Top Things to do in Panama Province
Top Restaurants in Panama Province
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Panama Province, Panama
Discover the best top things to do in Panama Province, Panama including Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, Panama Metro, Cinta Costera, Monkey Island, Gatun Lake, Bahai Temple, Miraflores Visitor Center, Playa Ejecutiva, Avenida Balboa.
Restaurants in Panama Province
1. Panama Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 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 Kendra N - New York City, New York
I never knew how amazing the canal is. Definitely worth a visit. I went to the Miraflores Locks and I booked a half day tour with Aventuras 2000. When we arrived there was an auto liner going through the canal. Amazing to witness. There was also a short movie giving all of the history along with a museum.
2. Casco Viejo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
This charming old community’s churches, pedestrian walkways and historical plazas and palaces make it a must-see on any tour.
Reviewed By 16jamesdoc - London, United Kingdom
Good to see it becoming popular and it is comparable to Cartagena and Havana although I kind of preferred it before all the restoration swept away some of the old character. Plaza Herrera has been largely restored but retains much of its old charm.
3. Panama Metro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Travlintone - Chippenham, United Kingdom
You simply must try the metro system!
You buy an ‘empty’ $2 plastic travel card from the ticket machine at any metro station. Ticket machines can be changed to give instructions in English by pressing a button on the machine. You then load up your card by inserting your card and feeding the machine with $1 bills. Journeys on the Metro cost 35 cents so $1 will give you 2 journeys, 2$ will give you 5 journeys etc.
You touch your card at the turnstiles to get to the trains. More than one person can use the same card! You touch in, send one person through, then touch again for the second person to go through.
A super clean and efficient service with trains every 5 minutes in both directions. At present only 1 line so no difficulty with getting the wrong train!
The public transport system is integrated so you can also use the card on local buses at a cost of only 25 cents per journey! So, for example you can get the Metro to Albook and then a direct bus to the Miraflores locks for a total of 60 cents!
The Metro line will eventually connect to the International Airport thus saving a fortune in taxi fares!
TOP TIP
Most City Hotels have travel cards you can borrow that have been left by previous guests. Ask before you buy one.
4. Cinta Costera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By bahamamama2010_10 - Doylestown PA
The Cinta Costera is a big loop (approx 3 miles) that starts and ends in the Casco Viejo (Old Town) part of Panama City. It's a lovely way to work some exercise into your travels while seeing the Old Town from a different perspective. There are many shady spots to take a rest if you like, as well as separate paths for bikers and walkers. A nicely done resource for visitors and residents alike. Follow it up with a breakfast or lunch at an outdoor eatery.
5. Monkey Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Located in Lake Gatun, this island gets its name for the white-faced monkeys that inhabit it.
Reviewed By Olym2010 - Vancouver, British Columbia
We did get to see the monkeys come out when the guides called them but upset to see them feed them bananas and peanuts. These foods are not part of their diet and is making them sick. Need more education here among the various guides!
6. Gatun Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 938 reviews
After Lake Mead, this is the world's largest man-made lake that forms the central part of the Panama Canal.
Reviewed By JAMS51 - Helensburgh, United Kingdom
Some interesting scenery & some wildlife to see as you transit the lake. Plenty of ships to see from yachts up to the super container ships.
7. Bahai Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By igo2xs - Colorado Springs, Colorado
The Bahai Temple in Panama City is truly a hidden gen in an oasis of high rise buildings. The views from the temple are outstanding and the best part is that it is completely free. Take your time walking around the Gardens and sit in the main Amphitheater for some self-refection, You won't be disappointed.
8. Miraflores Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Tanya_Take_Two - Bocas del Toro Province, Panama
The visitor's center has several floors of exhibits and is very informative, clean, and organized. It can get crowded when the cruise ships are in port. It's best to come in the morning or afternoon when ships are transiting the canal. I recommend hiring a guide for a city tour and the guide will know when to bring you to Miraflores so you can get the most from the experience.
9. Playa Ejecutiva
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Quesboc1 - New York City, New York
We visited four Beaches on Isla Contadora, and this was my favorite: It's not crowded, there is great snorkeling right off the beach, the sand is soft and clean, the water is calm and a gorgeous color, and you can also climb/jump from the rocks when the tide is high.
If you don't rent a golf cart, you can get here by walking in about 15-20 minutes or so from where the ferry drops you off, just head to the right. If you don't rent transportation and you're there for a day trip, you'll probably only have time for one beach, and I would recommend this one for all the reasons above. The only drawback is that there aren't bathrooms or food, so just plan ahead for that.
If you have more time and can visit more Beaches, I'd recommend that, but this was still my favorite, where I'd recommend you spend the most time.
Playa Cacique has some food options (albeit overpriced), but the water was rougher so not ideal for snorkeling. Playa Larga is a beautiful color with calm water, but I don't think the snorkeling is as good here (and there aren't food options either). Playa Galeon looked nice when the ferry dropped us off, and there are food/bathrooms there, but it's not quite as gorgeous as the other Beaches on the island.
The island is quite small, so you can get away with just walking to a beach, but if you want to do more than one (or if you don't want to trek in the hot sun with all your stuff) the $50 for the golf cart rental is worth it. If you want a more powerful 4x4, it'll be $70.
10. Avenida Balboa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Travlintone - Chippenham, United Kingdom
As well as an almost perpetually busy road there is great shoreline avenue with footpaths, cycle paths etc. that stretches from the Old Town (Casco Viejo) all the way past the impressive modern business area of the City.
Fabulous for ‘people watching’ and viewing the amazing Panama skyline.
TOP TIP
In February each year, a large section of the pedestrianised area is fence off for the 4 days of Carnival. Don’t miss it if you are in the City at that time.
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