Panama City Unpacked: The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

¡Bienvenidos a Panamá! Drop off your suitcases, check in to your hotel, and get ready to start exploring.

Start your adventure with a sightseeing tour to get acquainted with the city’s highlights, or if you prefer, go it alone and explore at your own pace.

Whichever way you choose, wander through Casco Viejo, the charming historic old town, where cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and colorful buildings transport you back in time. Key landmarks like the Panama Cathedral, Plaza Mayor and Presidential Palace showcase the district's Spanish and French influences. As you explore, you'll also find charming cafes, art galleries and boutique shops.

The city’s other popular neighborhoods offer a total contrast to Casco Viejo. The downtown skyscrapers of Panama City create a stunning modern skyline, showcasing the city’s rapid growth and development as a financial hub. With sleek, towering skyscrapers, the city’s architecture is a striking contrast to its historic districts, symbolizing Panama's blend of tradition and innovation.

As the sun sets, head over to El Faro de Casco Antiguo for an unforgettable view, where you can take in both the historic and modern skylines while enjoying a delicious seafood dinner.

Finish your evening on a high note with a nightcap at Luna Rooftop, a stylish cocktail bar perched on the 31st floor of a downtown skyscraper.

Spend your second day visiting the country’s most-known feature, the Panama Canal.

Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to get a glimpse into the engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Watch massive ships pass through the locks while learning about the canal’s history, construction and its global impact through different exhibits and interactive displays.

Continue learning about the canal on a jungle cruise through Gatún Lake. On a speedboat, zoom through this man-made reservoir in the Panama Canal, passing by transiting container ships to learn more about the canal’s operations. As the boat navigates through back channels, islands and bays, you’ll observe local flora and fauna, including different types of monkeys.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Panamanian culture through its vibrant cuisine. Make your way to Fonda Lo Que Hay, a trendy restaurant that puts a creative spin on traditional Panamanian fondas (humble roadside eateries known for their hearty, flavorful dishes). Here, you’ll savor upscale, reimagined versions of classic Panamanian recipes, blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques for a truly memorable dining experience.

For your third day, take a day trip outside the city to see more of Panama. Day trips can include excursions to nearby islands, national parks, indigenous villages and other destinations, but I recommend visiting the Colon province to enjoy a day mixed with history, adventure and relaxation.

While tours may vary in their itinerary, highlights of a Colon day trip include visiting the ruins of a Spanish fort, cruising through mangrove forests, swimming in secret lagoons and relaxing on Caribbean beaches.

After driving for an hour and a half, stop at Fort San Lorenzo to see one of Panama’s most historic landmarks. Perched dramatically above the Chagres River, this 16th-century Spanish fortress was once a key defense against pirate attacks.

Alternatively, tours may bring you to Fort Santiago outside Portobelo. In Portbelo, you can also stop by the Museo de la Real Aduana de Portobelo or the Royal Customs House Museum of Portobelo, to learn more about trade and maritime history during the colonial period. Portobelo is also home to one of Panama's most significant pilgrimage sites. Inside the Church of San Felipe, you'll find the Cristo Negro (Black Christ), a revered wooden statue attributed to several miracles.

Next, head to the docks to board a small speedboat and venture into the lush mangrove forests. Glide through narrow waterways, marveling at the tangled roots and vines of the mangroves, before pulling into secluded lagoons for a quick swim.

After a refreshing dip, hop back in the boat and continue cruising along until you reach nearby islands for a relaxing beach break.

Spend the rest of the day floating in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, lounging on sandy beaches and soaking up the Panamanian sunshine. Our excursion took us to Isla Mamey and Isla Grande, but Colón offers plenty of other stunning beaches and islands to enjoy. Depending on the location, you may find amenities such as cabana rentals, umbrellas, jet skis and other equipment to enhance your beach day.

After a full day of adventure, return to your hotel and treat yourself to some well-deserved rest and room service to cap off the day in comfort.

Spend your fourth day experiencing more of Panamanian culture and learning about its conservation efforts.

Start by heading to the Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador), a scenic roadway that connects the mainland to four islands. Originally built with rocks from the Panama Canal construction, it previously served as a breakwater protecting the canal's entrance. Today, it’s a popular recreational area offering stunning views of the city skyline, the Pacific Ocean and ships passing through.

Enjoy the panoramic views and sea breeze by renting bikes, going for a jog or leisurely strolling along the palm tree-lined walking paths.

Next, take a few hours to learn more about Panama’s flora and fauna by visiting the Biomuseo or the Smithsonian Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center.

The Biomuseo is a vibrant museum dedicated to showcasing the country’s rich biodiversity and its role as a natural land bridge between North and South America. Designed by Frank Gehry, it features engaging exhibits on Panama’s ecosystems, wildlife and environmental challenges.

The Smithsonian Institute’s Punta Culebra Nature Center offers a mix of marine and amphibian exhibits, walking trails, hands-on science activities and recreational spaces. Be sure to take advantage of their two trails through the tropical dry forest. These paths zig-zag through a refuge for sloths, iguanas, armadillos, birds and other creatures.

After spending most of the day outdoors, treat yourself to dinner at the nightlife hotspot of CasaCasco. This popular venue features a different concept on each of its five floors, including three different restaurants, a nightclub and a rooftop terrace. I recommend visiting the rooftop to enjoy panoramic views of Casco Viejo and buzzy beats from the DJ. From here, you can dance the night away!

For your final day in Panama, start your day with exploring local favorite flavors.

No trip to Panama City is complete without enjoying local Chinese food. Panama is home to one of the largest and oldest Chinese communities in Latin America, and it’s said that one in five Panamanians today can claim some Chinese ancestry. They trace their roots back to an influx of Chinese immigrants who originally arrived in the mid-1800s to work in railroad construction. The Panamanian-Chinese community continues to be an influential pillar in local life, maintaining many cultural traditions and customs.

A tradition that’s become a favorite among all Panamanians is enjoying dim sum for a weekend brunch. Colloquially known as desayuno chino (Chinese breakfast), Panamanian dim sum includes classic Cantonese small plates like shrimp and pork dumplings, steamed buns, sticky rice in lotus leaves and other bites served with tea.

Join in on the tradition by getting the quintessential dim sum experience at Palacio Lung Fung or Wah Kee. Make sure to arrive with enough time to spare, as dim sum service usually ends in the early afternoon.

For the rest of your final day, choose to relax by the hotel pool or return to Casco Viejo to go souvenir shopping.

In the evening, catch one last sunset at Sama Sky Lounge, the highest rooftop bar in Casco Viejo. Enjoy a cocktail or two and toast to your amazing time in Panama!