What To Do In Panama City, Panama
March 21–25
My good friend David Markovich and I decided we needed a small vacation. After researching 6 locations, we decided on Panama and here’s what we did!
All ratings come from TripAdvisor.
I recommend adding the places into your Google maps so you can build your day-to-day itinerary.
I bumped into a tourist by the name of David Yaron. After discovering this itinerary he said — “Just hit the jack pot!”
Check out upcoming events in Panama: http://pty.life/event-guide/?q=/events/
Copa Airline was a great airline that had movies on demand, meal and free alcohol. The staff was friendly. The reason for not 5, the planes were a bit outdated and tight legroom. Rating 4 out 5
Hotels
Bahia Grand Panama (formerly Trump Hotel) — Staying in the Trump Hotel was an amazing experience! The location was perfect and the rooms were gorgeous. There are pools on-site and a great view! Make sure to check out the 66th floor! An infinity pool (no longer allowed to be used) but makes for a great photo, especially at sunset. Rating 4.5 out 5
Tours
PTY Life (#1 tour in Panama) — An alternative urban walking tour of the real Panama City. Explore Casco Viejo, go hiking, visit local breweries, order fresh seafood at the fish market, sample Panamanian cuisine, try the best coffee or be spontaneous and take on the day! Price is $69 / person and is max. 5 people per a tour. Includes sampling food & drinks during the tour. http://pty.life/panama-tours/ Rating 5 out 5
Panama Canal Tour https://discoverpanama365.com/city-tours/ Rating 3.5 out 5
Panama Canal Tour + More https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City/Panama-City-Sightseeing-Tour-Including-Miraflores-Locks/d950-5207PAUA
Coffee Tour http://www.boquetecoffeetour.com/ Rating 5 out 5
Fortaleza Gang Tour http://pty.life/panama-tours/#id=fortaleza-gang-tour-panama If you’re looking to explore the sights where tourists don’t typically go, check out the gang tour. For 1 hour (or more) you will walk through the neighborhood of El Chorrillo with your tour guide Alexander. Alexander is also fluent in English.
Day Trips
San Blas (Guna Yala) https://www.instagram.com/sanblastourspty/ Traveling to San Blas is a beautiful and memorable experience. Over 300 island make up San Blas. It will take approximately 2 hours to arrive to the port which you will then take a boat to San Blas. Before you arrive, make sure to stop for plenty of water and snacks.
If you get sick easily, this day trip is not for you. The hills are windy and can be nauseating for those with a weak stomach (we are not kidding). Once you arrive to the port, you take a boat from the port to San Blas which takes another 45 minutes. Once you arrive on the island, you will have a staff that will cook for you and you can see the locals. On the boat, there is a compartment for your phones and essentials. Do not take your phone out on the boat ride, wear a bathing suit and lots of sunscreen! You will get wet.
Guna Yala, formerly known as San Blas, is an indigenous province in northeast Panama (Official Gazette of Panama). Guna Yala is home to the indigenous group known as the Gunas (day trip)
Rating 4.5 out 5
Lake Bayano is gorgeous and calm. You can take a kayak and explore different islands surrounding the lake. We recommend taking a look at the Bayano Caves. You will have the opportunity to see bats, frogs, fish and small spiders. If you decide to go, bring waterproof hard-toed shoes.
Monkey Island is the ideal experience to see monkeys up close! Here is one tour that is worth checking out! You will visit the famous Monkey Islands where you will see capuchins, howlers, and tamarins. Once you finish with the canal and lake boat ride (around 90 minutes), you will head 45 minutes north to the Caribbean side of Panama. The duration of the entire trip is about 9 hours and $135/person. Rating 4.5 out 5
Things to See/Do
Casco Viejo (Old Town) is a beautiful area of Panama City known as the historic part of town. There are many bars, restaurants and clubs in the area.
Plaza de la Independencia is the main square in Casco Viejo.
The Palace of the Herons is the governmental office and residence of the President of Panama.
Teatro Nacional (National Theater) is located in the old city of Panama.
Plaza de Francia pays homage to the 22,000 workers who died trying to create the canal.
Casa Góngora is a 1760 house from Spanish colonial era.
Iglesia de la Merced is a small and beautiful church built in 1680.
Plaza Herrera sits on the edge of Casco Viejo.
Iglesia de San José has a beautiful golden altar and carved of wood located in Casco Viejo.
Panama Canal Museum is devoted to the history of the construction of the Panama Canal. Rating 4.5 out 5
Panama Viejo is the remaining part of the old Panama City and former capital of the country. It is located in the suburbs of the modern city.
Hike to the top of Cerro Ancon a 654-foot hill that overlooks Panama City.
Biomuseo is located on the Amador Causeway. The museum opened in October 2014. Rating 4 out 5
After the Biomuseo, walk down the Amador Causeway, a beautiful boardwalk.
Miraflores Locks — The most notable sight in Panama, is the canal!
Walk along Cinta Costera to see a beautiful view and meet the locals. Many of the people are playing basketball, free dance classes and runners!
Chabad — On Friday night you can sit down for a beautiful Shabbat hosted by Rabbai Mendy. The food was delicious and authentic!
Dessert
Ice Cream Shop of Granclement — The best ice cream in Panama City! The raisin flavor was delicious! Rating 4.5 out of 5.
Oro Moreno is an authentic chocolate shop!
Palettamerica has the best fresh fruit and ice cream flavors on a stick. Rating 4.5 out 5
Shops
Multiplaza Pacific — This mall is large and clean. Parking is very cheap and you can always find a spot. Rating 4.5 out 5
Ariana Lima Art & Boutique has unique and gorgeous pieces! They even have a handbag for Madonna on hold! Address : Av A , in between Calle 4 and 5, Casco Viejo, Panama.
Restaurants
El Caribe — Specialties include the oxtail in lima beans with dumplings, jerk chicken and octopus in coconut sauce. Rating 4.5 out 5
Mercado de Mariscos — the city fish market, is Panama City’s local seafood market! The Panamanian ceviche was delicious. There are plenty of stalls, but make sure to go to the one where the most people are sitting! Rating 4 out 5
Mi Ranchito’s — specialty is seafood. Their menu features an impressive selection of local shrimp, octopus, squid, lobster and fish dishes. Rating 4 out 5
Trapiche — A traditional Panamanian breakfast. Rating 4 out 5
Diablicos — Located in Casco Viejo, this restaurant has a fun decor and the food is good! Rating 4 out of 5.
Nomada Eatery — a great breakfast or lunch spot in Casco Viejo. Rating 4.5 out 5
Barrio Pizza has the best pizza in Panama! Rating 4.5 out 5
Mahalo — fruit blended bowl (acai bowl). Rating 4.5 out 5
Capital Bistro — A menu standout includes octopus and pork belly skewers, and the cocktails are creative and refreshing. Rating 4 out 5
Tinajas — The meal was one of the most authentic and delicious. Highly recommend the Sangria and the appetizer sampler to try many Panamanian traditional foods! Rating 4 out of 5.
La Vespa — Inside the Trump Tower La Vespa is one of the best meals we had in Panama City! The seafood was fresh and the dishes were large portions and affordable (~$20–30) Rating 4.5 out 5.
Coffee
Mentiritas Blancas serves great coffee with an incredibly friendly owner who is extremely passionate about his business! Rating 4.5 out 5
Cafe Unido — Try the Geisha coffee, $9/cup. You also can’t go wrong with their espresso. Rating 4.5 out 5
Bajareque Coffee House — Geisha coffee is $8/cup! It is extremely smooth and a great place to take the load off after walking through Casco Viejo! David even left his credit card here and it was returned by one of the workers! Rating 4.5 out of 5.
Casa Sucre Coffeehouse — cozy and excellent service. The coffee is excellent! Rating 4.5 out 5
Bars
Relic Bar — a cave-like bar! Rating 4 out 5
Pedro Mandinga —Panama’s first artisanal rum distillery and bar. Rating 4.5 out 5
1400 Rooftop— a rooftop bar that offers all-you-can-drink Margaritas for $10 from 6–9pm on Wednesdays, and the same on Thursdays for women.
Biergarten — great craft beer selection! Rating 4 out 5
La Rana Dorada — they offer a great IPA. Rating 4.5 out 5
Casa Casco — one of the best rooftops in Panama! You can get a variety of fancy drinks with prices similar to NYC ($10+/drink). Rating 4 out 5
La Tapa Del Fresco — Just outside of Casco Viejo you will find this bar. For only $4 / shot, this is the best place to grab drinks before you enter Casco Viejo to party.
Clubs
Tantalo — Tuesday’s they have Artes Martes where they have a live artistic performance, Wednesday is Latin Night, Thursday is Ladies Night, and on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday you’ll find a trendy crowd dancing to the latest DJ mixes. Rating 4.5 out 5
Moloko has quietly become one of Panama City’s favorite underground lairs for late night electronic music. Rating 5 out 5
Casa Jaguar large indoor area that places a mix of music and an outdoor patio with electronic music. Rating 4 out 5
Gatto Blanco rooftop — located next to Tantalo, but has a much more bohemian vibe. They typically have a local DJ playing laid-back electronic music and it offers a lovely view of the glowing Panama City skyline. Rating 3.5 out 5
La Buat — Panama City’s biggest frat party. With live DJs playing all kinds of dance music, with a focus on reggaeton, and specials on bottles and drinks, the atmosphere is drunken dancing. Rating 4 out 5
Food to try
Chicheme: A sweet corn “milk” drink. Not alcoholic.
Seco herrerano: A distilled spirit traditional to the Herrera province.
Arroz con Guandú y Pollo Guisado (Rice and Beans with Chicken).
Carimañolas: Fried, stuffed with cheese, seasoned ground meat or shredded chicken.
Chicharrón: Fried pork belly or fried pork rinds.
Tortilla: Cooked corn dough.
Hojaldra: Puff pastry.
Queso blanco prensado: The national cheese that accompanies your tortilla and hojaldra.
Around the city you will see little stands called “fondas” where you can taste the most authentic Panamanian food for cheap and they all cook using a fogón, a special type of cooking stove. The majority of locals eat at fondas so it is a great way to talk to locals and practice your Spanish.
What we brought
If you forget anything, head over to the Multiplaza Pacific Mall! They have everything you need! We forgot to bring Krispy Kreme donuts, good thing they had them there ;)
Boxers
Socks
T-shirts
Jeans
Hat
Button downs
Nice Shorts
Night t-shirt
Pajamas
Bathing suit
Goggles
Sandals
Running shorts
Athletic boxers
Athletic t-shirts
Running shoes
Sneakers
Nice leather shoes
Waterproof hard-toed shoes
Light sweatshirt
Belt
Bathroom Stuff / Meds
Retainer, retainer solution
Inhaler, tube
DEET bug spray
Sunscreen
Hair gel
Epipen
Nasal spray
Medications
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Floss
Comb
Garbage bag
Electronics / Misc
Passport
2 copies of passport (1 to me 1 to parents)
Print boarding pass
Get seats for plane
Call phone company
Call bank
No jewelry
Bring cash
Backpack
Fitbit, fitbit charger
Cut nails
Phone charger
Kindle, kindle charger
Meditation headset
Wrinkle free spray
Universal power adapter
Airplane pillow
String backpack
Apple Headphones
All of the places I found are through my research on Google and other blogs.
