Curator’s statement
Ever since I learned about the freshwater Panama Canal that slices through the jungle, I knew Panama City had to be on my list. Add in the Spanish-inspired charm of Casco Viejo, the pristine beauty of the San Blas Islands (governed by the Indigenous Guna people), and the surprise of one of Central America’s most modern skylines, and it quickly climbed to the top of my travel wishlist. Panama City is a lively city with a rich and unique culture, gorgeous beaches to explore outside the city, and a vibrant food scene—all wrapped in a package that didn’t break the bank.
The Fora Difference
Book with Justin to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Panama City
Unlock perks by contacting Justin to book your trip.
Things to do in Panama City
View of the Caribbean ocean from one of the 365 Sans Blas islands.
Casco Viejo
With its colorful Spanish-influenced architecture, cobblestone streets, and open plazas, it felt like I had been dropped into a quiet corner of Spain. I visited The Panama City Museum inside the city hall (free admission!), toured several churches, and soaked up the old-world vibe that blends so beautifully with modern street art, rooftop bars, and trendy cafés.
Multiplaza & Albrook Mall
Two of the largest shopping centers in Latin America. Albrook even has its own train station and animal-themed signage to help you navigate the massive footprint. Whether you’re after luxury brands or local fashion, Panama City is a surprising shopping paradise.
Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre)
The experience began with an IMAX movie narrated by Morgan Freeman that lays out the canal’s history and impact. Then I made my way to the viewing deck and watched as massive ships passed through the locks, guided by the iconic electric locomotives that kept them perfectly centered. It was a wild reminder of the human race’s ingenuity and Panama’s global importance for shipping.
San Blas Islands
A remote stretch of over 365 islands managed by the Indigenous Guna people. It’s a bit of a trek—three hours each way by van and boat—but absolutely worth it. I visited four different islands, each more breathtaking than the last. I got to swim and snorkel, including at a shipwreck-turned-reef, now teeming with colorful fish and coral just offshore. They also provided us with a delicious lunch with the option of fresh-caught fish or chicken.
Taboga Island
Thirty minutes by ferry from Panama City, or visit on a catamaran tour with an open bar, great music, and a stop at the back of the island to swim near a waterfall in a tucked-away bay. I wandered through the island’s tiny town of about 1,600 people, home to one of the oldest churches in the Western Hemisphere, then tackled a self-guided hike to the island’s peak called Cerro de la Cruz. It took about 1.5 hours round trip with some steep, rocky sections, but I was rewarded with amazing views at the end.
Embera Indigenous Village
About an hour from the city and a short, but scenic canoe ride through the rainforest on the Chagres River, we hiked to a stunning waterfall, complete with a swimmable basin and that photo-perfect moment under the falls. Back at the village, we shared a meal, learned about their history, and ended the day with dancing and a ride back down the Chagres River. It felt like stepping into another world and being warmly invited in.
Metropolitan Natural Park
If you’re short on time but still want a taste of Panama’s natural side, head just minutes from downtown. For $5, you can hike through a lush rainforest with a real chance of spotting sloths, monkeys, toucans, turtles, and more. The trail is well-maintained and ranges from easy to moderate, but the cityscape views from the summit are what make it unforgettable.
Places to eat & drink in Panama City
The view of the Panama City skyline at night from the Sama Sky Rooftop in Casco Viejo.
Gauchos served up one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. It’s a classic Argentinian steakhouse with rich flavors, expert preparation, and a warm, traditional Spanish vibe. An absolute must for any meat lover.
Lo Que Hoy is ranked as one of the top restaurants in Latin America, and lived up to the hype. The menu is diverse, creative, and shows off Panama’s local ingredients with a modern twist.
GRILA stole my heart with its beautiful aesthetic. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to photograph your food and your surroundings. Thankfully, the food backs up the visuals, with Mediterranean dishes that are both flavorful and refined.
Panaviera, perched on the 66th floor of the Ocean Sun Casino, is ideal for sunset cocktails.
Sama Sky Bar brought the cocktails and city views in a slightly more relaxed setting. Great for drinks and light bites with a view.
For breakfast and casual bites, Paul was my go-to. This French-inspired café has multiple locations and offers everything from coffee and pastries to full meals. Think flaky croissants, tartines, and strong espresso—all reliably delicious.
La Rana Dorada is a great, casual, and friendly craft brewery in Casco Viejo to break up the day or have a relaxing night out.
Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar, offers up some of the best rum cocktails that are strong and made with local rum!
Snack Shack is a little place of heaven tucked away in Casco Viejo that is perfect for a quick bite in between exploring.
Need to know
Panama City is a great solo travel destination—especially if you’re comfortable navigating new cities with a bit of common sense and curiosity.
Uber is widely available and was my go-to for transportation that was safe, comfortable, and very affordable. I’d recommend avoiding local taxis unless you can negotiate a price upfront.
English isn’t widely spoken outside of hotels and Casco Viejo. Knowing a bit of basic Spanish goes a long way, and in my experience, people were friendly and more than willing to use translation apps to bridge the gap.
Being LGBTQ+ is legal in Panama, though same-sex marriage is still not recognized, and there are no discrimination protections. While the legal rights aren’t as advanced as some other countries, my experience on the ground was overwhelmingly positive!
One of the best things about Panama City? It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of destination when it comes to cost. Whether you’re a budget traveler or someone chasing a luxury experience without going broke, Panama delivers.
For accommodations, luxury hotels like the W Panama (where I stayed) were around C$250 per night—an incredible value compared to what you’d pay for a W Hotel in North America. Mid-range hotels go for C$100–200, and you can even find decent budget options for less if you’re flexible!
Travel Advisor
Justin McLaughlin
Get in touch with Justin
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Justin within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Panama page.