So you're heading to Panama City? Good call. I remember my first time stepping out of Tocumen Airport into that tropical humidity - instantly knew this place was special. But let's cut through the fluff. Panama City isn't just casinos and skyscrapers. It's three cities in one: the crumbling ruins of the original settlement, the colonial charm of Casco Viejo, and those shiny financial district towers. Oh, and the rainforest? Yeah, it literally starts where the city ends.
What to do in Panama City really depends on your style. Some folks just want canal photos and mojitos. Others (like me) get hooked exploring side streets where salsa music bleeds from open windows. I've had tourists ask if they can do Panama City in two days. Sure, if you enjoy stress. Give it at least four days to breathe.
Local Tip: Skip the rainy season (May-November) if you can. Those afternoon downpours will drown your plans. February to April? Perfect beach weather with fewer crowds.
Must-See Historical Spots
Casco Viejo steals the show. Wandering those cobblestone streets feels like time travel - if time travel included fantastic coffee shops. But don't make my mistake and go midday when cruise ship crowds peak. Early morning or sunset? Magic.
Top Historical Sites
| Attraction | Address | Hours | Cost | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casco Viejo | Old Quarter, Panama City | 24/7 (best 7-10am) | Free (walking) | UNESCO site with vibrant street life |
| Panama Canal Miraflores Locks | Miraflores Visitor Center | 8am-6pm daily | $20 adults | See mega-ships navigate locks |
| Panama Viejo Ruins | Vía Cincuentenario | 8:30am-4:30pm daily | $15 combo ticket | Original 1519 city destroyed by pirates |
| Presidential Palace | Av. Eloy Alfaro, Casco | Exterior only | Free | Peek through gates at Herons of Hope |
Honestly? The canal's engineering blows minds. But skip weekends unless you enjoy crowds. Tuesday mornings are golden. That $20 ticket gets you museum access too - worth it for the AC alone.
Panama Viejo surprised me. Those lonely stone towers baking in the sun? Powerful stuff. Bring water - zero shade. And that $15 ticket covers both Panama Viejo and the museum downtown. Don't pay twice.
Nature & Outdoor Activities
You haven't experienced what to do in Panama City until you've seen sloths in city limits. Seriously. Metropolitan Natural Park is the world's only wildlife refuge inside a capital city. My first visit? Spotting toucans fifteen minutes from my hotel.
- Metropolitan Park: Opens 6am-5pm daily ($4 entry). Take the Mono Titi trail at dawn to see howler monkeys. Taxi from downtown: $3-4
- Ancon Hill: Free 24/7 access. Hike up for insane skyline views. Morning fog makes killer photos. Uber to base: $2.50
- Amador Causeway: Bike rentals $5/hour. Sunset drinks at Bucanero's with canal views? Yes please.
- Gatun Lake Day Trip: Boat tours ($85) from Gamboa show monkey islands and caimans
Word to the wise: Metropolitan Park trails get muddy fast after rain. Those cute squirrel monkeys stole my banana last month. Little thieves.
Local Secret: Biomuseo's architecture is wild (Frank Gehry designed it), but the $18 entry feels steep for small exhibits. Walk the exterior for free photo ops instead.
Food & Drink Experiences
Panamanian food doesn't get enough credit. Where else can you have ceviche for breakfast? Skip the tourist traps near the waterfront. Real magic happens in cantinas with plastic chairs.
Can't-Miss Food Spots
| Place | Address | Specialty | Price Point | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercado de Mariscos | Av. Balboa | Fresh ceviche ($4 cups) | $ | 6am-5pm daily |
| Café Unido | Casco Viejo | Geisha coffee ($6) | $$ | 7am-7pm |
| Fonda Lo Que Hay | Calle 11 Este, Casco | Braised oxtail ($14) | $$ | 12pm-10pm (closed Sun) |
| Las Clementinas | Calle 11 & Ave B, Casco | Rooftop cocktails ($9) | $$$ | 5pm-1am |
Mercado de Mariscos shocks first-timers. Fishmongers cleaning catches while you slurp lime-soaked ceviche standing up? Pure Panama. Go before 11am when fishermen return. Avoid the pushy souvenir guys.
Disappointed me? The "famous" Diablo Rum tasting room. Overpriced pours in a sterile space. Better rum at Berrido (Calle 8a, Casco) for half the price.
Practical Day Trip Options
Got extra time? These excursions deliver serious bang for buck:
- Taboga Island: "Island of Flowers" ferry ($20 roundtrip) from Amador Causeway. White sand beaches 45 mins from downtown. Go Wednesday - fewer locals working.
- San Blas Islands: Day tours ($110+) require 5am starts but deliver paradise. Crystal waters, Kuna culture. Bring passport copy.
- El Valle de Antón: Mountain retreat two hours away. Hike sleeping Indian girl formation. Local market Sundays only.
San Blas looks incredible on Insta, right? Reality check: the road there is brutal. Potholes deep enough to lose small pets. Take motion sickness pills.
Culture & Shopping Tips
Panama hats? Actually made in Ecuador. For real local crafts, head to:
- Mercado Nacional de Artesanías: Balboa Ave near Figali. Open 9am-5pm. Bargain hard - start at 60% of asking price.
- Reprosa: Central Ave. Stunning pre-Columbian replica jewelry. Pricey but authentic.
- Multiplaza Mall: Worth seeing for sheer excess. Designer stores with rainforest views. Weird but cool.
Salsa nights at Habana Panamá (Casco) get wild. $5 cover includes basic lessons. I stepped on so many feet learning...
Essential FAQs
Is Panama City safe for tourists?
Central areas like Casco and financial district are fine. Avoid El Chorrillo neighborhood. Standard big-city rules apply: no flashing jewelry after dark. Uber is safer than street taxis.
What currency works best?
US dollars everywhere. ATMs dispense dollars. Small bills crucial - vendors often "forget" change.
Can I drink tap water?
Technically yes, but I stick to bottled. Montezuma's revenge ruins vacations fast.
How's public transportation?
Metro bus is cheap ($0.35) but confusing. Uber works great - trips under $4 citywide. Taxis? Agree on price BEFORE moving.
Putting It All Together
Planning what to do in Panama City feels overwhelming at first. Break it down:
- History Buffs: Panama Viejo morning → Canal midday → Casco sunset
- Nature Lovers: Metropolitan Park dawn → Causeway bikes → Gamboa afternoon
- Foodies: Mercado breakfast → Casco coffee tasting → Fonda dinner
My biggest lesson? Panama City refuses to be rushed. That time I tried cramming canal, shopping and ruins in one day? Heatstroke at 2pm. Slow down. Sip that seco rum. Watch ships glide through locks at golden hour.
Still wondering what to do in Panama City tomorrow? Start here: wake early. Grab $1 empanadas from a street cart. Wander Casco when streets glow pink. Find your own adventure beyond the guidebooks. That's when Panama gets under your skin.
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