
Casco Viejo
01The beating heart. Cobblestone streets, rooftop bars, chef-driven restaurants, boutique hotels.
Two cities in one: the early riser among colonial cobblestones and the night owl among glass towers. This is the guide we hand our guests, in full.

Where the old world meets the new: a skyline of glass towers rising behind 500-year-old colonial ruins, the Pacific meeting the Atlantic through the world's greatest shortcut, and a food scene that rivals any capital on earth.
Tropical, 85°F year-round. Dry season Dec to Apr. Rainy May to Nov with afternoon showers, mornings stay clear.
US Dollar used everywhere. No exchange needed. ATMs on every block. Cards accepted at most places.
Spanish is official. English widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and business districts.
US power outlets. Uber works perfectly. Tap water is safe. Free WiFi everywhere.
One bay, two personalities. Pick any hour and the city hands you a different plan.
The Cinta Costera fills with runners and cyclists, the skyline glowing behind them.
A Boquete geisha, poured slowly, at a specialty cafe in San Francisco.
Casco before the heat: cobblestones, flowered balconies and the golden altar of San José.
Corvina ceviche at the Fish Market, served in a cup, standing up, for a few dollars.
The sun drops behind the ships lining up to cross the Canal.
Table booked: this city cooks in forty languages and it is not bragging.
Any rooftop will do, the skyline lit up and a breeze that asks no permission.
The unmarked door: the speakeasies of Casco are only getting started.
This is where the whole trip gets decided: every neighborhood is a different city, so choose slowly.

The beating heart. Cobblestone streets, rooftop bars, chef-driven restaurants, boutique hotels.

Waterfront towers, JW Marriott, Hard Rock. Jewish community hub. Super Kosher supermarket.

Walking distance to kosher dining, parks, and the Cinta Costera. Within the eruv.

The newest district. Wide boulevards, parks, international restaurants, top schools.

Specialty coffee, brunch culture, boutiques. Coco del Mar is the foodie hotspot.

Via Argentina shopping, international restaurants, late-night spots. Real Panamanian vibe.

Financial district by day, Calle Uruguay party strip by night. Soho Mall luxury shopping.

The iconic waterfront. Morning runs, sunset walks, the entire skyline as your view.
Our apartments in these neighborhoods, up to 10% below the platforms
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.

9 stops that justify the flight. In order of urgency.
Casco ViejoUNESCO cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, rooftop bars, art galleries, the city's best restaurants.* Walk it in the morning. Don't miss the golden altar at San José.
Panamá ViejoRuins of the original city, founded 1519, destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan. Iconic cathedral tower and museum.
Amador Causeway6km road connecting four islands. Bike, walk, or dine waterfront with skyline views. Spectacular sunsets.* Rent a bike and ride the full length at golden hour.
Monkey IslandBoat tour on Gatun Lake. Capuchins, howlers, sloths, toucans, crocodiles. About 4 hours from Gamboa.
Gamboa Aerial TramRide 280ft up through the canopy. Observation tower with Canal views. Butterfly house and serpentarium.
BiomuseoFrank Gehry masterpiece. How the Isthmus of Panama changed Earth's biodiversity. Great for all ages.
Embera VillageDugout canoe up the Chagres. Traditional dances, crafts, jungle cuisine. 45 min from the city.
Cinta Costera8km waterfront promenade. Jogging, cycling, free outdoor gyms. The skyline as your backdrop.Run with Panama Travel Co. Tell us which one calls you and we fit it to your stay.
The marvels of the Panama Canal, historic ruins, and vibrant Casco Viejo, all in one unforgettable day.
Boat tour through the Panama Canal. Spot playful monkeys and giant ships up close.
A full-day combo: Monkey Island, Miraflores Locks, and a stroll through colonial Casco Viejo.
Historic pirate ruins, a cruise to Venas Azules, snorkeling, and a secluded Caribbean beach.
Scenic boat ride, traditional dance, ancient crafts, and a refreshing waterfall visit.
Hike India Dormida for breathtaking views, visit a butterfly house, and relax in natural hot springs.
An active day hiking, interacting with wildlife, visiting seven waterfalls including the majestic Nativa.
Adrenaline-packed adventure: boat ride on Lake Bayano, explore caves with bats, end with a kayak ride.
Visit Perro Grande Island, snorkel the Perro Chico shipwreck, and relax with the Kuna people.
Dive into the vibrant Caribbean waters of Portobelo. Quick lesson, then discover marine life on two dives.
Ride through rainforests, cross rivers, discover hidden waterfalls, and spot monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds.
Adrenaline-packed adventure in the sky. Safety briefing, training, then a freefall jump over Panama.
Unforgettable fishing in world-class waters. Unwind on a pristine beach with a delicious kosher BBQ.
A personalized family scavenger hunt through the charming old city's landmarks and locals.
Self-paced sightseeing across the city's icons.
94 places we have tried, from lunch counters to white tablecloths. Search by name or filter by craving.
MakotoWorld-class sushi, 11th floor of Kenex Plaza. Rooftop terrace, Edomae-style.02
Texas de BrazilBrazilian rodízio with skewers and salad bar.04
AzaharAsian-inspired. Innovative cocktails and fusion dishes.05
Cantina del TigreMexican-inspired hotspot.07
Los Años LocosArgentine grill, classic Panama institution.08
AfrodisiacoSensual menu. Unique date spot.09Save them to your phone and take the guide with you.
From craft cocktail rooftops to hidden speakeasies and pulsing dance floors.
Chanel, Gucci, Prada. 47 dining options, 12 cinemas.
Ultra-luxury. Fendi, Versace, Saint Laurent.
700+ stores. Largest in the Americas. Affordable.
Pedestrian mall. Cheap electronics, jewelry, fabrics.
Outlet shopping. Brand-name discounts downtown.
Modern open-air in Costa del Este.
Modern mall with major retail and dining.
Cinepolis VIP (Multiplaza): reclining seats, waiter service.
Cinepolis (Soho Mall): latest releases.
Cinemark (Albrook): largest screen selection.
Cinemark XD (Multicentro): premium experience.
Biomuseo ↗: Frank Gehry. Biodiversity.
Museo del Canal ↗: Canal history in Casco.
MAC ↗: contemporary art.
Mi Pueblito ↗: traditional village.
Panamá Viejo ↗: original colonial ruins.
Alta Vita: first full-service luxury medi-spa.
Santa Maria Spa: at the exclusive golf club.
Waldorf Astoria Spa: ultra-premium.
Casa Thai: traditional Thai massage.
Sensory Spa (Westin): full menu of treatments.
Erosia Spa: calm atmosphere.
Mi Asana Yoga: excellent studio.
F45 / CrossFit: drop-in classes.
Cinta Costera: free outdoor gyms.
18-hole par-72 on 180 acres. Spectacular views of the skyline and Panama Canal. Advanced drainage, so play resumes 30 minutes after rain. Clubhouse, pools, tennis, restaurants.
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.
Transport, private chefs, healthcare, groceries and the tips we repeat at every check-in.
Easiest option. $3 to $8 for most rides. Safe, reliable.
Modern, A/C. $0.35 per ride. Lines 1 & 2.
Yellow cabs. No meters, agree the price first. $3 to $5 in the city, about $30 from the airport.
Pacifica Salud (Punta Pacifica) ↗: Johns Hopkins affiliated.
Hospital Nacional ↗: full service. Av. Cuba.
Hospital Paitilla ↗: trusted private hospital.
The Panama Clinic ↗: modern private clinic.
Farmacias Arrocha ↗: 30+ locations.
Farma99: inside every Super 99.
Metro Plus ↗: convenience pharmacy chain.
Farmavalue ↗: generic options.
Emergency: 911
Hatzala: 507-202-2525
Police: 104 · Fire: 103
MiniMed (Home Care) ↗: WhatsApp +507 6927-9912
Most nationalities: 90 to 180 days on arrival. US, Canada, EU and Israel do not need a visa.
Generally safe. Use Uber at night. Tap water is safe.
Local SIM at the airport for about $5 to $10. WiFi free at most hotels.
10% at restaurants. Round up for taxis. $5 to $10 for tour guides.
Dec to Apr is dry. May to Nov is rainy.
Hotel safes for valuables. Uber over street taxis.
Apartments in Paitilla, Bella Vista and San Francisco, looked after by us and up to 10% cheaper than the platforms.
Guide last reviewed July 25, 2026