Things to Do in Panama City
Top attractions, best neighborhoods to wander, and the food you shouldn't skip in Panama City, Panama — 2026 traveler picks.
Top places to see
Panama Canal Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
Watch ships transit the canal locks, USD 20 entry. Best at 09:00-12:00 (most ships transit) + 15:00-17:00. Ferries from Atlantic to Pacific take 12 hours.
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
UNESCO 17th-18th century quarter — colonial buildings, plazas, hidden bars in restored mansions. Plaza Mayor + the cathedral + Iglesia del Carmen.
Cinta Costera + Panama City skyline
Waterfront promenade with the iconic skyline of Panama City (Latin America's most Manhattan-like). Free walking + outdoor gym.
Biomuseo (Frank Gehry)
Frank Gehry's only Latin American building — explores Panama's biodiversity. USD 22 entry. 2 hours inside. On the Causeway with skyline + canal views.
Book tours + skip-the-line tickets
Compare tours + attractions in Panama City across GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Trip.com — free cancellation on most, and prices match direct booking.
Things to do in Panama City
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Panama City and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse Panama CityJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Panama City.Eat here first
Ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos (fish market). Sancocho de gallina (chicken soup) at Restaurante Las Tinajas. Empanadas + carimañolas at the Mercado de Mariscos area.
Local tip
PTY is 24km from centre — Metro Line 1 is the cheapest USD 0.35 but requires walk + bus combo. Uber is the standard tourist option (USD 25-35, 25-45 min). For 6+ hour layovers: Uber + Casco Viejo + Cinta Costera is feasible.
Where to stay
Hotels across Panama City — filter by neighborhood + budget on the map below.