$10 back on your first eligible booking — in the RatedOtels app only. Get the app Terms
BOOK

Panama City

Panama

Pace: balanced Buzzing Historic Modern Tropical
Ideal trip length
3 - 5 days
Busiest
Dec-Apr
Panama City
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
SEARCH
Where to stay

Hotels in Panama City

Book direct on our own Panama City hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Tropical
Languages
Spanish and English
Local currency
USD (USD)
Local time
(GMT-5)
Ideal trip length
3–5 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Casco Viejo
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10-15% in restaurants, optional for others

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 70 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Sancocho Ceviche Ropa Vieja Patacones

When to visit Panama City

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, February Busiest: Dec-Apr
  1. Jan
    90

    Dry, sunny, pleasant

  2. Feb
    90

    Dry, sunny, pleasant

  3. Mar
    85

    Dry, hot, sunny

  4. Apr
    80

    Hot, humid, transition

  5. May
    70

    Rainy season begins

  6. Jun
    65

    Frequent afternoon rain

  7. Jul
    65

    Frequent afternoon rain

  8. Aug
    60

    Heavy afternoon rain

  9. Sept
    60

    Heavy afternoon rain

  10. Oct
    55

    Wettest month

  11. Nov
    60

    Rainy, transition to dry

  12. Dec
    80

    Dry season starts

Things to do in Panama City

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Miraflores Locks Visitor Center

Miraflores 2.5 hrs

Watch ships traverse the iconic Panama Canal at this impressive visitor center.

Indoors Good for children

Hike Ancon Hill

Ancon 2 hrs

Ascend to the highest point in the city for panoramic views of the Canal, Casco Viejo, and modern skyline.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Explore Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo 4 hrs

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Panama City's historic district.

Outdoors Good for children

Stroll Amador Causeway

Amador Causeway 2 hrs

Enjoy scenic views of the city skyline and islands while walking or biking along the causeway.

Outdoors Good for children

Dine at Mercado de Mariscos

Avenida Balboa 1.5 hrs

Savor fresh ceviche and seafood dishes at the bustling local fish market.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Experience Panama City Nightlife

Casco Viejo 4 hrs

Enjoy vibrant bars and rooftop lounges in the historic Casco Viejo district.

Indoors

Any time of day

1 place

Visit the Biomuseo

Amador Causeway 3 hrs

Discover Panama's biodiversity and its impact on the world in a colorful Frank Gehry-designed museum.

Indoors Good for children

Panama City itineraries

View All itineraries
First-timer highlights

3 Days in Panama City — First-Timer Highlights

Uncover the magic where history, modernity, and nature converge.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the essential highlights of Panama City. From the historic charm of Casco Viejo to the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and the city's vibrant modern pulse, you'll discover the diverse facets that make this capital truly unique. It's designed for travelers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction to Panama's bustling heart.

3 Days 12 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Panama City

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Sancocho 95 · Outstanding
Ceviche 87 · Outstanding
Ropa Vieja 78 · Very good
Patacones 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Miraflores Locks Visitor Center 95 · Outstanding
Explore Casco Viejo 91 · Outstanding
Visit The Biomuseo 87 · Outstanding
Stroll Amador Causeway 83 · Very good
Hike Ancon Hill 78 · Very good
Dine At Mercado De Mariscos 74 · Good
Experience Panama City Nightlife 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Solo 95 · Outstanding
Couples 90 · Outstanding
Families 85 · Outstanding
Friends 80 · Very good
Digital Nomads 75 · Very good
Adventure 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Stay hydrated in the tropical climate. 95 · Outstanding
Use ride-sharing apps like Uber for convenient transport. 83 · Very good
Explore Casco Viejo on foot to discover hidden gems. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Getaways from Panama City

Places people from Panama City travel to, from our own travel research.

$10 back on your 1st app booking
App bookings only · Terms
Get app