Things To Do

Explore Panama City

Casco Viejo

Enjoy the many restaurants, cafés, shops and bars throughout the old town of Panama City. Casco Viejo is the historic district of Panama City, Panama, also known as Casco Antiguo or the San Felipe district. It was founded in 1673 after the original city, Panamá Viejo, was destroyed by pirates. Today, it is a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, celebrated for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, vibrant nightlife, and diverse dining scene.

Panama Canal - Miraflores Visitor's Center

The Miraflores Visitor Center is located just a 15-minute drive away from downtown Panama City. On the Pacific side, visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to watch the ships pass from its terraces. You can also delve deeper into the history of this engineering work in an exclusive IMAX film about the Panama Canal that’s narrated by Morgan Freeman. When you visit the Caribbean, make sure to pay a visit to the Agua Clara locks, which are part of the expansion project and the largest locks on the route. From the viewpoint, you will also be able to view part of this section along with the new bridge that connects the city of Colon with the towns on the coast below.

Museums of Panama City

Panama City is a unique capital city. Throughout its history it has welcomed people from all over the world, who have integrated and are now an indispensable part of its DNA. Visit museums and cultural centers to soak up this mosaic of ethnicities and identities, and learn about our history and who forged it.

Amador Causeway

Enjoy one of Panama City’s most fun-filled green spaces. The rock extracted when the Panama Canal was being built between 1904 to 1914 was used to build the causeway. The road extends 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) out into the Pacific Ocean, linking the mainland with the islands of Naos, Perico, and Flamenco. Many of these buildings now host restaurants, shops, and clubs that both residents and tourists enjoy. You can see Panama City’s skyline and the Pacific entrance to the Canal from here as you stroll, jog, skate, bike, rent an electric scooter or just sit and enjoy the breeze. Boats to Taboga island and Las Perlas archipelago depart from this area.

Taboga Island

Isla Taboga, or the Island of Flowers, is a volcanic island characterized by rich tropical plant life, as well as beautiful beaches and soft sand. Located on the Pacific side of the country in the Gulf of Panama, this small fishing island is a short 20 kilometers from the capital, making it the best one-day getaway from Panama City. Take in the beauty of the island by starting your trip with a hike to one of Isla Taboga’s highest points, Cerro Vigia or Cerro de la Cruz. Next, explore the colorful and historic Spanish-founded town, which is also home to the second oldest church in the Western hemisphere. After all that exploration, take a load off at one of the laid-back Taboga Island beaches, or grab a drink at one of the quaint beach bars nearby.

San Blas Islands

Gunayala, also known as San Blas, is one of the most authentic and fascinating destinations in Panamá. Here, you’ll find crystal-clear waters and incredible islands, as well as an Indigenous community that has preserved its traditions for centuries. You’ll have to come with a local tour operator. From a Panama City, you can take a vehicle with four-wheel drive to Carti, the main port in Gunayala. The scenic trip takes two and a half hours and will take you through the central mountain range. From Carti, you can take a small boat to the island you plan to visit. Please note that there is no internet access, and payment by credit card is not available, so cash is the only accepted method of payment. To enter, you must pay a fee that we recommend you check with your tour operator, and also present your passport. Gunayala is an autonomous indigenous territory with its own rules. The passport check helps to maintain safety, order, and respect for the local culture.