What to do once you land inPanama CityFind your bearings
Panama City is Central America's most cosmopolitan capital — a Miami-meets-Latin-America skyline rising above a 400-year-old colonial quarter. The Canal is the obvious draw, but Casco Viejo's rooftop bars, the rainforest inside city limits, and day trips to Caribbean islands make this way more than a one-trick town.
Neighborhoods
Casco Viejo — The colonial old town on a peninsula: cobblestones, rooftop bars, jazz clubs, boutique hotels, and street art
El Cangrejo — The foodie neighborhood: Greek, Lebanese, Panamanian, Chinese — all within a few blocks, locals' prices
Causeway (Calzada de Amador) — Former Canal breakwater connecting islands, now a bike path with skyline views, seafood restaurants, and the Biomuseo
Costa del Este — Modern district with parks, ocean views, and the nicest mall in Central America. Where wealthy Panamanians live
Avenida Central — Pedestrian shopping street in the heart of the city: cheap eats, market stalls, and authentic Panama city life
Best time to visit
December through April for dry season. It rarely rains and temps sit at 85°F. May through November is rainy season — cheaper rates but expect afternoon downpours.
Getting around
The Metro is modern, clean, and costs $0.35 per ride. Line 1 connects the airport area to the city center
Uber works well and is very cheap — most rides in the city are $3 to $8 USD
Yellow cabs exist but don't have meters. Agree on price first or just use Uber
Walking Casco Viejo is easy but bring good shoes for the uneven cobblestones
Key areas
Casco ViejoMiraflores LocksEl CangrejoCausewayPanama Viejo
Zero-dollar wins
1
Casco Viejo walking tourWander the UNESCO colonial quarter for free: crumbling churches, presidential palace, street art, and Plaza de Francia sea views
2
Panam Viejo ruinsThe original 1519 city destroyed by pirates. Climb the cathedral tower for free on Sundays and see the ruins along the coast
3
Metropolitan Natural ParkTropical rainforest inside city limits with hiking trails, toucans, sloths, and a lookout over the skyline. Entry is $5 but trails are accessible
4
Causeway bike pathWalk or bike the 3-mile causeway with Canal ships on one side and the skyline on the other. Best at sunset
5
Fish Market at Mercado de MariscosWatch the action at the dockside fish market. The upstairs ceviche counter is cheap, or just browse the ground-floor chaos for free
6
Avenida Central people watchingThe pedestrian-only shopping street buzzes with street vendors, juice carts, lottery sellers, and pure Panamanian life
7
Canal ship spotting at Flamenco IslandWatch massive cargo ships enter the Canal from the Causeway's endpoint. Free views, spectacular at dawn
Treat yourself
(we think it's worth it)
Laboratorio$80 to $120
Casco Viejo tasting-menu restaurant doing innovative Panamanian cuisine. 7-course menu with wine pairings in a restored colonial buildingCasaCasco rooftop$40 to $70
Multi-level restaurant complex in a colonial mansion. The rooftop has skyline views, cocktails, and a poolMakoto$90 to $150
High-end Japanese omakase in Costa del Este. The freshest fish from both oceans in one citySan Blas Islands day trip$150 to $250
Fly or boat to the indigenous Guna Yala archipelago: 365 palm-covered islands with impossibly clear Caribbean waterThe legendary bites
The dishes this city perfected
Mercado de Mariscos (upstairs)$5 to $12
The fish market's upstairs restaurant does the freshest ceviche in the city for pocket change. Locals line up at lunchCeviche de corvina with plantain chipsDonde José$75 to $100
Intimate 20-seat tasting menu showcasing Panamanian ingredients from the jungle and both coasts. Book weeks aheadMulti-course Panamanian tasting menuTomillo$25 to $40
Farm-to-table Casco Viejo bistro with a changing menu based on what's fresh from highland farmsSlow-roasted pork with yuca pureFonda Lo Que Hay$15 to $25
Hip Casco Viejo spot doing Panamanian comfort food with a modern twist. The atmosphere is half the experienceArroz con pollo with coconut riceMaito$40 to $70
Chef Mario Castrelln's flagship and Latin America's 50 Best listed. Modern Panamanian fine dining done rightPulpo al carbón with pataconesWhere locals eat
Where residents actually go
Fonda on Avenida Central$3 to $5
Any of the identical-looking lunch counters on the pedestrian strip serve rice, beans, meat, and plantain for under $5Café Coca Cola$3 to $6
Panama's oldest restaurant (1875) on Avenida Central. Cheap plates, strong coffee, and a slice of historyAthanasiou$4 to $8
Greek-Panamanian bakery in El Cangrejo with spanakopita, empanadas, and pastries that defy the tropical heatEl Trapiche$6 to $12
Chain that Panamanians actually love. Traditional dishes like sancocho soup, carimañolas, and patacones in huge portionsSuper Gourmet$7 to $13
Deli-meets-restaurant in El Cangrejo. Massive sandwiches, local beers, and the best people-watching in the neighborhoodRestaurante Costa Azul$8 to $15
El Cangrejo seafood spot where office workers go for lunch. Fried whole fish with coconut riceGo off-script
1
Panama Canal at Miraflores LocksWatch massive ships squeeze through locks from the viewing platform ($15 entry). Time it when a ship is scheduled for the full experience
2
San Blas Islands overnightStay with the indigenous Guna people on a tiny Caribbean island. No Wi-Fi, no shoes, just hammocks and crystal water
3
Pipeline Road birdingWorld-famous birding trail in Soberana National Park, 30 minutes from the city. 400+ species including toucans and motmots
4
Casco Viejo jazz nightDanilo's Jazz Club and Buena Vista Social Bar host live jazz in intimate colonial settings. Thursdays through Saturdays
Insider intel + tourist traps
Tips
- ✓Panama uses the US dollar (called Balboa locally). No currency exchange needed — your money works as-is
- ✓Afternoon thunderstorms in rainy season are clockwork: 2pm to 4pm downpour, then clear skies. Plan indoor activities for that window
- ✓Casco Viejo is safe during the day and evening but stick to lit streets. It borders rougher neighborhoods
- ✓The Canal expansion means you can now see mega-ships at the new Agua Clara locks on the Atlantic side (1.5 hrs away)
“Ate ceviche at the fish market for $4, watched ships pass through the Canal, and ended up at a rooftop jazz bar in Casco Viejo. All for less than a dinner out back home.”
Skip
- ✗Casco Viejo 'walking tour' companies charging $40+ for history you can read on free plaques at every building
- ✗Canal gift shop prices: the same Panama hat sold downtown for $15 costs $45 at Miraflores
- ✗Hard Rock Cafe on the Causeway: generic food at US prices when the Mercado de Mariscos is 10 minutes away
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