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The Cinta Costera waterfront and skyline of Panama City
City
🇵🇦 Panama · Central America & Caribbean

Panama City

Glass skyline, the canal locks and the restored colonial quarter of Casco Viejo.

Budget level
Mid-range
Best months
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Ideal stay
2–3 days
Best for
Culture, Food, Nightlife

Overview

One of Latin America's most modern capitals, sitting directly on the Pacific entrance to the canal. Casco Viejo is UNESCO-listed and holds most of the good restaurants and rooftop bars; the Miraflores and Agua Clara visitor centres explain the canal itself.

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Compare flights, stays, activities and transport for your trip to Panama City.

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Why go to Panama City

  • Miraflores locks and canal visitor centres
  • UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo
  • Cinta Costera waterfront and skyline views
  • Parque Natural Metropolitano rainforest inside the city

Budget

Panama City is mid-range by Panama standards. Across Panama, mid-range travellers typically spend about $90–$150 per person per day.

Country-level planning estimate, excluding flights. See the full Panama budget breakdown.

Practical information

  • Time canal visits around a transit to see ships in the locks
  • Ride-hailing is cheap and easier than driving

When to go to Panama City

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Plan 2–3 days here. Highlighted months are the best fit for most travellers.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights from Albrook reach Bocas del Toro and the far west quickly
  • Long-distance buses run the Pan-American Highway from Albrook terminal to David and beyond

Suggested itineraries

  • City, canal, islands

    8 days

    Capital and canal, then the Caribbean.

    Route: Panama City → Bocas del Toro

  • Highlands and coast

    11 days

    Coffee country, Pacific surf and a city finish.

    Route: Panama City → Boquete → Santa Catalina & Coiba

  • Two oceans

    12 days

    Guna Yala islands, highlands and the Azuero.

    Route: Panama City → Guna Yala (San Blas) → Boquete → Pedasí & the Azuero Peninsula

Panama guides