Location: Panama City
Top Things to do in Panama City
Countries
The 10 Best Free 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. 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?
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Bahai Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By B3168GQrr
This Baha’i House of worship has a peaceful, tranquil and spiritual energy which allows all to meditate with their Creator. We found people of many faiths communing with the Lord in silent contemplation!
6. Multiplaza Pacific
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 990 reviews
Reviewed By ERich0010
This is a great mall. It's 4 levels with banks, pharmacies, electronics, designer shops and restaurants... all of the things you'd find in a mall. There are cinemas and book stores. It's full of brand name stores that North Americans will recognize and brand name stores that South Americans will recognize. It's big and bright and clean and a good place to while away some time if you have free time.
7. Cinta Costera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,769 reviews
Reviewed By riespoldervaart - Panama City, Panama
I walked the Cinta Costera plus Amador. Take an uber to Placa de la Democracia at Punta Paitilla. From there you can walk all the way to the end where the soccer stadium Maracaná is. Walking along Cinta Costera 3 around Casco Viejo is very nice. From Maracaná I walked along the main road for a while ( no pavement ) and then turned left towards Avenida Amador. A bit further along that road I turned right towards the Raddisson hotel. There you can start the walkway all the way to Isla Flamenco. You can take the public bus back to Albrook Metro station.
8. Weil Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By P1368HOkellyt - Palm Springs, United States
The gentleman and his son who own this art gallery are the nicest guys ever. I searched all over the city for real artwork, and everything is full of cheesy souvenir stuff. Until I discovered this gallery, and the authentic hand made paintings and sculptures and a variety of art forms can be found, I bought an original tapestry. I just love it! Do not miss this place! For those of you who do not want cheesy goofy souvenirs of Panama, you must go to this place!
9. Flamenco Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By caprikaren0 - London, Canada
We were staying the financial district but visited Flamenco Island a few times. There are lots of nice restaurants and great night life. Definitely recommend visiting if you are in Panama City. The Hop on Hop off bus goes there but it is easy to grab a taxi for a few dollars.
