10 Most Fun Things To Do In Panama City, Panama

Panama City brings together modern streets, deep history, and nearby nature in one place. I want to help you see how this city offers many ways to explore, learn, and enjoy your time without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

You will find clear ideas that help you choose what to see, how to move around, and how to enjoy the city with confidence. I guide you through key areas, cultural spaces, and practical tips so you can shape a visit that fits your pace and interests.

1) Metropolitan Natural Park

I visited Metropolitan Natural Park to escape the city without leaving Panama City. The park sits close to downtown, yet the trails feel calm and shaded. I heard birds right away and spotted monkeys near the path.

I walked a mix of easy and moderate trails. Clear signs helped me choose a route, and the paths stayed well-kept. The forest shifts between dry and humid areas, which makes the walk feel varied.

I stopped at a lookout and saw wide views of the city skyline and the canal area. Picnic tables near the entrance offered a good place to rest. Staff at the visitor center answered questions and shared trail tips.

The park opens daily, including holidays, and mornings feel cooler and quieter. I saw people hiking, birdwatching, and jogging. It works well for a short visit or a half-day walk.

Rating: 4.6 (5,259 reviews)
Location: Panama City, Panama
Contact: +507 232-5516
Website: Visit Website

2) Old Panama

I spent a morning walking through Old Panama, and the ruins feel calm and open despite being close to the city. This site marks where Panama City began in 1519. Wide paths connect stone walls, plazas, and old church remains.

I climbed the bell tower for a clear view of the coast and modern skyline. The small museum helped me understand daily life before the city moved after pirate attacks. Signs along the paths explain each area in plain language.

I visited on a weekday, and the space felt relaxed and easy to explore at my own pace. The site opens from Tuesday to Sunday, and the ticket office closes earlier than the grounds. I recommend sun protection and water, since much of the walk stays outdoors.

Rating: 4.6 (11,020 reviews)
Location: Old Panama
Contact: +507 226-8915
Website: Visit Website

3) Panama City

I spent my days moving between old streets and modern towers. Panama City feels busy but easy to navigate. The mix of Spanish colonial buildings and glass high-rises stands out right away.

I walked through Casco Viejo and took my time. The streets feel lived in, with small cafés, churches, and plazas close together. I sat in the shade, watched people pass, and listened to music drift from nearby bars.

I also explored the waterfront and parts of the modern city. The skyline rises fast, and the views along the bay look best near sunset. I noticed how locals use the paths for walking and biking, not just sightseeing.

I made time for the Panama Canal area as well. The visitor spaces explain how the canal works in clear terms. Watching ships move through gave me a better sense of why this city matters so much to global travel and trade.

4) Plaza de Francia

I visited Plaza de Francia at the edge of Casco Viejo, and it felt calm and open. The square looks out toward the Pacific, with wide views and steady ocean air. I liked how easy it was to walk around and pause without crowds pressing in.

The monument stands out right away. It honors France’s role in the early canal work, and the plaques give clear context without feeling heavy. I spent time reading them and watching ships move in the distance.

I found the plaza best for short breaks between sights. Benches line the paths, and shade helps on warm afternoons. The space stays clean and well-kept, which makes it easy to linger.

I walked here from nearby streets and paired the visit with a stroll through the old quarter. The plaza works well for photos, quick history, and quiet moments. I would return near sunset for softer light and cooler air.

Rating: 4.6 (8,562 reviews)
Location: Plaza de Francia

5) Panama Canal Museum

I visited the Panama Canal Museum in the old town, and it felt calm and well-organized. The building itself looks historic, with high ceilings and wide rooms that invite you to slow down. I liked how easy it was to move from one exhibit to the next.

The museum focuses on how people built the canal and why it mattered. Clear panels, photos, and maps explain each stage of the project. I spent time reading about the workers and the daily challenges they faced.

Several exhibits use models and short videos to show how the canal works. These displays helped me understand the locks and the flow of ships. The explanations stayed simple and direct.

I found the museum quiet and focused, which made it easy to learn. It works well for a short visit or a longer stop if you enjoy history. I left with a better sense of how the canal shaped Panama City.

Rating: 4.6 (3346 reviews)
Location: Panama Canal Museum
Contact: +507 211-1649
Website: Visit Website

6) Pacific Lookout

I stopped at Pacific Lookout during a walk along the Cinta Costera. The view opens wide to the Pacific, with ships lined up offshore and the city skyline behind me. It feels calm even with the road nearby.

I liked how easy it was to access on foot. I saw locals jogging, families taking photos, and people resting on benches. The open space makes it simple to slow down and enjoy the breeze.

I visited near sunset and watched the light change over the water. The colors stayed soft and clear, not flashy. It felt like a good break between busier stops in the city.

I recommend going early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Bring water and wear sunscreen. I found it best for a short visit rather than a long stay.

Rating: 4.7 (8,541 reviews)
Location: Pacific Lookout
Contact: +507 507-9400
Website: Visit Website

7) Panama Sign #2

I stopped by Panama Sign #2 while walking along the Cinta Costera. The sign sits near the water, with wide views of the skyline and the bay.

I liked how easy it was to reach on foot. The path feels open and safe, and I saw many locals passing by on bikes and jogs.

The sign works well for photos, especially in the late afternoon. Light traffic and open space made it simple to take pictures without rushing.

I stayed longer than planned and watched the city change as the sun went down. It felt like a calm break between busier stops in the city.

Rating: 4.6 (79 reviews)
Location: Panama Sign #2 on Google Maps

8) Arco Chato

I visited Arco Chato while walking through Casco Viejo, and it stood out right away. The old stone arch sits in a small open space and feels calm despite the nearby foot traffic. I could see how time shaped the stones, yet the arch still feels solid.

The arch once supported a church built by Dominican friars. Most of the church collapsed long ago, but this single arch remained. Locals often point out its role in history, including how it helped confirm the stability of the Panama Canal zone.

I spent time walking around the site and taking photos from different angles. The area stays quiet in the early morning, which makes it easier to look closely at the details. It works well as a short stop between cafes, museums, and plazas nearby.

Arco Chato does not take long to visit, but it adds meaning to a walk through the old city. I found it best enjoyed at a slow pace, with time to read nearby signs and watch daily life pass by.

Rating: 4.6 (919 reviews)
Location: Arco Chato on Google Maps

9) Panama Rainforest Discovery Center

I visited the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center on a quiet weekday, about 40 minutes from Panama City. The drive ends near Pipeline Road, and from there, the forest feels close and active. I heard birds right away and saw hummingbirds feeding near the visitor center.

I walked the short forest trails, which felt calm and easy to follow. The observation tower stood out the most. I climbed the spiral stairs and watched birds and monkeys from above the canopy. The view helped me spot wildlife I would have missed on the ground.

The visitor center felt simple and well-kept. I sat for a bit, drank a hot tea, and watched hummingbirds come and go. Staff members shared tips and answered questions without rushing. The place focuses on nature and bird conservation, and that shows in how they run it.

Rating: 4.5 (418 reviews)
Location: Gamboa, Colón Province, Panama
Contact: +507 6588-0697
Website: Visit Website

10) Punta Culebra Nature Center

I visited Punta Culebra Nature Center on the Amador Causeway and found it calm and easy to explore. The site sits by the water, with short paths that move between indoor exhibits and forest trails. I spent about an hour and a half without rushing.

The marine exhibits stood out to me. I watched sea turtles up close and learned about coastal fish from Panama’s Pacific and Caribbean waters. The aquariums feel simple and clear, and the staff shared facts without talking over visitors.

I also walked the forest trails behind the center. I spotted birds and iguanas, and I saw signs pointing out sloths that live in the trees. The shade helped, but I still wore light clothes and good shoes.

Families and curious adults fit in well here. The hands-on displays, frog exhibits, and butterfly dome keep things moving. I liked the lookout point where ships pass through the Panama Canal. It made the visit feel connected to the city around it.

Rating: 4.6 (1,648 reviews)
Location: Amador Causeway, Panama City, Panama
Contact: +507 6362-4219
Website: Visit Website

Getting Around Panama City

I find Panama City easy to move around once you know your options. The city offers a modern metro, buses, and affordable taxis. Each option fits a different budget, schedule, and comfort level.

Public Transportation Options

I often use the Panama Metro because it is fast, clean, and reliable. It connects major areas like Albrook, downtown, and the airport area. Trains run often during the day.

I also ride Metrobus when I want to reach neighborhoods the metro does not serve. Buses cost little, but routes can feel confusing at first. A reusable card works for both systems.

I rely on tips from guides like this one on getting around Panama City when planning routes.

Tips for Navigating the City

I avoid driving because traffic slows down fast, especially during work hours. Streets can change lanes without much warning. Parking also costs more in busy areas.

I use taxis or ride apps at night or when I carry bags. Most taxis do not use meters, so I ask the price before I get in. Small bills help.

I walk in areas like Casco Viejo and parts of downtown during the day. Sidewalks vary, so I wear good shoes. I keep my phone charged and use maps to check routes before I leave.

Local Culture and Etiquette

I find that daily life in things to do in Panama City, Panama, blends Latin traditions with a modern urban pace. Respect, polite behavior, and clear communication shape most social and business interactions.

Understanding Panamanian Customs

I notice that greetings matter things to do in Panama City, Panama. People often say hello and shake hands when meeting, even in casual settings. Friends may greet with a light cheek kiss, usually on the right side.

I dress neatly when I go out, since locals value a clean and put-together look. Beachwear stays at the beach, not in shops or restaurants. Punctuality feels flexible for social plans, but I arrive on time for business meetings.

I also respect local traditions and festivals, which play a big role in city life. Events like Carnival show great pride in music, dance, and history, as explained in guides on cultural etiquette and local customs, things to do in Panama City, Panama.

Helpful etiquette tips:

• Use polite titles like Señor or Señora
• Avoid loud behavior in public places
• Show patience in lines and traffic

Language and Communication Tips

I rely on Spanish for most daily interactions, since it is the main language. Many people in hotels and tourist areas speak English, but basic Spanish helps a lot.

I keep my tone polite and calm. Panamanians value respectful speech and friendly body language. Direct eye contact shows interest, but staring feels rude.

I also pay attention to gestures. Pointing with one finger can seem impolite, so I use an open hand instead. A simple smile goes a long way.

Common phrases I use:

• Buenos días – Good morning
• Por favor – Please
• Gracias – Thank you

For deeper insight into local communication and traditions, I reference overviews of Panama City culture and daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors often ask about major sights, outdoor options, food areas, historic places, shopping districts, and how to visit the Panama Canal from the city. I focus on specific places, clear routes, and practical details that help plan a smooth trip.

What are the top attractions to visit in Panama City?

I recommend Metropolitan Natural Park for city views and wildlife close to downtown. Old Panama shows the ruins of the first Spanish city, while Plaza de Francia marks key moments in canal history.

I also suggest the Panama Canal Museum to understand how the canal shaped the country. These stops cover nature, history, and culture in a short time.

Can you recommend outdoor activities in Panama City?

I like hiking the trails at Metropolitan Natural Park because they sit minutes from the skyline. The paths stay well-marked and offer shade.

I also walk through coastal areas near Casco Viejo for sea views and fresh air. These spots work well in the morning or late afternoon.

Where are the best spots for dining out in Panama City?

I eat in Casco Viejo for local dishes, simple cafés set in restored buildings. The area offers many options within short walking distance.

For broader picks across neighborhoods, I follow guides like the best things to do in Panama City, Panama, which highlight reliable dining areas without guesswork.

Which historical sites should I not miss while visiting Panama City?

I never skip Old Panama because it shows the original city layout and remaining towers. The site explains pirate attacks and early trade routes.

I also visit Plaza de Francia and the Panama Canal Museum to see how French and American efforts shaped the canal era.

What are the best shopping areas or districts in Panama City?

I shop in modern malls along Avenida Balboa for international brands and air‑conditioned comfort. These malls sit close to hotels and transit.

For crafts and local items, I browse smaller shops in Casco Viejo. The area mixes shopping with historic streets and cafés.

How do I plan a day trip to the Panama Canal from Panama City?

I plan a half‑day visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center to watch ships pass through the locks. Late morning or early afternoon works best.

I rely on clear planning tips from guides like Things to do in Panama City, Panama, which explain timing and transport options from the city.