If you are in Panama City to attend a congress or convention, you have the perfect opportunity to combine business with pleasure! The bleisure (business + leisure) trend is booming, and Panamá offers endless options to take advantage of your free time before, during, and after your event. 

Here are 10 ideal activities and plans that will let you to get the most out of your stay:

1. Explore Casco Antiguo

A stroll through the charming cobbled streets of Casco Antiguo is a must. Discover the colonial architecture, stylish cafés, local craft shops, and award-winning restaurants. At night, enjoy the vibrant nightlife in bars with rooftops and spectacular views of the Panama City skyline.

Tree friends walking on the alleys of Casco Antiguo
Aerial View of Amador Marina. Boat departing.

2. Crossing the Panama Canal

Experience one of the marvels of modern engineering up close. Take a partial crossing of the Canal by boat to see the locks from the inside and understand how this world icon works. You can also take a tour of Gatun Lake and tour part of the canal watershed to learn about its flora and fauna while sailing in a small boat next to the giant ships. If you have little time and want to do more activities, make sure to visit this wonder. Stop by the Miraflores Visitor Center in Panama City or the Agua Clara Visitor Center in Colon to watch the ships pass through the locks.

3. Hiking in the Metropolitan Natural Park

This park is a green lung with trails that offer panoramic views of the city and the canal. You will also be able to spot local fauna, such as monkeys, sloths and a wide variety of birds. This tropical forest, full of life, is one of the only ones in Latin America, located within a metropolitan area.

View of the path between the trees of Metropolitan National Park at Panama City, Panamá
Cargo ship crossing at Miraflores Locks. Panama Canal, Panamá

4. Visit to the Miraflores Locks

The Miraflores Visitor Center is perfect for those who want to learn more about the Canal. Watch the ships in action from its terraces and visit the exclusive IMAX Cinema where you can experience the Canal like never before with Morgan Freeman’s narration in “Panama Canal: Stories Behind the Wonder”. Enjoy an immersive experience on a giant screen and surround sound that connect you to this historic work. It’s amazing!

5. Make a quick visit to Taboga Island

Known as the Isla de las Flores, Taboga is just a 30-minute ferry ride away. Relax on its beaches, enjoy short walks or savor a lunch with fresh seafood in front of the sea.

Group on the top of Cerro la Cruz in Taboga Island
Man filtering high-altitude coffee on Longplay

6. Panamanian coffee and chocolate tour

For coffee and chocolate lovers, Panamá offers tastings of world-class local products. Learn about Geisha coffee, one of the most sought-after coffees in the world, in a tasting accompanied with pairing and a demonstration of the filtering technique. Learn about the history of Panamanian cacao in an artisan chocolate workshop to get your own souvenir bar.

7. Discover the Biomuseum

Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, this museum tells the story of Panamanian biodiversity and its global impact. Thanks to its location on the Amador Causeway, it also offers spectacular views of the ocean and the Bridge of the Americas, as well as outdoor activities for the whole family.

Internal view of the Biomuseo room
A party of individuals is traversing a rope bridge nestled among the trees in El Valle de Anton.

8. Valle de Anton tour

Just a two-hour drive away, this town in the crater of an extinct volcano is perfect for a day trip. Enjoy hikes to waterfalls, hot springs, artisan markets, and cool weather ideal for relaxing.

9. Visit Portobelo: Afro Historical and Cultural Center

Portobelo, located on the Caribbean coast about two hours from the city, is a destination steeped in Afro-descendant history and culture. Explore the colonial fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about local traditions such as the Congo Dance. Don’t miss the Royal Customs Museum and the Church of the Black Christ, revered by thousands of pilgrims every year.

Colorful group of Afro-Congo dancers outside of Portobelo ruins fortress, Colon Province
Group of friends taking a dinner at nice restaurant

10. Enjoy a first-class dinner

Panama City was declared a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO. Feel the mix of cultures in our dishes that feature unique flavors. Sample traditional, modern, and fusion recipes at Panama City’s hundreds of restaurants. To treat yourself, visit one of the 5 Panamanian restaurants that were mentioned in Latin America’s 50 Best lists and in its extension from 51 to 100. 

Tips for organizing your activities

  • Plan ahead: many activities require advance reservations; in addition, Panama City constantly has cultural activities that can surprise you.

  • Take advantage of your hotel’s services: Many convention hotels in Panama City offer packages or recommendations for excursions.

  • Choose local guides: Supporting local tourism not only enriches your experience, but also helps Panamanian communities.

Your visit to Panama City doesn’t have to be limited to business meetings. With these options for activities and excursions, you can transform your work trip into an unforgettable experience. Dare to explore the city!