About Panama City
Panama City, also known as Panama, is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama. It has a total population of 410,354 in the city proper and 1,086,990 in the Panamá District, which includes the outer corregimientos of the city. The metropolitan area has over 2,100,000 people. The city is at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the province of Panama. The city is the political and administrative center of the country, as well as a hub for banking and commerce.
Places to visit in Panama City
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Miraflores Locks
Landmark · 4 mi from centreThe closest Panama Canal locks to the city, where you can watch huge ships being raised and lowered. Check the visitor center schedule, since ships pass mainly at certain times.
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Casco Viejo
Neighborhood · 1 mi from centreThe colonial old town, with restored mansions, plazas, churches, and rooftop bars. Walk it in the evening when the heat eases and the bars come to life.
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Biomuseo
Museum · 3 mi from centreA brightly colored museum designed by Frank Gehry, explaining how the isthmus of Panama changed the planet's biodiversity. Combine it with a walk or bike ride along the Amador Causeway.
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Panamá Viejo
Historic · 4 mi from centreThe ruins of the original Spanish city, destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. Climb the cathedral tower for views of the modern skyline.
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Amador Causeway
Viewpoint · 4 mi from centreA road and path connecting small islands at the Pacific entrance of the canal, with views of the skyline and waiting ships. Rent a bike and ride in the late afternoon.
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Metropolitan Natural Park
Park · 2 mi from centreA patch of tropical forest inside the city with trails, sloths, and toucans. Hike to the Mirador de los Trapiches for views over the city and canal.
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Ancon Hill
Viewpoint · 1 mi from centreThe highest point in the city, with a giant Panamanian flag and a view over the canal and old town. Go in the early morning when wildlife is most active.
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Soberanía National Park
Nature · 11 mi from centreA large rainforest along the canal, famous for bird watching on the Pipeline Road. Hire a birding guide for better spotting and start at dawn.
Things to do in Panama City by type
54 tours, tickets and experiences across 7 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 14 experiences Causeway Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 13 experiences Anton Valley Zipline Adventure - Full Day Tour -
Art & culture 12 experiences Causeway Tour -
City tours 10 experiences City Sightseeing Panama City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 9 experiences City Sightseeing Panama City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 6 experiences Anton Valley Tour -
Tour & activities 2 experiences Panama Viejo and Panama Canal tour
- 1-3 hours 7
- Over 6 hours 7
- Flexible 1
- Families 25
- Couples 25
- Senior 24
- Youth 24
- Small group 6
- Private 5
Top experiences in Panama City
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 54 available.
City Sightseeing Panama City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From $31 per adult
Discover the Panama Canal
From $44 per adult
San Blas Islands - Full-Day Tour
From $201 per adult
Shopping Trip to Albrook Mall
From $146 per adult
Panama Viejo and Panama Canal tour
From $68 per adult
Panama Old Town and Canal Tour
From $38 per adult
Panamanian Folklore Show and Dinner
From $105 per adult
Emberá Indigenous Village Tour
From $191 per adult
Taboga Island and Beach
From $83 per adult
Discover the City of Panama
From $62 per adult
The Best of Panama: City, Canal and Shopping
From $55 per adult
Excursion to Monkey Island
From $87 per adult
Where to stay in Panama City
Popular hotels in Panama City, out of 143 properties you can book.
Grand International Hotel
From $60 per night
The Westin Playa Bonita
From $176 per night
Holiday Inn at the Panama Canal
From $72 per night
Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino, Autograph Collection
From $121 per night
Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo
From $140 per night
Riande Aeropuerto Hotel Casino
From $92 per night
Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
From $110 per night
Hotel Suites Ambassador
From $36 per night
Ramada By Wyndham Panama Centro Via Argentina
From $63 per night
Las Americas Golden Tower Panama
From $129 per night
Hotel Riu Plaza Panama
From $123 per night
Waldorf Astoria Panama City
From $328 per night
Best time to visit Panama City
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Panama City is April to February, when average daytime highs are around 84–89°F and rain falls on about 25 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Panama City weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 85° 76° 100%
- Thu 22 Oct 87° 75° 87%
- Fri 23 Oct 88° 76° 88%
- Sat 24 Oct 87° 74° 99%
- Sun 25 Oct 85° 76° 97%
- Mon 26 Oct 87° 75° 93%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Panamanian balboa (PAB)1 US dollar ≈ B/.1.00
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +507
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/PanamaUTC−5
Upcoming public holidays in Panama
- Separation Day
- Flag Day
- Colon DayColón Day
- Shout in Villa de los Santos
- Independence Day
- Mother's Day
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Panama City
These are the airports closest to central Panama City. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- PAC Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport1 mi (2 km) from the city centre
- PTY Tocumen International Airport12 mi (20 km) from the city centre
Getting around Panama City
A Metro opened in 2014, and is by far the preferred method to get to the places it serves. However, there are still many places of interest not served by it. Line 1 is roughly equal parts elevated and underground with the part from Albrook to El Ingenio being the underground section. Line 2 , serving the northern suburbs, opened in 2019. There is a grand plan for many further lines which are hopefully going to enter service as the 2020s and 2030s progress.
By taxi
One of the easiest ways to get around town is by taxi. Taxis do not have a meter. Fares are set by the authorities and are determined based on what section of the city you are starting at and what section of the city you are going to, with a surcharge for every additional person.
Diablo rojo
Panamanians call a Chicken bus "diablo rojo". Once a common sight in the city, they are now relatively rare and do not travel through most city neighborhoods. In 2013, the "diablos rojos" were phased out from the main city routes, but they still connect the city with outlying suburbs. Getting around by Chicken bus is cheap and and a colorful experience. Fares are $0.25 and the destination of the bus is written across the front windshield in large letters.
Metrobus
The city has replaced the flamboyant "red devils" with modern, air-conditioned city buses ("MetroBus[dead link]," look for the orange sign to find stops). The MetroBus buses do not accept cash, so make sure to buy a fare card at one of the city's many malls before using them. You can also buy a fare card for the metro at a metro station, and use it in MetroBus buses to pay.
Panama City travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Panama City is April to February, when average daytime highs are around 84–89°F and rain falls on about 25 days a month.
What is the weather like in Panama City?
March is usually the warmest month in Panama City, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). November is the coolest, with average lows of 75°F (24°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 363 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Panama City?
Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport (PAC) is the closest airport, about 1 miles (2 km) from the centre of Panama City. Other nearby airports include Tocumen International Airport (PTY, 12 mi).
What currency is used in Panama City?
Panama City uses the Panamanian balboa (PAB). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ B/.1.00.
What time zone is Panama City in?
Panama City uses the America/Panama time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Panama City?
A Metro opened in 2014, and is by far the preferred method to get to the places it serves. However, there are still many places of interest not served by it. Line 1 is roughly equal parts elevated and underground with the part from Albrook to El Ingenio being the underground section.
What are the best places to visit in Panama City?
Top sights in Panama City include Miraflores Locks, Casco Viejo, Biomuseo and Panamá Viejo. The closest Panama Canal locks to the city, where you can watch huge ships being raised and lowered. Check the visitor center schedule, since ships pass mainly at certain times.
What are the top things to do in Panama City?
Popular experiences you can book in Panama City include City Sightseeing Panama City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, Discover the Panama Canal and San Blas Islands - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 54 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Panama City?
The most popular types of experiences in Panama City are day trips & excursions (14), outdoor activities & adventure (13), art & culture (12) and city tours (10). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Panama City?
Popular areas for hotels in Panama City include Panama City and Gamboa. Well-reviewed options include Grand International Hotel and The Westin Playa Bonita.
How many hotels can I book in Panama City?
Destina Holidays currently lists 143 properties in and around Panama City, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
