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Panama Panama City travel guide
8 things to do in Panama City, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Panama City
- Bridge of the Americas — road bridge in Panama, spanning the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City — cathedral in Panama City, Panama (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Palacio de las Garzas — seat of the Government of Panama (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Panama Canal Museum — museum located in Panama City, Panama (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Biomuseo — museum in Panama (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Panamá City Panamá Temple — building in Panama City, Panama (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Panama Museum of Contemporary Art — art museum in Panama (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Jama Mosque — mosque in Panama City, Panama (visit ≈ 30 min)
3-day Panama City walking itinerary
Starting point: Casco Viejo. The top 7 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 6.5 km · 8,770 steps · 1 h 27 min on the way): Panama Canal Museum → Biomuseo
- Day 2 (≈ 8.9 km · 12,080 steps · 2 h 0 min on the way): Bridge of the Americas
- Day 3 (≈ 5.2 km · 7,020 steps · 1 h 9 min on the way): Panama Museum of Contemporary Art → Jama Mosque → Palacio de las Garzas → Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City
Where to stay in Panama City
- Casco Viejo: UNESCO-listed old town; boutique hotels, rooftop bars and restaurants.
- Bella Vista / El Cangrejo: Central and near the metro; lots of restaurants and bars.
- Marbella / Obarrio: Skyscrapers and business hotels; close to the Cinta Costera seafront.
- Punta Paitilla: High-rise hotels with sea views; calm and safe.
Getting from the airport to Panama City
- Tocumen (PTY): Taxi or Uber ≈ 30–45 min (traffic dependent); there is also an airport branch of metro line 2.
Getting around
Two metro lines link the main areas; Casco Viejo is walkable. Uber is common and safer than street taxis, especially at night.
Classic places to eat
- Mercado de Mariscos: Fresh ceviche stalls next to the fish market, with a restaurant upstairs.
- El Trapiche: On Vía Argentina since 1983; traditional Panamanian breakfast and sancocho.
- Fonda Lo Que Hay: Casual eatery in Casco Viejo inspired by street food.
- Café Unido: Café where you can try Panama’s famous Geisha coffee.
- Tántalo: Rooftop bar with sunset and skyline views.
Romantic views
- Cinta Costera (Sunset): Along the bay the skyline and sunset come together.
- Plaza de Francia (Evening): The square at the tip of Casco Viejo opens onto sea views from its arched walkway.
- Amador Causeway (Sunset): The causeway linking the islands looks back at the skyline and canal entrance.
- Ancón Hill (Early morning): From the forested hill you see city, canal and ocean at once.
Good to know before visiting Panama City
- Fine: Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Warning: Police ask for ID; carry your passport or a copy.
- Warning: Check official advice for the Darién region.
- The US dollar is legal tender alongside the balboa.
- The Panama City metro uses a rechargeable card.
- Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often; check official government sources before you travel.
- Emergency: 911
- Plugs: A/B, 120V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Panama, Wikivoyage — Panama, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Panama City travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Panama City?
- The top 7 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Panama City?
- Highlights: Bridge of the Americas, Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City, Palacio de las Garzas, Panama Canal Museum and Biomuseo. The map has 8 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Panama City?
- Casco Viejo: UNESCO-listed old town; boutique hotels, rooftop bars and restaurants. Other options: Bella Vista / El Cangrejo, Marbella / Obarrio and Punta Paitilla.
- How do you get from the airport to Panama City city centre?
- Tocumen (PTY): Taxi or Uber ≈ 30–45 min (traffic dependent); there is also an airport branch of metro line 2.
- How do you get around Panama City?
- Two metro lines link the main areas; Casco Viejo is walkable. Uber is common and safer than street taxis, especially at night.
- What is the emergency number in Panama City?
- Emergency: 911.
- Do you tip in Panama City?
- About 10% is customary.
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