Panama City Sightseeing in Four Blocks

Start with the water, then move to the stone. Panama City’s sights fall into four clear blocks, and doing them in this order avoids the midday sun and the Monday closures.

Block one: the canal at Miraflores

The locks open daily 08:00 to 18:00 and sit 15 to 20 minutes from downtown. Four observation decks overlook chambers where ships of up to 950 feet pass with little space to spare, guided by electric locomotives. Non-resident tickets are tiered from $7.22 to $17.22. A 45-minute IMAX film is included in the top ticket. See Visit Canal de Panamá for current prices and the day’s passages.

Block two: Casco Viejo

Founded in 1673 and a UNESCO site, this is the standing colonial quarter, with pastel facades, four plazas and the Palacio de las Garzas, the presidential palace where herons roam the courtyard. Walk Paseo Esteban Huertas, then look inside the Catedral Basílica Santa María la Antigua on Plaza Mayor, with towers inlaid with Pearl Islands shell. Everything is free to see from outside.

Block three: the Biomuseo

Frank Gehry designed the zigzag roofs, and the museum at the end of the Amador Causeway tells how the land bridge changed the world’s wildlife. It costs $20 for non-resident adults. Hours are Tuesday to Friday 09:00 to 15:00 and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 15:00; it is closed Mondays. See Biomuseo .

Block four: Panamá Viejo

About 10 km east of downtown, the ruins of the first Spanish city on the Pacific, founded in 1519, include a 30 m cathedral tower you can climb. The site is open Tuesday to Sunday 08:30 to 17:30 and costs $15 for foreign adults. It is not Casco Viejo, so tell your taxi driver “Panamá Viejo” and expect about 25 to 30 minutes.

Fitting in the skyline

The Cinta Costera is a 7 km waterfront path, and Ancón Hill gives a free panoramic view from 199 m after a 30 to 45 minute walk. Go early for the best light.

Time needed

The locks take two to three hours, Casco Viejo two to four, the Biomuseo two and Panamá Viejo about two, so each block fills a half day. Ancón Hill and the Cinta Costera fit into early mornings.

Tips

  • Monday: do Miraflores, Casco Viejo and Ancón Hill, since the Biomuseo and Panamá Viejo are closed.
  • Use Uber at night between Casco Viejo and downtown.
  • Pay by card or cash in dollars; carry small bills for tips.
  • For a structured plan, see the two-day itinerary .
  • If you prefer a guide, see Panama City sightseeing tours on GetYourGuide .

Verdict: Miraflores before 10:00, Casco Viejo in the late afternoon, and save the ruins for a separate morning.