Panama City in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Panama City will captivate you with its diversity of cultural, gastronomic and entertainment proposals. So that you don't miss any detail, I recommend you book a full week and get to know in depth the secrets of this paradisiacal destination. It has everything you need to create unforgettable memories, from beaches and jungles to quiet plans in front of the majestic canal.

This window of time allows you to take advantage of Panama City' s best unhurried activities and stroll around nearby islands, climb Ancon Hill, zip-line through the jungle, learn about the canal's enigmas and discover underrated sites.

On your first day venture out on a historical tour of the highlights of Casco Viejo de San Felipe, where you'll find ancient churches, museums ideal for an educational experience, bike rides, gastronomic hideaways and a quaint craft brewery.

Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria La Antigua

One place you can't miss is the Metropolitan Cathedral, so I recommend you start at this point, which is completely free to enter. It is one of the largest churches in Latin America and is located in the heart of Casco Antiguo. From your accommodation you can reach it in the Panama Metro.

Here I recommend you take your time to appreciate the facade, whose architectural design is a mixture of Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. In fact, it was built in 1510 and in the main sacristy there are paintings and sculptures representing the most important moments of its history. The most interesting thing is to climb the bell tower and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

And if you are lucky, your visit may coincide with a concert of the choir. But in case you have little time and prefer to admire it from the outside without prying inside, as well as to know in this first day other points of the city, I suggest you consider a bike tour of Panama City, as it is a common stop for this type of experiences.

Interoceanic Canal Museum

Just a minute's walk away is the Interoceanic Museum of Panama, an ideal place to visit if you intend to visit the Panama Canal, as it is an introduction to its history, biodiversity and most important sites. Through interactive scenarios you can discover the changes it has undergone since its inauguration in 1914.

In fact, it is ideal if you want to delve into the expansion of the canal, which took place between 2007 and 2016. I recommend you explore its interior in detail, to delve into the permanent exhibitions that encompass political conflicts and trade routes. Guided tours are usually offered that include a stop here and take you to see the Panama Canal itself.

The Seafood Market and Casa Bruja

You can't miss a stop for lunch, so during your first day I invite you to visit the best seafood restaurant on the Cinta Costera. This is the popular Seafood Market that you can reach in two minutes by Uber. It is the perfect place to discover Panamanian gastronomy through specialties based on ceviche, sea bass, snapper and all kinds of fresh fish.

After a good meal you will have extra energy to visit Casa Bruja, a craft brewery on the east coast of Casco Viejo, located 10 minutes away by car. In the afternoon they offer guided tours of their brewery and tastings of Panamanian alcohol. At the end of the day you can watch the sunset, enjoy the live shows or take advantage of the quiz nights.

Specifically, the Trivia Night is the most popular activity and consists of four rounds of surprise questions, and if you get them right you can win prizes. Keep in mind that there will be a maximum of eight people at each table.

After recharging your batteries, you will be ready to dive into the rainforest, where you will find some of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in the country. In addition, nature will guide you to the shores of Gatun Lake, where there are hidden fun plans that will enhance your experience.

Here are three options of exciting activities, keep in mind that in each one there are many things to see, so you can appreciate them superficially or choose your favorite to dedicate the whole day.

Sanctuaries of the Gamboa Reserve

To start the day in the best way, I recommend you get up early and drive half an hour to the Gamboa Reserve or book a guided tour to get to know it. This place is characterized by the majesty of its green areas, where different species of animals coexist. In addition, it has become popular for the activities that include:

• Boat and aerial streetcar rides.
• Visit the largest butterfly farm in Panama.
• Live a bird watching experience at the Canopy Tower.
• Appreciate the orchid exhibits of the region.
• Visit a sloth sanctuary where sloths are reinserted in their habitat.
• Explore a frog pond that takes you through their mating, breeding and feeding cycle.

While it is accessible on your own, you can leave the planning to the experts and join some of the best excursions from Panama City to get to this place.

Pipeline Trail

Would you like to explore an old fuel pipeline? Then you have to drive about 12 minutes to the Pipeline Trail. It is located inside the Soberania Park, an ideal place to walk and clear your mind.

Overall, it is the perfect location to breathe fresh air, practice mountain biking and get away from the tourist enclaves.

Gatun Lake

Before returning to the city I recommend a stop at Gatun Lake, located an hour's drive away, where you will have to put aside your fears to live one of the most exciting adventures offered in the area. Here there is a park with 10 zip-line platforms, which allow you to swing through the jungle to the rhythm of the monkeys.

You can also get to know the forested areas outside Panama City by booking a hiking experience that will offer you the best views of the lake.

Of course, a trip to this region cannot miss booking a visit to the Panama Canal. This place can be appreciated from different perspectives and understanding its history takes time, for which I recommend going to its learning buildings that pay tribute to its history and operation.

Panama Canal Administration Building

Around 8:00 you can start your visit at the Panama Canal Administration Building, where there are murals and graphics about the history of the canal. Upon arrival you will be eclipsed by the Italian Renaissance style windows, marble staircases and a tribute to the creator of this engineering jewel.

Miraflores Visitor Center

Ten minutes away by cab is another point of interest that you should consider when visiting the Panama Canal. It is the Miraflores Visitors Center, one of the most outstanding learning places for its 3D exhibits that encompass the history of the locks.

Here you can also learn about the importance of the canal on a commercial level and enjoy a projection that explains the construction in detail through an interactive video.

Viewpoint of the Americas

If you want to visit a place that fuses Panamanian and Asian culture, you should consider the Mirador de las Americas. It is located just ten minutes from the visitor's center and from the outside the facade is a spectacle of magic. Every detail was thought to honor the hieroglyphics, terraces and statues of China, but it is located in a tropical area that reminds you that you are in Panama City.

Here you can get the best views of the Panama Canal and its surroundings, without paying a single euro.

Another place you should visit is the picturesque El Cangrejo neighborhood, known for its security, artistic passages, shopping areas, green areas and trendy restaurants. To optimize your visit, I suggest you prioritize via Argentina and Veneto, as well as the Andres Bello Park.

Andres Bello Park

Your first stop of the day will be comfortably reached by subway, located on Via Argentina, a must for its multifaceted perspective. Here you can enjoy the local culinary culture, walk through contemporary buildings and visit art galleries. In general, you can choose the plans that best suit you, as it has options for all ages and tastes.

Its main attraction is the Andres Bello Park, an ideal place to start the day on the right foot, thanks to its activities that are pleasant for travelers. You can take a bike ride, join outdoor yoga classes and admire the authentic life of the locals. Even if you plan to visit Panama City with children, it can be a good option.

Old Panama

On long itineraries it is important to include breaks, so I recommend taking it easy on this day. Slowing down a bit, take the Panama Metro to Panama Viejo, an archaeological site where you will find the ruins that made up the city between 1519 and 1671.

Admission starts at 9 euros, but you can also join the best tours of the city to understand the stories hidden among the ruins of:

• Cathedral Tower.
• King's Bridge
• Matadero Bridge
• Convents of La Concepción, San Juan de Dios, San Francisco, La Merced, La Compañía de Jesús, El Cabildo, among others.

Spend a day strolling around the most popular places in the city such as Ancon Hill, the Punta Culebra Nature Center and the handicrafts fair at the Paseo de las Bóvedas.

Ancon Hill

Start the day on a hiking adventure on the famous Ancon Hill, which has an easy intensity route. Here you can appreciate the flag of Panama, as well as connect with different species of animals that lurk among the forested areas. In fact, the highest point of the hill is 199 meters high and can be seen from different parts of the city.

When you reach the top you will find a panorama that will not leave you indifferent, as you can see local monuments, the Panama Canal and some neighboring islands. To get to the foot of the hill you can take subway line 1 at the Fernandez de Cordoba station and enjoy a twenty-five minute ride.

Punta Culebra Natural Center

In fifteen minutes by cab you can reach the Centro Natural Punta Culebra, known for its interactive spaces. It is ideal for organizing plans with children because of its outdoor activities, species conservation areas, museum routes and the viewpoint from where you can see incredible landscapes.

Paseo de las Bóvedas

To continue the tour I recommend a bike ride through Panama City, this way you will end up in record time in the Paseo de las Bóvedas. Along the way you can make the stops of your choice, or hire a local guide to take you to the most emblematic places between the two locations.

When you arrive at the Paseo de las Bóvedas I recommend you to visit the handicrafts fair that is organized every afternoon. While you buy souvenirs to immortalize your trip, take advantage of the spectacular views at sunset.

Time is flying by and the week-long itinerary is almost over, so make the most of every remaining minute. I suggest you organize a trip to Las Perlas Archipelago, which is accessible by the Las Perlas Ferry that leaves in the morning and returns in the afternoon.

Contadora Island

This archipelago is practically uninhabited, so it is one of the most interesting excursions in the surroundings, especially if you want to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. I recommend arriving first to Contadora Island, which is home to peaceful beaches where you can enjoy water sports and explore Panama's maritime wealth. I recommend you to take a beach route, as they are all close to each other.

The most outstanding ones are:

• Executive Beach.
• Long Beach.
• Playa de las Suecas.
• Cacique Beach.
• Canoa Beach.

Saboga Island

A ferry or private catamaran can take you to Saboga Island, which is famous for whale watching. These friendly animals gather in the warm waters of different Panamanian islands to feed and escape the icy oceans.

In general, you will find outdoor activities and a pleasant experience. In case you want to stay all day in one place I recommend you to skip Saboga Island and Contadora Island and directly book a boat trip to Taboga Island from Panama City, to enjoy this paradisiacal destination with less touristic affluence and for more time.

For your last day in the city I recommend opting for a quiet route, engraving in your memory places like the emblematic screw or taking a tour of the green areas of Omar Park. Before leaving for the airport, be sure to stop by the Reggae Museum in Spanish to dust off interesting stories.

F&F Tower in Obarrio

Of course, you can't leave the city without passing through the Obarrio district, where you'll find Calle 50, one of Panama City's most important thoroughfares. Here you also can't leave without seeing the F&F Tower, known for its peculiar screw shape that makes it one of the most outstanding architectural works in Latin America. Unfortunately you can't climb it, but it's worth a closer look.

Omar Park

A recreational activity par excellence is to visit the Omar Park, located three minutes away by cab and half an hour walking. It has family-friendly spaces and attractions, so many people come to participate in zumba classes in the morning, watch the macaws that roam its facilities or camp out at night. In addition, there are impromptu sports tournaments, live shows, bike rides and skating rinks.

Reggae Museum in Spanish

The end of the route will take you to the Museo del Reggae en Español, which can be reached in eight minutes by cab. Here you will have access to exhibits that will take you back in time to the 1980s, when the rise of this musical genre took place. You can go through the hall of fame, meet the pioneers, enjoy live shows and experience traits of Jamaican culture.

The entrance fee is around 6 euros, but you can get discounts if you sign up for a gastronomic experience at the Afroantillano Restaurant, which offers octopus costa brava, beef ropa vieja, prawns au gratin, among others.