Panama City, Panama 3 Day Itinerary

Three-Day Itinerary for Exploring Panama City, Panama

Day 1: Arrival and City Discovery

Places to Go

  1. Arrival at Tocumen International Airport - Welcome to Panama! After clearing customs and baggage claim, take a taxi or pre-arranged transportation to your hotel.
  2. Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) - A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colorful colonial buildings, restaurants, and art galleries. Don’t miss the Panama Hat Workshop and Museum and the beautiful plazas like Plaza Herrera and Plaza de Francia.
  3. Panama Canal Miraflores Locks Visitor Center - Witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal as ships pass through the locks.
  4. Causeway (Amador Causeway) - Enjoy a scenic walk along this 3-mile long causeway connecting four small islands, offering beautiful views of the city skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and the Panama Bay.
  5. Sunset at Biodiversity Museum - This unique museum designed by Frank Gehry offers stunning sunset views over the city.

Where to Eat

  1. Casco Viejo: El Talle, La Terrazza, or Maito for traditional Panamanian cuisine.
  2. Causeway: Calzón Poblano, La Ventana, or Tantalo for a variety of food options with great views.

Where to Stay

  1. Casco Viejo: Hotel CasaBlanca Boutique Hotel, American Trade Hotel, or Casa Sucre Maria
  2. Bahía del Sol: The Westin Playa Bonita or the Panama Marriott Hotel

Things to Know

  • Spanish is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • The official currency is the Balboa (PAB), but US dollars are also accepted everywhere.
  • Taxis are metered and safe, but negotiate fares for private car services if taking a cab late at night.

Day 2: Exploring Panama City’s Natural Beauty

Places to Go

  1. Metro Park - A tropical rainforest within the city limits with trails for birdwatching and spotting monkeys.
  2. Ancon Hill - Offers panoramic views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and the Panama Canal. You can hike or take a taxi to the top.
  3. Biomuseo - A biodiversity museum designed by Frank Gehry with exhibits showcasing Panama’s unique natural history.
  4. Pacific Beaches (Coronado, Farallón, Punta Chame) - Spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the beautiful Pacific beaches close to the city.

Where to Eat

  1. Biomuseo: Cafe Panama or Café Unido
  2. Pacific Beaches: El Muelle, La Casa del Toro, or Playa Blanca Restaurant

Day 3: Day Trip to Soberania National Park and Gatun Locks

Places to Go

  1. Soberania National Park - Take a boat tour through the Chagres River to spot wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and caimans.
  2. Gatun Locks - Visit the largest set of locks on the Panama Canal where you can witness massive ships being lifted or lowered.

Where to Eat

  1. Soberania National Park: Gamboa Rainforest Resort’s Restaurant
  2. Gatun Locks: Snacks and drinks available at the visitor center

Tips

  • Carry bug spray for your trips into the rainforests.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
  • Purchase a combined ticket for the Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal Museum, and Biomuseo to save money.

Enjoy your trip to Panama City! 🇵🇦✨