Panama City: What to Do in 2-3 Days in the Capital?

And here we are — the 6th and final stop on our Panama road trip: Panama City, the grand finale!

We could have started our trip here, but we preferred to wrap it all up in the capital.

Why Visit Panama City?

Panama City is a place that surprises you around every corner: ultra-modern skyscrapers, colonial streets, lush jungle, and trendy rooftops. Perfect for starting or ending a road trip.

Itinerary: 2-3 Days in Panama City

Day 1: Casco Antiguo & Local Vibes

We arrived the day before from El Valle de Anton and stayed in a fantastic apartment through Home Exchange, complete with a rooftop pool! Check more about Home Exchange here

Explore Casco Antiguo (also called Casco Viejo) — we took the metro ($0.35) + a 20-minute walk.
Must-see: Mola Museum, convent ruins, colonial plazas and churches. Buy traditional mola textiles ($15-20) at Paseo de Las Bovedas, with a beautiful view of the Bridge of the Americas and the skyline.
Dinner at Snake Shake — simple but tasty bowls.
Return by taxi: $5

Jour 2 : Jungle urbaine et quartiers modernes

Day 2: Urban Jungle & Modern Districts

Morning: Metropolitan Park (Uber $5 + $5 entry) — well-kept trails and visible wildlife: sloths, titi monkeys. Coatis are common in the morning.

We did all the trails in about 2.5 hours.

Lunch: San Francisco neighborhood — take a bus ($0.25 with transport card, which costs $2).
Afternoon: Walk through Omar Park, a popular local spot.
We skipped Panama Viejo ($17 — not worth it).
Evening: Rooftop at La Azotea — nice but pricey and fancy

More Things to Do in Panama City

Panama Canal & Miraflores Visitors Center
- Watch massive cargo ships cross the locks
- Entry: $10 adults / $5 children (platform + museum)
- Best times: 8-10 am or 2-5 pm
Hike to Ancon Hill
- Free access, chance to see sloths, coatis, toucans
- Easy 30-40 min hike
Nature Parks for Wildlife
- Soberania National Park (Pipeline Road): Top birdwatching spot in Central America
- Camino de Cruces: Historic jungle trail with wildlife
Cinta Costera & Amador Causeway
- Waterfront path with views of the skyline
- Bike rental: $5-10/hr
- Great at sunset for jogging, picnics or strolling
Seafood Market (Mercado de Mariscos)
- Fresh ceviche for $2-5 a cup
- Local restaurants behind the market with grilled seafood
Biomuseo (Biodiversity Museum)
- Designed by Frank Gehry, colorful and interactive
- Entry: $18 adults / $11 children
Shopping & Rooftops
- Multiplaza Mall for high-end stores and cinemas
- Rooftop bars: Tantalo, CasaCasco, La Azotea

Where to Go Out in Panama City

Salsa & Latin Music:

Malecon (Casco Viejo)
La Tana (Casco Viejo)
Relic Bar (Selina Hostel)

Electro / House / Techno:

CasaCasco — 5th floor club
Club Teatro Amador
Marbella Lounge Club

Reggaeton / Urban Party Vibes:

Mar y Oro (Casco Viejo)
BLG (Buena Vida Gastrobar)
Antik (Bella Vista)

Jazz / Chill Live Music:

Danilo’s Jazz Club (American Trade Hotel)
Wanderlust Rooftop

Sunset & Chill Rooftops:

Tantalo Rooftop
Selina Rooftop
La Azotea

Mainstream Party:

La Buat (Casco)
360 Sky Bar
Chupitos 507

Practical Info

Airport to City Center: $15 by Uber (~30 min)
Transport: Metro card required ($2) — fares $0.25-$0.35
Uber vs Taxi: Uber is reliable, cheaper, no haggling

Budget for 2 Days

Accommodation: $30-50/night per person
Food: $10-25/day
Activities: $5-15
Transport: $3-10

Estimated Total: $200-300

Our Tips

Visit Casco Antiguo early morning or evening (for cooler weather & better light)
Don’t miss the Metropolitan Park — easy access to wildlife & greenery
Skip Panama Viejo — poor value
Rooftops are great but pricey — dress appropriately
Be cautious: don’t flaunt valuables, avoid walking alone at night, take Uber or taxis.

Nothing happened to us, but it’s always best to stay alert.

Panama City is more than just a transit point. In two days, you can go from jungle to colonial streets while sipping cocktails on a rooftop. A surprising city worth discovering!