This is the place to come if you want to see how ships transit through the Panama Canal locks. It is located 8.6 km from the city center (20 min by car). The visiting hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the cost ranges from $7.22 to $17.22 for non-residents, which includes access to the Canal Museum, a tour of the locks, access to the restaurant, and the IMAX Theater.

This is the historic district of the city, and it holds the oldest buildings and much of Panamanian history. It's also one of the best places to buy local souvenirs. Additionally, it features various hotels and restaurants, such as The American Trade Hotel, Central Hotel, Hotel La Compañía, Casablanca Restaurant, Fonda Lo que Hay, and Diablicos Restaurant. Pro-tip: take an Uber! Parking is limited.

This is the place to come if you want to learn the history of the construction of the Panama Canal in its various stages, featuring the initial French construction attempt, the later construction by the United States, and the eventual transfer to Panamanian control. It's open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the cost ranges from $7.50 to $15 for non-residents.

It is a peninsula with views of the Canal and the Panama City skyline, making it a great place to enjoy scenic walks or bike rides. Additionally, it represents a causeway that connects several islands with seafood restaurants and outdoor terraces, such as Mi Ranchito and Restaurante Pencas.

This museum, designed by famous architect Frank Gehry, focuses on the natural history of biodiversity in Panama and the region. Located at the beginning of the Amador Causeway in Panama City, it welcomes visitors from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (Tues-Fri) and from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Sat & Sun). Cost ranges from $16-20 for non-residents.

Panamá Viejo ("Old Panama") is an archaeological site where the first city of Panama was founded. Located ten (10) minutes from the city center, it welcomes visitors from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (Tues to Sun) with an admission cost ranging from $7 to $17 for non-residents.

This is a stretch of road with sea views that connects the Paitilla neighborhood with the Casco Antiguo. Access is free, and you can visit the famous Mercado del Marisco (Seafood Market) to see the day’s fresh catch and then enjoy a delicious meal right there. Pro-tip: try a freshly made ceviche!

The place to be if you are an adrenaline junkie! Fidel and I went last year and loved it (see pic hehe). It has a bunch of activities, including climbing, ziplining, and swinging, as well as a skydeck with one of the best views of both the modern and the old Panama City (Casco Antiguo).

If you are looking to do some shopping while here, Multiplaza will probably get you covered, from luxury brands like Cartier, Gucci, and Hermes to good old Krispy Kreme for an afternoon sugar treat. Other shopping malls are Albrook Mall, Soho Mall, and Altaplaza.

With reservations and a fee, you can plan a trip to these breathtaking islands located on the Caribbean coast of Panama. They are part of the comarca (region) of Guna Yala, governed by the indigenous Kuna people. They are renowned for their pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs, making them ideal for snorkeling. I recommend San Blas Adventures if you want to schedule a day or multi-day tour from Panama City.

With multiple locations in the city, this is the place to go if you want a taste of traditional Panamanian cuisine. For breakfast, make sure to try the bollos de maiz nuevo, bistec encebollado, and Panamanian fritters like hojaldras, corn tortillas, carimañolas, or almojábanos. My favorite is the emparedado de ropa vieja on a corn tortilla or hojaldra base. For lunch, make sure to try our famous chicken soup "sancocho"!

Located inside Casco Antiguo, come here to enjoy delicious Panamanian food like sancocho and seafood dishes, the unique flavors of Creole cuisine, and a live performance of Panama's traditional folkloric dance!

Dim sum for breakfast is a beloved tradition in Panama City! This custom reflects the country's rich Chinese heritage, dating back to 1854 when Chinese workers arrived to work on the Panama Railroad. Servers push carts with a variety of dishes—such as shrimp dumplings (jakao), pork buns (hampao de puerco), fried wontons, and siu mai—allowing diners to select their favorites as the carts pass by.

Known as the only restaurant-museum in Panama, this place offers delicious Mediterranean fusion dishes along with an impressive exhibition of antique cars dating back to 1916. Pro-tip: make reservations in advance and try their brunch!

Currently nominated as #25 on Latin America's Best Restaurants, this place offers a range of reimagined Panamanian dishes, including ceviches, chuletón de cerdo (pork chop), and sides like arroz con coco (coconut rice) and plátano maduro (sweet plantain). Reservations are recommended.

Located within Ciudad del Saber, this is the perfect weekend spot to recharge with a few baked goods, like the classic cinnamon roll, indulgent pecan caramel sticky buns, or flaky chocolate almond croissants. For a savory bite, the pizzas here are always a win.

This chef-operated bakery creates outstanding artisanal breads, burgers, and desserts. For something savory, a favorite is the Americana Burger, served with a choice of fries sprinkled with fresh rosemary or sweet potato fries topped with honey. For a sweet treat, make sure to try their Lava Cake de Dulce de Leche or their chocolate chip cookies.

Located inside Casco Antiguo, this restaurant/bar is renowned for its fusion of traditional Latin American and seafood dishes, earning rave reviews for its octopus and fresh ceviche. It is also a popular spot for happy hour, as it has an extensive bar selection offering refreshing cocktails at fair prices.

This is a popular spot for many travelers seeking to try authentic Afro-Panamanian dishes. Its playful menu includes light bites, such as plantain tart and chicharrones, and bigger bites, such as jerk chicken and oxtail stew. Picture: torrejitas de bacalao (cod fritters) and One Pot Colonense.

Founded by world-renowned chef Mario Castrellón, Maito is a regular on Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list. Sourcing sustainable products from indigenous communities, he creates colourful dishes based on traditional cuisine, such as shrimp wonton dumplings and local staple sancocho soup. Pro-tip: make reservations and try their fresas con crema for dessert!