Things To DoThings To Do
Explore Casco ViejoExplore Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is just steps from the hotel and one of our favorite parts of the city—think cobblestone streets, historic architecture, rooftop cocktails, and the best people-watching. You can easily spend the afternoon wandering around, popping into cafés, boutique shops, and charming little plazas. Be sure to check out Plaza de Francia and Las Bóvedas for local artisan finds and gorgeous views, and swing by Iglesia de San José to see its iconic golden altar. If you’re into history, the Panama Canal Museum is worth a visit too. Whether you’re grabbing coffee or catching the sunset from a rooftop, this neighborhood is such a vibe and truly captures the spirit of Panama.
Miraflores LocksMiraflores Locks
This is a must-see while you're here. It’s only about 25 minutes from the hotel, and it's genuinely fascinating to watch massive ships pass through the locks in real time. There’s also a small museum and viewing deck that’s super easy to visit.
Taboga IslandTaboga Island
If you’re craving some sun and sea, we recommend renting a boat with a group and doing a half-day trip to Taboga Island—it’s only about 30 minutes from the city by water. The beach itself isn’t our favorite, but honestly, the boat ride makes it all worth it. It’s so much fun cruising over, swimming around the boat, and just relaxing out on the water. If you do decide to go ashore and want to grab lunch, check out Villa Caprichosa—it’s this magical hidden gem tucked away in the hills with seriously delicious food and the dreamiest setting. Definitely worth the little walk up! If you’re interested in booking, we always go through Panama Yachts—they’re super professional, fair with pricing, and they speak English, so you won’t have to stress about the details. You can reach them at info@ycyachts.com.
Monkey Island Boat TourMonkey Island Boat Tour
This was one of the highlights of our last trip—seriously so much fun. You’ll take a boat through Gatun Lake (part of the Panama Canal) and cruise past tiny islands where monkeys swing through the trees and sometimes even hop on the boat if you’re lucky. You might also spot crocodiles, tropical birds, and other wildlife along the way. It’s a quick trip from the city and such a fun way to see a little slice of jungle life without going too far. Great for couples, families, or really anyone who’s down for a little adventure. I linked the tourism website we’ve used before—they speak English, so you can easily book through their site or email them directly at info@tripspanama.com. This travel company also has a few other tours you might want to check out while you're in town!
Biomuseo Amador CausewayBiomuseo Amador Causeway
The Causeway is a great spot for a morning or late afternoon walk or bike ride. It connects a few small islands just off the coast and gives you amazing views of both the skyline and the bay. Along the way, you’ll find little cafés, shops, and even gelato. If you have time, pop into the Biomuseo—a colorful, world-renowned museum designed by Frank Gehry that’s dedicated to Panama’s unique biodiversity. It’s fun, interactive, and makes the whole area feel even more special.
Multiplaza PanamáMultiplaza Panamá
If you need to do any personal shopping while you’re in town, Multiplaza is the go-to. It’s a huge, upscale shopping mall with just about every store you can think of—from Zara and Nike to Louis Vuitton and Chanel. It’s about a 15–20 minute drive from Casco Viejo and super easy to navigate.