What To Do Panama City: Our Top 3 Day Trips
We made a longer stop in Panama City during our second trip around the world. Flying from Mexico to Costa Rica turned out to be much cheaper with a layover in Panama, so we decided to make the most of it. From our hotel in the city center, we did a couple of day trips that we can highly recommend. In this guide, you’ll find our two favorite outings plus some practical info about Panama City, so you’ll know exactly what to do in Panama City.
Where to Stay in Panama City
Panama City isn’t exactly known as a budget destination, but we still managed to book a fairly luxurious hotel – complete with a pool and breakfast – for just a few dozen euros a night. We did book well in advance, which might have made a difference in the price. Our hotel, Marinn Place, is located in the Financial District, right by the metro line and in a safe neighborhood.
Getting Around Panama City
Getting from the airport to the city is super easy and safe by metro. We checked in with our Revolut card (make sure you use the gates on the right-hand side) and the whole trip costs us less than a euro. If you prefer a bit more comfort, Uber is widely available and very affordable. For all other activities in the city, we simply ordered Ubers.
Things to Do in Panama City
Metropolitan Park
Just a short distance from the busy city center, you’ll find Metropolitan Park – a peaceful green escape where you can walk and spot wildlife. Entrance is just a few euros, payable by cash or card at the gate. You’ll get a map of the trails and then you’re free to explore. We saw monkeys, a toucan, two sloths, and plenty of turtles. Definitely worth a visit!
Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is the old quarter of Panama City. When we arrived, we were greeted by charming streets filled with restaurants and coffee shops. To be honest, we didn’t spend much time there – maybe the weather played a role – but we did enjoy a nice coffee before heading back.
The Panama Canal
No trip to this city is complete without seeing the canal. This was high on our list, and it turned out to be our favorite day trip. We recommend heading to the Miraflores Visitor Center in the afternoon by Uber. Around that time, the ships start passing through again. Always check the schedule on their website to avoid disappointment. Don’t miss the 3D movie included with your ticket either – it gives a fascinating overview of the canal’s history.
Check out our Google Maps Panama-City!
Google Maps Travel Guide Panama
A comprehensible to use Google Maps travel guide for Panama-City. Find where to go, where to eat and what to do on our complete Google Maps guide.