Panama City.
Your next chapter?

Overview

Capital of Panama and the most populous city in the country, it is located on the Pacific coast, near the entrance of the Panama Canal.

Understand

Panama City serves as the administrative and economic hub of the Republic of Panama and is among the busiest urban centers in Central America. It combines areas of recent buildings and tall skyscrapers with well-preserved historic neighborhoods, reflecting the urban evolution since its founding in 1519.

Spanish is the official language and the most widely used in everyday life, although English is frequently used in tourism and business. Commercial offerings range from major international brands to popular markets and small local shops, such as those clustered along Avenida Central. You can also find establishments specializing in products from various ethnic communities, particularly those of Chinese and Indian origin.

Despite the differences in customer service that may occur, service in shops and restaurants is generally friendly. The city also has nearby parks and natural areas that allow for alternating urban activities with outdoor activities.

Panama City has a tropical climate with warm temperatures along all the year. Panama City has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The best time to travel to the country is during the dry season, which lasts from December to April, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. The rainy season, from May to November, comes with afternoon showers, but the landscape is greener and there are fewer tourists. Panama City has average high temperatures ranging from 75°F to 90°F throughout the year. Here's a brief monthly weather guide:

January to April: Dry and warm weather, ideal for beach holidays and other outdoor activities. May to August: Expect some afternoon rainfall, while mornings are typically sunny and fairly warm. September to November: Characterized by heavier rains, but there are still plenty of sunny hours for sightseeing. December: The dry season begins to strengthen, with pleasant days and moderate temperatures.

Panama City was founded on August 15, 1519, when Pedro Arias Dávila established the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Thanks to its strategic location, the town quickly became a key hub for transatlantic trade, channeling precious metals and other resources from the Viceroyalty of Peru to Europe.

In 1671, the original settlement—today known as Panamá Viejo—was sacked and burned by the English privateer Henry Morgan. This devastation led authorities in 1673 to relocate the city westward and erect a fortified area, now the Casco Antiguo, whose cobblestone streets and colonial buildings still bear witness to that era.

During the 19th century, Panama joined Gran Colombia and experienced political upheavals that culminated in its 1903 separation from Colombia. Nonetheless, ambition for an interoceanic canal persisted: first the French and then the Americans resumed construction. When the Panama Canal opened in 1914, the city underwent profound economic and social transformations, cementing its role as a crossroads between oceans and continents.

Today, Panama City blends its historic heritage with modern infrastructure: skyscrapers stand beside colonial monuments and traditional neighborhoods, supporting a multicultural population and regional financial services. This duality underscores its status as Panama’s seat of government, commercial engine, and cultural meeting point in Central America.

Visitor information Panama City Tourism

Get in

By plane Panama City used to be the de facto headquarters of the US control over the Panama Canal and as the canal was and is of vital strategic and military importance, there were a bunch of military airfields built to defend the canal. The Americans have greatly reduced their presence, and Panama turned its former military airports over to civilian use, giving Panama City three airports:

Gelabert/Albrook Airport. Also known as Albrook Airport, is located just a few minutes from the city center, within the metropolitan area. It handles domestic and some regional flights, mainly to destinations within the country such as David, Bocas del Toro, Chitré, and other cities in the interior. It serves as a convenient alternative for continuing travel from the capital to other regions of Panama.

Pacífico Airport. It is located at the southwestern end of the former canal zone on the west bank of the canal. Regional scheduled services are provided by Wingo Panama.

The only train service is between Panama City and Colón on the Panama Canal Railroad. It's mostly a freight train, but it has a very nice passenger car. The train ride offers excellent views of the Panama Canal and the tropical rain forest. In a way it is the only "transcontinental commuter rail line" in the world as some people live in Colon and work in Panama City or vice versa and commute using this train. Trains arrive at As of February 2024 the train has been reopened for service, but only for passengers on excursions from cruise ships.

By bus Panama City has one of the most modern bus terminals in Latin America, the . It's the main hub and well organized. The bus terminal is next to the Albrook airport (the domestic airport), part of a shopping mall of the same name, and it is very easy to find a bus here.

Arrivals are usually on the first floor above the terminal building. All of the international buses ("tica buses" too) start and end in this terminal which are:

The metrobuses serving the bus terminal arrive and leave from the western side of the bus terminal (between the bus terminal and the Albrook Mall).

There are two food courts in the terminal, one at the southern end and one at the northern end. There are many drinking water fountains throughout the terminal. Access to the metro station is via a bridge in the center of the terminal.

By boat Most visitors arriving by sea come on cruise ships, which usually dock at the Fuerte Amador Cruise Terminal on the Amador Causeway. Some vessels anchor in the bay and use tenders to bring passengers ashore. Yachts transiting the Panama Canal often stop in the city, and there are berths and fuel available at Flamenco Marina, Balboa Yacht Club, and other facilities along the Causeway.

Regular ferries connect Panama City with the Pearl Islands, including Contadora and Saboga. The trip takes about 90–120 minutes, depending on the island. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the departure pier on the Causeway.

It is also possible to arrange onward passage on private sailboats or cargo vessels making the canal transit, but this requires advance planning and prices vary widely. There is no public ferry service through the canal itself.

Get around

By metro A Metro opened in 2014, and is by far the preferred method to get to the places it serves. However, there are still many places of interest not served by it. Line is roughly equal parts elevated and underground with the part from Albrook to El Ingenio being the underground section. Line , serving the northern suburbs, opened in 2019. There is a grand plan for many further lines which are hopefully going to enter service as the 2020s and 2030s progress.

The last train leaves at 22:00 all week, with the first train leaving M-Sa at 05:00 and Su at 07:00.

By taxi One of the easiest ways to get around town is by taxi. Taxis do not have a meter.

Cab drivers do not expect tips, and they may pick up additional passengers along the way. In this case, they will expect a little extra (tip and/or lunch).

The apps Uber as well as inDrive are also available in Panama City.

By bus Diablo rojo Panamanians call a Chicken bus "diablo rojo". Once a common sight in the city, they are now relatively rare and do not travel through most city neighborhoods. In 2013, the "diablos rojos" were phased out from the main city routes, but they still connect the city with outlying suburbs. Getting around by Chicken bus is cheap and and a colorful experience. Buses are privately owned and drivers usually compete with each other for passengers. For this reason, buses have colorful decorations to attract customers. Buses can get crowded, and it is not unusual to see 3 people seated on a 2-person bench and lots of people standing along the aisle. It is not advised to use buses during these hours.

Metrobus The city has replaced the flamboyant "red devils" with modern, air-conditioned city buses ("MetroBus," look for the orange sign to find stops).

You can buy and recharge MetroBus cards at many places around the city including all Metro stations as well as in either Tocumen or Allbrook airport.

There are no maps or schedules at the stations so using the bus system can be frustrating without knowing the common name of the destination or adequate Spanish for asking locals.

By car Car travel in Panama City is notoriously difficult. During weekday work hours, traffic jams are continuous. Many street intersections lack traffic signals creating right-of-way confusion. Short distances may be quicker on foot or other means of transportation. During holidays like Carnival, the traffic can be expected to be worse.

Car rentals are available from major corporations like Hertz at Panama's Tocumen International Airport.

All taxis in Panama must be painted yellow by law. Hitchhiking is not uncommon.

Checkpoints run by the national police occur at strategic locations to prevent the movement of illegal persons and goods.

See

Panama Canal. Not only one of the world's most important shipping connections, but also the very reason for which the modern country of Panama was created, the canal is probably the single most iconic thing to visit in Panama. There are different ways to explore the canal: the easiest but pricey way from Panama City is to visit the Miraflores Visitor Center/Miraflores Locks. In addition, it is also possible to book a luxury train ride along the canal, or a boat ride on the canal.

Miraflores Visitor Center/Miraflores Locks. The most visited place along the canal is the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Miraflores Locks. It consists of an air-conditioned museum, a movie theater, an expensive restaurant, a gift shop, and a viewing platform from where you can watch the ships pass through the locks. The Miraflores Locks are located along the old canal with its more than a hundred-year-old locks. It's still interesting to watch the ships, but if you want to see the new, expanded canal with the new locks and much bigger ships, you'd have to go to the Agua Clara Visitor Center in Colon (Panama), on the Caribbean side of the canal. Also, while it is nice to watch the ships from the viewing platform. The 3D movie with Morgan Freeman was excellent (2023). Panama Canal in 3D "A Land Divided a World United". The entire exhibition is 4 small rooms. If you decide to come here, make sure you'll see some ships during your visit; check the visitor center's website to see at which times the ships pass through the locks.

Casco Viejo. Casco Viejo is the historic part of town, where you will find many colonial style government buildings, cathedrals and museums including a Canal Museum or a small Panama History Museum. It is under massive renovation, with crumbling shacks next to beautifully restored colonial buildings. You can find in-expensive walking tour guides if you look. There are a number of accommodation options in Casco ranging from hostel pricing up to very expensive colonial suites. The area hosts a large number of eclectic events ranging from operas and musicals at the national theatre to block parties and fashion catwalks in the open plazas. Casco Viejo also offers some of the finest dining options in Panama City. Getting here from the airport by Metro bus, you can get off at 5 de Mayo stop (popular stop under a highway) then walk about 15-20 min heading south towards the water on Avenida Central, a pedestrian mall with many shops and markets, which leads directly to the old town. Together with the archaeological site of Panamá Viejo, the Casco Viejo is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. They are both listed a second time as part of the site The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá.

Panama Viejo. The archaeological site of the ruins of the original city of Panama that was sacked by the pirate Henry Morgan in the 1600s. The city was later moved to Casco Viejo. Today Panama Viejo is home to one of Panama's national parks with the buildings left in unrestored states. It is well worth the visit but read the safety warnings and ask park employees about where it is safe to visit as the park is surrounded outside by one of the city's dangerous areas. Together with the old town Casco Viejo, the site of Panamá Viejo is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. They are both listed a second time as part of the site The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá.

Amador Causeway. The Amador Causeway connects four little islands (Naos, Culebra, Perico and Flamenco) to the mainland. From the causeway, there is a lovely view of Panama City, the Puente de las Americas, and the numerous islands far in Panama Bay. Many Panamanians like to spend their weekends jogging, riding a bicycle or roller-blading down the causeway, or having a meal or drinks in one of the many restaurants and bars on the islands. From the causeway you can also arrange day trips by ferry to one of the surrounding islands with boats leaving early in the morning.

Punta Culebra Nature Center. This nature center run by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is located on Culebra Island. It has a few fish tanks with Pacific, Caribbean, and freshwater sea life, a small pool with a sea turtle and a few little sharks, and a tank where children can touch starfish and other sea creatures. There is also a little forest where a family of sloths lives.

Biomuseo. Designed by the architect Frank Gehry.

Mi Pueblito. The pretty deserted museum (entrance free) on the slopes of Cerro Ancon showcases the different ethnicities of Panama. There are several artisans producing curios. The museum is across the highway from El Chorrillo neighborhood, which has experienced some crime targeting tourists in the past, so be mindful.

Cerro Ancón. Cerro Ancón or Ancon Hill is the tallest peak in Panama City. There is a fairly well-trafficked paved road heading to the summit that is used by local hikers, ambitious cyclists and a few tourists. It's only about a 15-minute walk from the trail head near Mi Pueblito. The summit has viewpoints looking out at Casco Viejo, the new town and the canal.

Parque Natural Metropolitano. The second highest peak in the city. A few short easy trails and a viewpoint at the top looking over the city and to the Miraflores locks. Butterflies, turtles, and coatis are easy to see. Agoutis, sloths, and monkeys live there as well. Drinks available at the main entrance, bathrooms and both entrances.

El Chorrillo. El Chorrillo represents the cultural richness of Panama and the social challenges faced by a marginalized urban community. The neighborhood maintains a strong community spirit. Its street culture, mural art, and passion for boxing and football are essential to its identity. Admire colorful urban murals, visit the Maracaná Stadium, or join a guided community tour to learn about the neighborhood’s history and local culture. Visit with local guides or in a group, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Some parts may not be safe for solo tourists.

Museo Libertad. A museum dedicated to the history and advancement of human rights in Panama and around the world. Displays are all in Spanish but tours in English can be arranged in advance.

Do

Help a sailboat to cross the canal. All sailboats that want to cross the Panama Canal needs by law 5 crew members when crossing the locks due to the complexity of handling these boats in these narrow locks and tieing and untieing it to the walls, other boats etc. The job called "linehandler". The owners of the boats can either hire local help or look for volunteers in exchange for the experience, food and drinks. The process takes 2 days due to long waiting times and the slow movement. You sleep on the boat during this time. Finding a boat with openings can take some perseverance and luck, especially depending on the season, but getting into local Facebook or WhatsApp groups can be effective, and it is a unique way to experience the Canal, sailing and have a closer look at the locks.

Metropolitan Natural Park (MNP). This park is a nature reserve very close to the city and offers well-maintained hiking paths and a small visitors center. One of the trails leads up a hill and from there, you have great views over the skyline of Panama City. Register and pay first at the visitors center, where there are also toilets and drinking water fountains to refill your bottles.

Panaviera bar. The rooftop bar at the top of the JW Marriott Panama (also called "Trump tower"). Great night view of the city. To get in, go to the casino and take an elevator to the 66th floor.

Learn

Casco Antiguo Spanish School. Casco Antiguo Spanish School's 1-on-1 and small group Spanish classes provide real world language skills. Offers a "Survival Spanish" Course for Expats, Crash Course for Travels, private lessons, Intensive Courses, and business Spanish.

Spanish Panama Spanish language school. In Panama City’s central and expat friendly neighborhood at Spanish Panama. Spanish language immersion programs include airport pickup, tours and ecotourism, cultural activities, Spanish classes, and salsa dance classes. Business Spanish for Panama is also offered.

Buy

Calidonia area has plenty of street markets.

Avenida Central. A pedestrianized street leading to the Casco Viejo from Estacion 5 de Mayo. Very local, very cheap shopping street. Full of budget department stores and shops. Lots of locals.

San Felipe Neri Public Market. Wet market selling fresh meat, vegetables, grains and other produce. The market is very clean and air-conditioned, and a nice spot to cool off and get a drink after visiting the bustling street markets outside.

Albrook Shopping Mall. Has good value and high quality clothes and more as well as a cinema, arcade, and bowling alley. Right next to the Albrook bus terminal.

MultiPlaza Mall. Upmarket mall, higher prices, better quality products. It has an adjacent Marriott Courtyard hotel.

MultiCentro Mall. Upmarket mall, not as popular as MultiPlaza and Albrook. Metrobuses to Tocumen airport (via Corredor Sur) stop at the bus stop south-east of the mall.

Metro Mall. A large indoor mall that has an adjacent Marriott Courtyard hotel.

Los Pueblos Mall. The first mall built in the city. very local, very cheap, and outdoor. It's across the main street from Metro Mall but is inaccessible on foot.

Crafts High end crafts can be purchased from shops in the Centro de Artesanias in Balboa neighborhood or in the shops of Mi Pueblitos.

Indian stores on every major shopping district (El Dorado mall and surroundings, Los Pueblos, and along Via España) also sell many Panamanian souvenirs. Gran Morrison is also a place to find many handicrafts.

REPROSA Treasures of Panama. Since 1975 REPROSA has been dedicated to the promotion of Panama's history, cultural traditions, ecological beauty and ethnic diversity. All their handicrafts are hand-made in Panama by Panamanian artisans, and there is something for every budget. REPROSA has three locations: Costa del Este Industrial Park (271-0033), Ave. A in Casco Viejo (228-4913), and Ave. Samuel Lewis in Obarrio (269-0457). REPROSA also offers a tour of their award-winning workshop where visitors can see first-hand how the Treasures of Panama are made. Their factory is in the Costa del Este Industrial Park just minutes from Panama Viejo.

Paseo Esteban Huertas. Promenade along the outside of Casco Viejo with views of the water and Panama City. A good place to find Guna artisans selling handmade molas.

Eat

Check out Panama Restaurant Week, which doesn't happen every year, but when it does it is a fantastic option to try great restaurants at good prices. Despite its name, it lasts 15 days, with dozens of participating restaurants offering special participating menus at fixed, lower than normal prices.

Budget There's several cafes along Via Argentina. The Spanish sandwich shops offer excellent sandwiches, coffee, and churros. Try Manolo's Churreria (don't miss the churros rellenos, pastries filled with dulce de leche and rolled in sugar) or Del Prado. They serve excellent breakfast food.

There's an abundance of Chinese restaurants, and some can be very affordable. Try some around El Dorado, they should be pretty authentic.

Niko's Cafe has several locations around the city. Owned by Greeks, they are all open 24 hr and they have a good selection of sandwiches and hot food served all day long. Don Lee is a Panamanian chain serving Chinese fast food, and definitely worth a try. Doraditos Rosticería Y Pizzería in Chanis. An extremely popular Panamanian restaurant that's always full and can take an infuriating amount of time to order. That said it's likely always filled by locals because the prices are cheap and the food is extremely good. Fish market outside of Casco Viejo. Entering Casco Viejo is the main fish market for the city. There are some restaurants upstairs where the fish is obviously very fresh and the prices are cheap.

Lung Fung. Serves some of the best Chinese food in the city. It will be a different experience. Try dim sum any day of the week (expect long lines on weekends), although it has lost some of its charm now that the wait staff speaks such good Spanish instead of only Cantonese or Haka.

La Pampa Marbella. A very old school Panamanian restaurant on Balboa Avenue. It's a Spanish place specializing in seafood. Excellent paella and overall good seafood.

Van Gogh. This nice little Italian restaurant is right near the Via Venteo Casino. It has great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. It is one of the best Italian restaurants in Panama City.

Capital Bistró Panamá. Amazing views of the city's skyline. Chillout music and large sofas on the upper terrace.

La Casa del Marisco - ACHA. Seafood restaurant in the banking area walking distance away from the Marriott. The food here is quite good but also pricey.

Atlantic & Pacific Co. Restaurant. The terrace section overlooks the Panama Canal and tables are most likely reserved in advance. It is open from 10:00 to 22:30 (much after the visitor center is closed), so if you need to see the canal late night (and can afford to spend extra for dinner), this is the place to be. (The Miraflores Lock opens both way in the night, so you are definitely going to see a couple of ships pass by).

Drink

Buy and try some Panamanian and Cuban coffee while you're here. It will be some of the best you've ever had.

Calle Uruguay is a neighborhood filled with bars and discos for wealthy Panamanians and foreigners.

Taberna 21 is a local hangout serving great cheap beer and Spanish tapas.

Sleep

Luna's Castle Hostel. Set in a Spanish colonial mansion built upon the water´s edge in Casco Viejo, Luna´s Castle Hostel attracts those who seek the ideal Panama City backpacking experience. Amenities include a modern communal kitchen, free breakfast, free coffee, the legendary movie theatre, a spacious outdoor courtyard, free internet, and sweeping views of the Bay of Panama and the modern city skyline and a great social atmosphere. Information is also available for sailing boat departures between Panamá and Cartagena in Colombia. These rooms above the bar are loud! They don't take reservations for privates and it's a popular place, so be prepared to find an alternative.

Hospedaje Casco Viejo. This hostel is in the heart of the old quarter in a beautifully restored historic building. Most of the rooms have their own bathroom and balcony and very comfortable beds. Friendly and knowledgable staff, kitchen, free wifi and coffee! Definitely the best deal in Panama. They also take reservations online. (Closed when phoned on Aug 30, 2022).

Panama House Bed & Breakfast. This hostel is in a cute house located on a busy street. Try to get a room further in the back to get away from the traffic noise. Breakfast is included, which involves toast, cereal, coffee and orange juice. Two computers with internet access are also free for guests. Accommodations are clean and spacious.

Hostel Mamallena. Information is also available for sailing boat departures between Panamá and Cartagena in Colombia.

Hostal Miami. Shared kitchen, internet and Wi-Fi. Friendly employees.

Magnolia Inn - Casco Viejo. Magnolia Inn offers comfortable and spacious deluxe private rooms as well as luxury hostel rooms. The restored French colonial mansion is full of historic character, as well as modern conveniences such as A/C, orthopedic beds, free Wi-Fi Internet and safe deposit boxes. The Inn has a stylish social areas to relax and meet fellow guests. A fully equipped kitchen and sunbathed dinning room is available for guest use.

The Bristol Hotel. Luxurious modern hotel in the heart of Panama City. Outstanding bar and restaurant on site. First-class service.

Las Clementinas Chambers, Café & Bar. A small boutique hotel in Panama's exciting historic district, Casco Viejo. Las Clementinas has just six rooms, each of which is a full apartment with kitchen, 12-foot ceilings and wrap around balconies, some with plaza views, some with ocean views. Above the rooms is a rooftop terrace with stunning views of Panama City, the Pacific Ocean, the entrance to the Canal and the rooftops of the historic district. Below the rooms is the Cafe & Bar. Las Clementinas is managed by the Canal House and leisure and business travelers.

InterContinental Miramar. Luxury high-rise hotel overlooking Panama Bay. Facilities include upscale dining, large swimming pool, tennis courts, full-service marina, helicopter landing pad.

Courtyard Panama Multiplaza Mall. 120 rooms with high speed internet, restaurant, bar, gym, pool, four banquet halls and a meeting room, as well as laundry service, laundry and shop.