by curtisbellis (cropped image) / [CC BY-SA 3.0

A Vibrant Coastal City Known for Its Modern Skyline and Historic Charm

A. About Panama City

Nickname: The City of Eternal Spring

Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, serves as a dynamic blend of modern skyscrapers and historic charm, seamlessly merging the old with the new.

Moreover, its strategic location along the Pacific coast makes it a critical hub for international trade, particularly due to the Panama Canal, which facilitates global maritime connections.

The city's Casco Viejo district is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering colonial-era architecture and cultural landmarks.


The Good

With its location on the Pacific coast, near lakes, canals, and tropical islands, Panama City enjoys a spectacular location.

Additionally, Panama City has a reasonable public transport system, including buses and a metro system.

Shopping in Panama City is diverse, offering a range of malls, markets, and luxury outlets.

Negative Aspects

The climate in Panama City can be quite challenging due to its hot and humid conditions, with a lot of rainfall year-round. The city's tropical weather can make outdoor activities uncomfortable, especially in the rainy season.

 


B. Best Things to Do in Panama City in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than thirty sights in Panama City. The following sights and attractions contribute to a solid score of 5.70/10 in this most important category:

# CASCO VIEJO 7 3.5 out of 5 stars

Casco Viejo, also known as the Old Quarter, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases colonial-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant plazas.

It’s a lively area offering a mix of history, nightlife, and dining, with rooftop bars providing stunning views of Panama City's skyline.

City District  🌏 World Heritage Site: since 2003

by Garcia.dennis / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Panama Canal 7 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Panama Canal is a world-renowned engineering marvel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, operating since 1914. The canal’s economic and historical importance makes it a symbol of human innovation and international trade.

Canal

by Paul Harrison / CC BY-SA 4.0

# PANAMA VIEJO RUINS 6 3 out of 5 stars

The Panama Viejo Ruins are the remains of the original Panama City, established in 1519 and destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.

The archaeological site includes a museum and the iconic bell tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Ruins  🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1997

by Editorpana / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Miraflores Visitor Center 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

A must-see for understanding the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, the Miraflores Visitor Center combines historical exhibits, interactive displays, and stunning views of passing ships.

Visitor Center

by Ivo Kruusamägi / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Ancon Hill 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Ancon Hill is a natural reserve offering panoramic views of Panama City and the canal. The hill is crowned with a giant Panamanian flag symbolizing national pride.

Hill

by Rodrigo Guerrero / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Plaza de la independencia 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Located in Casco Viejo, Plaza de la Independencia is where Panama declared its independence from Colombia in 1903. The square is surrounded by historical buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Panama Canal Museum.

Square

by Ssaucedoc  / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Biomuseo 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Biomuseo is a strikingly colorful museum designed by architect Frank Gehry. Its exhibits focus on Panama's role in connecting the continents and its biodiversity.

Museum | Modern Architecture

by ArnoldReinhold / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Church Of Saint Joseph (Capilla San Jose) 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Church of Saint Joseph is famous for its intricately gilded altar, the "Altar de Oro." It is a peaceful sanctuary in the historic Casco Viejo district.

Church

by Rodrigo Guerrero  / CC BY-SA 2.0

# F&F Tower (El Tornillo) 4 2 out of 5 stars

El Tornillo, or "The Screw," is a unique spiraling skyscraper in Panama City’s financial district. It stands out as an architectural icon and symbol of modernity.

Skyscraper

by Mariordo / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

#10 | Iglesia del Carmen 4 2 out of 5 stars

This neo-Gothic church in downtown Panama City is an architectural marvel with intricate stained-glass windows and soaring spires. Its striking facade makes it a favorite spot for photography and a symbol of the city's spiritual heritage.

Neo-Gothic Church

by Rodrigo Guerrero / CC BY-SA 2.0

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌎 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Panama City

#11 | Amador Causeway  4 2 out of 5 stars

The Amador Causeway is a scenic roadway connecting three small islands in Panama Bay, offering panoramic views of Panama City's skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Lined with restaurants, shops, and walking paths, it’s a popular spot for cycling, jogging, and enjoying the waterfront.

Scenic Roadway

by Ayaita / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

#12 | Museo de la Mola 4 2 out of 5 stars

Museo de la Mola showcases the intricate textile art of the Guna Yala Indigenous people.

Museum

by Johantheghost / CC BY-SA 3.0   

– Plaza Bolivar 4 2 out of 5 stars

This historic square in Casco Viejo is surrounded by colonial buildings, charming cafes, and important landmarks. The plaza features a statue of Simón Bolívar, honoring his role in Latin America's independence.

Square

by Robinson Urriola / CC BY-SA 3.0

– Plaza de Francia 4 2 out of 5 stars

Plaza de Francia, at the southern tip of Casco Viejo, honors French efforts in the early stages of the Panama Canal's construction. The site features an obelisk, commemorative plaques, and a gallery highlighting the canal's history.

Square

by Rodolfo Aragundi / CC BY-SA 2.0

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Panama City

Taboga Island 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Located 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Panama City, Taboga Island is just a 30-minute ferry ride away. Known as the "Island of Flowers," it boasts sandy beaches, lush hiking trails, and a small but picturesque village.

Island  Distance from Panama City: 20 km

by Osopolar / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

Pearl Islands 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Pearl Islands, an archipelago of over 200 islands and islets, are renowned for their white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and abundant marine life.

Located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Panama City, they can be reached by a 15-minute flight or a 1.5-hour ferry ride.

Island  Distance from Panama City: 80 km (50 miles)

by Rowan Heuvel insolitus / CC0 

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Panama City (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Panama City for at least three entire days:

🌏 CASCO VIEJO 7

Panama Canal 7

🌏 PANAMA VIEJO RUINS 6

Miraflores Visitor Center 5

Ancon Hill 5

 Taboga Island (20 km away) 5

Plaza de la independencia 5

Biomuseo 4

Capilla San Jose 4

F&F Tower 4