Location: Panama City
Top Things to do in Panama City
Countries
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Panama City, Panama Province
A diverse multicultural city of almost 1.3 million, Panama City offers a lot more than an up-close view of the Canal. Shantytowns slink up alongside shiny high-rise condos. The Old City is an atmospheric labyrinth of churches, plazas and palaces. Fifteen miles from downtown Panama City, Soberania National Park is an excellent destination for hiking and birding. For a fascinating look at the canal, take a taxi or local bus to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center and look down on the traffic below.
Restaurants in Panama City
1. Panama Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,620 reviews
Operating since 1914 and considered one of the wonders of the world, this fifty-mile waterway transports ships by raising them from sea level to more than 85 feet via a series of gravity-powered locks.
Reviewed By royv647 - Traralgon, Australia
We went through the Panama Canal on the Norwegian Bliss and it was a great experience, marvellous to see this engineering marvel and learn more about it’s history. The early history is soo sad when thousands of workers died from Scarlet Fever when the French tried to build it many years ago but gave the idea away. It is a very slow process and takes all day to get through, once through the first lock the others are all the same so it may become boring for many. It is one of the worlds marvels so do it if you can but don’t expect too much excitement
2. Museo del Canal Interoceanico de Panama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,048 reviews
Opened in 1997, this history museum chronicles the planning, construction and present-day operation of Panama's landmark canal.
Reviewed By PipeEstrada - New Orleans, United States
Great museum to learn about Panama Canal and also about Panama history. A must while visiting this beautiful country !
3. Soberania National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
Located 15 miles from downtown Panama City, this scenic park features two hiking paths called el Charco in Gamboa and Pipeline Road, both known for excellent birding and wildlife viewing.
Reviewed By camillecoleman - Melbourne, Australia
Great park to visit when staying in Panama City. Take a uber/taxi for $20 to the start of Pipeline Road that is on the far end of the town Gamboa. Here you can walk the dirt rocky track towards the discovery centre or beyond. We found it very easy to stop plenty of animals along the way including a beautiful three toed sloth!! Catch a bus from Gamboa or hitch a ride with a local driver to get home again (local driver will be approx $8-10).
4. Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,130 reviews
Located at the southern entrance of the Panama Canal and stretching nearly three kilometers into the Pacific Ocean, this popular causeway features many tourist-related venues and activities including hotels, restaurants, and jogging and biking trails.
Reviewed By loridharland - Brandon, Canada
A must see when visiting Panama. The Amador is a great walk/bike or drive with amazing views of Panama City and ocean. Multiple restaurants, shops and breath taking vistas are all within reach and a treat for the senses. Rent a bike and cruise the Causeway, grab an ice cream cone and watch the ships sail by. What could be better?
5. Gatun Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,063 reviews
After Lake Mead, this is the world's largest man-made lake that forms the central part of the Panama Canal.
Reviewed By CharlieinTexas - Austin, United States
Wonderful ... Big Ships and Wildlife. Cruise the Canal along big ships and see lots of wildlife — crocodiles, lizards, and monkeys. Lots of interesting sites along thee banks.
6. Monkey Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
Located in Lake Gatun, this island gets its name for the white-faced monkeys that inhabit it.
Reviewed By O9772BOrobertc - Los Angeles, United States
We traveled with John from Panama Day Trips on their Lake Gatun Eco Tour. We began with a fresh morning on Lake Gatun motoring along next to giant container ships as they made their way across Panama. John was knowledgeable about the animals which were occupying the little man-made islands and it was a treat to see the Tamarin monkeys come out of the trees to have a look at us. Cynthia at Panama Day Trips office was so helpful in setting up our transportation. Truly a must see for a trip to Panama!
7. Capilla San Jose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 664 reviews
Built soon after the first Spanish settlement in the 16th century, this small church features the famous Golden Altar (Altar de Oro), which is made entirely of pure gold.
Reviewed By ebert2013
We enjoyed walking through the church in Old Town. The alter is amazing, covered in gold leaf. The only thing I found odd was that the “prayer candles” were electric! I guess it makes sense when you don’t have someone to monitor an open flame in an old wood church. It was a quiet, cool, contemplative place to visit.
8. Casco Viejo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,610 reviews
This charming old community’s churches, pedestrian walkways and historical plazas and palaces make it a must-see on any tour.
Reviewed By WarrenCWade - Belleville, Canada
They’re continuing to renew this old part and it is probably the most tourist packed part of PTY. Many good restaurants and bars, both ground level and rooftop for evening views especially, museums, squares with entertainment, churches, and local craftsman selling their wares. Highly recommended for a day of sightseeing/shopping local Gina wares (Mola), and food/drink.
9. Avenida Balboa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,485 reviews
Reviewed By ArtSchmall - Margate, United States
We rode on Avenida Balboa several times on our Panama vacation. We took a guided tour of of the Panama Canal, as well as two days on the hop on, hop off bus tour, and Avenida Balboa was an important part of the experience. There are numerous places to take photos of the city skyline, as well as many interesting buildings in the Casco Viejo section and the downtown part of the city. We passed several famous statues along the way that we also photographed.
10. Miraflores Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,296 reviews
Reviewed By Emibru
A visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center is an experience not to be missed. Other than seeing the ships passing through the locks, and learn about the great engineering behind it, visitors can enjoy the video presentations and the visit to the fascinating Canal history museum.
