In my opinion, if you plan on doing this tour, do it when you first arrive! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to 1519, Panama Viejo was the heart of the economic power of trade, religion, and commerce.
We visited the Old Town, and the waterfront, and stayed at one of Panama Citys most recognizable hotels, the Hard Rock Hotel Panama. Spanning nearly 50 feet without any support, it stood the test of time and helped solidify Panama as the place for the canal connecting the two oceans. Check Availability and Prices on Booking.com or TripAdvisor. Also known as Plaza Mayor or Cathedral Plaza, Plaza de la Independencia is a plaza with the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama (Basilica of the Virgin of Santa Mara la Antigua)standing proud at its center. This is a much cheaper option and also more authentic. You arent allowed to leave the boat and walk on Monkey Island, but the guides on the boat use special calls to get the monkeys attention. Panama is a good walking city and we felt safe walking around during the day. There are a few ways to explore this old part of the city. Instead, I would highly suggest doing an overnight tour like this one. 
Required fields are marked *. Cheers for joining us on our adventures! Check availability on Booking.com and Hostelworld. This highly rated tour takes you to Monkey Island where youll catch a riverboat to the Chagres River to see the monkeys of Monkey Island including white-face monkeys, howler monkeys and tamarinds on this island in Gatun Lake. Its also centrally located to explore the city.
The climate in Panama is typically hot and sunny, so its important to slow down and take advantage of this tropical environment. This blog may contain affiliate links. Recently, we returned to Panama with Uncruise to sail to Costa Rica from Panama and had the chance to tick off the rest of our Panama City bucket list. From Contadora you can easily take a ferry to Saboga Island but stay in nicer hotels and enjoy the beaches on the island too. Popular Amador Causeway restaurants are Mi Ranchito, Beirut Calzada de Amador, Hapai Tiki Bar and/orRestaurante Bucaneros. Details about this tourhere. Important info: Entrance to Panama Viejo is only $6 USD for adults and that includes a visit to the museum and viewing tower. In fact, Metropolitan National Park in Panama City is the only protected national park located within a citys limits in Central America. There are several outdoor basketball courts and parks on Avenida Balboa and Cinta Costera. Theres a paved walkway for cycling or walking. Fortunately, many hotels in Panama City have rooftop pools with awesome views. Panama uses the USD currency. By using the Uber app, you avoid giving bad directions or having issues explaining where you want to go. It should only cost $45 to $50 USD each way for a taxi.
For one of the best overhead views of Panama, Ancon Hill is a great stop. If you like fresh seafood, we recommend you sample some local ceviche here. I never like to complete a list of the best things to do in any place without mentioning some great local food to try. This stunning Gothic Church is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city! Read our disclosure policy for more info. Casco Viejo, (Old Town) is the historic center of Panama City that is being restored to its original glory. There are plenty of fun and interesting things to do in Panama City, so we encourage you to spend a few days here. Located at the Amador Causeway, this huge Artisan Market is a great place to shop for your souvenirs. Next on my list is a place youll visit on any guided tour on Casco Viejo. For those who dont know, the San Blas Islands are a group of 378 remote islands off the coast of Panama.
Travel to the San Blas Islands is not easy. The city was in use until 1671 when the Spaniards sacked the city themselves before moving to what we know today as Panama Viejo. Another residential neighborhood popular with ex-pats is Punta Pacifica. Share your Panama City travel tips below. This would still be a great experience and perfect for those on a tight budget (Panama isnt exactly cheap.) 
The Lake Gatun region is home to four monkey species Panamanian white-faced capuchin (picture below), Geoffroys tamarin (pictured above), lemurine owl monkeys and mantled howler monkey. It only costs $5 USD to enter Pipeline road. Ropa Vieja is shredded beef usually served with rice and beans and is commonly eaten for breakfast or lunch. If shopping is your thing, pay a visit to Albrook Mall. Its a 45 minute drive from downtown Panama City to the park. In Casca Viejo, you can find many Panama Hats on sale at shops. Check out this city tour with GetYourGuide. Its listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and isarguably the most popular tourist attraction in Panama City. The San Blas Islands are a highlight in Panama! The historic center of Panama is a must-visit. However, if youre tight on time, a day trip to Contadora Island is possible. San Blas Port is located 2.5 hours outside of Panama City and from here youll take a Pangas boat to the islands. This huge Big Foot statue is located in the lobby of the luxurious JW Marriott Panama, near the Trump International Hotel and Tower Panama. This 64-acre oceanfront parkway is within walking distance from the major hotels, shopping malls and restaurants. We first visited Panama City when we were invited to check out all the cool elements of the Hard Rock Hotel downtown Panama. Its about a 20-minute walk from Balboa Avenue, or you can take an Uber or taxi for a reasonable price. Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly. Walk the popular Pipeline Road and search for toucans, crimson-fronted parakeet, crested owls and rare birds, like the red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-eared toucanets and harpy eagle. It was built by the United States in 1962. While walking along Cinta Costera, keep an eye out for the big colourful Panama signs. If your plan is to take a day trip to San Blas islands, you will absolutely want to join a tour so you can visit a few different islands. Should you visit the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish? This ultra-modern waterfront neighborhood is a fun place to hang out for the afternoon.
During my stay in Panama City, I wanted to escape the concrete jungle and go for a nice walk one morning. Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner, Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. To avoid getting stuck, organize with the same driver to pick you up later. The JW Marriott has a huge Casino attached to the main floor. The closest locks to Panama City are the Miraflores Locks located less than 30 minutes from downtown making it an easy day trip. Because of this, the city was often visited by pirates.
(rumour has it that this hotel is now closed but the website is still up and running so it is unconfirmed). So, I asked my hotel where the best place close by to go would be and they suggested Ancon Hill. We sampled craft beer, enjoyed Panamanian coffee and chocolate, and even indulged in some ceviche at a local seafood market. Panama City was our first stop in Panama and we were excited to explore our first destination in Central America. There are several Rooftop Bars in Panama City (heres a list), so dont feel the need to only visit Hard Rock Hotel Panama. The hostel is social and includes breakfast. It is from the Amador Causeway that you can see the Bridge of the Americas. If you dont just want to watch the ships go through the canal then you can also do this partial Panama Canal cruise or this full cruise through the canal. Located in the Casco Viejo, a quick photography stop is the Convent Santo Domingo and its Flat Arch (El Arco Chato). Despite the busy surrounding streets, the minute I entered the park the city seemed long gone. You can either book an organized sightseeing tour of Casco Viejo or simply show up and let the cobblestone streets guide you. For another great shopping experience check out the pedestrian mall at the end of Avenida Central. Theres no doubt that the Panama Canal is a must-visit in Panama City. This way you can revisit the places on the tour as they are amazing! Most people have heard of the San Blas Islands, but what they dont know is that there are lots of other amazing islands to explore from Panama City.
You should spend at least an afternoon in Caso Viejo. This 2-hour walking tour takes you through the old quarter, where youll see the top tourist attractions including San Francisco de Asis and San Jos churches, the Panama waterfront and admire the architecture inspired by Spanish, French and early Americans. Uber is available in downtown Panama City. Most nightlife has moved to this area and it is near plenty of shopping and culture. There are several options to choose from. This Panama Canal expansion is located at Gatun Lake and is an interesting trip to the small town of Colon City. More info on tickets and schedule here. There are several parks and grass sections here, so its an ideal place to let your kids run wild and burn off some energy. The Wyndham Hotel is connected to the Albrook Mall making it a good choice to stay in Panama if you are flying out the next day. Not to mention, the building is a great example of immaculate colonial architecture! Los Mostros Hostel For budget travelers, Los Mostros Hostel is a great option. We joined the Monkey Island Tour from Panama City. Saboga Island is great to visit for a day trip but if you want to spend a few nights Id recommend staying at the island below and visiting from there. First time to Panama City? Plus, it is a well-preserved fort dating back to the 1500s. BITS stands for Bar In The Sky, which is appropriate, given that the bar is located on the 62nd floor and offers 360 degree panoramic views of the city. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, if youre just reading about the islands now or youre short on time, you can actually do day trips and overnight tours from Panama City. There are a few different tours to the Panama Canal you can do with the easiest and most popular a guided tour to the Miraflores Locks with a city tour. It is definitely the number 1 thing to do in Panama City. Make sure you snap a photo in front of the giant Panama sign along the way. Casco Viejo is also a great place to view the Panama City skyline. Some buildings are completely restored to former glory, while others are left to crumble and fall apart. The market opens at 5 am and you should get there early if you want to buy fresh seafood, but if you go for the ceviche, then lunchtime is fine! The entrance here is $30 USD.
But dont just take a snap from the outside, you can also enter the church to admire the inside too! The ferry to the island leaves from the Trump Tower and costs $98 USD return for adults. There are several walls and facades remaining and they are doing regular restoration. The Amador Causeway is a man-made road that stretches 3 kilometers into the Pacific Ocean to some small islands. Be sure to hike the Mirador Cerro Cedro trail, from there you get magnificent views of the city. San Blas Island has gained in popularity since the Netflix series Money Heist featured the beautiful and secluded white sand beaches of the San Blas Islands surrounded by turquoise water.
The ferry departs multiple times per day. Not to be confused with Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo is a fascinating tour through the abandoned ruins of the original city. Make sure you understand Panama travel restrictions (heres the Canadian travel advisory for Panama) before booking, to avoid disappointment or frustration. Although we didnt feed the monkeys, other people on our boat did and I wasnt sure how I felt about that. On the old city part of the tour, we dove deep into the history, visited a famous coffee show, and learned so much that we were actually very impressed. Unfortunately, the Gran Colombia never stayed together, but Simon Bolivar went down in history and his story and life accomplishments shaped those countries into what they are today. The statues and tablets depict the role that the French played in the construction of the Panama Canal. It is $1 $1. Watch this video to see the smallest island weve visited (also pictured above). The partial cruise just takes you through on section of the narrow canal whereas the full tour takes you through all 3 canals and the man-made lake from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Panama Viejo is the oldest part of Panama City and today its an archaeological site thats a popular place to visit in Panama City. The main international airport of Panama City is Tocumen Airport. What we loved about buying a Panama Hat in the shops, is that there is no bargaining. The highway once ran directly through these historic monuments, but thankfully, it was diverted before it all disappeared. Check Availability and Prices on Booking.com or TripAdvisor, JW Marriott We didnt find this area to be ideally located as it is away from most of Panamas top attractions.
The trails at the Discovery Center are shorter and more suited to families or those who dont hike. It has the perfect blend of a high-tech modern metropolis combined with a well-preserved history in its old town and historic ruins. The most iconic thing to do in Panama City, and something everyone should do, is to visit the Panama Canal! There are two levels of viewing platforms to watch the ships and a Panama Canal museum. The best view we found of it was from the Hard Rock pool bar, but we also went for a walk to check it out up close. The great thing about this nature center is that you dont have to leave the city to see some really cool wildlife including one of my favorite animals on the planet, the humble sloth! You can also bike the causeway for really cheap. The entrance to the museum and viewing deck is $15 USD for adults and $10 USD for children. We felt much safer taking an Uber in Panama City. Looking back, Im so glad I made the most of my time in Panama City and really think others should too! Cinta Costera is the beating heart of Panama City. While you technically can rent a vehicle and drive from Panama City to the coast, its recommended that you take a San Blas Islands tour. After wandering the old streets of Casco Viejo, we would recommend staying in this neighbourhood. I get it, city tours can be boring especially if youre not into history thats where this next tour comes I handy!
The monkeys here are supposed to be wild and I wasnt aware before that tour groups feed them. Without a doubt, I think that a guided tour is the way to go. With that said, I will warn you it involves just over 6 hours of driving and the tour lasts for 14 hours! We dont have many other blogs on Panama, but we have this great guide to Bocos del Toro you should check out, or this blog on crossing the border from Panama to Costa Rica! This specific day tour takes you to visit 4 islands in one day from Panama City. We did not stay at a hotel in Casco Veijo this time, but we will when we return to Panama City in the future. It is the largest shopping mall in Central America. ON this tour youll visit four islands in one day including snorkeling at Perro Chico, known as the best snorkeling spot in the San Blas Islands, Waily Lodge, Pelicano and the natural swimming pool on a sand bar in the middle of the ocean. If youre looking for cheap things to do in Panama City, head to Avenida Balboa and Cinta Costera. The app you use in Canada or the US works fine in Panama City. I personally visited the locks on this full-day guided tour that visited lots of other attractions around the city. You can book the tour I did here in advance. Palm trees line the Cinta Costera path that stretches along the Panama City waterfront. How you do it is up to you, but this unique attraction is well worth exploring! We believe every first time visitor to Panama City should visit Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe.
Entrance to the park is only $7 USD and if seeing a sloth is on your bucket list, then this is a convenient way to check that off without having to leave Panama City. Definitely, the most unique building in Panama City is the spiral skyrise of El Tornillo. It is amazing to see the crowds that the locks still attract and even we were a bit giddy when we viewed a cargo ship going through. From your hotel, the Amador Causeway is easy to visit. Lunas Castle Hostel If you want a budget option but want to stay in Casco Viejo, then Lunas Castle Hostel is one of your only options. We spent a few nights on Contadora Island read about that experience here. The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic ocean with the Pacific ocean, is one of the Seven Industrial Wonders of the World and when you walk through the fabulous interactive Miraflores visitors center, youll understand why! The canal has a lock system that raise and lower ships to Gatun Lake, a large freshwater artificial lake that sits 85 feet above sea level. Join 10,000 others who get our weekly emails! One of the best ways we explored Panama was on a private tour. Magnolia Inn If youre in the medium budget range then Magnolia Inn is the best option available within Casco Viejo. Heres a fun fact. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You should travel to Salamanca, Spain. Its a tropical paradise. You dont need to download a different Uber app. Would you believe the hotel pictured above (and below) only cost us $100 CDN per night? Categories: Central America National Park Panama Panama City Top Lists Travel Stories Trip Ideas Tropical Islands. This is where you will find trendy restaurants and bars, boutique hotels, artsy shops and hipster cafes. Its a 4 hour excursion that includes round-trip transportation with an English speaking guide. There is a large outdoor park where you can find iguanas and sloths and then also indoor enclosures featuring frogs, starfish and even turtles. See below for a few Panama City hotels with rooftop pools. As we walked up the path to the top of the hill the trees where alive literally! We decided to take a tour to Monkey Island for $70 USD. Panama Hats originated in Ecuador and are still made there. For most people, including myself, it is the reason we ended up in Panama City.
Yes, the island is protected and the monkeys are only fed bananas, but youll have to decide for yourself if this is the tour for you! The United States took over the project in 1904 and finished it in 1914. This is Panama Citys historic old quarter. Monkey Island is actually not one island. There isnt a lot around there, so we suggest viewing it from afar instead. Sunset views of the Pacific Ocean from the 62nd floor of Hard Rock Hotel Panama. Contadora Island is the most popular of the Pearl Islands for tourists. If youd like to test your luck at fishing, theres a fishing platform just before Isla Naos. Located only 45 minutes from the city, Soberania National Park is a tropical paradise filled with wildlife. The top platform is 32 meters high and offers incredible views of the forest. In total, Pipeline Road has 17 kilometers of hiking trails and is where you can spot monkeys, sloths, and a huge range of birds and reptiles. The center isnt huge and you only need an hour or so to explore the grounds. Because the resident monkeys tend to move around, the boats travel to a few different locations. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor. The above photo is a good reason why you want to visit the San Blas Islands. This is the best way to see the islands and if you have time I highly recommend it. Our San Blas Islands trip did not exactly go according to plan find out what happened here. Located on a beautiful clifftop the ocean and Chargras River views are extraordinary. Victors is the most popular spot for purchasing a hat. You can visit at sunset and I regret not doing so. Panama Hats are not made in Panama. The Panama Hat got its name when President Roosevelt was photographed wearing one while visiting the Panama Canal.
After youve seen the famous Panama Canal, youll make your way to Casco Viejo, the Amador Causeway, the viewpoint of Panama City, and the boardwalk and waterfront with your local expert guide.
To get to Metropolitan National Park, simply jump in an Uber and get dropped at the visitor center within the park and head off and explore. I really enjoyed the tour and seeing so many monkeys was a great experience. Its located 20 minutes outside the city and offers excellent views of Panama. Coming to Panama City, I really wanted to make sure I got to see some of the countrys wildlife. We stumbled upon this square during a walk around the city and fell in love with its colonial architecture, its lovely white gazebo and the shady trees lining the square. Below are the best nearby islands you can do amazing day or multi-day trips to: Taboga Island is one of the closest islands to Pamana City and only takes 30 minutes by ferry to reach. I guarantee you wont be disappointed! Take the Aerial Tram tour through the rainforest and visit the Panama Sloth Sanctuary. Its much more than a travel hub for the region. Simply awestruck by Marvel At El Tornillo what an architecturewhat a beauty. Contadora Island is located right next to Saboga Island and is home to many great hotels and restaurants (which makes it more popular for overnight trips.) This is the rooftop pool at the Marriott Executive Apartments Finisterre in Panama City. However, if youre like me and love learning about the history of important cities, then a Casco Viejo guided tour is a must! Heres a short video about the Discovery Center. During my visit, I hiked all the trails and it took just over 3 hours at a steady but enjoyable pace. Both the Gatun Lake and the Chagres River are actually part of the Panama Canal and you can often see ships making their journey through the canal. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field. Theyre not much more expensive and youll only do 3 hours of driving each day and spend way more time enjoying the stunning islands. It reminded us of the old town of Havana, Cuba and I can envision it being as beautiful in just a few short years as hotels and corporations transform the crumbling ruins into boutique hotels. Its also a pretty cool and funky building! This rooftop pool and bar is one of the most chic areas in the city. I had a friend who went with a group and it cost $40 USD per person for the boat ride and taxi there and back.
Enjoy these must-see attractions in Panama City and extra travel tips to help you make the most of your stay!
Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. How to get to San Blas Islands from Panama City, Photos from Hotel Mar y Oro and Contadora Island, What you need to know before taking the Contadora Island Ferry, Photos from our visit to Monkey Island Panama, 2. If you like visiting cathedrals, add this one to the list. During our first time in Panama City, we spent a week exploring everything it had to offer in the downtown core. Learn about Gamboa Rainforest Tours here. Yes, we want to have as many travel experiences as possible, but we also want to enjoy some downtime by the pool. To get you excited and hopefully help plan your trip, here are the 15 best things to do in Panama City, Panama! You can either just walk around on your own and admire the architecture and many coffee shops. Here youll be able to see the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (National Institute of Culture) that houses a theater and cultural events. As part of the UnCruise land extension for their Panama to Costa Rica cruise, Gatun Lake is an excellent way to see Panama wildlife such as iguanas, crocodiles, monkeys, toucans, and sloths. I recommend getting a taxi to the start of the causeway and taking a nice stroll to the end where youll find lots of beautiful restaurants with views of the city. To get there, just get a taxi from Casco Viejo. The only problem is getting a taxi back. If you want an even better experience then this all-inclusive half-day catamaran tour is a great option. You can reach the church by taxi or even public transport as the church sits across the road from the metro station Estacin Iglesia del Carmen. People often forget just how diverse this part of the world is, so I decided to do the tour to Monkey Island on the Chagres River and Gatun Lake. The hike ends at the top of Ancon Hill and the views of the city are incredible! Amazing post with beautiful images. The city is safe, the people are friendly, and the wildlife is well, wild! Other Amador Causeway attractions include Punta Culebra Nature Center, La Playita pool bar at The Beach House, Omar Torrijos Herreras Mausoleum,Museo de la Libertadand Flamenco Marina.
You also must negotiate a price before. Located 25 kilometers from Panama City, near the town of Gamboa, Soberania National Park is the perfect day trip from Panama City for nature lovers who want to experience the Panamanian rainforest.
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