Last Updated on May 12, 2026
Panama City is known for its skyline of skyscrapers, its banking industry, and the Panama Canal. Those are real parts of the story. The canal moves global trade, and the skyline reflects the country’s role in finance and shipping.
But after a few days in the city, what stayed with me wasn’t just the scale of the ships or the height of the buildings.
It was walking through Casco Viejo and noticing how a beautifully restored hotel could sit beside a crumbling apartment building. It was going on a walking tour into El Chorrillo, and learning how gentrification can so quickly change a place.
We stood in a square where men were playing tiles under a covered pavilion, and a few blocks away there were buildings being redeveloped into boutique hotels.
With 3 days in Panama City, you’ll have time to visit famous landmarks, while also learning about the city’s history and dynamics. You’ll wander around Casco Viejo, visit the Panama Canal, hike Cerro Ancon, eat ceviche at the fish market, and sit down for sancocho in a long-running local restaurant.
Let’s get into it!
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Getting to Panama City
You’ll likely arrive through Tocumen International Airport, Panama’s main international airport. It’s well connected to cities across North America, Europe, and Latin America, and it functions as a regional hub, so flight options are usually straightforward.
From the airport, you can take an official taxi or order an Uber. We used Uber and found the process simple. There’s a marked pickup point when you exit the airport for taxis and Ubers, which made finding our ride easy.
Getting into central neighborhoods like Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Panama City can slow down during rush hour, so if you’re landing in the late afternoon, it’s worth keeping that in mind.
How to Get Around Panama City
Panama City is spread out. We found that although individual neighborhoods are pretty walkable, we did need to rely on some form of transport once or twice a day, usually to get us between neighborhoods. After spending time in smaller places like El Valle de Anton later in our trip, the scale and pace of Panama City felt even more noticeable.
Using Uber in Panama City
Uber is reliable throughout Panama City. A typical ride within central areas usually costs between $5 and $10 USD, depending on distance and traffic. For short trips between neighborhoods like Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo, and Punta Paitilla, you’ll likely fall within that range.
Taxis are available, but fares are not always metered. If you choose a taxi, confirm the price before getting in. We preferred Uber in the city because it removed the need to negotiate with drivers in our bad Spanish.
Public Buses in Panama City
Panama City has an extensive public bus system. A standard bus ride costs around $0.25 to $0.50 USD, depending on the route. You’ll need a reloadable transit card to ride, which you can buy and top up at metro stations and certain shops.
Buses run often on major routes, but travel times depend heavily on traffic. During rush hour, things slow down.
The Panama Metro
The Panama Metro is clean, efficient, and easy to use! A single metro ride costs about $0.35 – $0.50 USD. Trains run regularly, and the system is especially helpful for moving north to south without getting stuck in road congestion. If your accommodation is near a metro stop, this can be the fastest and most affordable way to get around.
Where to Stay in Panama: Waymore Hotel
We stayed at Waymore Hotel & Casino, and we were very happy with this choice.
Our room at Waymore Hotel & Casino was super comfortable, and had a very cool vintage aesthetic. After full days out in the city, it felt good to come back to a room that was quiet and functional. Our room had a wide view over the city, and the bed was genuinely comfortable.
Waymore Hotel & Casino is located in El Cangrejo, a neighborhood that works well as a base in Panama City. It’s walkable, with banks, bakeries, casual restaurants, and coffee shops all within a few blocks. We rarely had to go far for breakfast or a quick dinner, and everyday logistics felt simple.
It’s also a short walk to the Iglesia del Carmen Metro Station, which made getting to other parts of the city easy without relying entirely on taxis or rideshares. Having access to the metro made a noticeable difference in both cost and convenience.
On site at the Waymore Hotel & Casino, there’s a rooftop pool with open city views and a well-equipped gym that we used during our stay. There’s also a casino and a spa available, though we didn’t use either.
We paid around $100 per night, which felt very reasonable. The location made it easy to get around, the rooms were comfortable, and we appreciated the added amenities.
We liked this hotel so much, we ended up staying in it twice during our 10 day itinerary in Panama!
Day 1: Casco Viejo & El Chorrillo
Start your first morning in Panama City with a quick breakfast at your hotel. If you’re staying at Waymore Hotel & Casino, breakfast is included. You’re going to spend this first day focused on Casco Viejo and El Chorrillo.
Casco Viejo is one of the most visited parts of Panama City, known for its restored colonial streets and compact layout. Right beside it sits El Chorrillo, a neighborhood shaped by canal-era segregation, invasion, and ongoing inequality.
By visiting both, you’ll learn important context about life in Panama City, and how tourism impacts it.
Start Your Day in Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is the historic quarter of Panama City, founded in 1673 after the original city was destroyed by pirates. Today, Casco is very walkable and visually striking, filled with boutique hotels, rooftop bars, cafés, and short-term rentals.
In the 1990s, Casco Viejo was largely disinvested and stigmatized. Over the past two decades, public funding, foreign investment, and tourism have transformed it. Buildings were restored, and property values rose.
Boutique hotels replaced long-term housing. Meanwhile, many longtime residents were pushed out through rising rents and evictions, while others remain in buildings that have not yet been renovated.
You will notice the contrast quickly. A polished rooftop bar can sit beside an apartment block that has not been repaired in decades.
With that context in mind, spend your morning walking slowly through the neighborhood. Start at Plaza de la Independencia, the historic heart of Casco, where you can step inside the Metropolitan Cathedral and sit for a few minutes.
From there, make your way to Plaza Bolívar, which is quieter and more residential. Then, continue toward the waterfront near the sea wall, where the view opens up to the Pacific. You can walk all along the seawall, to the Panama Canal Monument.
Along the way, you’ll come across many vendors selling crafts, including traditional Mola, which are hand-stitched textile panels made using layered fabric and reverse appliqué techniques. They are created by Guna women from the Guna Yala region and are an important part of cultural dress and identity.
Casco Viejo is a small neighborhood, so within one morning, you’ll be able to wander through most of it, popping into boutiques and checking out monuments along the way. Take it slow, and keep your eyes peeled for interesting shops! We stumbled on an antique shop, for example, called “Canal Zone,” which was filled with old books, magazines, ceramics, and clothing.
By midday, head just outside Casco Viejo for lunch at Arepa Loca. We ordered the chicken arepas, and they were simple and delicious. It’s a casual spot, easy and unfussy.
Go on a Walking Tour of El Chorrillo
After spending the morning getting to know Casco Viejo’s restored streets, you’ll spend the afternoon learning about the neighborhood that is adjacent to it.
El Chorrillo sits directly beside Casco Viejo, but it tells a very different story. For years, a physical wall divided this neighborhood from the old town, where Americans and Spanish residents lived during the Canal era.
Many Afro-Caribbean workers who came to build the Panama Canal settled here. They lived close to the work but were separated socially and spatially. That separation did not disappear when the Canal Zone ended.
In 1989, during the U.S. invasion of Panama, El Chorrillo was heavily bombed. Entire blocks burned while residents hid inside Santa Ana Church. This history is not abstract. It shapes how the neighborhood is perceived and how opportunities have developed since.
We booked a walking tour through Local In PTY, which is a small, locally owned tour company.
Our guide Christian met us in Casco Viejo, and we walked together into El Chorrillo. Throughout our three hour tour, he explained the history of El Chorrillo, how gentrification is affecting the area, and how people live there today.
We stopped outside the Jesus “Master” Gomez boxing gym, where parts of the film Hands of Stone were shot. The movie tells the story of Roberto Duran, one of Panama’s most famous athletes. Boxing remains part of the neighborhood’s identity, and locals are proud of the athletes who grew up there.
Along our walk, we stopped in a square where there was a covered area with tables, where people were playing tiles! Christian introduced us to some of his friends there, and we joined them for a game.
Christian also pointed out visible signs of gentrification creeping in. Because of its proximity to Casco Viejo, developers and investors are slowly moving into El Chorrillo, redeveloping historic buildings into hotels and restaurants. On one street, you could see restored boutique properties on one end and aging residential buildings on the other.
Towards the end of the walking tour, we stopped at Coca Cola Cafe, which is one of the oldest cafes in Panama City. It’s located near the edge of Casco Viejo, close to where the historic district meets Santa Ana and El Chorrillo.
We wrapped up our walking tour with Christian over a shared order of ropa vieja, a shredded beef dish stewed with tomatoes, peppers, and onions, served with rice and plantains.
Much of what we learned on this walking tour was difficult to hear, but it felt important. Panama City has significant wealth tied to its banking industry and the canal… But not everyone benefits equally.
The country has high levels of income disparity, and walking through El Chorrillo offers insight into how that disparity shows up in Panama City. Taking the time to learn about Panama’s history, and the realities of Panama, is one way that you can be a more responsible tourist on your trip.
You can book this walking tour with Local in PTY, here.
Wander Central Espana and Go For Dinner
After your walking tour, spend the rest of your afternoon wandering along Av. Central Espana. This is a historic pedestrian shopping district in Panama City, where you can pop into local shops.
We happened upon a cafe on this street called Pan & Coffee, which serves delicious baked goods. A little further down the street is Rosso Gourmet, which is work dropping by for an icecream.
If you want something traditional for dinner, consider dinner at El Trapiche. It is a long running Panamanian restaurant known for serving classics like ropa vieja, carimanolas, and fresh juices in a casual setting.
I ordered sancocho, Panama’s well-known chicken soup. It’s made with pieces of chicken simmered in a light broth with cilantro and root vegetables. The broth is simple but flavorful, and it’s filling without feeling heavy.
Make sure to order a side of white rice to go with it. Locals typically spoon the rice directly into the soup, which thickens the broth slightly and turns it into a more substantial meal. It’s straightforward food, but after a full day walking the city, it’s exactly what you want!
Day 2: Visit the Panama Canal
On your second day in Panama, you’ll visit two of the city’s best museums so that you can learn about the country’s history, biodiversity, and Indigenous heritage. And, you’ll learn all about the Panama Canal!
Have breakfast in your hotel or pop into a cafe for a quick bite before heading to the first museum of the day, the Biomuseo.
Start at the Biomuseo
The Biomuseo is located along the Amador Causeway. Designed by Frank Gehry, the building itself is hard to miss, thanks to its sharp angles and bright panels which reflect the ocean.
Inside, the focus shifts away from engineering and toward geology and ecology. The exhibits explain how the formation of the isthmus of Panama changed the planet. When this narrow strip of land rose from the sea millions of years ago, it connected North and South America. Plants and animals migrated, ocean currents shifted, and climate patterns changed.
This museum reframes Panama as more than a transit point for ships. This is a place that reshaped global biodiversity long before the Canal existed.
Visit the Mola Museum
From there, head back toward Casco Viejo and stop at the Mola Museum. It is small and free to visit, which makes it easy to spend an hour without feeling rushed.
The museum focuses on molas, the layered textile panels created by Guna women. Guna is an Indigenous group of Panama, many of whom live in Guna Yala (the San Blas Islands).
Quick note – What not to do in Panama? Misname Indigenous regions. “San Blas” is the colonial name for the islands. It’s more respectful to the Guna population to call it by their name, Guna Yala.
In the Mola Museum, you can see how mola designs are cut, stitched, and reversed. You learn how patterns evolved over time, including how outside influences found their way into the artwork.
If you are planning to visit Guna Yala later in your trip, this stop matters. It gives you a baseline understanding so that when you see molas for sale, you recognize them as cultural expression and labor, not souvenirs detached from context.
After the Mola Museum, you’ll probably be ready for lunch. Walk 2 minutes from the museum to Casa Sucre Coffeehouse. This casual coffee shop serves great coffee, but we actually found ourselves there a couple times just to eat their chicken tamales!
The chicken tamales can be eaten for breakfast, but we often had them as our midday meal. They come steamed, presented in a banana leaf.
Visit the Panama Canal
In the afternoon, make your way to the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal.
The Canal is often described as an engineering marvel, which it is. It is also a political story shaped by foreign intervention, labor exploitation, disease, and eventual Panamanian control.
From the viewing platforms at the Miraflores Locks, you can watch ships pass through the system. Some carry up to 13,000 containers!
The Canal is special because it saves vessels roughly 8,000 miles compared to sailing around the southern tip of South America. Each ship is guided by Canal pilots for the entire transit, which takes about ten hours from ocean to ocean.
We learned that this is precise work. You can see how carefully the ships are raised and lowered through the lock chambers using water rather than brute force excavation.
Before you go, check the transit schedule online. Timing your visit with an actual ship moving through makes the experience more tangible. There is also an IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman that walks through the Canal’s history in accessible terms.
What struck me most was not just the scale, but the complexity of the engineering of the Canal. Panama did not carve a sea level trench across the country. It built a lock system that works with elevation and freshwater lakes. This decision shaped the landscape and still shapes the economy.
Today, Panama has one of the stronger economies in the region, in large part because of the Canal’s role in global trade.
It’s important to know that this economic growth has not been evenly distributed, which you can see in the city itself.
You can expect to spend around 2 hours at the Miraflores Visitor Centre. You can buy your ticket online in advance (through their website), or on arrival.
For dinner, head back to the Coca Cola Cafe, which you will have visited with Christian, on your El Chorrillo walking tour. This historic restaurant deserves a second visit for dinner, because they serve great Panamanian food in a lovely setting.
Day 3: Nature Walk, Markets, and Coffee
On day 3 in Panama City, head out to experience the city’s nature, markets and coffee. The city might not have hiking trails that compare to what you’ll find elsewhere in Panama, like La India Dormida, but it still offers plenty of ways to spend time outdoors and get a feel for a different side of the country without leaving the capital.
Start with a quick breakfast at your hotel or in a nearby cafe. Keep it simple! You’ll want to head out early to avoid the midday heat as you make your way to Cerro Ancon.
Cerro Ancon
Cerro Ancon is the tallest hill that rises above the dense urban city. The trail is free and straightforward, about four kilometers out and back on a paved road that steadily climbs.
At the entrance, you will sign in with security. They also enforce a rule that you cannot bring disposable plastic water bottles. If you show up with one, you will be asked to leave it at the gate and collect it on your way down. Bring a reusable bottle instead.
The walk up is quiet. You will likely pass joggers, a few birdwatchers, and maybe the occasional coati crossing the road. It does not feel far from the city, but it feels removed from traffic and construction noise.
At the top, you have a fantastic view of the skyline of Panama City stretching along the bay, the curve of the Bridge of the Americas, and, in the distance, sections of the Panama Canal. If you time it right and look carefully, you may spot ships inching through the locks!
Plan to spend 1.5 – 2 hours walking up and back down Cerro Ancon. The hike is moderately difficult because of the steady incline and the heat, but the paved road makes it accessible for most people with a basic level of fitness.
San Felipe Market
After your hike, head back down and make your way to San Felipe Market. This small market sits within the historic district and brings together a handful of vendors under one roof.
It’s more curated than a traditional market, but it’s a convenient place to sample different foods or grab something light if you’re not ready for a full seafood lunch.
You’ll find a mix of options, from coffee and baked goods to casual lunch plates. Spend a short while browsing, then continue on to the fish market for a more traditional market experience.
From San Felipe Market it’s just a 12 minute walk to the next market.
Panama City Fish Market (Mercado De Mariscos)
After the hike, head back down and either walk or take an Uber or cab to the Panama City Fish Market (Mercado de Mariscos). It is informal and busy, especially around lunchtime.
Start by visiting the actual fish market, which is inside the main building. You’ll see vendors selling freshly caught fish and other seafood, mostly to locals. After walking around the market, head to the strip of restaurants just outside to enjoy lunch.
We ate at a spot called Las Perlas. We ordered small cups of ceviche first, just to taste, and then a larger plate to share. The fish was cold and bright with lime. If someone in your group is not in the mood for seafood, some stalls offer bistek picado, fried fish plates, and simple options like chicken fingers.
After lunch, walk 13 minutes back into Casco Viejo to taste coffee at Unido Coffee Roasters.
Unido Coffee Roasters
Panama produces some of the highest quality (and highest priced) coffee in the world, including Geisha beans that are exported globally.
We loved Unido because they take their coffee seriously, especially their pour overs. If you have never ordered a pour over before, it is a slower, more deliberate way of brewing coffee by hand.
The barista pours hot water over freshly ground beans in controlled stages, adjusting the temperature and the speed of the pour so the water extracts flavor evenly. The result is a cup that tastes more distinct, where you can actually notice subtle differences in the beans rather than just getting a generic strong coffee.
When you order a pour over at Unido, you can watch as they very carefully prepare it. It takes some time for a pour over coffee to be ready, but the wait is worth it!
We popped into Unido several times to try their various coffees. If you’re a big fan of coffee, it’s worth checking out some of the other coffee shops in the city too, like Sisu Coffee Studio.
Enjoy a Coffee and Chocolate Tasting
To wrap up the day, book yourself in for a guided coffee and chocolate tasting tour. I recommend this Geisha Coffee and Chocolates Pairing in Panama City. Their last tour runs at 4:00 PM, so you can fit this in before dinner.
This experience walks you through a guided tasting of Panama’s prized Geisha coffee alongside locally made chocolates, with explanations about growing regions, processing methods, and flavor profiles.
You learn why Panamanian Geisha commands such high prices internationally, and how climate and elevation shape both the coffee and cacao.
After a day of walking, markets, and coffee, spend some time wandering with no plan, and then head for dinner. For a nice rooftop meal, head to Selva Azul in Casco Viejo. We really enjoyed their nachos!
Enjoy Panama City!
On our last evening in Panama City, we watched the sunset over the city from a viewpoint by Plazoleta Medio Baluarte, in Casco Viejo. Families were walking along the seawall, tourists were taking pictures, the church bells were ringing, and people were enjoying snacks on nearby benches.
It was a lovely way to wrap up our time in Panama City, just observing people enjoying the views on a breezy, hot evening.
Although this itinerary for Panama City is busy, you’ll still be able to weave in moments like this, to just wander and take things in, which I think is important! With a slow travel mindset, you can get to know a place in more depth.
Want to have a more thoughtful trip? Here are some of my responsible travel tips to get you started.
- Learn the main tips for being a responsible tourist.
- Use sustainable tourism tips to travel eco-consciously.
- Choose responsible wildlife tourism experiences.
- Travel to places that aren’t facing overtourism to reduce your impact.
- Be aware of cultural appropriation and avoid it.
- Use second city tourism when you do want to visit more popular places.
- Be thoughtful in how you shop for souvenirs.
- Take and share photos and videos respectfully.
- Avoid tourism leakage by supporting local businesses.
- Consider your travel privileges.
Before You Go To Panama City: FAQs
Here’s some of the basics about Panama City that you’ll want to know before you go.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
Panama City has a tropical climate, with a dry season from roughly December to April and a rainy season from May to November. Temperatures stay warm year-round, often in the high 20s to low 30s°C.
February is often considered an ideal month to visit, and that’s when we went. Even so, we experienced heavy rain in the city. It didn’t derail our trip, but it was a reminder that weather patterns are shifting, and flexibility matters no matter when you travel.
Is tap water safe to drink in Panama?
In Panama City, tap water is generally considered safe to drink. Outside the capital, water quality can vary. In rural areas and on islands, it’s safer to stick with filtered or bottled water.
To reduce plastic waste, I used a filtered water bottle for the entire trip instead of buying bottled water. On hot days, I easily drank three refills’ worth of water. Over ten days, that added up to a noticeable reduction in single-use plastic. It’s a small adjustment, but in a hot climate, hydration and waste both add up quickly.
Is 3 days enough for Panama City?
With three full days in Panama City, you can experience a lot. It’s enough time to enjoy Casco Viejo, visit the Panama Canal, spend time in local neighborhoods, and get a feel for the city beyond its old town. That said, if you can, I always recommend staying longer. Extra time gives you the chance to see more of the city, at a more relaxed pace. With more time, you can get to know Panama City in more depth.
Is Panama City a walkable city?
Panama City is walkable in parts, but not as a whole. Neighborhoods like Casco Viejo are very easy to wander on foot. The streets are compact, there are cafes and plazas close together, and walking is part of the experience. Cinta Costera, the waterfront path, is also great for walking or biking, especially in the early morning or evening.
Outside of those areas, though, the city is spread out. Distances between neighborhoods can be long, sidewalks aren’t always consistent, and the heat can make midday walking tiring. So, you’ll likely want to mix walking with public transit and taxis (or Ubers).
What currency is used in Panama?
Panama uses both the Panamanian Balboa and the U.S. Dollar. In practice, you’ll mostly use U.S. dollars. The Balboa exists primarily in coin form. There are no Balboa paper bills in circulation anymore. U.S. bills are accepted everywhere and function as the main paper currency.
In Panama City, card payments are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and larger shops. Still, it’s smart to carry some cash, especially small bills, for taxis, local eateries, or small purchases.
What language is spoken in Panama?
Spanish is the dominant language in Panama. There are also several Indigenous languages spoken across the country, including Guna, Ngabere, and Embera.
In Panama City, you’ll find that English is widely spoken, especially in tourism, hospitality, and business settings. Outside the capital, English becomes less common.
You can get by without Spanish in many parts of the city, but knowing basic phrases, numbers, and greetings makes daily interactions smoother. Even simple efforts tend to shift the tone of conversations in a positive way.
