Top things to do in Panama City
- Jul 15, 2022
- 6 min read
Not just for tourists - Here are just some of the cool activities you can and should do while here...
#1 Check out the Panama Canal at the Miraflores visitors Center
Watching a cruise ship squeeze into the lock - view from the Miraflores observation deck
Most people know Panama for its famous Canal - so of course no visit to this city would be complete without going to see this iconic waterway. Started by the French in 1880 and completed by the US in 1914, The Panama Canal has shaped the history of this small country and the museum and terraces overlooking the original locks at Miraflores are well worth visiting. Traffic in these locks is oneway, so make sure you get there early around 8am, when the centre opens, to see northbound ships - or alternatively around 3.00pm to start seeing the southbound ships entering the locks. Between these hours you are not likely to see any ships in the Miraflores locks. For more info and opening times here is the link:
#2 Panama Canal Transit - Now you've seen the locks from above why not take a trip along the canal
In the locks at Miraflores - early morning transit
To really get the full Canal experience, why not take a transit - there are 2 options available a partial transit or a full transit. The partial, as the name implies, is basically half way - Usually starting from Isla Flamenco, into the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks, where the ship is raised to the level of Gatun lake, 26m. Once finished with the lockage the journey continues through the famous Culebra Cut, ending in the community of Gamboa, OR the other way round; starting in Gamboa and being lowered to the level of the Pacific Ocean and finishing in Flamenco. The partial transit usually takes around 4 hours, sometimes longer as you have to share the locks with other ships and it can take time for all ships to get into position.
For Panama Canal Fans you can do a full transit to the Caribbean - This is a full day tour ending in Colon.
The company that does these tours provides all food and soft drinks on board + transport back to Isla Flamenco. Here is the link for more info and reservations. https://www.pmatours.net/pacific-queen/
#3 Visit Panama Viejo and climb the cathedral tower
Cathedral tower Old Panama
Old Panama, founded by the Spanish in 1519 was the first European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas. After the discovery and subsequent conquest of the Inca empire, Panama became an important stop for European colonists on the way to South America and also for merchandise - especially gold and silver from South America to Europe. The city was destroyed when Welsh Buccaneer Henry Morgan attacked in 1671 looking for loot and treasure. The Spanish decided to rebuild the city in a better location, some 8km further along the coast. Today the ruins of Old Panama are an important archaeological site as well as being a UNESCO world heritage site, and feature a small museum. Particularly interesting is a scale model of the city as it was, shortly before Morgan's attack. The Cathedral tower was renovated in 2005 with a staircase leading to a viewing deck, and is worth a climb to the top! There is also a good bookshop at the ticket entrance and for those that don't want to walk the 1 km from the entrance to the Cathedral and Museum, there is transport included in the ticket price.
#4 Take an afternoon stroll around the Historical District
Panama City Cathedral, Plaza Mayor
El Casco as it is commonly known is the City district of San Felipe. Founded in 1673 after Henry Morgan's attack 2 years earlier, the Spanish built the city with large fortress walls on a peninsula surrounded by rocks. The city was designed to withstand any further attacks! Today El Casco is A UNESCO world heritage site mainly because of its interesting mix of Spanish, French and early American architecture and has undergone some massive renovation in the last 20 years. El Casco has some of Panama's strictest construction rules and regulations, but also many government incentives to promote restoration. The area is very touristy these days and the prices in most establishments reflect that. But, its well worth a stroll around this colourful neighbourhood, don't forget to check out indigenous handicraft stalls on the Paseo de las Bovedas!
#5 Hike the rain forest in Panama's Metropolitan Park
Hiking the trails in Panama's Metropolitan Park
I love hiking and I love this little park. Panama City is the world's only capital with a rain forest within its city limits! Where else can you find a large tract of rain forest so close to a city centre? The Parque Metropolitano is a 232 hectare park where you can walk through tropical tropical dry forest on several kilometers of well maintained trails. Panama´s biodiversity is incredible and in this small park I often see sloths, howler monkeys, many different birds. Go early, take binoculars and a camera and spend the morning there. Take the trail to the top of Cerro Cedro and get some great views of the city. Wear comfortable light clothing, decent shoes and take water. Park entrance fees are $5 for tourists, $1 for nationals and residents
#6 Cycle the Causeway
Enjoy spectacular city skyline views while cycling the Causeway
If it wasn´t so hot I could spend all day cycling around here! So, get up early, rent a bike if you don't have one, and go for a cycle on the Causeway, some great views of Panama City skyline and several nice places to stop for refreshments. During the week stay on the cycle paths but every Sunday from 6am to midday the Cinta Costera all the way to Isla Flamenco is cordoned off just for cyclists to enjoy. It´s a fun activity even in the rain. Lots of bike rentals on the Causeway.
#7 Enjoy the view from the highest bar in Panama City
Watch the sunset over Panama City from the highest building
Piso 66 or Panaviera pool bar, sits at the top of JW Marriot hotel on Punta Pacifica, formerly Trump Tower, this is worth a visit just for the sunset views over the city and canal.. The bar menu is nothing special and the service could be better, but the view is amazing. To get there use the casino entrance to the left of hotel entrance - you will have to go through the casino to get to the elevator. Open every day from 4pm, they now require a reservation and a cover charge. check out their instagram for up to date information as they unfortunately often change opening times and charges.
#8 Try and spot a sloth as you walk up Cerro Ancon
View of the historical district from Cerro Ancon
Cerro Ancon is that large hill with the Panamanian Flag that you can see from several points in the City. At 199m high its a good walk to the top on an asfalt road (no cars allowed) Even though its in the city, its a good place to spot sloths -2 and 3 toed sloths - toucans and if you are lucky, tiny tamarin monkeys. Several nice lookouts at the top, with views over the city and also the Panama Canal - Attention bird watchers: This is a great place to observe the raptor migration from late August to November. Start your walk from 'Mi Pueblito' a small tourism complex featuring replicas of different traditional Panamanian houses, you could have a look round here before or after climbing the hill. Get a cab there or pay $1 parking.
#9 Take an evening stroll on the Cinta Costera
The Cinta Costera at night
If you are in Panama City, you will probably notice that not many people are out and about walking during the day - its just too hot. Locals will either do their jogging, walking, cycling early or after the sun goes down. The Cinta Costera is a nice place to go for a stroll in the early evening, lots of vendors selling cold drinks and snacks. There are several pedestrian bridges over the roads from where you can get good night views of the city - walk the entire distance to the Fish Market and grab a beer and a ceviche.
#10 Enjoy a good Movie in the VIP Theatres
Comfy reclining sofas and table service at the VIP theatre
Once you have been to the VIP movie theatre you won't ever want to go to a normal one again! With huge reclining sofas and waiter service, its a great evening out. Check out whats playing https://www.cinepolis.com.pa/ and go see a movie. You can find VIP theatres in Multiplaza, Soho Mall, Altaplaza. At only $15 per person (half price for jubilados) its an affordable and fun evening out. You always have a choice of seeing the movie in the original language with subtitles or dubbed in Spanish. With the exception of children's movies which are always dubbed. Reserve online and choose your seats beforehand or just show up.
