Why Panama City?
Panama City is one of the most underrated destinations in the Americas. In the same day you can walk through a UNESCO-listed colonial neighborhood, watch a massive cargo ship cross the Panama Canal, and be in the middle of a rainforest spotting monkeys — all within 30 minutes of your hotel.
It uses the US dollar, flights are easy, locals are warm, and the food scene is seriously underrated. Five days is the sweet spot — enough to see the highlights, eat well, and leave wanting to come back.
This is the itinerary we'd give a good friend visiting for the first time.
Where to Stay
We recommend splitting your stay. Spend your first three nights in the main hotel zone — central, easy access to everything, and where most tours pick you up. Then move to Casco Viejo for your last two nights. Completely different atmosphere, and worth it.
Nights 1–3 — Modern Panama City: Hilton Panama (luxury) or Riu Plaza Panama (great value).
Nights 4–5 — Casco Viejo: Sofitel Legend (splurge), La Compañía (boutique, stunning building), or Magnolia Inn (charming and budget-friendly).
The 5-Day Itinerary
This is how we'd do it. Locals tested, traveler approved.
Arrival & First Taste of Casco Viejo
Take it easy on arrival day. Check into your hotel, get settled, and head to Casco Viejo in the late afternoon — the light is beautiful and the streets come alive. The Legends of Casco Viejo Tour is perfect for this moment, 2 to 3 hours walking through the historic district with a local guide who knows every story behind every wall.
After the tour, stay in Casco Viejo for sunset. Lazotea Restaurant & Rooftop is one of the best spots in the city — the views are spectacular at golden hour. CasaCasco is another excellent option, with a rooftop that takes the sunset to another level. Either way, you won't regret it. Uber back to your hotel for $3-4.
Breakfast, Cinta Costera & The Panama Canal
Start the morning at Michaels, an all-day brunch spot that locals love. From there, walk to the Cinta Costera and over to The Point — a fun attraction with zipline, glass floor, and great views of the skyline. Have lunch at Patria restaurant right there.
For the afternoon Canal tour, select The Point as your pickup location when booking and we'll meet you right there — no need to go back to your hotel. Afternoons at Miraflores are best — that's when the most ships pass through the locks. End the day at the Mercado de Mariscos on the Cinta Costera for the freshest ceviche in Panama City.
Jungle, Monkeys & Causeway Amador
Book the morning session — wildlife is most active early. You'll cruise Gatun Lake, visit Monkey Island, and be back by early afternoon. Ask for a drop-off at Causeway Amador instead of your hotel.
From there, walk to Sabroso Panama for a typical Panamanian lunch with live show. Then head to the Biomuseo ($20 entrance) — Frank Gehry's only building in Latin America, genuinely worth it. The Causeway is perfect for a slow afternoon — rent a bike, walk along the waterfront, or just enjoy the views of the city skyline and the Bridge of the Americas. Uber back to your hotel ~$6-7.
San Blas Islands — Full Day in Paradise
Set your alarm. Pickup is at 5:00 AM and you'll be back around 7:00 PM — but every minute is worth it. San Blas is one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the Caribbean, home to the indigenous Guna Yala people. Crystal clear water, white sand islands, and a world completely apart from Panama City.
When you get back, freshen up and head to Maito on Calle 50 for dinner — one of Panama's best restaurants, focused on local ingredients. Book ahead on OpenTable or call 6705-8599. Uber there and back ~$3-4.
Slow Morning in Casco Viejo & Departure
No rush today. Walk through Casco Viejo on your own — you'll see it differently now that you know the stories. Start with breakfast at Mahalo Cocina y Jardín, a beautiful garden restaurant perfect for a slow morning. Book ahead on OpenTable or call 382-6797.
After breakfast, stop at Saori's Ice Cream — run by Japanese-Panamanian chef Saori Tsuda, one of the most creative ice cream makers in the region. Don't skip it. Then grab an Uber to the airport — budget $20-25 and leave with plenty of time.
Getting Around
Panama City is easy to navigate. Uber works perfectly here — it's safe, reliable, affordable, and most drivers speak some English. We recommend it over taxis for almost everything.
Casco Viejo is best explored on foot — the streets are narrow, cobblestoned, and most of what you want to see is within a 10-minute walk. For the rest of the city, just open Uber.
A few reference fares to keep in mind:
💡 Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off. For the Legends of Casco Viejo Tour, select the one-way or round-trip pickup option when booking — or make your own way to the meeting point in Casco Viejo if you prefer the meet-up option.
Good to Know
A few things that'll make your trip smoother.
Panama uses the US dollar. No exchange needed — just bring cash or a card and you're set.
Panama is tropical — warm and humid year round. Dry season runs roughly from December to April, which is peak season. The rest of the year it rains, usually in the afternoon. Mornings are almost always clear.
Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen. For San Blas bring a swimsuit, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen. For the jungle tour, closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Spanish is the official language but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas. You'll have no trouble getting around.
Same plugs as the US — 110V, Type A/B. No adapter needed if you're coming from North America.
WiFi is reliable in most hotels and restaurants. If you want a local SIM, pick one up at any AM-PM store — they're everywhere and a prepaid SIM costs around $5 with 7 days of unlimited data included. You'll likely need your passport to buy one, as required by Panamanian law since 2024. Main carriers are Tigo and Cable & Wireless.
Panama City is one of the safest capitals in Central America. Tourist areas like Casco Viejo, Miramar, and the Cinta Costera are very safe. Use Uber instead of hailing random taxis and use common sense at night as you would in any city.
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is about 25-30 minutes from the main hotel zone. Allow at least 2.5 hours before your flight — the airport can get busy, especially in the mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions from first-time visitors to Panama City.
Ready to Plan Your Panama City Trip?
We're local guides who live and breathe this city. If you have questions about the itinerary, need help planning around your schedule, or want to book any of the tours — just reach out. We reply fast.