Places / North & Central America / Panama
Panama City
Visited in February 2020
At a glance
- Country
- Panama
- Region
- Panamá District
- Population
- 1.5 million
- Best time to go
- Mid-December to April
- Main airport
- Panama City Tocumen International (PTY)
- Coordinates
- 8.96°N, 79.54°W
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Overview
Panama City is a city of contrasts: a skyline of glass towers rising over the Pacific, the restored colonial streets of Casco Viejo, and the Panama Canal at its edge, where giant ships pass between the oceans.
It is easy to combine urban life with nature, as rainforest begins on the city's outskirts. Base yourself in the old town or the modern districts and spend a few days exploring both.
Things to see
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Photo: Garcia.dennis, CC BY-SA 4.0 Casco Viejo
The UNESCO-listed old quarter of plazas, churches and restored balconied houses on a peninsula.
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Photo: Gordon Panoramic Photo Co., Public domain Miraflores Locks
Watch enormous ships being raised and lowered in the canal from the visitor centre's viewing decks.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: user:ArnoldReinhold, CC BY-SA 4.0 Biomuseo
A museum of biodiversity in a colourful building designed by Frank Gehry, on the Amador Causeway.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Melpanama, CC BY 3.0 Panamá Viejo
Ruins of the original city founded in 1519, with a stone tower to climb for skyline views.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: LWY from Pasadena, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 Metropolitan Natural Park
A patch of tropical forest inside the city, with trails, sloths and toucans.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Ayaita, CC BY 3.0 Cycle the Amador Causeway
Hire a bike and ride out along the causeway for views of the skyline and ships waiting for the canal.
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Photo: Virpana, CC0 Ceviche at the fish market
Sample cups of fresh ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos near Casco Viejo.
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Photo: Editorpana, CC BY 3.0 Day trip to Taboga Island
A ferry ride to a quiet island of flowers, a sleepy village and a sandy beach.
Find tours -
Photo: Olosipu at English Wikipedia, Public domain San Blas Islands
Visit the Guna Yala islands on the Caribbean coast for white beaches and Guna culture.
Find tours
Where to stay
Casco Viejo
Atmospheric and full of boutique hotels, rooftop bars and restaurants.
Hotels in Casco ViejoEl Cangrejo
Central, with good-value hotels, restaurants and easy Metro access.
Hotels in El CangrejoPunta Paitilla
Modern towers with sea views, close to the Cinta Costera promenade.
Hotels in Punta Paitilla
Getting around
The Metro is clean and efficient, and ride-hailing apps and taxis are widely available. Casco Viejo is best explored on foot.
Tocumen airport is about 24 km east of the centre, 30 to 60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. The Metro also links the airport to the city.
When to go
The dry season from mid-December to April has sunny days and lower humidity. The rest of the year brings heavy afternoon rain, though mornings are often clear.
Plan your trip to Panama City
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Adventure travel insuranceWorld NomadsWe receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.