Panama City

Three Cities in One

Its buildings portray it as a modern city, but it is also a historic city. In fact, it holds two other cities, both declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The oldest one is Panama Viejo, it is an archaeological site that preserves the ruins of the first city, founded in 1519 and destroyed by pirates. The other one is Casco Antiguo, a walled colonial city full of color, history and flavor. Walk around its streets, you’ll find a great offer of museums, hotels and the best nightlife, with rooftops and restaurants.

Creative Gastronomic City

If you are looking for culinary experiences, you’ll be delighted to know that Panama City is a Creative Gastronomic City, recognized by UNESCO and it has 4 restaurants on the list of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants. Dine out in the areas of San Francisco, Costa del Este and Casco Antiguo in modern places with ambiance, or in the Cinta Costera for more local and outdoor experiences. Here you’ll find great food for all tastes and budgets.

Connectivity

Getting around the city is relatively easy. You have several digital transportation platforms, buses and the subway line. For the latter two, it is better to have cash. If it rains, you can also ask the hotel to call you a cab. Note that many tour operators include transportation in their rates for excursions, especially to the outskirts of the city. They can pick you up to go sailing to Taboga Island in the Gulf of Panama or have a cultural encounter with the Emberá community on the banks of the Chagres River or with the Gunas on their lands.

Nature and Parks

If you are looking for greenery and biodiversity, then you are in the right place. The city has several natural parks for hiking, birding, and wildlife observation. The views of the city from the Metropolitan Park will leave you speechless.

For sea adventures, visit the Amador Causeway. There are 4 islands joined by rocks excavated during the construction of the Panama Canal. It is one of the favorite places for Panamanians to walk, skate and bike. There, you’ll find several coastal services where you can take fishing charters or ferries to the Pearl Islands. There is also the Biomuseo, the Panama Convention Center and the SmithsonianResearch Institute, which set up a center dedicated to the exploration of the natural world.

Visit Panama City, a cultural, logistical and natural epicenter. It is also the best connected to undertake trips to stunning destinations nationwide. Don't be surprised if you end up extending your stay to see more of the beautiful Panamá.

Getting There

This is our main gateway. From here, you can reach all national destinations, as it is the best-connected city in the country.

The city has two airports. Tocumen International Airport, just 40 minutes from downtown, receives direct flights from more than 80 destinations in America and various provinces in the country. Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport is smaller but closer. From here, you can take flights to and from David City and Bocas del Toro.

At the Gran Terminal de Transportes de Albrook, you will find buses to all provinces of the country. Renting a car and moving around Panamá is relatively easy. Our roads are well-marked, and most of the country is connected by easy-to-navigate roads. Use navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps or public transport apps for a more comfortable journey.