Location: Panama City
Top Things to do in Panama City
What to do and see in Panama City, Panama: The Best Places and Tips
A diverse multicultural city of almost 1.3 million, Panama City offers a lot more than an up-close view of the Canal. Shantytowns slink up alongside shiny high-rise condos. The Old City is an atmospheric labyrinth of churches, plazas and palaces. Fifteen miles from downtown Panama City, Soberania National Park is an excellent destination for hiking and birding. For a fascinating look at the canal, take a taxi or local bus to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center and look down on the traffic below.
Restaurants in Panama City
1. Panama Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Operating since 1914 and considered one of the wonders of the world, this fifty-mile waterway transports ships by raising them from sea level to more than 85 feet via a series of gravity-powered locks.
Reviewed By Kendra N - New York City, New York
I never knew how amazing the canal is. Definitely worth a visit. I went to the Miraflores Locks and I booked a half day tour with Aventuras 2000. When we arrived there was an auto liner going through the canal. Amazing to witness. There was also a short movie giving all of the history along with a museum.
2. Casco Viejo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
This charming old community’s churches, pedestrian walkways and historical plazas and palaces make it a must-see on any tour.
Reviewed By 16jamesdoc - London, United Kingdom
Good to see it becoming popular and it is comparable to Cartagena and Havana although I kind of preferred it before all the restoration swept away some of the old character. Plaza Herrera has been largely restored but retains much of its old charm.
3. Panama Metro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Travlintone - Chippenham, United Kingdom
You simply must try the metro system!
You buy an ‘empty’ $2 plastic travel card from the ticket machine at any metro station. Ticket machines can be changed to give instructions in English by pressing a button on the machine. You then load up your card by inserting your card and feeding the machine with $1 bills. Journeys on the Metro cost 35 cents so $1 will give you 2 journeys, 2$ will give you 5 journeys etc.
You touch your card at the turnstiles to get to the trains. More than one person can use the same card! You touch in, send one person through, then touch again for the second person to go through.
A super clean and efficient service with trains every 5 minutes in both directions. At present only 1 line so no difficulty with getting the wrong train!
The public transport system is integrated so you can also use the card on local buses at a cost of only 25 cents per journey! So, for example you can get the Metro to Albook and then a direct bus to the Miraflores locks for a total of 60 cents!
The Metro line will eventually connect to the International Airport thus saving a fortune in taxi fares!
TOP TIP
Most City Hotels have travel cards you can borrow that have been left by previous guests. Ask before you buy one.
4. Cinta Costera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By bahamamama2010_10 - Doylestown PA
The Cinta Costera is a big loop (approx 3 miles) that starts and ends in the Casco Viejo (Old Town) part of Panama City. It's a lovely way to work some exercise into your travels while seeing the Old Town from a different perspective. There are many shady spots to take a rest if you like, as well as separate paths for bikers and walkers. A nicely done resource for visitors and residents alike. Follow it up with a breakfast or lunch at an outdoor eatery.
5. Monkey Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Located in Lake Gatun, this island gets its name for the white-faced monkeys that inhabit it.
Reviewed By Olym2010 - Vancouver, British Columbia
We did get to see the monkeys come out when the guides called them but upset to see them feed them bananas and peanuts. These foods are not part of their diet and is making them sick. Need more education here among the various guides!
6. Gatun Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 938 reviews
After Lake Mead, this is the world's largest man-made lake that forms the central part of the Panama Canal.
Reviewed By JAMS51 - Helensburgh, United Kingdom
Some interesting scenery & some wildlife to see as you transit the lake. Plenty of ships to see from yachts up to the super container ships.
7. Bahai Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By igo2xs - Colorado Springs, Colorado
The Bahai Temple in Panama City is truly a hidden gen in an oasis of high rise buildings. The views from the temple are outstanding and the best part is that it is completely free. Take your time walking around the Gardens and sit in the main Amphitheater for some self-refection, You won't be disappointed.
8. Miraflores Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Tanya_Take_Two - Bocas del Toro Province, Panama
The visitor's center has several floors of exhibits and is very informative, clean, and organized. It can get crowded when the cruise ships are in port. It's best to come in the morning or afternoon when ships are transiting the canal. I recommend hiring a guide for a city tour and the guide will know when to bring you to Miraflores so you can get the most from the experience.
9. Avenida Balboa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Travlintone - Chippenham, United Kingdom
As well as an almost perpetually busy road there is great shoreline avenue with footpaths, cycle paths etc. that stretches from the Old Town (Casco Viejo) all the way past the impressive modern business area of the City.
Fabulous for ‘people watching’ and viewing the amazing Panama skyline.
TOP TIP
In February each year, a large section of the pedestrianised area is fence off for the 4 days of Carnival. Don’t miss it if you are in the City at that time.
10. Iglesia del Carmen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By gsm1121 - Dover, Delaware
I just love the old Spanish churches and Iglesia del Carmen was beautiful. We attended the Sunday Mass even though we're not Catholic nor could we understand most of what was said. Just being there was peaceful and relaxing. It's good to see a full church too. I'm used to seeing churches half full so this was a pleasant surprise. Even if you don't go to Mass, you should see this beautiful old church. It's very easy to locate and get to--just get off the Iglesia del Carmen metro station and look across the street.
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