Weather
Tropical, 85°F year-round. Dry season Dec–Apr. Rainy May–Nov with afternoon showers — mornings are clear.
Currency
US Dollar used everywhere. No exchange needed. ATMs on every block. Cards accepted at most places.
Language
Spanish is official. English widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and business districts.
Essentials
US power outlets. Uber works perfectly. Tap water is safe. Free WiFi everywhere.
Travel Essentials
Uber & DiDi
Easiest option. $3–8 for most rides. Safe, reliable.
Metro
Modern, A/C. $0.35/ride. Lines 1 & 2.
Taxis
Yellow cabs. No meters — agree first. $3–5 city, ~$30 airport.
Hospitals
Pacifica Salud (Punta Pacifica) ↗ — Johns Hopkins affiliated.
Hospital Nacional ↗ — Full service. Av. Cuba.
Hospital Paitilla ↗ — Trusted private hospital.
The Panama Clinic ↗ — Modern private clinic.
Pharmacies
Farmacias Arrocha ↗ — 30+ locations.
Farma99 — Inside every Super 99.
Metro Plus ↗ — Convenience pharmacy chain.
Farmavalue ↗ — Generic options.
Emergency
Emergency: 911
Hatzala: 507-202-2525
Police: 104 · Fire: 103
MiniMed (Home Care) ↗ — WhatsApp +507 6927-9912
Riba Smith ↗
Upscale. American, European, Asian imports.
Super 99 ↗
46 stores. Good prices. In-store Farma99 pharmacies.
El Rey ↗
Local farmer network. Fresh produce.
Super Kosher ↗
World's largest kosher supermarket. 80,000 sq ft.
PriceSmart
Costco-style warehouse club.
Super Xtra ↗
Mid-range supermarket chain. Wide selection.
Deli K Market ↗
Kosher market. Carefully curated selection.
Farmacias Arrocha ↗
Pharmacy + 15 departments.
Metro Plus ↗
Pharmacy & convenience chain.
El Javillo ↗
Pharmacy. Friendly neighborhood service.
Farmavalue ↗
Pharmacy. Generic and brand options.
Visa
Most nationalities: 90–180 days on arrival. US, Canada, EU, Israel — no visa.
Safety
Generally safe. Use Uber at night. Tap water is safe.
Connectivity
Local SIM at airport ~$5–10. WiFi free at most hotels.
Tipping
10% at restaurants. Round up for taxis. $5–10 for tour guides.
Best Time
Dec–Apr dry. May–Nov rainy.
Safety Tips
Hotel safes for valuables. Uber over street taxis.
Top Attractions
Ancient ruins, modern marvels, and raw tropical nature — all in one city.
The Panama Canal
One of the greatest engineering feats in human history. Watch massive container ships squeeze through locks just meters from your observation deck. The Miraflores Visitor Center has a museum, IMAX theater, and a restaurant perched right over the action.
Casco Viejo
UNESCO cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, rooftop bars, art galleries, the city's best restaurants.
Panama Viejo
Ruins of the original city, founded 1519, destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan. Iconic cathedral tower and museum.
Amador Causeway
6km road connecting four islands. Bike, walk, or dine waterfront with skyline views. Spectacular sunsets.
Monkey Island
Boat tour on Gatun Lake. Capuchins, howlers, sloths, toucans, crocodiles. ~4 hours from Gamboa.
Gamboa Aerial Tram
Ride 280ft up through the canopy. Observation tower with Canal views. Butterfly house and serpentarium.
Biomuseo
Frank Gehry masterpiece. How the Isthmus of Panama changed Earth's biodiversity. Great for all ages.
Embera Village
Dugout canoe up the Chagres. Traditional dances, crafts, jungle cuisine. 45 min from the city.
Rainforest Discovery
Soberania National Park. 525+ bird species. Observation tower. Best at dawn.
Cinta Costera
8km waterfront promenade. Jogging, cycling, free outdoor gyms. The skyline as your backdrop.
Neighborhoods
Each barrio has its own soul.
Where to Eat
Panama City is a culinary melting pot with hundreds of world-class restaurants. Navigate by category.
Curated Google Maps Lists
Save these to your phone for instant directions to every spot we love.
Maito ↗
Latin America's 50 Best. Chef Castrellon's flagship — innovative Panamanian cuisine.
Makoto ↗
World-class sushi, 11th floor of Kenex Plaza. Rooftop terrace, Edomae-style.
Kaandela ↗
Farm-to-table in Casco Viejo. Seasonal Panamanian cuisine.
Lima Nikkei ↗
Peruvian-Japanese fusion inside JW Marriott. Specialty cocktails.
CasaCasco ↗
Five-level venue with fine dining and rooftop bar.
Filomena ↗
Italian seafood on Av. Balboa. Breathtaking bay views.
A to Z Experience ↗
Chef Ariel's exclusive private tasting experience.
Fonda Lo Que Hay ↗
Kickstarted Panama's culinary renaissance. Bold Panamanian street food.
La Pulperia ↗
Casco Antiguo. Craft cocktails, craft beer, sharing plates.
Nazca 21 ↗
Peruvian. Sea bass ceviche, elaborate seafood platters.
BRUMA ↗
Casco's newest. Famous fish sandwich, buttery lobster roll.
Mercado de Mariscos ↗
Legendary fish market. Cheap, fresh ceviche upstairs.
Diablicos ↗
Elevated Panamanian by Chef Castrellon in Casco Viejo.
La Tapa del Coco ↗
Afro-Caribbean Panamanian. Coconut-based dishes.
Mai Mai ↗
Chinese-Panamanian fusion. One of the most popular in the city.
El Trapiche ↗
Traditional Panamanian classics in a relaxed setting.
Concolon Street Food ↗
Authentic Panamanian street-food concept.
Gaucho's Steak House ↗
Argentine parrilla. Premium cuts, chimichurri, empanadas.
Marula ↗
Outstanding steak tartare and grilled meats. Upscale.
Market by JW Marriott ↗
Premium steaks in the JW Marriott. Elegant setting.
El Enemigo ↗
Top steakhouse with rooftop energy.
Pretelt Meats ↗
Butcher-driven steakhouse with prime cuts.
Brazzeiro ↗
Brazilian-style churrascaria. Endless skewers.
Benny's ↗
American-style steakhouse with classics.
Texas de Brazil ↗
Brazilian rodízio with skewers and salad bar.
Segundo Muelle ↗
Peruvian seafood chain. Outstanding ceviche and pisco sours.
Siete Mares ↗
Classic seafood restaurant. Fresh catches, traditional preparations.
La Casa del Marisco ↗
Traditional Panamanian seafood. Generous portions.
Umi ↗
Panamanian Izakaya by Chef Kamel. Japanese-inspired small plates.
Nacion Sushi ↗
Local sushi chain with creative rolls. Multiple locations.
Azahar ↗
Asian-inspired. Innovative cocktails and fusion dishes.
Golden Unicorn ↗
Best dim sum in Panama City. Traditional Chinese.
Cafe Unido ↗
High-end Panamanian chain. Best breakfast in Casco. Geisha pour-over.
Kokoma ↗
Coco del Mar. Panamanian-Japanese flavors. Best matcha in the city.
Leto Coffee ↗
Three branches. In-house roasted Panamanian beans.
Cooking Mamma ↗
San Francisco. French pastries, specialty coffee, incredible brunch.
Miranda Bakery ↗
Charming villa in San Francisco. Favorite brunch spot.
Sisu Coffee Studio ↗
Casco Viejo. Remote-work friendly. Geisha coffee.
Casa Sucre ↗
Boutique in Casco. Rustic charm. Specialty Boquete beans.
Bajareque ↗
Specialty roaster in Casco. Single-origin Panamanian.
Krume Backer ↗
Austrian-Panamanian organic bakery. Coffee bar with Geisha.
Mahalo ↗
Tropical brunch garden.
Galana ↗
Bakery and brunch spot.
Bungla Coffee House ↗
Cozy specialty coffee.
Gamboa Baking Co. ↗
Bakery and coffee in Gamboa.
Athanasiou ↗
Greek cafe and bakery.
Annie & Motts ↗
Cafe with character.
Deli Gourmet ↗
Quick gourmet sandwiches.
Coffee Max ↗
Fast lunch and coffee.
Salva ↗
Healthy, quick eats.
Cuquita Cookita ↗
Casual quick-lunch spot.
Ozone ↗
Cafe and lunch counter.
Kitchen ↗
Plant-forward healthy menu.
Vitali ↗
Healthy Mediterranean. Kosher dairy.
Fit Choices ↗
Macro-balanced healthy meals.
Planticeria ↗
Plant-based / vegan.
Arrogante ↗
Romantic dinner spot.
Villa Ana ↗
Garden setting. Date-night staple.
Madre Cucina ↗
Italian. Intimate.
r.i.c.h.a ↗
Modern bistro for couples.
Casa Alejandro ↗
Spanish tapas and paella.
Meze ↗
Greek mezze plates.
Hanjip ↗
Korean BBQ.
Taj Mahal ↗
Authentic Indian curries.
So Hot ↗
Modern Chinese.
Napoli ↗
Family Italian / pizza.
Athens Pizza ↗
Pizza, kid-friendly.
Parrillada Jimmy ↗
Family parrilla.
La Papa ↗
Casual family menu.
Tre Scalini ↗
Family Italian classic.
Cantina del Tigre ↗
Mexican-inspired hotspot.
Los Años Locos ↗
Argentine grill, classic Panama institution.
Afrodisiaco ↗
Sensual menu. Unique date spot.
Austin Mammas ↗
American-style comfort food.
Espeziak ↗
Spice-forward modern menu.
Shoyu ↗
Asian delivery only.
Puro Bowl ↗
Healthy bowls. Delivery only.
Happy Burger ↗
Burgers. Delivery only.
Taqueria La Rosa ↗
Mexican. Delivery only.
Mammas Pizza ↗
Pizza. Delivery only.
Aroma ↗
Gourmet kosher dairy cafe (Jalav Israel).
Yoss Bakery ↗
Fresh-baked breads and pastries (Jalav Israel).
Jeffrey's Bakery ↗
Bakery and cafe.
Pita Pan ↗
Mediterranean kosher dairy cafe.
Adama ↗
Israeli-inspired kosher meat.
Aria ↗
Upscale kosher meat dining.
Lula Casco ↗
Kosher meat in Casco Viejo.
Miznon ↗
Eyal Shani's pita-driven kosher concept.
Yoss Burger ↗
Kosher burger bar.
Mamba by Diana ↗
Kosher dairy patisserie and cafe.
La Spezia ↗
Kosher Italian dairy.
Tostados 24 ↗
Kosher sandwiches and grill.
Pita Plus ↗
Kosher Israeli street food.
Fonda mi Reinita ↗
Kosher Panamanian comfort food.
Nightlife & Bars
From craft cocktail rooftops to hidden speakeasies and pulsing dance floors.
Tantalo Rooftop ↗
Casco Viejo icon. The most famous rooftop in the city.
Lazotea
Spectacular sunset views of 'new' Panama across the bay.
CasaCasco Rooftop ↗
Five-level venue. Panoramic old town views.
Barlovento
One of the best vibes in the city. Great cocktails.
Selina Rooftop
Craft beer, electronic music. Young, trendy crowd.
Kundalini (Waldorf)
Ultra-premium. Skyline views. Sophisticated.
Terrat Rooftop ↗
One of the city's most-Instagrammed rooftops.
Vista Corona ↗
Skyline-facing rooftop with craft cocktails.
El Enemigo ↗
Steakhouse rooftop. Big crowd, big energy.
Amano Bar ↗
Hidden behind a bookshelf inside a barbershop. Calle 12, Casco.
La Barbera Casco ↗
Reservation-only. Secret entrance. World-class mixology.
Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar ↗
Casco's rum HQ. Local rums, craft cocktails, live music.
The Strangers Club
Upscale cocktail lounge. Inventive drinks, sophisticated vibe.
Casanova ↗
Speakeasy. Hidden entrance, intimate setting.
Arcano ↗
Mystical-themed speakeasy. Reservation only.
Olivo Wine Bar ↗
Wine bar & shop. Curated bottles by the glass.
El Jardin de Casa Ideal ↗
Garden wine bar. Magical atmosphere.
Corcho ↗
Wine bar with extensive Old & New World selection.
Calle Uruguay
The nightlife strip. Bars and clubs on every block.
Casa Jaguar
Restaurant by day, club by night. DJs in Casco.
Danilo's Jazz Club
Live jazz. Intimate venue, great cocktails.
Havana Panama
Cuban salsa, mojitos, dance floor.
La Rana Dorada ↗
Panama's original craft brewery. Multiple locations.
Istmo Brew Hub ↗
Local craft brewery with food. Seasonal specials.
FURIA Panama ↗
Top nightclub. Big DJs, big crowds.
Teatro Amador ↗
Casco Viejo nightclub. Restored historic theater.
Euforia Panama ↗
Casco Viejo. Late-night dance floor.
La Barbara ↗
Reservation-only. Secret entrance. World-class mixology.
Amano ↗
Hidden behind a bookshelf inside a barbershop. Calle 12, Casco.
Colectivo ↗
Craft cocktails, intimate vibe. A local favorite.
Element Cocktail Experience ↗
Inventive drinks. Refined, modern atmosphere.
Mangle ↗
Mangrove-themed cocktail bar. Tropical ingredients, Casco Viejo.
La Rana Dorada ↗
Panama's original craft brewery. Multiple locations.
Cerveceria Central Taproom ↗
Local craft beers on rotation. Casual taproom.
Cerveceria Legitima ↗
Boutique microbrewery. Small-batch experiments.
Blue Moon Tap House ↗
Wide tap selection. Casual atmosphere.
Istmo Brew Hub ↗
Local craft brewery with food. Seasonal specials.
Golf
Championship courses set against tropical landscapes and Canal views.
Tucan Country Club & Resort ↗
Designed by J. Michael Poellot
18-hole par-72 on 180 acres. Spectacular views of the skyline and Panama Canal. Advanced drainage — play resumes 30 min after rain. Clubhouse, pools, tennis, restaurants.
6am–5pm daily
Summit Golf Club & Rainforest Resort ↗
Designed by Jeffrey Myers
18-hole par-72 overlooking the Culebra Cut of the Canal. Set in 160 acres of rainforest within Camino de Cruces National Park. Originally 1930s, beautifully restored. Golf academy, simulator, driving range.
507-232-4653
Also nearby: Santa Maria Golf (Jack Nicklaus Design, 7,100 yds) · Coronado Golf (Tom Fazio) · Vista Mar Golf & Marina
Tours & Activities
From canal cruises to jungle adventures.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Self-paced sightseeing across the city's icons.
Panama Canal & Old City
The marvels of the Panama Canal, historic ruins, and vibrant Casco Viejo — all in one unforgettable day.
Book this tour →
Monkey Island & Gamboa
Boat tour through the Panama Canal — spot playful monkeys and giant ships up close.
Book this tour →
Canal + Old City + Monkey Island
A full-day combo: Monkey Island, Miraflores Locks, and a stroll through colonial Casco Viejo.
Book this tour →
Portobelo & Venas Azules
Historic pirate ruins, a cruise to Venas Azules, snorkeling, and a secluded Caribbean beach.
Book this tour →
Embera Indigenous Village
Scenic boat ride, traditional dance, ancient crafts, and a refreshing waterfall visit.
Book this tour →
Anton Valley
Hike India Dormida for breathtaking views, visit a butterfly house, and relax in natural hot springs.
Book this tour →
Philippines Waterfall
An active day hiking, interacting with wildlife, visiting seven waterfalls including the majestic Nativa.
Book this tour →
Bayano Caves
Adrenaline-packed adventure: boat ride on Lake Bayano, explore caves with bats, end with a kayak ride.
Book this tour →
San Blas Day Tour
Visit Perro Grande Island, snorkel the Perro Chico shipwreck, and relax with the Kuna people.
Book this tour →
Scuba Diving
Dive into the vibrant Caribbean waters of Portobelo. Quick lesson, then discover marine life on two dives.
Book this tour →
ATV Jungle Ride
Ride through rainforests, cross rivers, discover hidden waterfalls — spot monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds.
Book this tour →
Sky Dive Panama
Adrenaline-packed adventure in the sky! Safety briefing, training, then a freefall jump over Panama.
Book this tour →
Fishing & Beach Day + Kosher BBQ
Unforgettable fishing in world-class waters. Unwind on a pristine beach with a delicious kosher BBQ.
Book this tour →
Scavenger Hunt — Old City
A personalized family scavenger hunt through the charming old city's landmarks and locals.
Book this tour →
Shopping
From luxury boutiques to bargain markets.
Boutiques & Small Businesses 8 brands ▾
Women's Fashion Boutiques 10 brands ▾
Entertainment
Cinemas
Cinepolis VIP (Multiplaza) — Reclining seats, waiter service.
Cinepolis (Soho Mall) — Latest releases.
Cinemark (Albrook) — Largest screen selection.
Cinemark XD (Multicentro) — Premium experience.
Museums
Biomuseo ↗ — Frank Gehry. Biodiversity.
Museo del Canal ↗ — Canal history in Casco.
MAC ↗ — Contemporary art.
Mi Pueblito ↗ — Traditional village.
Panamá Viejo ↗ — Original colonial ruins.
More Things to Do 7 venues ▾
Padel Clubs 15 venues ▾
Bike Rentals (Amador Causeway) 5 venues ▾
Wellness & Spas
Luxury Spas
Alta Vita — First full-service luxury medi-spa.
Santa Maria Spa — At the exclusive golf club.
Waldorf Astoria Spa — Ultra-premium.
Massage & Day Spas
Casa Thai — Traditional Thai massage.
Sensory Spa (Westin) — Full menu of treatments.
Erosia Spa — Calm atmosphere.
Fitness
Mi Asana Yoga — Excellent studio.
F45 / CrossFit — Drop-in classes.
Cinta Costera — Free outdoor gyms.