Capital city of Panama and most well-known for the Panama Canal, Panama City has so much more to offer than its famous locks. With year round sunshine and an emerging food and drink scene you can discover somewhere special that isn’t yet on many people’s radar.
Keep an eye out for: Cargo ships – you’ll be able to spot many waiting out at sea for their turn to pass through the sequence of locks along the Panama Canal. Head to Miraflores for a close up view and to watch the locks in action.
How to get to Panama City
By plane – Panama City has two airports – Tocumen International Airport and Albrook Domestic Airport. Majority of flights into Panama City originate from the USA or Central and South America. There are a few airlines that operate direct flights from Europe including KLM (from Amsterdam) Lufthansa (from Frankfurt) and Air France (from Paris). From Tocumen the easiest way to the city centre is via Uber or taxi which costs US $20-30 and takes in-between 30 mins and an hour dependent on traffic.
Air Panama operates daily flights to all other major destinations within Panama from Albrook airport including Bocas del Toro (45 mins) and Boquete (30 mins to David, the nearest airport). These airplanes tend to be fairly small and therefore sell out in peak season so remember to book ahead.
By bus – The cheapest way to travel around within Panama is by bus. A substantial network of buses ties together all of the cities within Panama and the majority of these have been upgraded over recent years to feature air conditioning, reclining seats and a TV screen. You may need to combine a bus journey with a speedboat in order to get to some of the more popular island destinations such as Bocas del Toro, a 10 hour bus and 30 min speedboat journey.
By boat – Home to the famous Panama Canal, Panama City is frequented by cruise ships travelling down from the Caribbean or around Central America. A popular way to reach Panama City from neighbouring Colombia is to book a cabin on one of the catamarans taking a detour through the idyllic San Blas islands en route. Although this approach takes several days, the islands you can visit along the way are unforgettable.
Where to stay in Panama City
The America Trade Hotel – Possibly the most iconic hotel in Panama City, the America Trade Hotel blends an enchanting colonial exterior with a thoroughly luxurious yet funky interior. A novelty within Casco Viejo, the American Trade Hotel has a small outdoor swimming pool, and is also home to Danilo’s jazz club, a popular weekend spot.
Las Clementinas – These nine beautifully restored historic apartments in the heart of Casco Viejo, Panama City’s old town, are a great home away from home. Each spacious apartment has its own character and you can relax within the hidden garden or soak up the sun and the views from the rooftop terrace.
W Panama – In traditional W Hotel style, the design of W Panama is sleek and stylish whilst retaining all the quirky features you’d expect. Located in the heart of the business district W Panama is a short walk away from great bars and restaurants, and offers great views of the city from the pool area.
Sortis Hotel – Forming part of Panama City’s skyline, the Sortis Hotel, part of the Autograph Collection, offers guests modern, high-spec rooms in the midst of the city. If you can tear yourself away from the sparkling swimming pool complete with comfy daybeds, you’re only a short drive from the Panama Canal and the Metropolitan Natural Park.
Where & What to eat in Panama City
What?
Ceviche – coming in second only to Peruvian ceviche (the best in the world!) Panamanian ceviche uses only the freshest fish. Panama’s ceviche tends to be a little less tangy than the Peruvian version and uses white diced onions as opposed to marinated red onions that is common in Peru.
Tostones – Panama’s answer to french fries, these thin slices of fried plantain are great with a sprinkle of salt and either ketchup or mayo.
Raspados – Perfect for during the midday sun, pick up one of these fruit flavoured snow cones from street vendors dotted around the city. Traditionally these are topped with a dollop of condensed milk.
Where?
Mercado do Mariscos – For a no frills local experience and some unbelievably fresh fish head to the fish market. Grab a plastic chair alongside one of the stalls lining the entrance and enjoy some of the best Panamanian style ceviche for just US $1 a cup. Head upstairs to the restaurant on the second floor for some excellent grilled fish and a pound of shrimp.
Donde Jose – With only sixteen seats a night and a single tasting menu, Donde Jose is the most unique gastronomic experience you can enjoy whilst in Panama City. Taking diners on a Panamanian adventure across several courses the presentation and story told with each dish is second to none.
Nazca 21 – For the best Peruvian cuisine in Panama City head to Nazca 21. With Peruvian decor and souvenirs dotted around and some of the best Peruvian style ceviche we’ve tasted you’ll feel like you’ve actually hopped down to Peru for dinner. There are three Nazca 21s dotted across the city so you’ll never be too far from great Peruvian food!
Pastissima – Bringing a touch of Italy to Panama’s Casco Viejo this cute little restaurant is a great option should you fancy some more European flavours. They have a great wine list (sometimes a struggle in Panama City!) and the clams are delicious!
Cafe Coca Cola – Known as the oldest cafe in Panama this cafe serves simple, low cost dishes of rice and beans with a meat stew. Located on the edge of Casco Viejo you won’t be able to miss this cafe with the Coca Cola sign and yellow walls. Locals stop by for a decent value meal and game of chess and tourists stop by to experience a drop of real Panama.
Where & What to drink in Panama City
What?
Geisha Coffee – The most expensive coffee in the world, Geisha coffee, can be found in Panama. Grown in Boquete you can find many coffee shops in Panama City serving this delicacy.
Seco Herrerano – Panama’s national spirit, this sugar-cane distilled drink is often paired with milk and ice. Unlikely to be found in high-end restaurants or bars this local drink often results in a hangover!
Beer – With perennial hot temperatures it’s no surprise that beer is common in Panama. Choose from the local brews of Balboa, Panama and Atlas.
Where?
Pedro Mandinga – Panama City’s first rum distillery, Pedro Mandinga serves sips of their artisanal rum and also a delicious range of cocktails based on their rums. Quite the place to be in an evening, grab a seat in this rum bar surrounded by barrels of rum enjoying the sounds of salsa music.
Casa Bruja – The best craft brewery in Panama City, Casa Bruja (located on the ground floor of Las Clementinas) produces a range of small batch beers. Hide away from the strong sun in this leafy garden and rehydrate with a glass of beer.
The Strangers Club – Brainchild of six bartenders from New York City, the Strangers Club blends together modern cocktail making with Panama’s finest ingredients. Visit early in the evening for a tranquil environment and stay into the night when the lights dim and the music gets everyone dancing.
Mahalo – Bringing a slice of tropical paradise into Casco Viejo enjoy a frozen margarita in this outdoor Tiki hut. Fresh pressed juices are also available for those not on the sauce and they serve a great health-led brunch.
What to see & do in Panama City
Visit the Panama Canal – The most famous attraction in Panama City, no visit is complete without a trip to see the Panama Canal in action! Head to Miraflores Visitor Centre, on the edge of the city either before 10am or after 3pm for the highest likelihood of seeing a ship pass through. There’s a small museum to visit telling you more about the history of the Panama Canal, however if you just want to see the boats passing through you can do so from the bar/restaurant without a ticket! If you want to splash out you can even take a boat ride through the canal.
Wander around Casco Viejo – You can easily while away your day meandering around the narrow streets of Panama’s old town. Marvel at the colonial architecture and keep your eyes peeled for vibrant street art as you wander along exploring the boutique shops and cafes that line the streets.
Walk along Cinta Costera – Best experienced at sunset take a walk along the Cinta Costera to enjoy amazing views back towards Panama City as the sunsets behind the skyline. Feel free to join the locals running and biking along the Cinta, stopping off at the workout stations to get in some extra cardio for the day.
Learn about Panama’s Biodiversity – The isthmus of Panama is a very unique place in terms of biodiversity. Bridging the gap between North and South America, Panama’s Biomuseo gives visitors an insight into how the flora and fauna of Panama developed.
Relax aboard a catamaran – Located right on the bay there’s no better way to unwind than take to the waters. Jump aboard one of Red Cat’s mega-catamarans and spend your day with a cold beer in hand watching the world go by. Tours include a stop off at either Taboga Island or Pearl Islands to explore some of Panama’s tropical escapes.
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