One Week in Panama City Itinerary: Perfect Travel Guide

Panama City, the capital of Panama, is a mix of tall modern buildings and colorful Spanish colonial houses. Some parts feel like a busy U.S. city, while others are full of history. While the Panama Canal is famous, there’s so much more to see!

In this 7-day Panama City Itinerary, I’ll share the best things to do—from incredible food and nature spots to must-see attractions. You’ll also find tips on where to stay, and how to make the most of your trip!

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Best Time to Travel to Panama City

Panama has a hot, humid, and tropical climate year-round. The dry season, from December to April, is the best time to visit, offering sunny days and pleasant weather for exploring.

The rainy season, from May to November, brings frequent but short showers that can vary greatly. Rain might last 10 minutes or several hours, so it’s wise to carry an umbrella. Weather apps can be unreliable, as conditions often differ even a few miles apart.

Where to Stay in Panama City

Panama City is a large and relatively safe capital city, but not all neighborhoods are ideal for tourists. To ensure a great experience, here are two of the best areas to consider for your stay:

Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Casco Viejo is a historic and colourful neighbourhood in Panama City, known for its colonial buildings and lively atmosphere. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a great place for first-time visitors. You can explore historic landmarks, visit museums, and enjoy cafes. Rooftop bars offer amazing city views. While hotels can be expensive, the experience and central location make it worthwhile.

Here are three highly-rated accommodations in Casco Viejo, each offering a unique experience for different budgets:

• Hotel San Felipe (Budget-friendly)
• Amarla Boutique Hotel Casco Viejo (Mid-range)
• Hotel La Compania, In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt (Luxury)

Obarrio

Obarrio is a safe and trendy neighbourhood in Panama City, offering a mix of modern and traditional architecture. It’s a more affordable alternative to Casco Viejo while still being close to the city’s main attractions. The area is known for its quirky cafes, boutique shops, and diverse restaurants, making it great for exploring on foot. While it’s not as lively as Casco Viejo, Obarrio balances affordability and convenience, making it a great choice for visitors.

Here are three recommended accommodations for your stay:

• The Executive Hotel (Budget-friendly)
• Global Hotel Panama (Mid-range)
• Bristol Panama, a Registry Collection Hotel (Luxury)

7-Day Panama City Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival and Casco Viejo Exploration

Old town architecture, Panama City

After arriving at Tocumen International Airport, take a cab to your accommodation, which typically takes about 30 minutes. Settle in, and get ready for an exciting week ahead!

In the afternoon, take a walk through Casco Viejo (Old Town). This beautiful neighbourhood contrasts the modern city with its cobblestone streets, restored colonial buildings, and old ruins. Many buildings now house boutique hotels, restaurants, and bars, while others remain untouched.

Explore notable landmarks such as Plaza Bolívar and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which highlight the area’s rich history. Casco Viejo is also home to educational museums, tourist shops, and a variety of eateries serving both local and international cuisine.

Take a stroll along Cinta Costera, a scenic coastal walkway that offers great views of the bay and Panama City’s skyline. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the city’s beauty.

Day 2: Panama Canal and Amador Causeway

Panama Canal

Begin your day with a visit to the Miraflores Visitor Center, located at the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, just outside Panama City. This popular attraction offers a chance to watch ships pass through the canal’s locks. Learn about its history, construction, and operation through interactive exhibits and displays.

To make the most of your experience, aim to arrive by 2:30 PM to purchase tickets and secure a prime spot on the top viewing platform. Ships navigate the locks from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, so it’s best to avoid visiting midday when no ships pass through from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Watching a ship pass through the locks is a fascinating experience that takes about an hour. It highlights the canal’s impressive engineering and importance to global trade.

The center also features a museum, an observation deck, and a movie theater that shows documentaries about the canal. It’s a must-see spot for anyone wanting to experience one of Panama’s most iconic landmarks.

Afterward, spend the afternoon exploring the Amador Causeway, a scenic stretch connecting three small islands. This picturesque area offers stunning panoramic views of Panama City and the surrounding waters. It’s also home to the Biomuseo, a museum dedicated to Panama’s incredible biodiversity.

Day 3: Soberanía National Park

To get to Soberanía National Park, you can either take a guided tour for a more organized experience, or visit on your own. If you’re going solo, it’s about a 30-40 minute drive from Panama City (about 25 km). You can also take a taxi, uber, or public transport to Gamboa, then a short taxi ride to the park.

Start your day at the park with a guided hike or bird-watching tour to enjoy the beautiful nature. Don’t miss Pipeline Road, which is famous for its incredible wildlife. Afterward, visit the nearby Gamboa Rainforest Reserve and take a peaceful boat ride on the Chagres River to see more plants and animals.

For a cultural experience, you can visit the Embera Indigenous Village to learn about local traditions, or head to the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center for stunning views from the observation tower.

Day 4: San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands are a stunning archipelago of 378 islands, with only 49 inhabited. Governed by the Guna Yala indigenous community, these islands are known for their unspoiled beauty, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage.

Accommodations on the islands are simple, featuring huts made from natural materials with sand floors. There is no running hot water, limited electricity, and shared facilities, but the serene surroundings more than make up for it. Visitors can swim in crystal-clear waters, relax on pristine white-sand beaches, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

The best way to reach San Blas is by booking a tour, which typically includes a 3-hour drive from Panama City followed by a 45-minute boat ride. While the journey may feel long, it enhances the sense of adventure. Alternatively, you can take a flight, but this is less common and more expensive.

Whether you opt for a day trip or an overnight stay, the San Blas Islands offer a perfect chance to unplug, unwind, and experience an unforgettable piece of paradise.

San Blas Island

Day 5: Ancon Hill and City Views

Start your day with a hike up Ancon Hill, a peaceful and lush spot offering stunning views of Panama City, the canal, and beyond. Take a cab or Uber to Mi Pueblito, a great starting point for this local hike. It’s not too difficult, taking about 30-40 minutes to reach the summit. As the highest point in Panama City, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of downtown, Casco Viejo, Amador, the Bridge of the Americas, the container port, and the entry to the canal. Along the way, you’ll also spot a variety of wildlife, including many toucans, birds, and frogs.

Visit the Panama Viejo ruins, which are the remains of the original city founded in 1519. Panama Viejo is just a ten-minute drive or a 30-minute bus ride from the city center. Located in the eastern part of Panama City, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a look into the country’s history. It was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Ocean.

Explore the archaeological site to see the Old Panama Cathedral and other historical ruins. Be sure to climb the bell tower for a great view of the Panama City skyline. The layout of Old Panama is mostly unchanged, giving you a rare chance to experience its original form.

Day 6: Pearl Islands

Begin your adventure early with a boat trip from Panama City to the Pearl Islands, a stunning archipelago known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. The islands are located around 50–80 km (31–50 miles) from Panama City, and you can reach them by either a ferry (1.5–2 hours) from the Amador Causeway or a short flight (25 minutes) from Albrook Airport to Contadora Island, one of the main islands.

Here are some activities you can do on Pearl Islands:

Beaches & Water Activities

Relax on the beautiful shores of Playa Cacique and Playa Ejecutiva, where you can swim, sunbathe, or snorkel among stunning coral reefs and tropical fish. For more adventure, explore hidden coves and remote beaches accessible only by boat.

Island Hopping & Tours

Take a boat tour to nearby islands like Isla Saboga, Isla Bartolomé, and Isla Mogo Mogo, each offering pristine beaches and peaceful surroundings. From July to October, you can also join a whale-watching tour to see humpback whales. Fishing trips are available for those looking to catch marlin, tuna, and other big fish.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Enjoy a fresh seafood meal on Contadora Island, with delicious options like ceviche, grilled fish, and tropical fruit salads, all served with stunning ocean views.

Exploring the Island

Discover Contadora Island by hiking its nature trails, where you’ll find lush landscapes and wildlife. Rent a bike to explore scenic viewpoints, local shops, and luxury villas, or paddle along the coast with a kayak or paddleboard.

Sunset Views

Wrap up your day with a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean, the perfect ending to a peaceful island escape.

Whether you prefer a self-guided adventure or a hassle-free guided tour, the Pearl Islands offer something for every traveler looking to experience Panama’s islands.

Day 7: Relaxation and Departure

On your final morning, take it easy and soak in the last moments of your trip. Relax at your hotel, visit a nearby beach like Playa Veracruz, or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.

Top Restaurants in Panama City

CasaCasco: A popular spot often known for its rooftop bar and great views of the city skyline. It’s the perfect introduction to Panama’s vibrant dining scene.

Maito:Recognized as one of Latin America’s top 50 restaurants, Maito offers a stylish dining experience with Panamanian fusion cuisine infused with international flavours.

Mi Ranchito Amador: Authentic Panamanian food located on the Amador Causeway, you will have a fantastic view of the city skyline.

Tantalo Kitchen: A stylish rooftop bar and restaurant at the Tantalo Hotel in Casco Viejo, offering a lively atmosphere and delicious cuisine.

Mercado de Mariscos: A lively seafood market featuring numerous stalls serving fresh ceviche, fried fish, and other local seafood specialties.

Café Coca Cola: One of Panama’s oldest and most iconic cafés, serving classic and affordable Panamanian diner-style food.

Fonda Lo Que Hay: A casual, budget-friendly eatery in Casco Viejo, helmed by a Panama Top Chef winner, serving elevated Panamanian street food with locally sourced ingredients.

Luna Rooftop: A good atmosphere with panoramic city views, featuring ceviches, sushi, and tapas-style dishes, complemented by live music and a lively ambiance.

Best Food to Eat in Panama City

• Ceviche: Fresh and flavourful seafood marinated in lime juice.
• Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef cooked with vegetables and spices, typically served with rice.
• Sancocho: A hearty chicken soup, considered Panama’s national dish.
• Patacones: Fried green plantains often served as a side dish.
• Tres Leches Cake: A moist dessert made with three types of milk.
• Local Coffee: Panama is known for its high-quality coffee, including the world-renowned Geisha variety.

How to Get Around Panama City

Panama City is relatively large, and walking between neighborhoods would take more time than actually exploring them. Fortunately, there are several transportation options that are affordable and efficient, making it easy to navigate the city.

Uber

Uber operates in Panama City, providing a convenient and reliable option for getting around. It’s often preferred over local taxis due to its safety and the ability to know the price before you even get in. You can easily order a ride from anywhere in the city at a fair price.

Taxi

If your phone runs out of battery or if you simply prefer to hail a cab, local taxis are widely available throughout Panama City. The bright yellow taxis are easy to spot, and you’ll likely get a honk from one as it passes by. Before getting in, it’s important to agree on the fare. Most trips within the city typically cost around $2, although some taxis may try to charge between $5 and $10.

By Foot

While Panama City is large, walking can still be a great way to explore certain neighborhoods, especially Casco Viejo. This historic area is largely pedestrianized, making it ideal for foot travel. Additionally, there are several walkways along the coast where you can stroll and enjoy the views. However, getting between neighborhoods on foot can take a long time, so most tourists opt for taxis for longer distances.

Bus

Panama City has a modern, efficient bus system that offers an affordable way to explore the city. The buses are comfortable, though figuring out which bus to take may be challenging for first-time visitors. The bus routes are marked with their destinations on the front window, which can help. If you’re unsure, ask your accommodation for guidance. One of the most popular routes is the Panama Viejo Via Israel-Mariscos, which covers many popular spots in the city and forms a loop around the central areas.

To ride the bus, you’ll need a Metro Card, which can be purchased for $2 at most grocery stores or bus terminals. Each bus ride costs just $0.25.

Metro

Panama City’s metro system, which opened in 2014, is clean, reliable, and easy to navigate. The metro consists of just one line, making it difficult to go wrong. The cost for a metro ride is only $0.35, and like the buses, you’ll need a Metro Card to board.

These transportation options offer visitors a variety of ways to explore Panama City efficiently, depending on your preferences and destination.

Car Rental

If you’re planning to explore areas outside Panama City—like the Panama Canal’s more remote viewpoints, beaches on the Pacific coast, or the lush highlands—a rental car can be a great option. While driving within the city can be hectic due to traffic and local driving habits, having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to travel on your own schedule and discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Rental agencies are available at Tocumen International Airport and throughout the city, and rates are often affordable, especially if booked in advance. Just make sure to have valid insurance and check whether your credit card covers rental protection abroad.

Pro Tip: Renting a car? Compare rates and book your rental with Rentalcars.com – they make it easy to find the best deals from top providers in Panama.

Panama City Skyline

FAQs About Traveling to Panama City

1. Do I need a visa to visit Panama? Most travelers from North America, Europe, and Australia do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

2. Is Panama City safe for tourists? Panama City is generally safe, but like any major city, it’s essential to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas or at night. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid displaying valuables.

3. How do I get around Panama City? Options include taxis, ride-sharing apps like Uber, and the Metro system. Walking is ideal for exploring Casco Viejo.

4. What currency is used in Panama? The US Dollar is used interchangeably with the Panamanian Balboa. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry small bills for markets and taxis.

5. Can I drink tap water in Panama City? Yes, tap water in Panama City is safe to drink.

6. What languages are spoken in Panama City? Spanish is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.

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