Panama City
Panama City is much more than the country's capital. Here you can pedal in front of a skyline with some of the tallest skyscrapers in Latin America, enjoy the Pacific breeze as you ride along the Bay of Panama, walk among archaeological sites and trails, and see how colonial history and the night come alive in the same place. Panama City is a high-contrast destination where greenery, indigenous peoples and vibrant city life are waiting for you.
Three Cities in one
Its buildings portray it as a modern city, but it is also a historic city. In fact, it holds two other cities, both declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The oldest one is Panama Viejo, it is an archaeological site that preserves the ruins of the first city, founded in 1519 and destroyed by pirates. The other one is Casco Antiguo, a walled colonial city full of color, history and flavor. Walk around its streets, you’ll find a great offer of museums, hotels and the best nightlife, with rooftops and restaurants.
If you are looking for culinary experiences, you’ll be delighted to know that Panama City is a Creative Gastronomic City, recognized by UNESCO and it has 4 restaurants on the list of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants. Dine out in the areas of San Francisco, Costa del Este and Casco Antiguo in modern places with ambiance, or in the Cinta Costera for more local and outdoor experiences. Here you’ll find great food for all tastes and budgets.
Connectivity
Getting around the city is relatively easy. You have several digital transportation platforms, buses and the subway line. For the latter two, it is better to have cash. If it rains, you can also ask the hotel to call you a cab. Note that many tour operators include transportation in their rates for excursions, especially to the outskirts of the city. They can pick you up to go sailing to Taboga Island in the Gulf of Panama or have a cultural encounter with the Emberá community on the banks of the Chagres River or with the Gunas on their lands.
Nature and Parks
If you are looking for greenery and biodiversity, then you are in the right place. The city has several natural parks for hiking, birding, and wildlife observation. The views of the city from the Metropolitan Park will leave you speechless.
For sea adventures, visit the Amador Causeway. There are 4 islands joined by rocks excavated during the construction of the Panama Canal. It is one of the favorite places for Panamanians to walk, skate and bike. There, you’ll find several coastal services where you can take fishing charters or ferries to the Pearl Islands. There is also the Biomuseo, the Panama Convention Center and the Smithsonian Research Institute, which set up a center dedicated to the exploration of the natural world.
Visit Panama City, a cultural, logistical and natural epicenter. It is also the best connected to undertake trips to stunning destinations nationwide. Don't be surprised if you end up extending your stay to see more of the beautiful Panamá.
Things to do in
Panama City
Gastronomy
Eating in Panama City is like going around the world with your palate. Each dish...
Saltwater Fishing
The first thing you need to know about sport fishing in Panama is that it is...
Indigenous Communities
Very close to Panama City or even without leaving it, in the middle of modern...
Historical Sites
Our country is known as the place where worlds meet. Its capital, Panama City,...
Hiking
Panama City is a modern and ever-growing city, surrounded by a dense forest...
Fishing in the Panama Canal
If you’re into freshwater fishing, in Panamá, you can live a unique...
Beaches
In Panama City, the horizon is drawn with islands and ships waiting to...
Diving and Snorkeling
With 9 dive sites on 4 islands, Las Perlas Archipelago is a great alternative...
Birdwatching
If you're a bird lover visiting Panamá with your notebook, be sure to...
Getting There
Just 20 minutes from downtown lies Tocumen International Airport. With flights from more than 80 destinations, Panama City is one of the best connected in the region. From the plane you’ll see the magnificent city reflected in the sea with ships lined up on the horizon to cross the Panama Canal. Be prepared for a warm welcome, the average temperature is 86 °F (30 °C), although in the evenings it is closer to 77 °F (25 °C).
Discover a Nearby Destination
Taboga Island
Isla Taboga, or the Island of Flowers, is a volcanic island characterized by rich tropical plant life, as well as beautiful beaches and soft sand. Located on the Pacific side of the country in the Gulf of Panama, this majestic island is a short 20 kilometers from the capital, making it the best one-day getaway from Panama City.
Places to Visit in Panamá
Bocas Del Toro
Bocas del Toro is one of the favorite destinations among Panamanians and visitors. Just a 45-minute...
Boquete
Boquete is a colorful, wooded valley surrounded by the mountains of Chiriquí, in northwestern...
Pacific Coast of Veraguas
The province of Veraguas in central Panamá is an exciting destination full of epic...
Portobelo
In the province of Colón, facing the Caribbean Sea, you'll find Portobelo. Legend has it...
Tierras Altas
The Tierras Altas region is a quite different place from the rest of Panamá. It is a...
Riviera Pacifica
The Riviera Pacífica extends along the Pan-American Highway, a 25 mile (40 km) stretch of...
Pedasi & Tonosi
The province of Los Santos, located in the south of Panamá, is the cradle of folklore. At the...