Panama City
Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, is a city rich in history, culture, and maritime significance. Founded in 1519, it quickly became one of the most important ports in the Americas, serving as a crucial hub for explorers, merchants, and travelers navigating between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its strategic location made it central to trade and colonization during the Spanish Empire, facilitating the transport of gold, silver, and other goods across the isthmus. Over the centuries, Panama City has evolved into a bustling cosmopolitan metropolis, blending its historic Casco Viejo district with modern skyscrapers, cultural attractions, and a strong connection to the sea that continues to shape its identity.
💡Panama City: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Panama allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries, including the US, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, for short stays (typically up to 180 days, depending on nationality). Always check current requirements before traveling.
✈️ Closest Airport: Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
💬 Language: Spanish is the official language. In Panama City, most people in tourist areas and hotels also speak English.
🏷️ Price Level: Moderate — generally more affordable than major North American or European cities, though imported goods and upscale dining can be expensive.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Panama: US$5.00
💰 Currency: Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD) | 1 USD ≈ 1 PAB (Panama uses both interchangeably).
☀️ Best Times to Visit: December to April — the dry season is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The rainy season runs from May to November, with heavy afternoon showers.
🚆 Transportation: buses, metro, taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Uber. The metro system is modern, safe, and easy to use for exploring the city.
🔌 Adapter: Panama uses type A and B plugs. Travelers from the US generally do not need an adapter, but visitors from Europe may need one.
🛜 WiFi: Widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and public areas. Free WiFi is common in malls and public spaces.
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are easy to find, but carrying some cash is useful for smaller vendors, street food, or markets.
💸 Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated. In restaurants, 10% is usually included in the bill; additional tipping is optional. For taxis, rounding up the fare is polite.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Panama City Cruise Terminal, Avenida Balboa, Panama City, Panama (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Getting around Panama City is straightforward and a great way to experience the city’s mix of modern skyscrapers, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant street life. The city center, especially areas like Casco Viejo, Cinta Costera, and the financial district, is compact and easily explored on foot.
For longer trips across the city or to the suburbs, the Metro, Metro Bus, and public buses are reliable, frequent, and affordable. The metro system connects key districts and is especially convenient for avoiding traffic during rush hours.
Taxis are plentiful and convenient, and ride-hailing apps like Uber and DiDi are widely used for safe, predictable fares. Renting a car is a good option for visitors planning to explore beyond the city, such as Amador Causeway, Metropolitan Natural Park, or nearby beaches.
Tickets for buses and the metro can be purchased with contactless cards or mobile apps. Multi-trip cards and day passes provide great value if you plan to use public transport frequently.
✈️ Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is located about 24 km (15 miles) from Panama City’s downtown and offers convenient access via public transport. The Metro Bus and airport shuttles connect the airport with key areas of the city, typically taking around 40–50 minutes depending on traffic.
Taxis are readily available outside the terminals and usually take 30–40 minutes to reach central Panama City, costing approximately $25–$35 USD.
🚇 Terminal de Cruceros de Amador is a major arrival point for cruise ships visiting Panama City, conveniently located on the Amador Causeway, just a short drive from downtown. The terminal is surrounded by scenic ocean views and is within walking distance of waterfront attractions, restaurants, shops, and the Panama Canal Museum.
Public transport options are available nearby, including buses that connect the terminal with the city center. Taxis and ride-hailing services are easy to find at the terminal, providing quick and convenient access to hotels, Tocumen International Airport, the Panama Canal, and other local attractions.
🚌 The City Sightseeing Panama City bus operates one bus route covering the most important sights around the city (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Panama City
"Panama City is the only place in the world where you can see the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean connected by a man-made canal, the famous Panama Canal."
📸 Casco Viejo (Old Town): Panama City’s historic district, founded in 1673, is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and charming plazas. Visitors can explore boutique shops, cafés, and lively squares while soaking up the city’s rich history and vibrant cultural scene.
📸 Panama Canal & Miraflores Locks: One of the world’s most famous engineering marvels, the Panama Canal allows ships to pass between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Miraflores Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits, observation decks, and a glimpse into the canal’s operation and history.
📸 Panama Canal Museum (Museo del Canal Interoceánico): Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, this museum tells the fascinating story of the Panama Canal, from its early French construction attempts to the American completion and modern operations. Exhibits include historical photographs, models, machinery, and interactive displays, offering insight into the engineering, labor, and geopolitical significance of this world-famous waterway. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Panama’s history and the canal’s global impact.
📸 Cinta Costera: This scenic waterfront promenade stretches along the Pacific coast, ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling with views of the skyline and ocean. It’s lined with parks, cafés, and public art, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
📸 Biomuseo: Designed by Frank Gehry, this colorful museum highlights Panama’s biodiversity and its role as a bridge between North and South America. Exhibits explore natural history, ecosystems, and conservation in an engaging, interactive format.
📸 Metropolitan Natural Park: A lush green space within the city, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. Trails lead to panoramic views of Panama City and the Pacific, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle.
📸 Amador Causeway: A scenic causeway connecting four islands, popular for walking, cycling, and waterfront dining. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the canal, skyline, and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.
📸 Panama Viejo: The ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519 and destroyed by pirates in 1671. The archaeological site offers insight into early colonial life and includes a museum with artifacts from the city’s founding era.
📸 Plaza de Francia: A historic square honoring French contributions to the construction of the Panama Canal. Surrounded by monuments, cafés, and views of the harbor, it’s a great place to learn about the canal’s early history.
📸 Amador Marina & Yacht Club: A modern marina with restaurants, shops, and leisure activities, perfect for boating enthusiasts. The area is lively, with beautiful sunset views and a variety of waterfront attractions.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Panama City’s food scene is a vibrant reflection of its rich cultural heritage, coastal location, and diverse community. As a historic port city connecting North and South America, it has long embraced a blend of flavors and culinary traditions, from Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences to modern international cuisine. Today, Panama City offers an exciting mix of fresh seafood, hearty stews, tropical fruits, street food, and contemporary fusion dishes. Bustling markets, riverside cafés, rooftop restaurants, and modern eateries thrive side by side, all fueled by a warm, welcoming atmosphere that celebrates great food and social connection. For food lovers, Panama City promises a flavorful and unforgettable culinary journey.
🍽️ Ceviche: One of Panama’s most beloved dishes, ceviche features fresh fish or seafood marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and peppers. It’s a refreshing and tangy appetizer, perfect for enjoying by the waterfront or at local markets.
🍽️ Sancocho: A hearty chicken soup made with root vegetables like yucca, corn, and ñame, flavored with cilantro and spices. It’s a comforting traditional dish often served during family gatherings or special occasions.
🍽️ Ropa Vieja (Panamanian Style): A slow-cooked shredded beef stew with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. It’s typically served with rice and beans, reflecting Panama’s Spanish and Caribbean culinary influences.
🍽️ Arroz con Pollo: A classic Panamanian dish of rice cooked with chicken, vegetables, and seasonings, often colored with achiote or saffron. It’s a staple at family meals and festive occasions.
🍽️ Tamales: Corn dough filled with seasoned meat (usually chicken or pork) and wrapped in banana leaves, then steamed. Panamanian tamales are a popular street food and traditional holiday treat.
🍽️ Patacones: Twice-fried green plantain slices, crispy on the outside and soft inside. Often served as a side dish or snack with dips like guacamole or garlic sauce.
🍽️ Cocada: A sweet dessert made from grated coconut, sugar, and sometimes condensed milk, shaped into small cakes or balls. It’s a popular treat at markets and festivals.
🥤 Seco Herrerano Cocktail: A traditional Panamanian drink made with seco, a sugarcane-based spirit, often mixed with fruit juice or soda. It’s a refreshing way to experience local flavors.
🥤 Chicheme: A sweet corn drink made with milk, cinnamon, and sugar, served cold. It’s a comforting traditional beverage, especially popular during festivals or street fairs.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🚕 Uber
🚕 DiDi