You can't miss the Miraflores Locks, the old town with its churches and squares, the Amador Causeway to see the skyline, and the ruins of Old Panama, the original city destroyed by pirates.
To see the main spots (the Canal, the old town, and the Amador Causeway), 2 or 3 days is plenty. If you want to add nature day trips, such as the San Blas Islands or the o el Parque Nacional Soberanía National Park, it's best to stay for 5 days.
Absolutely. Panama City is the most cosmopolitan city in Central America. It offers a unique blend of Colonial history, world-class engineering, top-tier shopping, and a gastronomy recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you only have 24 hours, we suggest this plan: in the morning, visit the Panama Canal and watch the ships pass through; at midday, stroll around and have lunch in the old town; and in the afternoon, enjoy the views from the Biomuseo or climb up the Cerro Ancón to take in the scenic views of the entire city.
The dry season, from December to April, is the best season to avoid the tropical rains. However, Panama has a hot and humid climate year-round, so you should always pack light clothing and bring an umbrella just in case.
The airport is about 14 mi (24 km) away. The quickest and safest option is to book a private transfer with Civitatis. You can also use the bus system (Metrobus), although it requires a prepaid card, which isn't always easy to obtain upon arrival.
The sancocho is the national dish. You should also try the Panamanian-style ceviche, which you can enjoy freshly made at the Mercado de Mariscos, and ropa vieja. For breakfast, don't miss the carimañolas or the hojaldras.
Latest reviews
The tour of the canal and city were nice, our tour guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating to take pictures and make stops. The Panama Canal movie was very informative and a fun thing to see