Flights to Panama City

U.S. nationals do not need a visa to visit Panama for up to 180 days. However, they need a Tourist Card for $5 USD at the time of purchasing their travel ticket. For other nationals, please check the Embassy of Panama in the USA website.

Things to do and places of interest in Panama City

Panama is the heart of Central America. Home to the famous Panama Canal, it is a lively city that is perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you want to embrace the nightlife of the Latino culture or just explore the sights, you have a few attractions to consider.

• Head over to Panama Viejo, which is the original Spanish settlement of the area. The ruins here date back to 1519 and are still available to explore.
• Casco Viejo is another historic district but was renovated to create modern hotels, boutiques, and chic coffee bars. It is the perfect neighborhood to stroll, buy interesting food, and just soak up experiences.
• Cinta Costera is a nice strip with sports facilities, shopping, and quick access to the ocean. Skyscrapers line the back of the neighborhood, and the walking paths are perfect if you prefer to walk rather than drive.
• For the best views of the city, climb up to the top of Ancon Hill, known to the locals as Cerro Ancon. You do have to go through a security checkpoint and then 30 minutes of hiking to reach the top. Once you are there, you overlook the city and harbor. It is best to do this in the morning, before the temperatures get too hot.
• Via Argentina is an upscale neighborhood of Panama City and has some of the finer eateries and bars for nightlife.
• Attractions are equally plentiful in the area, like the Metropolitan National Park and the trails. You can also visit the Biomuseo (Museum of Biodiversity), which is a fun place to stop in and explore. Naturally, you need to see the famous Panama Canal and the Railway, which are all accessible by the Metro Bus.
• Head over to the small, ancient fishing village of Portobelo and include a visit to Isla Grande to see the simpler life of Panama.
• For a relaxing day on the beach, head to Taboga Island, which is 30 minutes from Panama City and offers a much more relaxed atmosphere than the beaches right next to the city.

Tips and tricks for visiting Panama City

Panama City has a reputation for being safe overall, but also sketchy at times. If you stick to the tourist areas, you do not have to worry about venturing into unsafe areas.

Mind the weather