- The Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks) is a must-see—watch huge ships pass through.
- Casco Viejo is the UNESCO-listed old town with rooftop bars and colonial churches.
- Amador Causeway connects islands and offers great views of the skyline.
- Metropolitan Natural Park is a jungle right in the city—see sloths and monkeys.
- The Biomuseo (designed by Frank Gehry) is a colorful architectural icon.
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When to go: Dry Season
December to April is the dry season. It's hot but sunny.
May to November is the wet season. It rains almost every afternoon.
- Best: Dec-Apr.
- Wet: May-Nov.
- Hot: Always.
Getting there: Uber
Tocumen (PTY) is the 'Hub of the Americas'. It's 30-45 mins from the city.
Uber works well and is cheaper than taxis. There is also a new Metro line.
- Uber: Recommended.
- Metro: Line 2.
- Taxi: Agree price.
Where to stay: Casco Viejo or Marbella
Casco Viejo is historic, trendy, and beautiful. Best for nightlife and charm.
Marbella/Financial District is modern with skyscrapers and malls.
- Casco Viejo: Charm.
- Marbella: Modern.
- El Cangrejo: Value.
What to see: Canal and Casco
Go to Miraflores Locks visitor center. Walk around Casco Viejo.
Rent a bike on the Amador Causeway. Hike up Ancon Hill for views.
- Canal: Miraflores.
- Casco: Old Town.
- Causeway: Bike ride.
- Biomuseo: Architecture.
Food: Ceviche and Geisha Coffee
The Seafood Market (Mercado de Mariscos) has the best ceviche ($2-3 a cup).
Panama has the world's most expensive coffee (Geisha)—try it at a specialty cafe.
- Ceviche: Seafood Market.
- Geisha: Rare coffee.
- Sancocho: Chicken soup.
- Rooftops: Drinks.
Getting around: Uber and Metro
Uber is cheap and safe. The Metro is clean and fast (2 lines).
Walking is good in Casco and Causeway, but not between districts (highways).
- Uber: Best way.
- Metro: Efficient.
- Walk: In zones.
Budget: Moderate
Panama uses the US Dollar. Prices are lower than US/Europe but higher than neighbors.
Street food is cheap. Rooftop bars are pricey.
- Currency: USD.
- Food: Mixed prices.
- Uber: Cheap.
2 Days in Panama City
Day 1: The Canal and Causeway. Miraflores Locks in the morning. Lunch at Biomuseo. Bike the Amador Causeway.
Day 2: History and Nature. Hike Ancon Hill or Metro Park (sloths!). Afternoon in Casco Viejo. Ceviche at the market. Rooftop drinks.
- Day 1: Engineering.
- Day 2: Colonial & Nature.
- Evening: Rooftops.
FAQ
Is it safe?
Tourist areas (Casco, Causeway, Financial) are safe. Avoid El Chorrillo (next to Casco).
Currency?
US Dollar (called Balboa for coins). Bring small bills.
Can I drink the water?
Yes, tap water in Panama City is safe to drink.