PANAMA – A Beautiful Bucket-List Beauty To Explore!

Welcome to Panama—a country that just keeps on giving! Famous for the iconic Panama Canal, this vibrant Central American gem connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and delivers big on adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From lush rainforests and dreamy beaches to the colourful streets of Casco Viejo (Old Town), there’s no shortage of things to explore.

With a rich history, exciting excursions, and some seriously good eats, Panama has a little something for everyone. If it’s not on your bucket list yet, it’s about to be!

My mum and I had the best time during our holiday, hopping from Jamaica to Panama, Cuba, before returning to Jamaica again. In this blog, I’m spilling all the deets on what makes Panama such a must-visit—plus all the fun activities and tastiest food spots you won’t want to miss. Let’s go!

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links. If you purchase any cool products or experiences through these links, I may earn a little something as a thank you. There is no extra cost to you, promise!

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.

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.

Top Tips For Panama

We stayed in Panama for five days. Was this enough time? Yes…and no. Five days is perfect for exploring the main tourist attractions at a leisurely pace. We could do a lot, and truly had the best five-day getaway.

Four days in Panama is also ideal if you plan to spend the days exploring and not visiting the nearby islands by ferry, like Tobago. In four days, you can see the best of this South American destination.

However, if you can do it, two weeks in Panama would be a dream come true. I would stay for two weeks in the future so I could venture out more, as I know there is so much Panama has to offer.

Panama is a gorgeous place to visit

Panama is also turning out to be quite popular for retirement, and I don’t blame anybody! This gorgeous destination packs a punch of paradise!

Areas To 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.

Recommends: 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.

Recommends: 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.

Recommends: Stay at charming bed-and-breakfasts like The Riverside Inn, luxury boutique hotels like The Coffeepot, or cosy eco-friendly lodges.

Hotel Highlight

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.

There is a mini supermarket nearby, and there are some great restaurants, like Frank’s Place, which serves delicious cuisine and the best chicken wings!

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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.

Many great restaurants are located nearby, including Western and Panamanian restaurants. But you also have a kitchen inside the studio if you prefer to cook while on vacation.

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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 & Prawns! YUM)

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.

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 the Canal de Panama, the Biomuseum and the Causeway Amador.

The HOHO Bus is the best and most convenient way to see the city. It’s also a great method for getting around financially. You can hop on and off the bus to enjoy each attraction leisurely.

The HOHO Bus is a great way of getting around the 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, handmade 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/ Panama Canal

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 catch a ship passing through the Panama Canal; it was truly something special! You can visit the Panama Canal via the HOHO Bus route or on other tours.

Witnessing the boat go through the famous Panama Canal

IMAX (Part Of Panama Canal)

The IMAX 3D cinema is located in the same facility as the Panama Canal. 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 Panama Canal and just how important this structure is to the world. You can purchase hot dogs and popcorn to enjoy the viewing.

Inside the 3D Cinema, featuring the narration of Morgan Freeman

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

Going solo? The Female Solo Travel Ebook covers all you need to know about travelling the world alone.

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!

Get ready for a blast at Causeway Amador—Panama City’s ultimate hangout spot! This scenic stretch connects the mainland to four charming islands —Naos, Culebra, Perico, and Flamenco and offers epic canal and city skyline views.

Built with rocks from the Panama Canal, this scenic stretch in Causeway Amador is perfect for biking, strolling, or just soaking up those skyline and ocean views. With fun activities, waterfront cafes, local shops, and chill island vibes all in one place, the Causeway Amador is your go-to for adventure, good food, and unforgettable sunsets.

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. It’s a great choice to choose if you’re debating what destination to visit in Central America. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to experience this one-of-a-kind country!