Things To Do
Miraflores Locks
One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal is a must-see in Panama City. The nearby Miraflores Locks offer a visitor center with an observation deck, where you can watch ships pass through and learn how the canal works. There’s also an IMAX documentary about its history narrated by Morgan Freeman. Ticket Office: Daily 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Open: Daily 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Admission is $17.22 USD.🎟️
The Panama Canal Museum
Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, this non-profit museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Panama and its world-famous Canal. Beyond its fascinating exhibits, the museum serves as a vibrant space for art, culture, and reflection. Visitors can enjoy memorable experiences that celebrate Panama’s heritage, promote diversity and sustainability, and inspire learning and appreciation for the country’s cultural legacy. Open for tuesday to sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Last admission: 30 minutes before closing time) $15 USD 🎟️
Museo de la Mola (MUMO)
Molas are part of what Guna women wear and fundamental to their culture. In MuMo (as the museum is commonly called) there is a complete exhibition of molas, from ancient to modern times, complemented by a descriptive text that takes the Visitor on a journey through the Guna culture. The Museum exhibits more than 200 Molas and has five rooms, where Visitors can learn about the evolution, elaboration, and meaning behind their designs. Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM. ; Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Free entrance🎟️
Old Panama
the Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo provides a captivating glimpse into the history of the first Spanish city on the Pacific coast. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the Primatial Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria la Antigua de Panamá and various historical ruins dating back to 1519. Visiting Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. (The ticket office closes at 4:30 PM) $17.00 🎟️
La Cinta Costera / the Coastal Strip
the Coastal Strip unfolds as a seven-kilometer public recreational space along Panamá Bay. Featuring gardens, bike lanes, sports fields, viewpoints, and traditional restaurants, the Cinta is divided into sections 1, 2, and 3, stretching from the exclusive neighborhood of Paitilla to Casco Viejo through the marine viaduct, and the popular neighborhood of El Chorrillo.
Metropolitan Natural Park
Located in the heart of Panama City, Metropolitan Natural Park is a 573-acre tropical forest and the city’s only wildlife reserve. Home to hundreds of bird, mammal, and plant species, it offers five scenic trails, including one leading to Cerro Cedro for panoramic city views. Guided tours and a butterfly house make it a perfect spot to experience nature within the city. Trail Visiting hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM $5 USD 🎟️
Calzada de Amador
Amador Causeway is made up of rocks excavated for the construction of the Panama Canal and connects Panama City with three small islands: Naos, Perico, and Flamenco. The 6-kilometer (4-mile) ultra scenic, colorful boardwalk is popular with cyclists and filled with all kinds of restaurants where you can stop for fresh seafood and take in the views (especially at sunset). You can rent bikes for about $15 USD per day if you want to explore by bike.
Biomuseo
The Biomuseo, located on the Amador Causeway, explores how the formation of the Isthmus of Panama transformed the world’s climate, oceans, and biodiversity. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry—his first project in Latin America—the museum’s colorful structure houses eight interactive galleries showcasing Panama’s geological history, wildlife, and cultural diversity. Visitors can also explore the Biodiversity Park, an outdoor extension with themed gardens and views of the Panama Canal and Bridge of the Americas. The museum is just minutes from downtown Panama City. Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm / Saturdays and Sundays 10:00am a 3:00pm $20 USD 🎟️
Ancon Hills / Cerro Ancón
Thanks to its minimal development, this hill has become a forested “island” within Panama City, home to wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and deer. A small road allows visitors to hike and enjoy views of the city, Panama Bay, and the Canal Zone. Historically, it served as a Spanish lookout and later provided fresh water to the relocated city after the 1671 pirate attack. In 1977, following the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, Panama regained control of the hill and raised a large national flag at its summit, symbolizing sovereignty over the former Canal Zone. Hours: Every day from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
The Panama Rainforest Discovery Center located at 45 minutes from Panama-City is an ecotourism and environmental education project which main goal is the conservation of birds through environmental sustainability projects. Hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00AM TO 5:00PM $30 🎟️
Taboga Island / Isla de Taboga
Taboga Island, known as the Island of Flowers, is a volcanic paradise just 20 km from Panama City—perfect for a quick day trip. Visitors can hike to Cerro Vigía or Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic views, explore the charming historic town with one of the oldest churches in the Americas, and relax on its peaceful beaches. Ferries depart daily from the Amador Causeway, with a short 30-minute ride to the island.