Panama City has plenty of must-see landmarks and things to do, but getting to visit them all in one trip can be a challenge. Whether it’s a taste of old world Panama in Casco, or a day spent at the majestic Miraflores Locks, there truly is something for every taste and every budget. So, when you plan your next trip to Panama City, it’s important to know what’s in store for you, and where you should go to get the most out of your time spent there. Here’s a quick list of five of the best must-see landmarks in and around Panama City:

1. Casco Viejo:

No trip to Panama is complete without a trip to Casco, and as far as must-see landmarks, this has to top the list. Casco is an old, Spanish Colonial-style neighborhood with some of the most antique and interesting architecture around. It’s also the city’s busiest tourist area with top boutique hotels, shops, and restaurants adorning nearly every street in this quaint, walk-able neighborhood. If you’re not staying there, it’s a quick and inexpensive ride from downtown and the financial district.

2. The Biomuseo (Bio Museum):

Panama’s Biomuseo is one of its newest landmark attractions, and already it’s a must-see. This Frank Gehry-designed museum showcases the natural biodiversity of the region through interactive exhibits and educational tours. The museum is located on the Amador Causway, which is minutes from the center of the city, and a nice area to walk around before and after your museum trip.

3. Ancon Hill:

The iconic Ancon Hill is not only a must-see landmark, but also one of Panama City’s most visible. The hill rests at the eastern edge of the Panama Canal, and can be seen from nearly all parts of the city; especially visible is it’s enormous Panamanian flag that rests at the top. Ancon is also a natural treasure, containing the world’s only rainforest land within the city limits of a national capital. It’s a fun place to hike, observe local wildlife, and get unparalleled views of Panama City’s famous skyline.

4. Miraflores Locks:

The Panama Canal is the country’s biggest tourist attraction, and the Miraflores Locks are its most popular, must-see point of interest. This is where you can see the magic of Canal engineering lift megaships up through water lock gates and transport them from ocean to ocean. There is also a great museum and observation deck, which highlight the experience. It’s easy to get to by taxi, or drive if you’ve got a car. This is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a can’t miss when you’re in town.

5. Panama Viejo:

Not to be confused with Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo is actually the oldest settlement in Panama City. It’s a few miles east of downtown, where you will find well-preserved colonial-era ruins, and a walk-able look into the historic site. There are guided tours available and a large area to explore on your own, including a stunning observation tower, which resides in the center of the historical landmark site.

While this list should keep you busy, there are also plenty of other great must-see landmarks in the city. To get a full list of the best tips and activities for visiting or relocating to Panama, check out our FREE downloadable guide!

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The American Trade Hotel in Casco Viejo (Panama’s old city) is one of the most coveted pieces of real estate in the country. Set in the historic center of the city, this 101-year-old restored building has hosted some of the country’s most distinguished guests, and continues to set the bar as high as it gets when it comes to boutique luxury. The hotel has kept its original style, but has been modernized to provide many of the creature comforts one would expect from brand new luxury accommodations. From its world-class restaurant, to a gourmet boutique coffee shop, to its rooftop pool and French-doored balconies overlooking the plaza, no detail is spared here. This is truly Casco Viejo’s best, most refined place to stay, for work or play.

A big part of what makes the American Trade Hotel so great is also its location. Casco Viejo is the center of Panama City’s art, culture, music, food, and nightlife scenes, as well as being home to Panama’s Presidential Palace and seat of government. The hotel is located on a full city block in Plaza Herrera, where it’s surrounded by craft cocktail bars, a world-famous Jazz Club (Danilo’s), 5-star restaurants, and steps from some of the country’s most famous colonial churches and ruins. As a guest, you can discover all that old Panama has to offer within steps of the front door, or relax in your guest room, taking in the sweet tropical breeze from the balcony. Whatever your pleasure, you’ll find it at the American Trade Hotel

Explore Casco Viejo (Panama’s Old City) during your stay!

One of the biggest treats of staying in the American trade hotel is its location and surrounding neighborhood. Panama’s Casco Viejo, or what’s commonly referred to as simply “Casco”, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most picturesque, fun, historic areas of the country. Right in front of the hotel, and in back, is living history that you can easily explore by foot at nearly anytime of the day or evening.

Walk down Avenue A to check out the beautifully restored stone streets, restaurants, art galleries, and shops. You can also explore the city’s coastal walkway, the Cinta Costera, and get a unique view of both Casco and the rest of the city through its pedestrian walk on the loop portion which goes around most of Casco like a ring. Towards the west end of the American Trade Hotel, you’ll find the area of Santa Ana. The immediate area of Santa Ana around the hotel is part of Casco Viejo’s historical district, and is now the heart of the young, hip, urban arts corps of the city. There are many great restaurants, outdoor bars, and street art that make this area truly unique.

Make sure to book your stay at the American Trade Hotel with plenty of time in advance, as it’s quite popular and reservations do fill up fast!

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You may have heard of Isla Taboga. You may have not. But one thing’s for sure; this little island in the Panama Bay is one of the best-known secrets for both locals and expats, and is a gem of a beach escape just minutes from downtown Panama City. This island is classically Panamanian, serving as a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the capital for its residents, for many years. It’s got beaches, a small town, and is incredibly easy to get to by boat or ferry. You won’t find many hotels or resorts here, but a humble village with as much peace and serenity as any of Panama’s remote islands and beaches, just 45 minutes away.

What to do on Isla Taboga

One of the biggest draws of Isla Taboga is that it’s easy to do a day trip there if you live in, or near Panama City. There are multiple ferries that leave each morning from Balboa (Panama Canal Zone, right bank) very early, and ones that return from Taboga in the AM and PM. This means that almost all of the popular things to do on Taboga revolve around day activities. People love swimming on the beach, sunbathing, snorkeling, jet skiing, and diving nearby. There is a small village that is perched on a hill, which makes for a great (although a bit steep) hike. You can catch some great views from the top, and have an authentic Panamanian lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants.
If you go on a weekend, expect larger crowds, especially on the main beach at the town entrance. If you’re looking for something more private, you can hike around to the other side, but be warned, it’s pretty remote, and the tide may stick you there for a while longer than planned. You can also spend the night, as there are a number of small hotels, all of which offer relatively great prices, and rustic views and décor

How to get to Isla Taboga

The easiest way to get to Isla Taboga from Panama City is to take the Calypso ferries. There is the Calypso Queen, Calypso Princess, and the Calypso King. These are standard covered ferries, with decently large capacities that can get you to and from the island in around 45 minutes. According to their parent company’s website:

Departs from the Causeway
Sat, Sun and Holidays 8:00am, 10:30am, 4:00pm
Mon and Fri 8:30am, 3:00pm
Tue, Wed, and Thu 8:30am

Returns from Isla Taboga
Sat, Sun and Holidays 9:00am, 3:00pm, 5:00pm
Mon and Fri 9:30am, 4:30pm
Tue, Wed, and Thu 4:30pm

You can also charter a private boat to take you and your friends to Taboga, with many offering party cruises and sailing trips that last for just the day. Even if your boat just makes a brief stop on the island, you’ll have plenty to see, as the surrounding waters are gorgeous, and full of sea life and other leisure boaters. We highly recommend you visit Isla Taboga during your stay, or while living in Panama. It’s a great refreshing trip from the city, and will give you a taste at the beautiful juxtaposition between nature and urban life that only Panama can offer.

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Though it’s technically winter in the northern hemisphere, in Panama, January through March is considered “Summer” as it’s the hot, dry season. And while some Panamanians and expats may have vacation time, many who work are limited to being weekend warriors, who get there outdoor summer fix in day trips to places close to the city. Lucky for them there are some great, underrated beaches just a short drive from Panama City. Here’s a quick list of our favorites:

Playa Grande:

Located on what’s quickly becoming Panama’s “Golden Coast”, Playa Grande sets itself apart with its simplicity. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Panama City, and lies within reach of some of Panama’s biggest Pacific beach resort communities. But despite its location, the beach remains relatively untouched. Soak up the rays on white sand and hit the waves with no crowd, no traffic, and no mega hotels to distract you from the natural beauty of your surroundings

Playa La Angosta:

This beach is on Panama’s northern Caribbean coast just outside of Colon, and for that reason alone, is underrated and relatively unspoiled. While many tourists limit their beach vacations to San Blas, or beaches on the Pacific, Colon’s upper coast offers picturesque Caribbean scenery without the crowds. And while it is an entire ocean away from Panama City, you can get there in just over an hour’s drive, with hardly any traffic to slow you down. The beach is small, yet simple, and is popular amongst locals who live in the area. Make sure to ask for directions once you get to Colon though, as this beach can be tough to find for any newbie.

Playa Teta:

This beach gets the nod as one of Panama’s most underrated because it’s hiding in plain sight. It’s next to the popular beach community of Coronado, but until recently didn’t even have a paved road. This beach is a hot spot for surfers in the know; so if you’ve got the chops to jump in the waves, make sure to bring your board. This is a no frills beach that’s close enough to the highway to make it accessible, but hidden enough to keep the crowds away. Even if you don’t surf, you’ll have plenty of beach to enjoy, and very little distraction.

Isla Grande:

Not to be confused with “Playa Grande”, Isla Grande is another northern beach worth visiting if you’re looking for a cool, unspoiled beach experience. Much like the other beach with it’s namesake, Isla Grande is just outside Colon, although you’ll need to get there by boat. Once there, you’ll find the setting is right out of Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s got beautiful turquoise waters, long hanging palm trees, and a very cool, yet quiet crowd. There are partygoers that visit on the weekends, but without a big infrastructure it’s still untouched by big hotels and resorts.

Farallon

This beach is right on the cusp of being in the heart of Panama’s mega beach development area, and for that, it has to make the list. The little sleepy town of Farallon is within eyesight of some of the country’s biggest resorts, yet surprisingly, is completely unspoiled. There is one main road that leads to the beach, and when you reach its end you’ll find a restaurant that rents out cabanas and umbrellas, and that’s about it. This is Playa Blanca without the hotels, and has some of the best white sand beaches around. It’s also easy to find. Just head towards the Decameron Resort, and stay on the road until you reach the end.

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Caribbean islands have always been the places of magic in the hearts and imagination of traveler, or would-be travelers all over the world. For Panama, the Caribbean is also something special, as it hosts half of the country’s coastline, and has a large variety of cultural heritage and historic influence. Amongst the most sought after places to visit on the Caribbean side of Panama are the San Blas Islands (or Guna Yala in their native name). San Blas is an archipelago that has around 400 small islands that hug the eastern Caribbean coast of Panama, all the way to the Colombian border. San Blas is protected indigenous territory and is populated nearly exclusively by the Kuna tribe.

Although it’s semi-autonomous indigenous territory, San Blas has opened up to some incredible (and culturally conscious) tourist opportunities. It’s a place to go if you want to be off the grid, in crystal blue waters, and with a culture and customs as rich and fascinating as any in the hemisphere.

What to do in San Blas

First off, if you’re looking for all-inclusive resorts, jet skiing, bars, and air conditioning, San Blas is not for you. This is a nearly unchanged, untouched by modern society group of islands, and people that both live and visit there love it that way. The most popular things for visitors to do in San Blas, apart from laying in the sun and sand is to sail, canoe, and explore the area by water. You can spend a day, ora week hopping island to island, seeing exotic animals, snorkeling, eating local fish dishes, and even hiking.

Sailing tours offer anywhere from day trips to 5-day Panama/Colombia trips, and will take you through the entire archipelago, with food and drinks typically included in the price. You can find all types of boats and sizes, and each will typically let you off at a number of islands to explore, and enjoy the pristine, untouched beaches. You can also go to a few select eco hotels, where you can live like a local, and learn more about the rich flora and fauna that populates the area. Local Kuna are very welcoming people, but also expect visitors to abide by their rules and customs, and to be respectful. You’ll find that electricity is rare in the area, and places that have it use it sparingly at night, and try to keep electrical cosumption at a bare minimum. Also, keep in mind, there are no ATMs in San Blas, so bring plenty of cash beforehand.

How to get to San Blas

Take a tour of one of Panama’s most iconic, if not controversial neighborhoods, El Chorillo. El Chorillo is a densely populated urban neighborhood at the southern corner of Panama City. It runs alongside Casco Viejo (the historic old city), and stretches from the bay to the base of Ancon Hill. Locals will tell you to be careful walking around here, so we recommend taking a tour. Local in PTY is a great option for this, and they take you on a cultural journey getting to meet locals, hear stories of the past, eat traditional street food, and even volunteer with kids.

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Panama City is a packed metropolis, known for its hustle and bustle, business center, and luxury residential, office, and hotel towers. These have become the public face of Panama City, and the iconic symbols of a city, and country on the rise. But if you talk about the history of the city, the Canal, and how it’s been settled over the years, you’d be remiss if you didn’t highlight the Amador Causeway. The Amador Causeway and islands lay on the far south side of Panama City. The islands are connected by a thin strip of land, and subsequent avenue that connects them with the city and have a rich history and bright future ahead of them, all in one. For years, Panamanians have been using this part of the city as a refuge from the hustle and bustle; a place to live or spend the day on the water, just minutes from downtown.

What does the Amador Causeway look like?

One of the big draws of living on the Causeway is its beautiful natural, yet refined setting. This area is a major sailing port for small ships (and some bigger ones) heading through the Canal, or just docking in the city. It’s oceanfront Panama at its best, with beautiful rocky coastlines, palm tree lined streets, marinas, and spectacular views of downtown Panama City and the Pacific Ocean. The architecture is a blend of classic Canal Zone designs mixed with newer Caribbean-inspired beach estates. Amador consists of four islands: Naos, Culebra, Perico, and Flamenco. Perico Island is the most popular for residents, tourism, and commerce, while Naos is famous for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and a number of labs.

The Amador Causeway has 4 hotels, a number of restaurants that run the gamut in taste and budget, and a lot of outdoor activities available to tourists and residents. Amador is also home to the Balboa Yacht Club, which is one of the most famous, and oldest yacht clubs in the country, and also an icon from the American Panama Canal Zone years. Many tourists and business travelers choose to stay on the Causeway due to its quiet, tropical setting, while still being close to the city’s attractions, as well as the business center.

A bit of history in every step, on Panama’s Amador Causeway

The Causeway is famous for a number of reasons in history, with the two greatest being it’s protective fortifications (built for WWII, but never used), and one of Manuel Noriega’s compounds, where he once fled, and has since been ransacked to ruins after his arrest in 1990. The Causeway was also a very iconic location for wealthy Canal managers, and Zonian (people born during the American occupation of the Panama Canal Zone) families. It is the literal mouth of the Canal on the Pacific side, and is still a great place to watch some of the world’s biggest, and greatest ships as they transit towards the Atlantic side of the Canal. You can even still walk along the long paths that connect the mainland to the islands, and see life as it would have been almost 100 years ago, as you pass the old and the new blending, to create what now is one of Panama’s most luxury, relaxing refuges from the city.

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Panama’s Casco Viejo neighborhood is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s also home to the seat of Panama’s government, and one of the hottest areas for both residential and commercial real estate. In other words, Casco is the “place to be”, and that means that by nature, prices for goods and services tend to be higher. Casco has lots of luxury options when it comes to dining, shopping, and seeing the sights, but there are also some great deals to be had, too! If you want to see the best of Casco on a budget, here are some easy-to-follow tips. Check it out!

Spend Time in the Plazas:

While Casco is mainly known for its nightlife and attractions, one of the best ways to pass time there is to just sit back and relax in one of the neighborhood’s many beautiful plazas. It’s free, and there are plenty of benches, fountains, and other sitting areas to relax in. This is also a great way to people watch, and absorb a bit of local culture without having a schedule, or spending money. Enjoy!

Walk Everywhere:

Casco Viejo is very easy to reach from pretty much any part of the center of Panama City. You can get there by taxi or Uber for about $5 from downtown hotels, but you can also walk there via the Cinta Costera (Coastal Park), or take a bus to the nearby fish market, where you can easily walk to Casco in minutes. Once in Casco, walk everywhere. Taxis from place to place add up, and you can save about $10-$15 throughout the course of the day if you use your feet!

Eat at Local Fondas:

A “fonda” is a traditional Panamanian eatery/cafeteria, typically serving Chinese-influenced Caribbean fare. It is as local as it gets when it comes to eating in Panama City, and portions are huge, while prices are high. Casco is home to only two Fondas, but they are both located on Ave. A, very close to the main tourist attractions. You can get lunch for less than $5, and small snacks and apps for less than $2. This is the perfect way to keep your travel budget low if you want to enjoy Casco without having fine dining as a priority for your stay.

Take Advantage of Happy Hours:

We all love a nice cocktail or beer while on vacation, and Casco’s bars are the best in the city. Drink prices are typically very high at these places, but if you time it out right, you can pay 50% less every day. Happy hour varies by bar, usually between 4pm-8pm, depending on the place. Schedule your afternoon drink around whenever happy hour is (check with place first), and either spend half of what you normally would, or get double the drinks!

Use Apps Instead of Tours:

Casco Viejo has many great tour companies that offer guided tours of the neighborhood and its principle sites and attractions. If you’re on a tight budget, however, you can still see and learn about these things without spending a dime. Download the Casco Walking Tours App, or do some Google research on your phone or computer before heading out (or while there) and read up about the sites. You can download free detailed maps, get price info for local restaurants, reviews about churches and museums, and give yourself a tour on your own, with results that are almost as good.

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Panama is a tropical country with a tropical climate, and that means that throughout the year, the weather is pretty predictable. While some may laugh at that assessment (often, it can rain out of nowhere), the “predictable” part of the weather is that during “green season” it rains, and during “dry season” rain is rare. Because of this seasonal weather, most people choose to visit Panama in the dry season. That’s understandable, however it doesn’t really paint a clear picture of Panama’s potential as a tourist destination year-round. Here are some great things to do during Panama’s wettest time of year.

Check out a Local Museum.

Panama City may not be renowned for its museums, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great ones out there. Panama City is home to the Biodiversity Museum, which can be a full day activity of exploring the country’s flora and fauna, in one of the most unique (Frank Gehry designed) structures in all of Latin America. You can also check out the Canal museum at the Miraflores Locks, or the Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo. Take in some history, and get to know Panama’s people, and nature, all just a few minutes away from the center of Panama City.

Go for a boat tour through the Canal.

It may sound strange to go out on a boat in the rain (or just before or after), but it’s one of the best times to go and see some of the natural areas through the Canal. Rainy season brings all of Panama’s wildlife and natural beauty to life, and you can just feel the energy as you coast through on a covered pontoon boat, yacht, or ferry. Colors are more vibrant during the season, and the light drip of rain adds a romantic, and authentic touch to being right here in the center of the tropical isthmus.

Go Shopping.

Panama has some of the best shopping in the world, and the biggest, most modern malls in practically the entire hemisphere. There is truly something for everyone (and every budget) when it comes to shopping in Panama. Malls, shops, and hotel shopping centers all are well climate controlled, and offer lots of distractions, including luxury 3D movie theaters, restaurants, shops, and even indoor playgrounds/arcades for children. Many of the shopping malls are so big, you can spend the entire afternoon there and not run out of things to do.

Check out Panama’s cafes and craft beer/cocktail bars.

Nightlife is great, but finding a unique spot to get a cup of coffee, or craft cocktail in the afternoon is also a wonderful way to spend a rainy day in Panama. Plus, the scene is getting bigger by the month. Panama is home to hundreds of interesting café and bar spaces, each with artisan food, beverages, and beautiful décor. Whether you want to relax and read, chat with friends, or try the latest trends in culinary treats, Panama is a great place for it. These places tend to get more action during rainy season, so it’s a great opportunity to socialize and meet new people as well. Enjoy!

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Panama City has plenty of must-see landmarks and things to do, but getting to visit them all in one trip can be a challenge. Whether it’s a taste of old world Panama in Casco, or a day spent at the majestic Miraflores Locks, there truly is something for every taste and every budget. So, when you plan your next trip to Panama City, it’s important to know what’s in store for you, and where you should go to get the most out of your time spent there. Here’s a quick list of five of the best must-see landmarks in and around Panama City:

1. Casco Viejo:

No trip to Panama is complete without a trip to Casco, and as far as must-see landmarks, this has to top the list. Casco is an old, Spanish Colonial-style neighborhood with some of the most antique and interesting architecture around. It’s also the city’s busiest tourist area with top boutique hotels, shops, and restaurants adorning nearly every street in this quaint, walk-able neighborhood. If you’re not staying there, it’s a quick and inexpensive ride from downtown and the financial district.

2. The Biomuseo (Bio Museum):

Panama’s Biomuseo is one of its newest landmark attractions, and already it’s a must-see. This Frank Gehry-designed museum showcases the natural biodiversity of the region through interactive exhibits and educational tours. The museum is located on the Amador Causway, which is minutes from the center of the city, and a nice area to walk around before and after your museum trip.

3. Ancon Hill:

The iconic Ancon Hill is not only a must-see landmark, but also one of Panama City’s most visible. The hill rests at the eastern edge of the Panama Canal, and can be seen from nearly all parts of the city; especially visible is it’s enormous Panamanian flag that rests at the top. Ancon is also a natural treasure, containing the world’s only rainforest land within the city limits of a national capital. It’s a fun place to hike, observe local wildlife, and get unparalleled views of Panama City’s famous skyline.

4. Miraflores Locks:

The Panama Canal is the country’s biggest tourist attraction, and the Miraflores Locks are its most popular, must-see point of interest. This is where you can see the magic of Canal engineering lift megaships up through water lock gates and transport them from ocean to ocean. There is also a great museum and observation deck, which highlight the experience. It’s easy to get to by taxi, or drive if you’ve got a car. This is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a can’t miss when you’re in town.

5. Panama Viejo:

Not to be confused with Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo is actually the oldest settlement in Panama City. It’s a few miles east of downtown, where you will find well-preserved colonial-era ruins, and a walk-able look into the historic site. There are guided tours available and a large area to explore on your own, including a stunning observation tower, which resides in the center of the historical landmark site.

While this list should keep you busy, there are also plenty of other great must-see landmarks in the city. To get a full list of the best tips and activities for visiting or relocating to Panama, check out our FREE downloadable guide!

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