Planning Your Trip to Panama City
Essential Information for Your Panama City Adventure
Country: Panama
Timezone: GMT-5
Languages Spoken: Spanish (official), English (widely spoken)
Currency: Balboa (PAB) – pegged 1:1 with US Dollar (USD)
Panama City Weather and Climate: What to Expect
- January-April: Dry season, warm temperatures (24-32°C / 75-90°F), sunny days. Perfect for exploring!
- May-December: Rainy season, high humidity, occasional heavy showers, warm temperatures (24-32°C / 75-90°F). Expect some rain, but still warm.
Discovering Panama City: An Overview
Panama City is a real head-turner! It’s a cool mix of shiny modern buildings and charming old neighborhoods. It’s a big deal for banking and business, but it’s also packed with history and culture. Wander around Casco Viejo (a UNESCO site!), check out the awesome views from Cinta Costera, and of course, see the Panama Canal, which is seriously impressive. Whether you’re into rainforests or fancy restaurants, Panama City’s got something for you.
When is the Best Time to Visit Panama City?
- Pros (Dry Season – January to April): Hello sunshine! Less humidity, great for being outdoors.
- Cons (Dry Season – January to April): Everyone else thinks so too – it’s peak season, so prices go up and it gets crowded.
- Pros (Rainy Season – May to December): Fewer tourists, better deals, and the scenery is super green.
- Cons (Rainy Season – May to December): It’s humid and rainy, which can mess with your plans.
Getting to Panama City & Visa Information
- Flights: Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is where you’ll land. Lots of direct flights from all over the place.
- Visa Requirements: This depends on where you’re from. Many people (like US, Canadian, and EU citizens) don’t need a visa for up to 180 days of tourism. Double-check the rules before you go!
- Airport Transfers: Taxis, Uber, and shuttle buses are waiting for you at the airport.
Panama City Highlights
Fun and Historical Facts About Panama City
Crazy fact: the original Panama City was trashed by Captain Henry Morgan and his pirate crew in 1671! You can still see the ruins of “Panama Viejo” – pretty spooky.
Famous Faces from Panama City
- Rubén Blades – Singer, songwriter, actor, and politician
- Mariano Rivera – Former professional baseball player
Top 10 Attractions in Panama City
- Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks): Watch massive ships pass through this engineering wonder.
- Address: Avenida Gaillard, Panama City
- Casco Viejo (Old Quarter): Explore the beautiful colonial architecture in this historic district.
- Address: Between Avenida Central & the Bay of Panama, Panama City
- Panama Viejo: Step back in time at the ruins of the original Panama City.
- Address: Vía Cincuentenario, Panama City
- Biomuseo: Discover Panama’s amazing biodiversity in this eye-catching museum designed by Frank Gehry.
- Address: Calzada de Amador, Panama City
- Metropolitan Natural Park: Hike through a real rainforest right in the city!
- Address: Avenida Juan Pablo II, Panama City
- Cinta Costera: Take a stroll along this beautiful waterfront promenade.
- Address: Avenida Balboa, Panama City
- Amador Causeway: Enjoy amazing city views and island hop by the bay.
- Address: Calzada de Amador, Panama City
- Bridge of the Americas: An iconic bridge with awesome views of the Panama Canal and the city.
- Address: Panama Canal, Panama City
- Plaza de Francia: A historical plaza that commemerates France’s attempts at building the Panama Canal.
- Address: Casco Viejo, Panama City
- Cerro Ancon: Hike to the top for stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Address: Avenida de los Martires, Panama City
Panama City’s Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path
- El Chorrillo Neighborhood: Experience the real Panama City and its vibrant culture.
- Address: El Chorrillo, Panama City
- Isla Taboga (Flower Island): A quick ferry ride to beautiful beaches and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Address: A ferry departs from Balboa Yacht Club, Panama City
- Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market): Fresh and cheap seafood – yum!
- Address: Avenida Balboa, Panama City
Local Festivals and Events in Panama City
- Carnaval: A wild pre-Lenten party with parades, music, and dancing (February/March).
- Jazz Festival: An annual event with top jazz musicians from around the world (January).
- Panama International Film Festival: Celebrates Latin American and international films (April).
Day Trips from Panama City: Explore Beyond the City
- Soberania National Park: Rainforest trails and wildlife spotting (about 45 minutes by car).
- San Blas Islands: Perfect islands with turquoise waters and the indigenous Kuna culture (about 3 hours to the coast + boat).
- El Valle de Anton: A mountain town in a volcano crater with hiking, waterfalls, and hot springs (about 2 hours by car).
Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots in Panama City
- Casco Viejo: The colorful buildings, cool architecture, and street art.
- Cinta Costera: The city skyline reflecting in the bay, especially at sunset.
- Biomuseo: The museum’s unique and vibrant design.
- Miraflores Locks (Panama Canal): Watching ships go through the canal.
Planning Your Stay in Panama City
Recommended Length of Stay in Panama City
Plan on 4-5 days to see the main sights and take a day trip.
Where to Stay in Panama City: Hotels for Every Budget
Budget Hotels in Panama City
- Hostal Mamallena Panama:
- Address: Calle 9a Este, San Felipe, Panama City
- Luna’s Castle Hostel:
- Address: Calle 8a Este, San Felipe, Panama City
- Magnolia Inn:
- Address: Avenida Central, San Felipe, Panama City
- El Machico Hostel:
- Address: Calle Jose de Obaldia, Panama City
Mid-Range Hotels in Panama City
- American Trade Hotel:
- Address: Avenida Central & Calle 8a Este, San Felipe, Panama City
- La Isabela Suites:
- Address: Calle B, San Felipe, Panama City
- Hotel Riu Plaza Panama:
- Address: Calle 47 y Ricardo Arias, Panama City
- Tryp by Wyndham Panama Centro
- Address: Calle Eusebio A. Morales, Panama City
Luxury Hotels in Panama City
- The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City:
- Address: Vía Ricardo J. Alfaro, Panama City
- Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama City:
- Address: Plaza de Francia, Casco Viejo, Panama City
- Waldorf Astoria Panama:
- Address: Calle Uruguay & Avenida Balboa, Panama City
- Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino, Autograph Collection:
- Address: Calle 56 y 57 Obarrio, Panama City
Getting Around Panama City: Transportation Options
- Metro: Fast and cheap subway system.
- Metro Bus: Lots of bus routes, you’ll need a Metro card.
- Taxis: Easy to find, but agree on the price beforehand.
- Uber/Cabify: Ride-sharing is available and often more convenient.
- Walking: Casco Viejo is best explored on foot.
Travel Tips for Panama City
Packing Essentials for Your Panama City Trip
- Light, breathable clothes.
- Rain gear (especially if it’s rainy season).
- Comfortable shoes for walking.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
- Adapters (Panama uses US-style plugs – Type A and B).
Useful Apps for Navigating Panama City
- Google Maps: For getting around.
- Uber/Cabify: For ride-hailing.
- Metro de Panama: For subway info.
- Google Translate: For help with Spanish.
Safety Tips and Cultural Etiquette in Panama City
- Do: Dress respectfully when visiting churches. Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded spots.
- Don’t: Leave your stuff unattended. Drink tap water. Flash your expensive belongings.
- Scams to avoid: Be careful with unofficial taxi drivers. Always confirm the price before you agree to anything.
Food and Drink in Panama City
Top Restaurants in Panama City: Where to Eat
- Mercado de Mariscos:
- Description: Fresh seafood at local prices.
- Address: Avenida Balboa, Panama City
- Fonda Lo Que Hay:
- Description: Authentic Panamanian food in a cozy place.
- Address: Calle 50, Panama City
- Maito:
- Description: High-end Panamanian cuisine
- Address: Calle 50, Panama City
- Caliope:
- Description: Fusion and Latin cuisines
- Address: Casco Viejo, Panama City
Must-Try Panamanian Dishes
- Sancocho: Chicken soup with veggies.
- Ceviche: Seafood marinated in lime juice.
- Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef in tomato sauce.
- Hojaldras: Fried dough pastries.
Nightlife and Entertainment in Panama City
- Casco Viejo:
- Description: Bars and clubs with live music and DJs.
- Address: Casco Viejo, Panama City
- Zona Rosa:
- Description: Upscale bars and nightclubs.
- Address: Calle Uruguay, Panama City
- Habana Panama:
- Description: Cuban bar and restaurant
- Address: Casco Viejo, Panama City
Souvenirs and Shopping in Panama City
- Molas:
- Description: Colorful textile art from the Kuna people.
- Address: Casco Viejo and craft markets.
- Panama Hats:
- Description: Hats that are originally from Ecuador but widely sold in Panama
- Address: Souvenir shops all over the city.
- Coffee:
- Description: Panama has great coffee beans.
- Address: Supermarkets and coffee shops.
