Top Things to Do in Panama

About the City

Panama, Panama - A Tale of Two Cities in One! Picture this: a city where skyscrapers stretch up to kiss the sun and the rich history lingers in the cobblestone streets. Welcome to Panama City, a vibrant metropolis that divides two mighty oceans and dances to the rhythm of salsa beats! On one side, you have the gleaming modernity of Punta Pacifica's high-rises, a display of Panama's economic boom. On the other, the charming Casco Viejo whispers tales of pirates and Spanish conquistadors with its colonial architecture. Taste the zest of local ceviche or indulge in a rumbustious feast at a fancy rooftop restaurant. Panama doesn't shy away from showing both its shiny and rugged sides. But wait, there's a catch! Amidst this buzz, brace yourself for traffic that moves slower than a sloth on a lazy Sunday. The heat and humidity will have you melting faster than an ice cream on the equator. And oh, the rainy season will test your love for spontaneous downpours. Yet, there’s something exhilarating about dodging puddles and discovering hidden gems in one of Central America’s most eclectic capitals. With a story around every corner, Panama City is like that one friend who's a whirlwind of chaos and charm, always ready to show you a good time come rain or shine.

Things to Do in Panama

Panama City Rooftop Sunset

Outdoors

Find a rooftop in Panama City and enjoy the view as the warm glow of the sun fades into night. Don't forget to bring a friend and have a drink or 3! 😉

Spot a Toucan

Outdoors

Panama has a lot of biodiversity and seeing a Toucan is possible even in Panama City! Go to Ancon Hill in Panama City, walk slow, look up, and get lucky! Locals almost never see a Toucan up close, s...

3 Payphone Challenge

The Unexpected

Find 3 payphones in Panama City and upload photos posing with them!

Embrace the Chaos at Mercado de Mariscos

Sights

Get ready for sensory overload at the fish market, or Mercado de Mariscos as the locals call it. This bustling spot has everything from shrimp to octopus, but the real star? Those street-side ceviche ...

Panama Canal 🚢

Sights

Visit one of the modern wonders of the world and watch the massive ships sink into the ground and float by. It's a fun little experience that includes a "Boat DJ" who talks about the passing boats a...

The Ruins of Casco Viejo

The Unexpected

Upload your favorite photos of the ruins of Casco Viejo in Panama City. Casco Viejo is full of ruins, some older than others, and each ruin captures a long lost story. Try to capture something speci...

Whisper to the Cloud Forest

The Unexpected

Wanna hear nature's whisper? Head to the cloud forests near Panama City for a dreamy hike where the clouds kiss the treetops. Listen carefully, and you just might hear the forest murmur its ancient se...

Beachcombing Treasure Hunt

The Unexpected

Unleash your inner pirate and embark on a treasure hunt along Panama's pristine beaches! Comb the sands for hidden gems like sea glass, unusual shells, or maybe even messages in a bottle. Take a relax...

Spot Wildlife at Coiba National Park

Outdoors

Calling all animal lovers and snorkel buffs! Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Coiba National Park and keep your eyes peeled for turtles, rays, and maybe even a whale shark. This unspoiled paradis...

Conquer the Chiriquí Highlands

Outdoors

Get ready to kick it up a notch in the refreshing breeze of Panama's Chiriquí Highlands! Here, you can hike till your heart's content, soak in hot springs, or zip line through the clouds. Grab your be...

Explore Camino de Cruces National Park

Outdoors

Ready for an adventure that's off the well-trodden path? Head to Camino de Cruces National Park and follow the old cobblestone road that once buzzed with gold-hungry conquistadors. Today, it's all abo...

Savor a Sancocho

Food & Drink

Dive into the heart of Panamanian cuisine with a bowl of Sancocho! This soul-warming chicken stew is simmered with ñame and aromatic herbs, and it's the ultimate comfort food. Whether you're nursing a...

Cross The Continental Divide at The Centennial Bridge

Sights

Stand atop the Centennial Bridge and do your best 'I'm the king of the world' impression! This bridge is more than just a way to cross the Panama Canal; it's a symbol of unity, connecting two massive ...

Stroll The Past In Panamá Viejo

Sights

Take a walk on the old side in Panamá Viejo, the original Panama City that pirates couldn't get enough of. Meander amongst ancient ruins and imagine playing hide-and-seek with buccaneers or yelling 'A...

Scale Cerro Ancón for a Sky-High Selfie

Sights

Want a bird's-eye view of Panama City, complete with a lush green backdrop and maybe a sloth sighting? March those feet up Cerro Ancón! This hill's got the best free view in town, plus you might spot ...

Indulge in a Cabanga

Food & Drink

Treat yo' self to a sweet slice of Panama with Cabanga, a dessert that's a gooey nod to the country's resourcefulness. Made with coconut, sugar, and a touch of local ingenuity, Cabanga is a traditiona...

Bite into a Carimañola

Food & Drink

Get ready to chow down on a snack that's as fun to say as it is to eat: the Carimañola! It's like a meaty secret wrapped in a crispy, yucca jacket. Stuffed with spiced beef or cheese, these torpedo-sh...

Nibble on a Tortilla de Maíz

Food & Drink

Whip your taste buds into shape with Panama's version of the morning wake-up call: the Tortilla de Maíz! This ain't your average tortilla, folks. Imagine a thick, hearty corn cake, cooked on a griddle...

Unearth the Forts of Portobelo

The Unexpected

Channel your inner Indiana Jones and explore the historic forts of Portobelo! Imagine epic battles and pirate invasions as you roam ruins that have stood the test of time. Don't forget your adventure ...