Panama blew me away when I first visited. Seriously, I expected the canal and some beaches, but wow was I wrong. You've got cloud forests where quetzals fly past your face, indigenous communities keeping ancient traditions alive, and that crazy modern skyline next to colonial ruins. Last time I went, I got hopelessly lost in Casco Viejo's rainbow streets – best mistake ever, stumbled upon this tiny cafe with life-changing empanadas. This guide covers absolutely everything you need to know about the top things to do in Panama.
Panama City Essentials
Panama City hits you with sensory overload. One minute you're dodging taxis in the financial district, next you're smelling fresh geisha coffee in a 300-year-old plaza. Worth spending at least 3 days here.
Panama Canal Experience
I'll be honest – Miraflores Locks Visitor Center (Miraflores, Panama City | Daily 8AM-6PM | $20 adults) almost feels too touristy. But watching those 900-foot cargo ships rise like magic? Still jaw-dropping. Go early to avoid cruise ship crowds. Pro tip: Grab tickets online to skip queues. The museum upstairs explains everything from lock mechanics to worker stories.
Casco Viejo Exploration
This UNESCO zone's Instagram heaven with pastel buildings draped in bougainvillea. But beyond photos: - Plaza de Francia at sunset (free) - Tantalo Hotel rooftop cocktails ($10 drinks, epic skyline views) - Feria de Paseo las Bovedas craft market (Sundays)
Watch your step on uneven streets. My sandal got eaten by a crumbling sidewalk hole near Teatro Nacional.
| Attraction | Address | Hours | Cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama Viejo Ruins | Vía Cincuentenario, Panama City | 8:30AM-4:30PM daily | $15 | Climb cathedral tower for skyline photos |
| Biomuseo | Amador Causeway | 10AM-4PM Tue-Sun | $22 | Frank Gehry's wild architecture alone worth it |
| Mercado de Mariscos | Av. Balboa, Panama City | 6AM-5PM daily | $10-25 meals | Try ceviche at street stalls upstairs |
Beyond the City: Nature Adventures
Panama's real magic lies outside the capital. I nearly cried seeing sloths in Gamboa – yes, I'm that person.
Rainforest Immersion
Don't make my mistake: Pack quick-dry clothes! Humidity turns cotton shirts into wet rags in 10 minutes flat.
Pipeline Road, Gamboa (Free entry | 24hrs) – World-class birding spot. Saw toucans within 15 minutes of arriving. Guides charge $50 for 3hr walks but you can DIY.
Soberania National Park ($5 entry | 8AM-4PM) – Hiked the Plantation Trail solo. Felt like Jurassic Park minus dinosaurs. Howler monkeys sound terrifying when you're alone!
Mountain Escapes
Boquete - Coffee fanatics rejoice:
| Coffee Farm Tour | Duration | Price | Rating | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finca Dos Jefes | 2.5hrs | $25 | 4.8★ | Organic processing demo |
| Kotowa Coffee Estate | 3hrs | $40 | 4.6★ | Historic mill + waterfall |
The Quetzal Trail hike kicked my butt last rainy season. Mud sucked my boots right off! Still worth it when that iridescent green bird appeared.
Island Paradises
Panama's coastlines deliver absurdly gorgeous beaches. San Blas? Sure, everyone goes there. Let me suggest alternatives:
Caribbean Hideaways
Bocas del Toro islands require flight ($150 rt from Panama City) or brutal 10hr bus. Once there:
- Starfish Beach (Isla Colón | Free | Water taxi $5) – Hundreds of red starfish in waist-deep water
- Red Frog Beach (Bastimentos | $5 entry) – Actually saw namesake poison dart frogs!
- Filthy Friday boat crawl ($60) – Starts chill, ends messy. You've been warned.
Pacific Coast Gems
Taboga Island ("Island of Flowers") – Just 20min ferry from city ($20 rt). Perfect day trip:
Beach lounging > seafood lunch at Chuchecas ($12 whole fried fish) > hike to summit cross for panoramic views
Cultural Deep Dives
Beyond postcards, Panama's soul lives in its diverse communities.
Guna Yala Territory
Visiting San Blas requires cultural sensitivity. Remember:
- Always ask permission before photos ($1 fee common)
- Don't bring plastic bottles - they'll confiscate them
- Homestays start at $25/night including meals
My Guna host family laughed when I tried mola embroidery. Their 8-year-old daughter did better in 5 minutes than I did in an hour.
Festival Highlights
Time your trip right:
| Event | Location | Dates | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnaval | Countrywide (best in Las Tablas) | Feb/Mar (4 days pre-Lent) | Wild water fights & nonstop dancing |
| Diablicos Festival | Los Santos Province | Late January | Devil mask parades & folk theater |
Essential Panama Travel Intel
Getting Around
Uber works great in Panama City ($3-7 rides). For longer trips:
- Buses: Cheap but chaotic. Panama City-Santiago: $8, 4hrs
- Domestic flights: Air Panama to David/Boquete ($120), Bocas ($150)
- Rental cars: $35/day but parking nightmares in cities
Safety & Scams
Panama's generally safe but watch for: - Counterfeit bills (check watermarks) - Taxis without meters (negotiate first) - Pickpockets in Albrook bus terminal
That "friendly local" offering to show you Casco's hidden gems? Probably leading you to his cousin's overpriced shop.
Budget Breakdown
What things to do in Panama actually cost:
| Activity | Budget Range | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | $12-18 | $50-80 hotel | $200+ resort |
| Local meal | $3-6 | $10-15 restaurant | $30+ fine dining |
| Canal tour | $20 Miraflores | $75 partial transit | $300 full transit |
Top Questions About Things to Do in Panama
What's the #1 overrated attraction?
Hands down, the Amador Causeway. It's just a paved walkway with mediocre restaurants. Better views from Ancon Hill.
Best rainy season activity?
Coffee tasting in Boquete. Clouds hug the mountains beautifully. Or hit Panama City's world-class museums.
Can you swim in Panama Canal?
God no! Aside from being illegal, ship propellers would shred you. Swim in Gatun Lake instead.
Is Darien Gap safe for tourists?
The Darien jungle? Absolutely not. Drug traffickers and migrants make it dangerous. Stick to established trails elsewhere.
Unique souvenirs that aren't tacky?
Mola textiles from Guna artisans ($15-50) or geisha coffee beans ($25/lb). Avoid "black coral" jewelry - it's usually plastic.
Final Reality Check
Not everything's paradise. San Blas roads will rattle your teeth out, Bocas parties get obnoxiously loud, and city traffic induces rage. But sitting on a deserted Caribbean island eating fresh coconut? Watching monkeys swing over the canal? That's the Panama magic. Last trip, I met a fisherman in Pedasi who took me surfing at dawn for $20. Found more joy in that morning than whole resorts.