Things to do In Panama City, Panama: My Complete 5, 7 & 10 Day Itineraries
Have your OOO auto-responder set at the office, the plane ticket booked, but still wondering what to do in Panama City, Panama? I got you. In fact, I’ve got this so covered I just went ahead and made 5, 7 and 10-day itineraries, with each day featuring one of the best things to do in Panama City and a dinner pick from yours truly. I wanted to make sure you saw the best sites, leaving the rest of your days to fill how you please.
Not only did I not know much about this little country smack dab in the middle of the Northern Hemisphere, but I also had a heck of a time finding things for Panama City. Period. Like the capital city of Panama. Not Panama City Beach in the US. There were more than a few times that I found something online that looked nice. But Google Maps would send me on a casual 3,456 mile (5,562 km) walk to Florida. I don’t want the same for you, so I made a list of my favorite things to do here.
Plus, just for funsies, I paired each day’s adventures with one of my picks from the many delicious Panama City restaurants I taste-tested. For research. For you guys, not me. Annnyway…..here are some of the best things to do in Panama City & beyond.
Day 1: Walk along the waterfront and explore Casco Viejo
Depending on when you get into town, you might not want to jump right into the list of things to do in Panama City. Take it easy. Get oriented. Walk around the area you are staying in.
Whether you’re staying in Casco Viejo or the glittering high-rise part of town, it’s easy to access the waterfront. And it makes for a great walk. On Sundays, they even close part of the road to cars and leave it open just for cyclists. You know I’m on board for that.
Once you’re in Casco Viejo, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, you’ll find vendors along the walkway, plenty of opportunities to grab a coffee, and some unique artisan shops. I usually like to wait to buy souvenirs until I’m leaving a place (it gives me time to decide what I really want). But you should definitely spend some time enjoying the juxtaposition of the crumbling historic buildings, fully-restored Spanish architecture and modern skyscrapers in the distance.
You should also take time to appreciate the beautiful cloth mulas made by the women of the local indigenous tribes. I haven’t decided whether I’m going to frame mine or turn it into a throw pillow for the apartment I don’t have. But, needless to say, I got one.
Rooftop vibes and tapas at Tantalo Rooftop:
It won’t take you long to realize that Panama City restaurants tend to favor rooftops and ocean views. As it happens, one of the first things I like to do in a new city is find myself a good vantage point. So, this worked perfectly. If you’ve been walking around Casco Viejo, you’re already next to Tantalo. They’ve got great tapas-style food, views of both downtown and Casco Viejo and some pretty magical mezcal mixed drinks. That’s definitely how you should start your vacation.
Day 2: See the Panama Canal
Is seeing the Panama Canal really one of the best things to do in Panama City? You have limited time. You came for an adventure-packed vacation and maybe even plan on clocking some hours on the islands. But….the Panama Canal?
Well, that’s what I thought. And I’m so glad I went – and that I went with a guide – because it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Panama City. I partnered with the guys at Barefoot Panama for this one.
I spent the entire day learning about what it was like to grow up in Panama when the area around the canal was still owned by the United States. And, of course, got tons of fascinating facts about the Panama Canal. Like, for example, that the captain of a ship has to cede control to let one of the Panama Canal captains take the ship through. Or, that the largest toll was $1.2 million dollars and that the smallest was less than 35 cents – for a guy who swam through. He was still assigned a captain, in addition to a man with a shotgun who watched for crocodiles. I can’t make this up.
Anyway, this is definitely one of the things to do in Panama City. Go early and you just might see a ship passing through the Miraflores Locks. That’s the section that lifts up or lowers the ships, moving them through the canal.
Wondering if you should opt for the IMAX? Just do it. When will you get to hear Morgan Freeman narrate a documentary of the Panama Canal that makes you kind feel like you were there helping build it with your own two hands? Probably never.
Delicious drinks and eats at Stranger’s Club:
Stranger’s Club is one of Panama City’s expat-owned restaurants. It’s an eclectic corner bar/restaurant with, again, a great selection of food and drinks. There’s no rooftop this time, but you’ll be well within proximity of all the hip bars if their strong cocktails have you feeling’ like you could keep going.
Day 3: Hike into the crater of an Extinct Volcano
Another one of my favorite things to do anywhere – including Panama – is to try to find a great hike to do. And, the Panama jungle has no shortage of those. The most unique trek I found was in El Valle, a town that set up shop right in the middle of an extinct volcano. Seems safe. The hike will take you up the rim of the crater and back down for some amazing views. You can take a 2-hour public bus to El Valle and follow the signs.
Or, if you have a little less faith in your bushwhacking and jungle trail-finding, you can enlist a guide. The guys at Barefoot Panama would be happy to take you here, too.
I had it all planned out and my hiking shoes ready. But, sadly, I just didn’t have time to make it work. It’s definitely on my list of things to do in Panama City when I return, though.
Cheers over beers at La Rana Dorada:
Post-hike beer anyone? Is that a nod I see? Then head over to La Rana Dorada, a local cerveceria (brewery). They’ve got everything you’d expect from a pub – tasty beer, pizzas and burgers – with the added touch that they make their beer right next door. I’m a big fan of beer and not very good at making choices, so a flight was right up my alley. How can you go wrong with that?
Day 4: Take a day trip to the San Blas Islands
Some of the most beautiful – if not THE most beautiful Caribbean islands are secretly hanging out in the water between Panama and Colombia. There are even multi-day sailing trips that will take you from Panama City, through the San Blas Islands and over to Cartagena, Colombia. Or vice-versa. That’s how I got to Panama and even found myself looking for things to do in Panama in the first place.
But if you don’t have 5 days to spare – and don’t want to end up in a different country – you can take a day trip. There are plenty of companies and captains that will take you out to the best of the San Blas Islands.
In total, there are more than 350 of them, so you won’t see them all. Forty-nine of the San Blas Islands are inhabited by the Guna Yala people, a self-governing indigenous tribe. They have their own customs, traditional dress and even laws for the region. For example, if you decide to take a coconut from one of the islands, you can be hit with a $300 fine. So best to just enjoy the palm tree forests, endless white-sand beaches, clear waters and beautiful reefs, leaving them how you found them.
It’s good to keep in mind that getting rid of garbage is a difficult task when you live on an island that’s only about 100 yards in diameter. So, follow Leave No Trace Principles: Take nothing, leave nothing. Your garbage goes right back with you on the boat.
If you do have time to spare and fall in love with the ocean views (trust me, it’s easy to do), you can stay on one of the San Blas Islands with one of the local families. You’ll get a hut and/or hammock and never be further than arm’s length from the Caribbean.
Fresh fruit and food at Mahalo:
Keep the Caribbean vibes going at Mahalo. It’s kind of out of an Instagram dream if I’m being honest. But the food is as good as the atmosphere. This was one of my favorite brunch spots, but they do have a full menu and are open late. Grab a smoothie and live in island paradise a bit longer before you step out onto the hectic streets and finish checking off your list of things to do in Panama City.
Day 5: Step into Panama’s untamed wilderness for some cave exploration
Panama is a small enough country that you’re never further than a short drive from some very wild and untamed jungle. And spelunking through the caves in Panama’s jungle near Bayano Lake was one of my favorite things to do in Panama. I mean, how often do you find yourself wading up an underground river with waterfalls flowing through the slot canyons and bats swirling overhead? If your answer to that is “often,” I’m very jealous.
For the rest of us mere mortals, it can take some effort to get off the tourist trail sometimes. But this is one of the Panama tours that will help you do just that. You’ll start in Panama City with a 2 drive toward the Darien Gap before ending up at Bayano Lake. A 45-minute ride across the lake in a wooden dugout will get you to the river mouth.
There, you start wading. The water levels will rise, the daylight will disappear and you’ll feel like you’re in another world. You kind of are. You’ll see wildlife, underwater waterfalls and more before grabbing a fish lunch served up by a local family and heading back to Panama City.
Street food or bust:
Get adventurous, stay adventurous. After a day of cave exploration, it would be weird to put on pants and sit down at one of the high-end restaurants in Panama City.
Instead, ask your guide where to get some great street food in town and he’ll steer you right. One of the best things to do in Panama City – and while traveling in general – is to try the local fare. In Central America, there is no shortage of street vendors, so grab some cash, prep your Spanish and go have a great time!
5 Day Itinerary Option: If you’re looking for 5 days of things to do in Panama City, this a wrap for you. Maybe you want to swap and make Day 1 your last, if you have an earlier flight. But the first half of my list where the can’t-miss things that just made it for me in Panama.
Travel is all about going your own way, though, so keep reading for more options or leave a bit of time open to get lost in this bustling city and discover new things all yourself.
Day 6: Visit museums and learn how to dance
I don’t think that Panama is exactly known for its museums, but it would be a shame to miss the Biomuseo. For starters, the building itself is a work of art by the famous architect Frank Gehry. Plus, it’s the only building in all of Latin America that he designed. And, you’ll have some stunning views of the Panama City skyline as you drive to the peninsula where the Biomuseo is housed.
Once you get done reveling at the crazy modern outside, you’ll have a couple hours’ worth of entertainment waiting for you inside as you wander through the exhibits and learn about how Panama was formed.
Done showing yourself around one of Panama City’s best museums? Let a local show the ropes when it comes to moving your hips. Salsa, bachata, ritmos and more – dipping your toes into the night scene of any country in Latin America will be a lot more fun if you know the basic steps to these dances. Pop into one of the many studios or check out Airbnb Experiences for a more intimate lesson.
I already primarily stay in Airbnbs when I travel, and just started using Experiences when I was in Panama. It’s a great way to support a local’s tourism business and learn about a place from the people who live there! Not signed up yet? Here’s $50 off.
See what there is at Lo Que Hay:
The name of this restaurant literally translates to “what there is” in English, but they do a whole lot more than plate up some meh leftovers. Lo Que Hay was started by a well-unowned 5-star chef. On the other end of the spectrum from his other high-end restaurant in Casco Viejo is this street-fare inspired hole-in-the-wall spot that puts a unique twist on traditional Panamanian food. Like a deconstructed wrap served with pickled veggies, patacones (plantains) and sesame butter.
Day 7: Have some of the world’s most expensive coffee and get a history lesson at the ruins
Panama’s Geisha Coffee raises the bar for craft roasters around the world – but it comes at a price. And that price is up to $75 a cup. A. Cup. You read that right. Fortunately, this high-end coffee originated in Panama and can be bought a lot cheaper here. I’m a huge coffee fan. I even have a list of coffee shops around the world I want to visit. I know, I know. Weird, right? But you can also bet that I wasn’t going to let trying some Geisha Coffee slip off my list of things to do in Panama City.
Follow my footsteps and head to Casa Sucre. You’ll get to take your tastebuds on a new adventure while they explain the art of high-elevation coffee served pour-over style. Drink it alone – no sugar, cream or pastries – and sip slowly for the best taste.
Then, use the energy from your coffee visit to hop in a cab from Casco Viejo to Panama Viejo and walk through centuries of Panama City’s history. The ruins here are part of the original walled city that was founded in 1519. It was the first European city built on the Pacific Coast of the Americas and quickly became a gold and silver trading mecca. Unfortunately, the heyday was short-lived and pirates burnt the city down in 1671, killing thousands of people and leaving nothing but ruins behind. Today, you can see what’s left, visit the clock tower, walk along the wall and check out the museum.
Cafe hop for tasty treats throughout Panama’s historic streets:
There are lots of places that aren’t quit meals but are a bit more than a light bite waiting for you in Casco Viejo. And nothing is quite what it seems in Latin America. A run-down facade could be hiding a lush green courtyard and cut cafe or a hip, modern restaurant. Walk around, look in the windows, and wander in when something catches your eye. If you need inspiration for where to start, Royale Cookies and Cafe Coca Cola (the oldest cafe in Panama City) are right next to each other and show you different sides of the food scene in Panama.
7 Day Itinerary Option:
If you’re staying in Panama City, seven days is a great amount of time to see most of the best things to do in Panama City. You’ll have a chance for a few day trips and plenty of nights to check out the awesome restaurants that are hiding throughout the city.
Staying longer? Good for you. You should. There are so many things to do in Panama beyond Panama City that you certainly can’t do it all in a week. Why not stay a bit longer?
Day 8-10: Become a beach bum in Bocas del Toro, Panama
Okay, so this is technically not in Panama, but being just a quick 45-minute flight away, it might as well be. Remember how I said the San Blas islands were some of the best and most beautiful Caribbean islands?
Well, Bocas del Toro islands are certainly nothing to shake a stick at, either.
Maybe they are even more beautiful. I don’t know. You’ll just have to go and decide for yourself. What I do know, though, is that nothing beats snorkeling in crystal clear waters, floating over thousands of starfish on your way to an uninhabited island and finishing your day with a family-style plated dinner at a bungalow while the stars start to twinkle overhead.
And there are daily – I repeat daily – flights from Panama City to Bocas del Toro. Two, in fact. So, yea, these might be the best Caribbean islands, too. Why do we have to pick, anyway?
Embrace island life at Bocas Brewery and Bambuda Lodge:
Don’t make these spots an either/or situation. They’re too tasty. If you’ve got a weekend in Bocas Del Toro, you’ve got time to hit up Bocas Brewery on the main island in Bocas Town (walking distance to the airport) for local-make, tropical-inspired craft beer (passionfruit IPA, anyone?) and tacos AND stay at least a night at Bambuda Lodge on Bastimentos Island for one of their famous plated dinners. Their chef prepares a menu each day, you pick from the options and then sit back and let them handle the rest. All that relaxing probably pairs best with a Daiquiri.
Other things to do in Panama:
Every time I go to a new place or am planning an upcoming trip, the first thing I do is make a Pinterest board full of travel ideas. Then, I start mapping out which ones are close and which ones I’ll have time to see. Of course, I can’t see everything every time but I always have a list much longer than just what I share.
I figured I’d give you the short list of things that I simply ran out of time to do in Panama, but that I’ll definitely be checking out in future visits. Several of these require a day trip or more, but would (in my opinion) be totally worth the effort:
- Visit monkey island in the middle of the Panama Canal
- Skydiving
- Camping in the jungle near Bayano Lake
- Kitesurfing
- Bungee jumping
- Waterfall hunting in Boquete
- Surfing in Playa Venao
Planning an upcoming visit to Panama? Let me know if you check out any of the places on this list – I always love to get your opinion.
