What are the best things to do in Panama City?
Top picks in Panama City include Canal Museum, Panama History Museum, Metropolitan Natural Park (MNP). See the full list and itinerary on this Panama City travel guide.
Why visit Panama City
Travel guide for Panama City, Panama — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Panama City is a stop in Panama, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 1 days. If time is short, prioritise Canal Museum, Panama History Museum, Metropolitan Natural Park (MNP) instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 55–140 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures
Weather
Diverse — temperate to subtropical
Experiences
Things to do in Panama City
1
Canal Museum
2
Panama History Museum
3
Metropolitan Natural Park (MNP)
Budget travel
Free things to do in Panama City
Canal Museum
Metropolitan Natural Park (MNP)
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Panama City itinerary (1 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Canal Museum
- Visit Panama History Museum
- Visit Metropolitan Natural Park (MNP)
- Eat at Lung Fung
Budget
Panama City trip cost
Budget
USD 25–45
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 55–140
per person / day
Luxury
USD 160–265+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Panama City, Panama. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Panama City
Estimated total (USD)
$2,180
≈ $1,090 per person · $311 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $95/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Panama City mid-range ground costs (budget 25–45 · mid 55–140 · luxury 160–265+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Lung Fung
Serves some of the best Chinese food in the city. It will be a different experience. Try dim sum any day of the week (expect long lines on w
La Pampa Marbella
A very old school Panamanian restaurant on Balboa Avenue. It's a Spanish place specializing in seafood. Excellent paella and overall good se
Van Gogh
This nice little Italian restaurant is right near the Via Venteo Casino. It has great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. It is one
- $
Capital Bistró Panamá
Amazing views of the city's skyline. Chillout music and large sofas on the upper terrace.
La Casa del Marisco - ACHA
Seafood restaurant in the banking area walking distance away from the Marriott. The food here is quite good but also pricey.
Atlantic & Pacific Co. Restaurant
The terrace section overlooks the Panama Canal and tables are most likely reserved in advance. Buffet is around $30 without drinks. It is op
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Magnolia Inn - Casco Viejo
Magnolia Inn offers comfortable and spacious deluxe private rooms as well as luxury hostel rooms. The restored French colonial mansion is fu
- $
The Bristol Hotel
Luxurious modern hotel in the heart of Panama City. Outstanding bar and restaurant on site. First-class service.
- $$
Hospedaje Casco Viejo
This hostel is in the heart of the old quarter in a beautifully restored historic building. Most of the rooms have their own bathroom and ba
- $
Panama House Bed & Breakfast
This hostel is in a cute house located on a busy street. Try to get a room further in the back to get away from the traffic noise. Breakfast
- $$
Hostal Miami
Shared kitchen, internet and Wi-Fi. Friendly employees.
Shopping
- Avenida Central
- San Felipe Neri Public Market
- Albrook Shopping Mall
- MultiPlaza Mall
- MultiCentro Mall
- Metro Mall
Museums & culture
- Canal Museum
- Panama History Museum
In pictures
Panama City gallery
Photos: Dronepicr, Camilo Molina derivative work: MrPanyGoff, Daniiis, Rodrigo Guerrero, Jjimenez0921 — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Panama City travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
Late spring and early autumn for pleasant temperatures.
How many days do I need in Panama City?
Plan at least 1 days in Panama City for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Panama City?
Popular stays in Panama City include Magnolia Inn - Casco Viejo, The Bristol Hotel, Hospedaje Casco Viejo. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Panama City cost?
On the ground in Panama City (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 25–45 per person per day, mid-range about 55–140, and luxury about 160–265+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Panama City, Panama. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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