautiful place with miles of beaches, less rain than the rest of the country, and a more laid-back vibe.
6. BioMuseo and Amador Causeway
Just a few steps from downtown Panama City, the BioMuseo is a world-renowned museum that showcases Panama’s rich biodiversity through several permanent exhibitions, including one on the origins of the Isthmus of Panama and its role as a meeting point between the Americas and as a divider between the Pacific and the Atlantic.
On the outside, the museum is an architectural feat of radical form and vivid color, designed by Frank Gehry, a globally renowned Canadian-American architect.
While you’re there, take a stroll along the Amador Causeway, a 6-kilometer road linking a few small artificial islands, to enjoy the attractions, bars, and restaurants, as well as the view of the city skyline and the Bridge of the Americas, which straddles the entrance to the canal.
7. Monkey Island and Lake Gatún
Surrounded by the blue-green waters of Lake Gatún, Monkey Island is home to 4 different species of monkey, including the white-faced capuchin, which you can see up close in its natural habitat.
You can easily plan a day trip to spend time sailing between the other islands of this large man-made lake, in the heart of the surrounding natural paradise. You might even spot turtles, crocodiles, sloths, caimans, toucans, and several species of tropical birds.
8. Colón and the surrounding tropical rainforest
Although not as well known as Panama City, Colón is one of Panama’s oldest cities. It combines colonial architecture with a modern shopping paradise — you’ll find the world’s 2nd largest free trade zone here.
Accessible by car, bus, or train (Panama’s railroad crosses the country from coast to coast in about 1 hour), Colón is a place where travelers go to get a mix of history and modernity in one place.
Once you’ve done your shopping, head for the magnificent rainforest that surrounds this city on the Atlantic coast. The lush ecosystem is home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
9. San Lorenzo Fort
Near Colón, you can get a sneak peek of the pirate era at the magnificent Fort San Lorenzo, one of the oldest colonial forts in America.
This fort, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, was the scene of several battles between Spanish colonists and pirates and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its military architecture dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The preserved ruins, fascinating history, 12,000+ hectares of protected rainforest, and sea views are well worth the detour.
10. San Blas Islands
If you have a few days to spare, plan an excursion to the autonomous Indigenous territory of Guna Yala, also known as San Blas, a few hours’ drive from Panama City.
This archipelago is made up of 378 islands, only a few of which are inhabited by the indigenous Guna (or Kuna) people.
This beautiful place, far off the beaten track of mass tourism and run by the Gunas, is perfect for island hopping on a group boat or private excursion, discovering traditional Gunas ways of life, and enjoying a tropical getaway away from man-made resorts.
11. Relaxation
If you want to relax after busy days of exploring the city, you can splurge on a nice hotel for at least a part of your stay. Trivago has plenty of accommodation options in Panama City.
But the best option is a beautiful free hotel — and it’s easy to get! Our Flytrippers readers have earned over 3 million dollars in free travel with our travel rewards deals, so you should take advantage of them too (this hotel deal is a great one for beginners).
The Aloft Panama is a beautiful and recent hotel in the heart of Panama City, just across from the old city and all the attractions. I loved the month I spent in this very well-located hotel!
It costs 4,600 Marriott points per night (23,000 for 5 nights). That’s just 2,300 points per person per night with a companion! It’s as cheap as Marriott hotels in Southeast Asia, and it’s much closer.
The current welcome bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card gives you 53,000 points (or 106,000 points if your companion takes advantage of it too).
The cash price is $990 ($198/night for 5 nights) so using points can give you great value — those particular dates give you almost 5 times more than our conservative Flytrippers Valuation! You can read how Marriott Bonvoy points work.
Aloft is urban-inspired, one of the most hip, young, and lively of Marriott’s 30+ different hotel brands. I loved the outdoor pool, and the social lounge and bar area is a great spot to chill if you want to spend a day at a slower pace while in Panama City.
If you prefer a fancier option, the Sheraton Grand Panama costs just a few more points and is located nearby. It’s even one of the most affordable Sheraton hotels in the world.
Don’t miss my detailed review of the Aloft Panama hotel soon.
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Summary
Panama City and its surroundings offer you a mix of exhilarating activities, history, and nature, with a flamboyant metropolis, old colonial districts, and opportunities to escape to the lush jungle.
What would you like to know about things to do in Panama City, Panama? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: San Blas, Panama (photo credit: Alessa Ciraulo)
