Things to Do in Panama City

The Panama Canal is one of the greatest engineering achievements in human history, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through a 50-mile waterway that raises ships 85 feet via gravity-powered locks. The Miraflores Visitor Center offers observation decks where you can watch massive container ships transit through the locks - an awe-inspiring sight. The center includes an excellent museum detailing the canal's construction history, an IMAX theater showing a Morgan Freeman-narrated documentary, and a restaurant with lock views. Over 25,000 workers died building this wonder. Visit after 2 PM for guaranteed ship crossings and cooler weather.

Casco Viejo is Panama City's charming historic quarter and UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial and neoclassical buildings. Wander through Plaza de la Independencia where Panama declared independence from Colombia in 1903, admire the Metropolitan Cathedral with its mother-of-pearl bell towers, and discover the famous Golden Altar at Iglesia de San Jose that was hidden from pirates. The neighborhood offers world-class rooftop bars like Tantalo, excellent restaurants, and the scenic Paseo Esteban Huertas waterfront promenade with views of the modern skyline. Best explored on foot - simply get lost in the atmosphere.

Panama Viejo is the original Panama City founded in 1519, making it the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. In 1671, the notorious pirate Henry Morgan attacked with 1,400 soldiers and burned it to the ground - legend says either Morgan or locals set the fires to prevent plunder. Today the atmospheric ruins stand as a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the iconic tower of the Old Cathedral and remnants of colonial buildings. The on-site museum provides context about the city's tragic history and the lives lost. Visit early morning to beat the heat and explore the standing stone walls at this moving historical site.

The Amador Causeway is a scenic 6-kilometer road built between 1904 and 1914 using rock extracted from Panama Canal construction. It connects four small islands to the mainland, splitting the Pacific Ocean from Panama Bay at the canal entrance. Today it's a popular spot for walking, jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying ocean breezes and city skyline views. Rent bikes at Bicicletas Moses at the causeway entrance and explore restaurants, cafes, and bars along the route. The causeway is also home to the striking Biomuseo designed by Frank Gehry. Watch container ships entering and exiting the canal from this unique vantage point.

The Biomuseo is Panama's landmark biodiversity museum, instantly recognizable by its explosion of colorful geometric shapes designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry - his first work in Latin America. Located on the Amador Causeway, the museum explores how Panama's emergence from the sea three million years ago changed the world's biodiversity by connecting North and South America. Interactive exhibits showcase Panama's incredible array of ecosystems and species. The building itself is worth the visit, with its rainbow metallic canopies creating stunning photo opportunities against the bay. Allow time to explore the surrounding outdoor exhibits and waterfront setting.

Parque Natural Metropolitano is a remarkable 265-hectare tropical rainforest preserve within Panama City limits - one of the only protected forests inside a major Latin American capital. Easy hiking trails wind through the semi-deciduous forest, offering chances to spot wildlife including monkeys, sloths, toucans, agoutis, and hundreds of bird species. The Cerro Mono Titi trail leads to a viewpoint with panoramic vistas of the city skyline and the canal. It's a refreshing escape from urban heat and a reminder of the incredible biodiversity surrounding Panama City. Bring water and binoculars for birdwatching.

The Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market) near the entrance to Casco Viejo is an authentic local experience where Panamanians come for the freshest seafood in the city. The lower level displays an impressive array of fresh fish including yellowfin tuna, red snapper, mahi mahi, giant prawns, and octopus - select your catch and take it upstairs where they'll cook it for just $6. Or simply order from the menu at the popular upstairs restaurant serving excellent ceviche. The Japanese-donated building flies both Japanese and Panamanian flags. Arrive hungry and don't be discouraged by the fish market smell - the food is worth it. Expect lines on Sunday afternoons.

Cerro Ancón is the highest point in Panama City at 199 meters, offering spectacular panoramic views over both historic Casco Viejo and the modern downtown skyline. The summit is reached via an easy 30-minute hike along a paved road through protected rainforest that was once part of the Canal Zone. The hill is home to wildlife including toucans, monkeys, and sloths - though sightings require luck. At the top, the giant Panamanian flag marks the symbolic return of the Canal Zone to Panama in 1999. The hike is particularly rewarding at sunrise or sunset when the light illuminates the city below.