Overview
The Americas' great crossroads — watch ships transit the Canal from an engineering feat that changed the world, then escape to the San Blas Islands for indigenous Kuna culture and Caribbean paradise
Airport
PTY
From/day
$55
Best months
Jan, Feb, Mar
Local Tips
Safety
Stick to well-trafficked areas like Casco Viejo, the Causeway, and Costa del Este. Avoid El Chorrillo and Curundu at night. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps.
Cultural Norms
Panamanians are warm and family-oriented. A handshake is standard for greetings. Dress smartly for restaurants; Panamanians tend to dress well even in the heat.
Language
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, banking districts, and the Canal Zone due to the historical American presence.
Currency
US Dollar (USD) is the official currency alongside the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), which is pegged 1:1. ATMs dispense US dollars. Credit cards widely accepted.
Tipping
10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills. If not, 10-15% is customary. Tip tour guides $5-10 per person.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
Casco Viejo
The colonial old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with restored plazas, rooftop bars, boutique hotels, and street art. The heart of Panama City's cultural revival.
Best for: History, nightlife, dining, and architecture
Costa del Este
An upscale modern neighborhood with sleek towers, international restaurants, and shopping malls. Panama City's answer to Miami's Brickell.
Best for: Luxury hotels, fine dining, and shopping
Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
A scenic strip connecting four islands at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. Great for biking, waterfront dining, and sunset views of the skyline.
Best for: Cycling, seafood restaurants, and sunset views
El Cangrejo
A lively mid-range neighborhood popular with expats, packed with restaurants, cafes, and budget-friendly hotels. Central and well-connected by Metro.
Best for: Budget travelers, local food, and nightlife
Activities & Interests
How Panama City scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
Panama Canal & Casco Viejo
- •Watch ships transit at Miraflores Locks visitor center and museum
- •Explore the cobblestone streets and plazas of Casco Viejo
- •Sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the old town
Nature & Culture
- •Hike the rainforest trails at Metropolitan Natural Park
- •Visit the Biomuseo (Biodiversity Museum) designed by Frank Gehry
- •Bike along the Amador Causeway with views of the skyline and canal
Islands & Markets
- •Day trip to Taboga Island for beaches and snorkeling
- •Browse the Mercado de Mariscos (fish market) for fresh ceviche
- •Evening stroll along the Cinta Costera oceanfront promenade
7-Day Trip
Panama Canal Deep Dive
- •Watch ships transit at Miraflores Locks visitor center
- •Visit the expanded Agua Clara Locks for Neopanamax vessels
- •Explore the Canal Administration Building and Goethals Monument
Casco Viejo & History
- •Walking tour of Casco Viejo's churches, plazas, and street art
- •Visit the Panama Canal Museum in the old town
- •Dinner at a restored colonial courtyard restaurant
Rainforest & Wildlife
- •Hike the trails at Metropolitan Natural Park spotting toucans and sloths
- •Visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island
- •Evening visit to the Biomuseo designed by Frank Gehry
San Blas Islands
- •Fly or drive to the San Blas archipelago (Guna Yala territory)
- •Snorkel in crystal-clear Caribbean waters around uninhabited islands
- •Learn about Guna culture and purchase traditional molas (textile art)
Taboga Island & Causeway
- •Ferry to Taboga Island for a beach day and village exploration
- •Return for a bike ride along the Amador Causeway
- •Sunset dinner at a waterfront restaurant on the Causeway
Food & Markets
- •Morning at Mercado de Mariscos for ceviche and fresh seafood
- •Cooking class focusing on Panamanian dishes like sancocho and arroz con pollo
- •Explore the nightlife in Casco Viejo's bars and jazz clubs
Modern Panama & Departure
- •Walk the Cinta Costera promenade past the gleaming skyline
- •Shopping at Multiplaza or Albrook Mall
- •Final coffee at a specialty cafe in El Cangrejo
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$200
Best priceATL
Round-trip estimate
$260
JFK
Round-trip estimate
$320
ORD
Round-trip estimate
$380
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$440
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$55
per day
Moderate
$120
per day
Luxury
$300
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$585
incl. flights from MIA
Moderate
$1,040
incl. flights from MIA
Luxury
$2,300
incl. flights from MIA
When to Go
Jan
✓
Feb
✓
Mar
✓
Apr
✓
May
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Jun
—
Jul
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Aug
—
Sep
—
Oct
✗
Nov
✗
Dec
—
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32° | 24° | 4d | Dry season with warm days, clear skies, and low humidity. |
| Feb | 33° | 24° | 2d | Driest month with excellent beach weather and sunshine. |
| Mar | 33° | 24° | 2d | Still dry season; ideal for outdoor activities and canal visits. |
| Apr | 33° | 25° | 8d | Transition month with increasing afternoon showers. |
| May | 32° | 25° | 17d | Rainy season begins; heavy afternoon thunderstorms are common. |
| Jun | 31° | 24° | 16d | Steady rains with brief dry spells; lush green landscapes. |
| Jul | 31° | 24° | 14d | Mini dry season (veranillo) offers a brief respite from rains. |
| Aug | 31° | 24° | 15d | Rains resume; mornings are often clear, storms in afternoon. |
| Sep | 31° | 24° | 16d | One of the wettest months with frequent heavy downpours. |
| Oct | 31° | 24° | 19d | Peak of rainy season; expect daily rain and occasional flooding. |
| Nov | 31° | 24° | 18d | Still very wet but rains begin tapering toward month's end. |
| Dec | 31° | 24° | 10d | Dry season returns with decreasing rainfall and comfortable evenings. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.
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