Panama City, Panama-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning:
    • Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
    • Exchange currency for Panamanian Balboas (or use credit cards) at the airport
    • Take a taxi or Uber to your hotel (approximately $25-$30 USD)
    • Check-in at Hotel Centrum (affordable and centrally located), or Hotel Grand (luxurious)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Miraflores Locks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to witness the Panama Canal in action
    • Take a stroll along the Amador Causeway, a scenic waterfront promenade with great city views
    • Grab lunch at La Tasca de la Plaza, a local eatery serving traditional Panamanian cuisine (try the Sancocho!)
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at El Cholo, a popular spot for seafood and steak
    • Explore the lively nightlife in the Casco Viejo neighborhood, known for its bars, clubs, and live music

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Museo Antropológico Reina Torres de Escorza, a museum showcasing Panama’s indigenous culture
    • Explore the historic Old Town (Casco Viejo) area, with its colonial architecture and picturesque streets
    • Stop by the Iglesia de la Compañía, a beautiful 18th-century church
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a tour of the Panama Canal Museum to learn about the canal’s history and engineering marvels
    • Visit the Museo de las Culturas de Panamá, a museum featuring exhibits on Panama’s diverse cultural heritage
    • Enjoy lunch at Restaurante 1800, offering local cuisine with a twist (try the grilled chicken!)
  • Evening:
    • Relax with dinner and drinks at El Jardín, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures

  • Morning:
    • Take a guided hike through the nearby Soberanía National Park, featuring lush rainforests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife
    • Visit the Gatun Locks to watch boats pass through the Panama Canal from the other side (take a taxi or ride-share)
  • Afternoon:
    • Enjoy lunch at Taco St., a casual spot for delicious tacos and burritos
    • Take a boat tour of the Panama Bay, offering stunning views of the city skyline and nearby islands
    • Visit the Amador Waterfront to see the boats and yachts docked there
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante El Cangrejo, serving fresh seafood and steak

Day 4: Shopping and Relaxation

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Multiplaza Panama shopping mall, featuring a wide range of international brands and restaurants
    • Explore the local market at Plaza Santa Ana, offering handmade crafts, souvenirs, and street food
  • Afternoon:
    • Treat yourself to a spa treatment at Spa El Bosque, or take some time to relax in the hotel pool (if available)
    • Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC), featuring modern art exhibitions and installations
    • Enjoy lunch at Café Concierto, a cozy spot for coffee, pastries, and light bites
  • Evening:
    • Attend a performance or concert at Theatro Nacional, Panama’s premier performing arts venue

Day 5: Day Trip to Colón

  • Take a day trip to Colón, located on the opposite side of the Isthmus (approximately $20-$30 USD for transportation)
  • Visit the Colón Free Zone, a duty-free shopping area offering discounts and savings
    • Stop by the Museo de la Ciudad, showcasing the history and culture of Colón
    • Enjoy lunch at La Casa de las Ensaladas, serving fresh salads and light bites
  • Return to Panama City in the evening for dinner and relaxation

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning:
    • Check-out from your hotel and transfer back to the airport (approximately $20-$30 USD)
    • Exchange any remaining currency for international currency or use credit cards at the airport
  • Before departing, take a final stroll along the Amador Causeway or visit the Miraflores Locks one last time

Additional Tips:

  • Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Consider learning basic Spanish phrases to interact with locals.
  • Currency: Panama uses the Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar as its official currency. Credit cards are also accepted at most places.
  • Weather: Panama City has a tropical climate, with high temperatures year-round. Be prepared for heat and humidity, especially during summer months.
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to ensure your safety while traveling in the city (avoid carrying large amounts of cash, keep valuables secure, etc.).

Getting Around:

  • Taxis: Available at most corners, but use reputable services like Taxi Express or Uber.
  • Ride-Sharing: Uber and Cabify are widely available in Panama City.
  • Public Transportation: Use buses (such as the MetroBus) for a more affordable option.

Other Essentials:

  • Power Adapters: Panama uses Type A and B power sockets, with 120V and 60Hz frequency.
  • Water Bottles: Stay hydrated by purchasing refillable water bottles or using a filtered water source.
  • Snacks: Bring snacks to keep your energy levels up while exploring the city.

Recommended Accommodations:

  • Budget-Friendly: Hotel Centrum (approximately $40-$60 USD per night) or similar options
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Grand (approximately $80-$120 USD per night) or similar options
  • Luxury: InterContinental Panama City (approximately $150-$250 USD per night) or similar high-end hotels

Note: Prices may vary depending on the season, hotel availability, and other factors.