Panama City

Ciudad de Panamá

The modern, skyscraper-filled capital of Panama and the financial hub of Central America. It offers world-class dining, shopping, museums and a dramatic skyline along the Pacific coast.

Things to do

• Explore Casco Viejo — Wander the cobblestone streets of the historic old quarter, filled with colonial architecture, plazas, rooftop bars and boutique shops.
• Visit the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks — Watch massive ships transit the famous locks from the observation deck and learn the canal's history at the visitor center.
• Walk the Cinta Costera — Stroll or bike this scenic waterfront promenade with sweeping views of the skyline and the Pacific.
• Explore the Biomuseo — Visit Frank Gehry's colorful biodiversity museum on the Amador Causeway showcasing Panama's role in connecting two continents.
• Discover Panama Viejo ruins — Explore the ruins of the original 16th-century settlement destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hike Metropolitan Natural Park — Trek tropical trails within the city limits to spot sloths, toucans and monkeys with skyline views from the summit.
• Bike or drive the Amador Causeway — Follow this palm-lined road connecting islands built from canal excavation, offering restaurants, marinas and panoramic city views.
• Shop and dine at Mercado de Mariscos — Sample the freshest seafood and ceviche at the bustling fish market near Casco Viejo.

Food to try

• Ceviche — Fresh corvina or shrimp cured in lime and served in a cup, best enjoyed at the Mercado de Mariscos.
• Sancocho — Panama's beloved hearty chicken soup with yam, corn and culantro, considered the national comfort dish.
• Hojaldres — Fried dough eaten at breakfast, often paired with fried eggs, cheese or carne guisada.
• Ropa vieja — Shredded beef stewed in tomatoes, peppers and onions, served with white rice and plantains.
• Patacones — Twice-fried green plantain slices, a crispy side served with nearly every local meal.
• Raspao — A shaved ice treat drizzled with fruit syrups and condensed milk, sold by street vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Use the balboa and US dollar — Panama uses the US dollar as legal tender alongside its own balboa coins, so bring familiar currency.
• Tipping is appreciated — Restaurants often add a 10 percent service charge, but leaving a little extra for good service is customary.
• Dress light but modest — The climate is hot and humid year-round, though beachwear is best kept for the coast rather than the city or churches.
• Watch neighborhood safety — Stick to well-traveled areas like Casco Viejo, Punta Pacifica and the Cinta Costera, and use rideshare apps at night.

Nearby

• Metropolitan Natural Park — 3 km
• Casco Viejo — 4 km
• Panamá Viejo — 5 km
• Biomuseo — 6 km