One of my favorite places in Panama! Experience the historical, charming and vibrant neighborhood of Casco Antiguo. Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo, or the ‘old quarter,” is Panama City’s historic district. If you are wanting to look for good food or nightlife, this is the place to go!
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.
The adventure at Gamboa Rainforest Resort begins with its zip line or a ride on the cable car that takes you flying through the treetops of this dense rainforest. Gamboa is also the starting point for the boat tour to Isla de los Monos (Monkey Island) on Gatun Lake, where you can observe white-faced monkeys and howler monkeys in their natural habitat
Exploring the impressive Bayano Caves is a unique experience in Panamá. To reach this set of three caves located on the south side of Lake Bayano, you start with a boat trip on the Río Seco. Then you can go kayaking into the Río Tigre canyon while discovering rock formations and local fauna such as bats, caimans, and birds.
The San Blas Islands are a group of islands in Panama's Caribbean Sea known for their white sand beaches, clear water, and palm trees.Located off the north coast of Panama, east of the Panama Canal. Some activities include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, fishing, diving, stand-up paddling.The San Blas Islands in Panama are about a 2.5-hour drive from Panama City to Cartí, the main port. From Cartí, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the islands by boat.
El Valle de Antón is a town in Panama that sits in the crater of an extinct volcano. It's a popular weekend getaway for people looking to escape the city. Visitors can primarily enjoy outdoor activities like hiking trails including "La India Dormida" and "Cerro La Silla", visiting the "Chorro El Macho" waterfall, exploring the Butterfly Haven, relaxing in hot springs, birdwatching, and experiencing the local artisan market, all set within a dormant volcano landscape with stunning views; the town also offers horseback riding and canopy tours. I recommend zip lining, it's an amazing hike and views.
Bocas del Toro is one of the favorite destinations among Panamanians and visitors. Just a 45-minute flight from Panama City brings you to the north-westernmost province of the country. Immerse yourself in its cultures, cross forest-covered mountains, sail through mangroves, swim among reefs, surf the perfect wave and discover the good vibes of Bocas.
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.
The province of Veraguas in central Panamá is an exciting destination full of epic adventures. Its Pacific coast is a true jewel where lovers of the sea and wildlife coexist to enjoy the beauties of the region. Here you will enjoy natural beaches, mangroves, and nesting refuges for turtles and birds. Get ready to experience incredible moments underwater, surf the best waves, stand up paddle boarding, sport fishing, and explore its great marine diversity. You can even watch dolphins, sharks, and whales in their natural habitat.
Visit the highest point in the country, which also happens to be a volcano! t 3,474 meters high, the towering Baru Volcano is the 12th highest peak in Central America and the only place in the world where, on the clearest of days, you can see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the same time.
The Tierras Altas region is a quite different place from the rest of Panamá. It is a mountainous district located in the extreme west of the country, in the province of Chiriquí. Take in its peaks, forests, rivers, and set out on an adventure among agriculture and culinary activities it has in store for you.
Restaurant: Fondas are to Panamanians what coffee bars are to Italians. These inexpensive roadside restaurants are an integral part of daily life – unpretentious pitstops where neighbours meet after long shifts at work and owners nod to regulars over steaming pots of beef stew. At his modern take, José Olmedo Carles Rojas mainlines in upscale versions of traditional dishes, served in a corrugated metal, neon-lit dining room that has all the buzz of a cocktail bar. Menus change regularly to spotlight local produce but a signature dish of toasted yuca with tuna carpaccio and onion ceviche is always on offer, for good reason. There are no bookings, so be prepared to queue.
Restaurant : La Pulpería is a vibrant and chic tapas bar and casual restaurant nestled in Casco Antiguo (Old Town), located on Calle 9 Este near La Rana Dorada. It seamlessly blends traditional Latin American cooking—particularly seafood—with creative gastropub flair
Led by Chef Mario Castrellón, Maito is consistently ranked among Latin America’s elite restaurants and is ideal for delivering a modern Panamanian culinary journey. It beautifully blends Afro-Caribbean, Asian, and local ingredients in dishes like lobster risotto and ropa vieja spring rolls. The lush garden‑like ambiance and attentive service make it perfect for wedding receptions
Located on Isla Naos along the iconic Amador Causeway, Mi Ranchito offers a laid-back, open-air dining experience beneath traditional thatched palapas. The restaurant is family-friendly and delivers a tropical, casual atmosphere—perfect for both locals and visitors
This modern fusion restaurant offers Mediterranean‑style cuisine with pastas, risottos, seafood, ceviches, sushi, and desserts from an in‑house patisserie. With a 90‑label wine list and chic interior, it balances sophistication and vibrancy. Especially suited for welcoming wedding parties of various sizes
Kaandela is a boutique fine‑dining gem ideal for those who seek an intimate, artful dive into Panama's flavors—rich in heritage, bold in technique, and warm in ambiance. It’s perfect for romantic dinners, small wedding‑guest welcome receptions, or discerning food lovers looking for a narrative-rich meal framed by Casco Viejo’s charm
Located at Avenida Eloy Alfaro and Calle 11, at the ground floor of Hotel Casa Panamá, Santa Rita specializes in a unique fusion of Spanish tapas and Argentinian grill cuisine. The owners—Chef Niño Muñoz and his wife Geraldina—draw on their backgrounds in Barcelona and Patagonia to create this elegant yet relaxed dining spot
Parque Municipal Summit is a 250‑hectare green space just under an hour from Panama City along the Gaillard (Gamboa) road, adjacent to Soberanía National Park. Of those, about 55 ha are dedicated to its botanical gardens, and the rest includes recreational areas and wildlife facilities
The tree-lined shores, tiny islets, and blue-green waters of Gatún Lake (Lago Gatún) cover what was once the fertile Chagres River Valley. When it was created in 1913, Gatún Lake was the largest man-made lake, buttressed by the biggest dam, in the world. Today, it forms an integral part of the famous Panama Canal. I've included a link to Viator, where you can explore a variety of guided tours, including jungle boat rides, visits to the Emberá Indigenous Village and waterfalls, and excursions to nearby Lake Alajuela, all offering unique ways to experience this historic and ecological wonder.