Panama City Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Panama City mixes modern towers, colonial heritage and tropical nature, all within easy reach of the canal.

• Miraflores Locks — Watch huge ships being raised and lowered through the Panama Canal from the visitor centre’s viewing platforms.
• Casco Viejo — Wander the UNESCO-listed historic district with its restored colonial buildings, plazas, churches and rooftop bars.
• Panamá Viejo — Visit the ruins of the original 16th-century city, founded by the Spanish and later destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan.
• Biomuseo — Discover Panama’s natural history in the colourful Frank Gehry-designed museum on the Amador Causeway.
• Amador Causeway — Cycle or walk the causeway linking small islands, with views of the skyline and ships waiting to enter the canal.
• Cinta Costera — Stroll the waterfront promenade connecting the modern city with Casco Viejo.
• Metropolitan Natural Park — Hike rainforest trails inside the city and look out for sloths, toucans and monkeys.

Panama City is hot and humid all year, with temperatures that change little between months. The dry season, from about mid-December to April, brings sunshine, breezes and little rain, making it the most popular and comfortable time to visit.

The rainy season runs from roughly May to November, with heavy afternoon downpours that usually clear quickly; October and November tend to be the wettest months. Travelling in the rainy season can mean greener landscapes and fewer visitors. Panama lies outside the main hurricane belt, so tropical storms rarely affect the city directly.

Tocumen International Airport is about 24 kilometres east of downtown Panama City and is a major hub for connections across the Americas. Depending on traffic, the drive to the banking district or Casco Viejo can take from 30 minutes to over an hour at peak times.

Official taxis and ride-hailing apps are the most common ways into the city, and many hotels offer transfers. A branch of Metro Line 2 serves the airport area, giving a budget-friendly option if you are travelling light and can change lines towards your destination.

The city offers everything from boutique hotels in historic buildings to international chains in high-rise towers.

• Casco Viejo — Perfect for travellers who want character, restaurants and nightlife in a walkable historic setting.
• Punta Paitilla and Marbella — Suits those looking for modern hotels near the waterfront and shopping.
• Obarrio and the banking district — Convenient for business travellers, with many international hotels.
• El Cangrejo — A lively, central area with good-value hotels and plenty of cafés and restaurants.

• Money: The US dollar is used for banknotes alongside Panamanian balboa coins; cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and restaurants.
• Getting around: Use the metro, ride-hailing apps or official taxis; traffic can be heavy at rush hour.
• Dress: Light, breathable clothing is best, but bring a layer for strongly air-conditioned buildings and a compact umbrella in the rainy season.
• Health: Stay hydrated, use sunscreen and insect repellent, and drink bottled water if you prefer.
• Language: Spanish is the main language; English is common in hotels and tourist areas, but a few Spanish phrases go a long way.