19 Best Things To Do In Panama City, Panama

1. Panama Canal – Miraflore

The obvious choice for first-time visitors to Panama City is to check out the Panama Canal.  

2. Casco Viejo

Dating back to 1673, Casco Viejo is worth visiting on a tour to learn about all the buildings, cathedrals, and history of the area. 

3. Plaza De Francia

Plaza de Francia is a monument dedicated to the 22,000 workers who died during the construction of the Panama Canal.  

4. Convent Santo Domingo

Located in the Casco Viejo, a quick photography stop is the Convent Santo Domingo and its Flat Arch (El Arco Chato). 

5. Independence Square

It is a quiet respite from the city with colonial architecture housing restaurants, shops and boutique shopping.  

6. Iglesia San Felipe Nativity Scene

Even if you are not religious, this nativity scene in Iglesia San Felipe is impressive. 

7. Panama Viejo

Not to be confused with Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo is a fascinating tour through the abandoned ruins of the original city. 

8. Cinta Costera

This 64-acre oceanfront parkway is within walking distance from the major hotels, shopping malls and restaurants. 

9. Amador Causeway

It’s located 20 minutes outside the city and offers excellent views of Panama. 

10. Centro Artisan Market

Located at the Amador Causeway, this huge Artisan Market is a great place to shop for your souvenirs. 

11. Bridge Of The America

It is from the Amador Causeway that you can see the Bridge of the Americas.  

12. Sunset At The JW Marriott 65 Floor

It’s about a 20-minute walk from Balboa Avenue, or you can take an Uber or taxi for a reasonable price. 

13. Marvel At El Tornillo

Definitely, the most unique building in Panama City is the spiral skyrise of El Tornillo. 

14. Buy A Panama Hat

Panama Hats are not made in Panama. Panama Hats originated in Ecuador and are still made there. 

15. Ancon Hill

For one of the best overhead views of Panama, Ancon Hill is a great stop. It is included in many Panama city day tours.

16. San Lorenzo Fort

Checking out the San Lorenzo Fort was a part of our UnCruise itinerary and I am so glad we had the chance to see this!  

17. Monkey Island Of Gatun Lake

As part of the UnCruise land extension for their Panama to Costa Rica cruise, Gatun Lake is an excellent way to see Panama wildlife.

18. Agua Clara Visitor Center

This Panama Canal expansion is located at Gatun Lake and is an interesting trip to the small town of Colon City. 

19. San Blas Island

San Blas Port is located 2.5 hours outside of Panama City and from here you’ll take a Pangas boat to the islands. 

11 Best Riads in Morocco That Look Dreamy

NEXT