Top Things to Do in Panama City: A First-Timer’s Guide

Planning your first trip and wondering what are the best things to do in Panama City? You’re in for a treat: history, culture, nature, incredible food, tropical islands, and world-class shopping all wrapped up in one vibrant Central American destination. Whether you’ve got just a few days or a full week, this guide covers the top things to do in Panama City to make your first visit unforgettable.

1. Wander Casco Viejo (the Old Town)

Casco Viejo (also called Casco Antiguo or San Felipe) is your first stop for history, charm, and great photo ops. Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, colourful buildings, this area was rebuilt in 1673 after the old city (Panamá Viejo) was destroyed by pirates. 

Don’t miss out on the:

• Plaza de la Independencia, with its cathedral (Catedral Basílica Santa María la Antigua) dominating the square.  Learn more about Casco Viejo

• Plaza de Francia, with views over the bay and reminders of French involvement with the Canal.

• Rooftop bars for sunset, tiny cafés, artisan shops. You’ll find hidden gems in every alleyway. 

Casco Viejo gives you that perfect “old world meets modern Panama” vibe. Great for wandering, people‑watching, and getting acclimated to travel through this Central American gem.

2. One of the Highlights of Visiting Panama City – The Panama Canal

You can’t go to Panama and not check out the Canal (judging myself harshly because I haven’t gone yet, but I shall make my way there on my upcoming trip). It’s not just an engineering marvel; it’s part of Panama’s identity and definitely a major backbone of its economy.

The Miraflores Visitor Centre is the classic place to watch ships transit the locks and learn about the canal’s history and operation.

For something more adventurous, there are tours combining boat rides through Gatun Lake or along parts of the Chagres River. Some full‑day tours even pair the canal with a visit to an Embera village.

This is one of those must‑do Panama City attractions. It’s educational, scenic, and gives context to why Panama matters in global history.

The Ziplines at POIN Panama at Night

3. Ziplining Across the Skyline at POIN Panama

POIN Panama is perfect if your heart beats a little faster when you’re off the ground. Think urban adventure meets skywalks. But it’s definitely not one for the faint of heart at all!

• Take a zipline high above the city, hovering over skyscrapers with epic views.

• Try the beam or swing, walk on glass floors, VR viewpoints, and more aerial experiences. If you’re a thrill‑seeker, this is definitely your kind of vibe, but I would advise that you ensure you use the toilet before attempting this experience.

If you want a mix of adrenaline and a skyline panorama all in one, POIN Panama delivers. The rooftop also features a great restaurant and bar, so you can definitely treat yourself to a refreshing drink and something nice to eat after conquering some of your greatest fears high up in the Panamanian skyline.

4. Touring one of the Embera Villages is a Must-Do in Panama City

For a dose of indigenous culture and natural beauty, the Embera village tour is unforgettable. This is hands down my absolute most favourite tour throughout my many visits to Panama City.. It’s unique, adventurous and allows you to experience indigenous cultures like you’ve never done so before.

• Travel to the Chagres River (canoe ride included), walk through jungle trails, maybe a waterfall swim, then meet the Embera people. Learn about their culture, arts, food, and dance.

• Tours are often full‑day, include lunch and transport to and from your hotel or Airbnb in Panama City.

Make sure to try all of the amazing foods that they bring out (especially those patacones and fish) and do not miss any serving of those fresh fruits. I swear that they were the tastiest and sweetest fruits that I’ve ever had in my life.

If you’re down for it as well, I’d highly recommend paying about US$5 to get a tattoo from one of the tribe members, which surprisingly lasted two weeks even after many washes and baths.

This experience is a must-do do any visit to Panama. It’s more than sightseeing; it’s meeting people and seeing another way of life that has been preserved and protected for centuries of existence.

Thinking of doing a tour, this is the one I recommend here that offers incredible value, pickup to and from your hotel and the tasty lunch I spoke about: Book the Embera Village Tour

5. Shop – The Malls in Panama City are Legendary

Don’t skip shopping in Panama City at all. In fact, that’s probably your main reason for heading to Panama in the first place. The malls in Panama City are modern, clean, air‑conditioned (much appreciated with the humidity there!), and perfect for souvenirs, fashion, electronics, and basically anything you’re looking for tbh. 

• Panama has several large malls (Multiplaza, Albrook Mall, MetroMall, etc). The largest by far is Albrook Mall, which is the largest in Central America and also an absolute fave amongst all visitors. If you’re looking for the best deals and bargains, Albrook Mall is the one for you!

• Personally, I love buying my clothes at Multiplaza, which is a more upscale shopping centre with the popular brands that you’ll love. The Zara in Albrook Mall is GOATED though! Metro Mall is a great combination of the two in my opinion. You get the budget department stores, but also the classic brands that make you look and feel your best.

• Furthermore, if you want local crafts, you’ll also find a few artisanal shops in the malls, but Casco Viejo is definitely a better bet for your souvenir shopping, especially if you’re looking for handcrafted items.

• Useful tip: pay attention to tax/refund rules, carry small bills for local vendors, and bargain a little at artisan stalls. A good haggle is part of the game, but don’t overdo it, especially with the indigenous peoples. I despise seeing tourists trying to get more of a deal on a major deal already.

While visiting Panama City, shopping gives you a chance to rest, snack, and see how locals live (mall culture and all) while grabbing things you’ll actually use or remember later on in the year or even your trip!

  The Bio Museum at the Amador Causeway in Panama City

6. Visit the Biomuseo

The Biomuseo is a standout in Panama City: an architectural beauty, natural history, and interactive exhibits all wrapped up in one. If you’re from Trinidad and Tobago, it basically looks like one of the SBCS buildings, but much larger and much more colourful. 

It was indeed a great visit when I set foot in Panama City for the first time, and it’s the perfect activity I would recommend for families with children, especially. 

Some fun facts about the museum:

• It was designed by Frank Gehry and it’s his first building in Latin America.

• The museum tells how the Isthmus of Panama formed, how it changed global biodiversity (mixing species between North & South America, etc.).

• There’s also a botanical garden/outdoor exhibits. It’s located on Amador Causeway. Easy to reach from downtown via Uber or Indrive, and is a great way to spend at least 2 hours of your time in Panama City. 

Overall, this spot is great if you want something educational, beautiful, calm, and different from the usual hustle & bustle of a sprawling metropolis. 

Book your tickets directly at the Biomuseo when you arrive. It’s US$20 for Adults (foreigners) and US$12 for children between 5 and 17 years old. BioMuseo Panama City

7. Try Amazing Seafood at Mercado de Mariscos

If food is one of your travel pleasures, the Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) is a feast for all senses.

• The Mercado de Mariscos is located near Casco Viejo, on Avenida Balboa/waterfront (Cinta Costera).

• First floor: fresh catch stalls. Upstairs / around: restaurants that cook up fish, ceviches, shellfish, etc. Go early for the freshest selection, or head out one evening for an amazing dinner.

• Portions are super affordable. Atmosphere is casual, local and loud. It’s undoubtedly the kind of place where you can eat well and soak in local life.

NB: The servers working for the various restaurants will hassle you upon entry! They will all be shouting ‘amigo/a’ to get you to purchase at their stall. If this is not your vibe, I won’t recommend a visit. It’s a very cultural experience, especially when they know you’re a tourist visiting for the first time. Take your time and don’t be flustered. Rule of Thumb: Eat where you see the most locals gathered and always inspect the cleanliness of the general area around the stalls.

A seafood stop like this is necessary in any Panama itinerary, especially for first‑time visitors who want real flavour, not just Instagram shots. And the price is right, so trust me!

8. San Blas Islands

Want to escape the city? The San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) are postcard‑perfect: white sand, turquoise water, palm trees, pristine coral. It’s such a bucket-list thing for most tourists to do, and for good reason.

These are remote islands off the coast of Panama and require more planning: boat or flight from the city, plus paying attention to travel safety, weather, and overnight stays if you want more than a day trip.

Furthermore, most people tend to go for at least a day trip, especially if their time in Panama City is limited and they want to cross it off their list. The journey there is quite the feat, but it’s honestly super worth it once you see the beauty up close. If I haven’t been just yet, but I’ve been eyeing this tour for the longest: San Blas Island Hopping Day Tour

The Guna Yala people (another popular indigenous group from the region) govern the San Blas islands, so experiencing their culture is part of the experience.

If you can carve out 2‑3 days for this, it might be one of the most magical parts of your Panama travel memory. But honestly, if you’re on a tight itinerary, a day trip will also do wonders for you.

9. Taboga Island

If you’re looking for a shorter island getaway as opposed to the San Blas Islands, Taboga is ideal. It takes less time to get there, and it’s the perfect opportunity for a catamaran cruise. 

It’s only 30 minutes by ferry from Panama City, and you’re sure to enjoy your whole self on the island. You’ll find sandy beaches, a historic walking tour (with a bilingual guide), and the church of San Pedro (one of the oldest in Latin America, built in 1524), among other colonial/historic remnants.

It’s great for a half‑day or full‑day trip if you want relaxation without going too far from the city and feeling a bit rushed. Looking to sail over? Check out this Taboga Island Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar Tour out!

Best Things to Do in Panama City: Final Tips

For some final tips on planning out your next adventure in Panama, I’d highly recommend considering the below to ensure that you do it right the first time around: 

• Try to balance history, nature, relaxation and food. Panama City has all those, but packing too many adventure things in one day can tire you out quickly! Come for the amazing shopping, but there’s much more than just the malls.

• The morning time is golden: the canal, the biomuseo, Caso Viejo and many of these attractions are best before the midday heat and crowds settle in, so prioritise them early in the day.

• Panama’s weather is tropical, so bring light clothes, sunscreen, bug repellent, and rain gear (when in doubt).

• Stay in the city centre but spend at least a night or two in Casco Viejo for ambience and easy access to the best rooftops and bars. Be ready to use Uber and even the metro to get from point A to B affordably..

• The official currency is the Balboa (but US dollars are used interchangeably throughout the country), so check the cash situation, especially for small vendors.

These are the top things to do in Panama City for first-time visitors, and you’ll leave with more than a filled photo gallery. You’ll have tasted unbelievable seafood, learned stories older than many countries, zipped above the city skyline, sailed island waters, and felt the warmth of both the sun and the people. Whether you’re drawn to rich history, diverse food, beautiful beaches, or want a mix of everything, Panama City delivers the ultimate Central American experience. Pack your camera, your appetite, and your spirit of adventure. Panamá espera por ti (Panama awaits you).