PANAMA CITY – A Beautiful Bucket-List Beauty To Explore!

Welcome to Panama City, 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 offers strong appeal in 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 a great time during our holiday, hopping from Jamaica to Panama and Cuba, before returning to Jamaica. 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!

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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 primarily used in coin form, USD is the predominant currency for travellers’ transactions and is accepted everywhere. Use American dollars; it’s more convenient. However, if you use their other currency, PAB, don’t panic. It’s super easy to work out (1,000 PAB = $1).

Getting Around: The Uber app offers affordable rides around the city. We took a 25-minute ride to our second hotel for $6. You can also consider hiring a car. You can also purchase an HOHO pass, a convenient way to explore the city.

Best Time To Visit: The dry season (December–April) offers the best conditions, with sunny weather and lower humidity. A 7–10-day trip is ideal for visiting Panama City, the islands, beaches, and rainforest areas without rushing.

Cultural Norms & Values: Panamanian culture is warm, polite, and family-oriented. Greetings matter, so a friendly hello goes a long way. Dress is generally casual but neat in cities. Tipping around 10% in restaurants is standard, and patience is helpful, as things tend to move at a relaxed pace.

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.

How Many Days To Spend In Panama?

We stayed in Panama City 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 rather than visiting nearby islands by ferry, such as Tobago. In four days, you can see the best of this South American destination.

However, two weeks in Panama City would be a dream come true if you could make it happen. I would stay for two weeks in the future to explore more, as I know Panama has a lot to offer, but hey, any number of days is better than none!

Panama is a gorgeous place to visit

Panama is also becoming quite popular for retirement, and I don’t blame anyone! This gorgeous destination packs a punch of paradise!

Areas To Stay In Panama

Panama City: The city is the vibrant heart of the country, blending 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 Centre. 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, as well as some great restaurants, such as 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 Centre, was a stunning studio stay. The spaciousness, the studio’s atmosphere, and the view of the square were real highlights of our stay in Panama.

Many great restaurants are nearby, including Western and Panamanian restaurants. However, if you prefer to cook while on vacation, you can use the studio’s kitchen.

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I love food! We found quite a few cool spots in Panama City worth recommending. 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 Restaurant 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)

Best Things To Do In Panama

HOHO (Hop-On-Hop-Off) Bus

HOHO Buses are my favourite thing to do in any city! This bus tour provides access to an open-top sightseeing bus. This route is 2 hours long and stops at popular destinations, including the Panama Canal, 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 way to manage finances. You can hop on and off the bus to enjoy each attraction at your leisure.

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, with locals and tourists mingling. 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 the Panama Canal)

The IMAX 3D cinema is located in the same facility as the Panama Canal. It features a 60-minute film about the canal. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this film explores the history of the Panama Canal and its global significance. 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

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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 flavour 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 if you’re debating which Central American destination to visit. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to experience this one-of-a-kind country!