Top Things to Do in Panama: Unforgettable Experiences Across the Bridge of the Americas
From colonial history to pristine beaches and wild rainforests, discover Panama’s must-see attractions and unique cultural highlights.
Panama is where continents and oceans collide, offering adventurers, beach lovers, and culture seekers a dynamic set of experiences. From the alleyways of its colonial heart and the iconic Panama Canal, to remote islands, rainforests teeming with wildlife, and world-famous surf breaks, Panama is the bridge of the Americas and a powerhouse of possibility. Dive in with this guide to the top things to do in Panama.
1. Stroll the Winding Streets of Casco Viejo
The UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo (also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe) is the soul of Panama City and a postcard-perfect district of cobblestone lanes, pastel-hued facades, and centuries-old mansions reborn as trendy cafes, art galleries, and boutique hotels. Casco Viejo sprang up after infamous pirate Henry Morgan sacked the original Panama City in 1671, and today its fortifications remain lined with plazas, churches, and revived palaces.
- Wander leafy Paseo Esteban Huertas for panoramic bay views and meet Guna women selling vibrant hand-stitched molas.
- Visit Iglesia de San José to admire the legendary gold altar, famously hidden from pirates by quick-thinking priests.
- Sit at a terrace café and soak up the local energy, or visit one of the district’s galleries and museums to take in the city’s cultural scene.
- Consider a half-day traveler’s Spanish course to help you connect with locals during your stay.
2. Surf Epic Waves at Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina, once a quiet fishing village, is now known for some of Central America’s most spectacular and consistent surf. Surfers come from across the world to test themselves on powerful breaks at La Punta, where swells can reach up to 9 meters (30 feet) between February and August. However, beginners are welcome at the calmer Playa El Estero, considered one of Panama’s best places to learn to surf.
- La Punta: For advanced surfers—expect serious waves and a tight-knit surf crowd.
- Playa El Estero: Broad, sandy bottom—perfect for first-timers and families.
- Santa Catalina is also a gateway for Coiba National Park boat trips, making it ideal for divers and snorkelers.
3. Watch Giant Ships Move Through the Panama Canal
Few engineering marvels are as captivating as the Panama Canal. This 80km-long shipping channel connects the Pacific Ocean with the Caribbean Sea using monumental mechanized locks. Watching mega-ships ascend and descend between oceans is an unforgettable experience and Miraflores Visitor Center (just outside Panama City) is the most popular place to get up close.
- Miraflores: Four-story viewing platforms offer unmatched canal views. Try to time your visit for the transit of a large vessel and don’t miss the canal’s 3D movie.
- Agua Clara Locks: Located on the Caribbean side, these modern locks accommodate giant Neopanamax ships and offer a different perspective, with fewer crowds.
- For a true immersion, join a partial or full transit tour and experience the passage by boat.
4. Hike, Raft, and Savor Coffee in Boquete’s Highlands
Set in Panama’s mist-shrouded highlands, Boquete is an adventurer’s paradise and a breath of cool, fresh air after the tropics. Outdoor enthusiasts can trek up the volcanic slopes of Volcán Barú for sunrise vistas, zip-line over cloud forests, or raft down raging rivers. Meanwhile, coffee aficionados will be tempted by some of the world’s finest beans, including the rare and prized Panama Geisha.
- Hike to the summit of Volcán Barú (3,475m) for panoramic sunrise views—on clear days, you can see both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
- Zip-lining, rappelling, and rock climbing offer thrills in pristine nature.
- Tour local coffee plantations to learn about cultivation and enjoy tastings of exceptional brew.
- Savor farm-to-table cuisine and mingle with expats and locals at lively restaurants in town.
5. Explore Bocas del Toro’s Island Paradise
Bocas del Toro is the definition of Caribbean cool—a scattered archipelago awash in turquoise water, coral reefs filled with marine life, and laid-back beach huts stilted over the sea. Whether you seek lively backpacker hostels or tranquil eco-lodges, there’s something for everyone.
- Dive or snorkel in Nature’s aquarium, with vibrant coral gardens and dolphins offshore.
- Party or mingle on Isla Colón’s bustling streets, or retreat to peaceful Isla Bastimentos for rainforest walks and tranquil beaches.
- Surf some of Panama’s best Caribbean breaks or lounge with a cocktail under a palm tree.
6. Discover the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)
The Guna Yala region (also called the San Blas Islands) is an autonomous Caribbean paradise governed by the Guna people since their 1925 revolution. With 365 islands, most entirely unspoiled and free from mass tourism or luxury resorts, this is the place to disconnect—there’s little Wi-Fi but plenty of hammock time, white sand beaches, and Caribbean bliss.
- Stay in rustic beach cabins and feast on fresh seafood straight from the sea.
- Snorkel, paddle, or relax amid crystal-clear waters and coral reefs brimming with life.
- Organized tours from Panama City make island-hopping easy; bring potable water, as supplies can be limited.
- Experience the rich Guna culture—purchase handcrafted molas direct from artisans.
7. Dive into Panama’s Wild National Parks
Panama is blessed with a network of stunning national parks—refuges for rare wildlife and adventurers alike. Trails wind through neotropical forests alive with toucans, monkeys, jaguars, and sloths, while rivers thunder and waterfalls plunge through lush valleys.
- Soberanía National Park: Just outside the city, this is a world-famous birdwatching destination with over 500 species recorded.
- Parque Nacional Darién: The largest and wildest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to indigenous Emberá and Wounaan people.
- Coiba National Park: A marine reserve with whale sharks, humpback whales, and rare creatures both underwater and on the island.
- Jungle treks, canopy tours, and boat trips are readily available for all experience levels.
8. Engage with Panama’s Indigenous Cultures
Meet and learn from Panama’s diverse indigenous communities, including the Guna, the Emberá, and the Ngäbe-Buglé. Many groups open their doors to visitors for immersive cultural encounters and nature-based adventures, often deep within extraordinary landscapes.
- Emberá villages: Accessible via boat along the Chagres River, these villages offer insight into traditional life, crafts, and forest knowledge.
- Guna artisans: Interact with Guna families on the San Blas Islands for a firsthand introduction to their vibrant mola art and communal governance.
- Ngäbe-Buglé: Visit the highland communities and learn about their agricultural traditions and colorful festivals.
9. Chill in Colonial Cafés and Local Hangouts
For a taste of old Panama, pull up a wooden chair at Café Coca-Cola—the city’s longest-running café since 1875. Humble and nostalgic, its storied walls have seen a colorful cast, from revolutionaries to music stars and Hollywood legends.
- Enjoy hearty Panamanian fare paired with refreshing local drinks.
- People-watch and soak up the city’s living history in a setting that remains largely unchanged through the decades.
- Seek out other casual street-side hangouts across Panama City—especially in Casco Viejo—for an authentic local vibe.
10. Walk the Cinta Costera at Sunset
Join locals for a stroll, bike ride, or jog along the photogenic Cinta Costera—a 7km waterfront promenade tracing the edge of Panama City. With the bay on one side and gleaming skyscrapers on the other, the Cinta Costera is the city’s open-air living room and perfect for unwinding at day’s end.
- Watch the city light up as the sun sets behind the Bridge of the Americas.
- Sample food from vendors or enjoy an impromptu concert, especially on weekends.
- Stop at shaded parks, playgrounds, and scenic lookout points along the route.
11. Plan an Eco-Adventure in the Highlands and Jungles
Beyond the big-name destinations, Panama teems with hidden eco-adventures. From zip-lining above forests in El Valle de Antón, to exploring river canyons in Chiriquí or birdwatching in volcanic calderas, there are endless ways to experience Panama’s biodiversity.
- Horseback ride along cloud forest trails in El Valle or Boquete.
- Kayak mountain streams or sign up for a whitewater rafting day in Chiriquí.
- Look for exotic birds, including the spectacular resplendent quetzal and toucans, in several nature reserves.
12. Savor Panama’s Culinary Scene
Panama’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes, taking influence from indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, and global cuisines. Whether you try seafood ceviche at a market stall or fine-dining fusion fare at a top-notch Casco Viejo restaurant, your taste buds are in for a treat.
- Sample lechon asado (roast pork), ceviche de corvina (sea bass ceviche), and sancocho (hearty chicken stew).
- Visit Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market) in Panama City for fresh, affordable flavors.
- Don’t miss Panama’s world-class coffee and craft breweries while you’re here.
13. Island-Hop the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts
Panama’s geography means that beach-hopping is always an option—from the wave-washed Pacific to the palm-speckled Caribbean. Choose your pace: plunge into the nightlife of Bocas del Toro, unplug on tropical Guna Yala islets, or catch a boat to the wild Pearl Islands or Isla Taboga (just a short hop from Panama City).
- Caribbean: Bocas del Toro, Guna Yala, and Portobelo for laidback vibes and snorkeling galore.
- Pacific: Santa Catalina for surfers; Pearl Islands for remote white sand beaches; Isla Taboga for a quick escape from the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the best time to visit Panama?
A: The dry season (mid-December to mid-April) is the most popular, especially for outdoor activities. However, the green (wet) season brings fewer crowds and lush scenery—great for eco-tourism.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Panama?
A: Citizens of most Western countries do not require a visa for stays up to 180 days. Always check the latest requirements before travel.
Q: Is the Panama Canal worth visiting if I’m not an engineering enthusiast?
A: Absolutely! The scale and history of the canal are awe-inspiring, and the visitor centers offer interactive exhibits for a variety of interests.
Q: How do I get between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts?
A: Panama is only about 50 miles wide at its narrowest, and it takes fewer than two hours by car or bus to travel between the shores. Domestic flights and boat transfers are also widely available to popular destinations.
Q: What should I bring to Guna Yala (San Blas)?
A: Essentials include cash (there are no ATMs), plenty of potable water, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, light clothing, and a respectful attitude toward local customs.
