This One’s Worth It! Promise.
Welcome to Panama, the island that just keeps on giving! Known for the legendary Panama Canal, this buzzing hotspot connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Dive into lush rainforests, chill on pristine beaches, or explore the vibrant streets of the Old Town. With a mix of rich culture, wild adventures, and stunning scenery, this country has something for everyone. If this destination isn’t on your bucket list, it sure will be after this!
Fun fact: Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sunrise on the Pacific Ocean and sunset on the Atlantic Ocean! What an epic view! So, whether you’re into hiking, surfing, or just soaking up the sun, this place has it all.
My mum and I had an amazing trip on our holiday to Jamaica—Panama—Cuba—Jamaica. In this blog, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Panama and all the fun things it has to offer, including the best food spots. Are you ready?
Psss – Want to do Panama as your first solo adventure? Check out the Female Solo Travel Ebook, which covers everything you need to know about taking the plunge.
A dreamy destination worthy of a bucket-list spot!
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Language & Currency In Panama
Language: Spanish is Panama’s official language and is widely spoken throughout the country. English is also commonly used, especially in business and tourist areas.
Currency: Panama uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency, alongside the Panamanian Balboa (PAB). While the Balboa is used primarily in coin form, the USD is the predominant currency for transactions among travellers and is accepted everywhere.
Top Tips For Panama
How Many Days Is Enough In Panama?
We stayed for five days. Was this enough? Yes. Five days is perfect for exploring the main tourist attractions at a leisurely pace. Four days will be ideal if you don’t plan to spend the day at the nearby beach by ferry, Tobago, or any other beach day experience. However, I would stay for two weeks in the future so I could venture more out.
Panama is a gorgeous place to visit
Panama is turning out to be quite popular for retirement also, and I don’t blame anybody! This gorgeous country offers so much and is the perfect paradise away from reality.
What Areas Should I Stay In Panama?
Panama City: The city is the vibrant heart of the country, offering a mix of modernity and history. It’s ideal for those who want to experience bustling urban life, with plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife options. The city has many luxury hotels, from Santa Maria to charming boutique hotels like Las Clementinas.
Bocas Del Toro: Bocas del Toro is perfect for those seeking a laid-back island vibe. It has beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical landscapes. It’s a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Choose from eco-lodges like The Hummingbird, overwater bungalows like Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge, or budget-friendly hostels.
Boquete: Nestled in the highlands, Boquete offers a cooler climate and is renowned for its coffee plantations, stunning scenery, and outdoor activities. It’s a haven for adventure seekers and those looking to relax in nature. Stay at charming bed-and-breakfasts like The Riverside Inn, luxury boutique hotels like The Coffeepot, or cosy eco-friendly lodges.
Where We Stayed
During our five days, we stayed at two hotels. First, Global Hotel Panama. This 5-star hotel is a 10-minute drive from the City Center. It offers an outdoor pool, fitness room, and jacuzzi. It’s not my favourite 5* hotel, but it’s a decent place to stay after a long day of exploring. You can find a mini supermarket nearby and some great restaurants like Frank’s Place, which serves delicious cuisine and the best chicken wings!
On the other hand, Casa Leferve by Wynwood House, located directly in the City Center, was a stunning studio stay. The huge space, the atmosphere of the studio, and the view of the square were a real winner of our stay in Panama. There are many great restaurants located nearby, but you also have a kitchen inside the studio for you to use.
For The Foodies
I love food! We found quite a few cool spots in Panama worth the recommendation. These were mainly in the Old Town, so check these out if you’re heading that way.
SnackShack In Old Town
Best For: Delicious Breakfast (Fairly Priced)
Restaurante El Nacion In Old Town
Best For: Indulging In Panamanian Food
OSSA Resturant In Old Town
Best For: Lunch or Dinner (Oxtail Tacos 10/10)
Beauty & The Butcher In Old Town
Best For: Fast Food (Cute Aesthetics)
Tantalo Kitchen & Rooftop In Old Town
Best For: Dinner (Burgers! YUM)
HOHO (Hop-On-Hop-Off) Bus
HOHO Buses are my favourite thing to do in any city! This awesome bus tour grants you access to an open-top sightseeing bus. This route is 2 hours long and stops in popular destinations like Canal de Panama. It’s the best way to see the city and the best financial choice for getting around. You can hop on and off the stops to enjoy each attraction leisurely.
The HOHO Bus is a great way of getting around the city
Panama City
Consider staying a few days in Panama City’s historic district. There’s plenty to enjoy, and the area has an authentic feel, mixing locals and tourists. Here are a few things to check out while you’re there.
Plaza de la Catedral (Cathedral Plaza): The Plaza de la Catedral (Cathedral Plaza), an iconic square surrounded by historical landmarks and vibrant energy, invites locals and visitors alike to step back in time and immerse themselves in the captivating stories woven into the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo.
Take a seat inside the Cathedral
Museo de la Mola (Mola Museum): This lively museum celebrates the colourful textile art of the Guna people. Marvel at the intricate, handcrafted molas, each telling a unique story. Perfect for anyone curious about indigenous art and culture, it’s also free to visit!
The Mola Museum is fascinating and free; make sure to visit!
Circuit the Old Town: Stroll around the Old Town and admire the buildings, markets, landmarks, and atmosphere. You’ll encounter many cool and quirky things, like padlocks on rails, locals in traditional clothing, hand-made arts and crafts, and a few surprises.
Geisha Coffee Experience: This Coffee Experience showcases the world’s most exquisite coffee. Tour lush coffee plantations, learn about the meticulous cultivation process, and taste the unique flavours of this renowned bean. It’s a must-do for coffee lovers seeking a luxurious and unforgettable adventure!
Stroll around the Old Town and enter the Geisha Coffee Experience building
Miraflores/ Canal de Panama
Prepare to be wowed at the Miraflores Locks, a key part of the legendary Panama Canal! Watch in amazement as massive ships are raised and lowered, navigating this engineering wonder that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Head over to the observation deck for a front-row seat to the action and dive into the fascinating history of this global trade game-changer. It’s an epic experience you won’t want to miss! We were lucky to have caught a ship passing through the canal; it was truly something special! You can visit the canal on the HOHO Bus or other tours.
Witnessing the boat go through the famous canal
IMAX (Part Of Panama Canal)
The IMAX 3D cinema is located in the same facility. It showcases an amazing 60-minute film about the canal. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this epic film educates you on the history of the famous canal and just how important this structure is to the world. You’ll be able to purchase hotdogs and popcorn to enjoy the viewing.
Inside the 3D Cinema, featuring the narration of Morgan Freeman
Biomuseum
Step into the vibrant world of the Biomuseum, a colourful masterpiece designed by the legendary Frank Gehry. Perched on the scenic Amador Causeway, this fun and interactive Biomuseum celebrates Panama’s incredible biodiversity.
Wander through eight dynamic galleries that bring to life the amazing wildlife and ecosystems that make Panama a natural wonderland. With eye-popping exhibits and hands-on displays, the Biomuseum is an adventure for all ages—get ready to see nature in a whole new way!
The Biomuseum has a fascinating display of marine life
Sabores Del Chorrillo
Dive into the vibrant flavours of Panama at Sabores Del Chorrillo, a bustling culinary hotspot in the heart of Chorrillo. Known for its mouth-watering local dishes and fresh seafood, this lively eatery serves a true taste of Panamanian cuisine. Enjoy the festive atmosphere as you savour traditional delights and soak up the local vibes. Sabores Del Chorrillo is where food lovers come to party—get ready for a flavor fiesta you won’t forget!
This is such a cool restaurant to experience!
Causeway Amador
Get ready for a blast at Causeway Amador, the City’s hottest hangout spot! This scenic stretch links the mainland to four charming islands, offering jaw-dropping views of the canal and the city skyline. Whether biking along the waterfront, grabbing a bite at cool cafes, or just soaking up the sun, there’s something for everyone at Causeway Amador. Packed with activities, shops, and eateries, Causeway Amador is the ultimate destination for fun, adventure, and relaxation!
The popular sign at Causeway Amador
That’s A Wrap!
So there you have it—the beautiful bucket-list beauty to explore! Panama is a top contender for paradise with plenty of amazing things to do, from the Biomuseum to the Causeway Amador or the Canal. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to experience this one-of-a-kind country!
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