8 Days in Panama City Trip: Budgets, Hotels, Food & Attractions

Day 1 | Morning

Panama Viejo

Ticket Price: 12 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Panama. Panama City

PanamaViejo is the old town of Panama before 1600. It was once an outpost for the Spanish colonists to conquer South America. In 1532, the expedition to the Inca Empire set off from here. After that, the city gradually became a distribution center for Spanish colonists to search for gold and silver treasures and sell black slaves in Latin America. In 1671, the notorious English pirate Henry Morgan sacked the ancient city and burned it to ruins. Now it is a national park, and there are many ruins of the buildings of that time.

Reviews from Real Guests:

panamá: es la historia patria reflejada en las ruinas de una ciudad llena de bonanza económica que existió, un buen lugar para mostrar el pasado de Panamá

Trip.com User: the ruins take you through the nostalgia of the yore.. come to panama, with woven dreams & soothing folklore

Day 1 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Soberania National Park.

Soberania National Park

Opening Hours: Open from 8:30am-4:30pm

Ticket Price: 5 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 Hours

Location: Area Canalera de Gamboa, Panama City, Panama

Soberania National Park is rich in flora and fauna. You can go deep into the jungle and visit the natural habitats of monkeys, armadillos, sloths, birds, and along the plantation trail to find cash crops such as cocoa, rubber and coffee plants, all the way along to see the spectacular Great view of waterfalls. It's a great place to relax and a great choice for campers.

Day 1 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Hotel La Compania, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt in advance, because all the tourists head to Soberania National Park love staying at it.

Hotel La Compania, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt

The Hotel La Compania, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt provides a great place for travelers to relax after a busy day. Visitors to Panama City will find that the Hotel La Compania, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt is a fantastic accommodation choice.

The hotel is conveniently located just 6km from Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport and 7km from Corozal Passenger Station. Guests will find Ancon Expeditions of Panama, Independence Square and Casco Viejo just a short distance from the hotel.

At the end of a busy day, travelers can unwind and relax in the hotel or go out and enjoy the city. This Panama City hotel offers parking on site.

According to our trusted guests, the facilities at this hotel are first-rate.

Day 2 | Morning

Panama Canal Museum

Opening Hours: Closed on Mon;Open on Tue-Sun,9:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 10 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Independence Square, Calle 5a Este, Panama, Panama

The Panama Canal Museum is an important window to understand the Panama Canal, the "Bridge of the World". Established in 1997, the museum has ten exhibition halls in detail from the French planning, the American construction and the Panama management system to display the historical period changes, and its own building also has a strong colonial style heritage. There are also three-dimensional movies inside that vividly introduce the construction process and principles of the canal, and there are many projects that tourists can experience in person, which are worth a visit.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: After the canal tour, we went to museum. Learning about Panama.

Day 2 | Afternoon

BioMuseo nearby is the top choice before you leave Panama Canal Museum and hit the road.

BioMuseo

Opening Hours: Closed on Mon;Open on Tue-Fri,10:00am-4:00pm;Open on Sat-Sun,10:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 18 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: Building 136, Calzada de Amador Apartado 0843-02931, Panama

BioMuseo is a museum that showcases biodiversity, designed by architect Frank Gehry. The building covers an area of about 4100 square meters and is located in CausewayIslands. Vivid red and blue folded steel canopies reflect the local tropical scenery. Frank Gehry uses his signature fragmented asymmetric designs to show the isthmus landscape that has connected North and South America for 3 million years. The entire Biomuseo museum includes eight galleries, temporary exhibition halls, a shop and café. At the entrance, a 14-meter-high stained glass wall displays photographs of plants and animals collected by local scientists. The circulation design in the pavilion will allow visitors to experience the local natural wonders visually and audibly.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Una maravilla, un lugar que visitar en Panama, con mucha historia, hermosas vistas y una maravilla del mundo.

Trip.com User: The famous biomuseo.

Day 2 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City is the best places.

The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City

Property Location When you stay at The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City in Panama City, you'll be next to a golf course and 8 minutes by car from Estadio Rommel Fernandez. This 5-star hotel is 9.6 mi (15.4 km) from Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama and 13.9 mi (22.3 km) from Miraflores Locks. Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 182 air-conditioned rooms featuring iPod docking stations and LED televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks. Amenities Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages and facials. After practicing your swing on the golf course, you can dip into one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare (surcharge). Dining Enjoy local and international cuisine at Mestizo, one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Snacks are also available at the coffee shop/café. Relax with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 6:30 AM to 10 AM for a fee. Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk.

Day 3 | Morning

Afro-Antillian Museum

Opening Hours: Open on Tue-Sat,9:00am-4:00pm

Ticket Price: 1 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Calle 24 and Avenida Justo Arosemena | Calidonia neighborhood, Panama City, Panama

The Afro-Antillian Museum uses historical photos and objects to vividly reproduce the scene of African immigration in the Caribbean, while also expressing respect for different ethnic groups. From 1850 until the beginning of the 20th century, a large number of African immigrants came to Panama to undertake important work in the construction of railways and canals. The museum has souvenir showcases, a small library, and guided tours for visitors.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Afro-Antillian Museum, Nature Science Museum next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Nature Science Museum

Opening Hours: Open from 9:00am-4:00pm

Ticket Price: 1 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-3 Hours

Location: Between Calle 29 and Calle 30 (29th and 30th Streets) on Ave. Cuba, Panama City, Panama

The Natural Science Museum was established in 1975. It exhibits paleontology and representative wild animals around the world, including dinosaur bones, endemic species of South America, birds, mammals, especially endangered species of plants and animals. The museum Through the display of rich materials and realistic models, the visitors have a sense of immersion, which has a profound educational significance. The museum also has a small library, meeting rooms, and occasional temporary exhibitions.

Day 3 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Nature Science Museum? Villa Palma Boutique Hotel is one of your top choices.

Villa Palma Boutique Hotel

Featuring a restaurant and bar, Hotel Boutique Villa Palma is located in Panama City. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s terrace and barbecue facilities. Free WiFi access is available. Each room at the hotel offers a flat-screen cable TV, hot tub and seating area. Private bathrooms include a bath or shower and hairdryer. A desk, ironing facilities and coffee machine are also provided. American Breakfast is included as well. A 24-hour front desk welcomes guests to Hotel Boutique Villa Palma, which boasts banquet facilities, a business centre and snack bar. Other amenities offered include babysitting services, laundry services, bicycle rental and luggage storage. The hotel is 2.1 km from Metropolitan National Park, 2.8 km from Canal Museum of Panama and 2.9 km from Presidential Palace.

Day 4 | Morning

Casco Viejo

Opening Hours: Open all day

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Panama. Panama City

CASCOVIEJO is the ancient city of Panama. It was listed as a cultural heritage of the century in 2003. Since then, it has become a very famous scenic spot in Panama. This is a favorite place for backpackers, many people stroll through the ancient city, with the new Spanish colonial buildings on one side and the ruins on the other, you can imagine the glory of the 17th century.

Reviews from Real Guests:

WB2021: Obviously a must visit if you're in the city. This is the older part of the city and its historical center. It features old colonial houses, albeit many are being restored, so there is a slight gentrification aspect to the district. Nevertheless, walking through the streets lined with pastel colored houses is gorgeous. You could easily spend a morning or afternoon strolling through the districts various streets, while resting in the many open spaces when you're tired. Also a nice place to grab a bit to eat!

panamá: Its a great place to visit, had a Panamá history, in these church, independence park, museum, monument at french canal consteuction, the presidential palace, restaurants, hotels, national theatre, and souvenirs shop, its amazing trip.

Day 4 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Casco Viejo, don’t forget pay a visit to San Blas Islands.

San Blas Islands

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Archipelago of San Blas, Panama

Two hours away from Panama, over SanBlashills, a very famous local island group, not yet fully developed, the locals can only speak Spanish and not English, the small islands are not far away, but the scenery is very beautiful, it is not easy to come to Panama missed holy place

Day 4 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Bristol Panama, a Registry Collection Hotel is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Bristol Panama, a Registry Collection Hotel

Amid the financial district of Panamá, The Bristol has a spa centre and a sauna for guests to enjoy a massage, or they may use the fitness centre after a day’s work. Free WiFi is available.The soundproofed and air-conditioned rooms provide free toiletries, and feature state of the art electronics, like an iPod docking and flat-screen cable TV. Guests can ask for airport shuttle with an extra cost.The on-site restaurant serves gourmet Panamanian cuisine, while the lounge bar is specialized in the popular tapas.The hotel is equipped with laundry services, gardens and terraces, and room service. Member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’, The Bristol Hotel offers concierge services 24 hours a day, along with coffee and newspaper services delivered in your door.Guests at The Bristol will be able to find restaurants, bars and night entertainment in Uruguay Street, just 50 metres from the place. The Panama Channel and its museum are about 8 km of the hotel.

Day 5 | Morning

French Plaza

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: France Square | Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama

Plaza Francia is a famous square in Panama City, commemorating the people who created the ancient canal in France. Visitors can overlook the whole city from the city wall and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the small town. There are also many good restaurants and bars near the square, as well as small shops selling trinkets and local specialties.

Day 5 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at French Plaza, you can head to Bridge of the Americas, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Bridge of the Americas

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 20-30 Minutes

Location: Panama City, Panama

The Bridge of the Americas spans the entrance to the Panama Canal in the Pacific Ocean. It is a key section of the Pan-American Highway and the only bridge connecting the North and South American continents. Vessels of all sizes passing through the Panama Canal will pass under the bridge.

Day 5 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Bridge of the Americas, Global Hotel Panama nearby is the best place to stay.

Global Hotel Panama

Offering an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre, Grace Panama is located 10 minutes’ drive from Panama Old City Centre. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all areas. The rooms and suites offer a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a minibar. There is also a coffee machine, and featuring a shower, the private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and free toiletries. You can enjoy a sea view and a mountain view from all the rooms. Extras include an iPod dock, a seating area and a DVD player. At Grace Panama you will find a restaurant, luggage storage and free parking. Guests can find theRey Supermarket 500 metres away and other restaurant options within 400 metres. The hotel is 2 km from Balboa Seafront Boulevard and 4.4 km from the Metropolitan Park. Tocumen International Airport is 20 minutes’ drive away.

Day 6 | Morning

Amador Causeway

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 20-30 Minutes

Location: Panama

AmadorCauseway is actually a highway connecting Panama City and the three surrounding islands. It is very good to enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides while driving on the road.

Reviews from Real Guests:

panamá: Un lugar para conectar los sentidos con el mar, con buenas infraestucturas y servicios, como la renta de bicicletas, restaurantes, bares, refresquerías

Day 6 | Afternoon

San Jose Church nearby is the top choice before you leave Amador Causeway and hit the road.

San Jose Church

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama

Located in the Lesser Town, the San Jose Church is said to date back to 1673, and has been relocated, destroyed and remodeled. Its iconic golden altar is not actually all gold, but is made of gold leaf, paint-covered mahogany. Although the church has been somewhat dilapidated due to historical reasons, it does not affect its solemnity and attracts many devout believers.

Day 6 | Evening

Don’t forget to book W Panama in advance, because all the tourists head to San Jose Church love staying at it.

W Panama

Inspired by local art, fashion, culture and cuisine, W Panama offers 5-star accommodation in the business district in Panama City. This property boasts two restaurants, four bars and an outdoor pool. All rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a wardrobe. Rooms have a private bathroom with a hair dryer, while some rooms also boast a balcony and others offer city views. Breakfast is available every morning, and includes continental, buffet and American options. The hotel offers a sun terrace and has a 24-hour front desk. An array of bars and restaurants in the vibrant Uruguay Street are found nearby. Bridge of the Americas is 6 km from W Panama, while Metropolitan National Park is 2.6 km from the property. Tocumen International Airport is 19 km away.

Day 7 | Morning

F&F Tower

Location: Calle 50, Area Bancaria, Panama City, Panama

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Can’t get a better picture. So many tallest buildings downtown, but this particular one captures our attention. Cool!

Day 7 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at F&F Tower, you can head to Iglesia del Carmen, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Iglesia del Carmen

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: Avenida Via Espa? A, Panama City, Panama

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: This church is just right infront of our hotel.

Day 7 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Waldorf Astoria Panama is the best places.

Waldorf Astoria Panama

Centrally located in the business district in Panama City, The Waldorf Astoria Panama features a swimming pool, spa, gym and massages services.The accommodations offer modern-style décor, air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, coffee maker and work desk. The bathrooms come with free toiletries, hairdryer and some with spa bath.This hotel features 2 restaurants; the Brio Brasserie serves French and American food; while the Ginger Sushi Bar & Lounge is specialized in sushi. A terrace, a pool bar and The Peacock Alley is also available and serves cocktails.Waldorf Astoria Panama is 50 metres from Balboa Avenue with its picturesque walking and bike path trailing along the Pacific Ocean. Tocumen International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

Day 8 | Morning

Isla Taboga

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Isla Taboga, Panama

Taboga Island, also known as San Pedro Island, is located near the Gulf of Panama. The island has excellent natural conditions such as beautiful beaches, clear waters and soft sand, which are the habitats of wild animals such as seabirds, anteaters, hares, sloths, poison dart frogs and so on. Plants include hibiscus, jasmine, oleander, pineapple, orchid and some ferns, and there are many species, so Taboga Island is also called "Flower Island". The architectural style of the island still retains its original appearance, with cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, etc., as well as some private residential apartments.

Day 8 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Isla Taboga, Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: Street 3 | Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama

The church was renovated after being abandoned for 10 years, retaining the original beauty and warmth. The interior is simply decorated with gold, marble, frescoes and crosses, without huge pillars and overhangs. Next to it is a large open-air wall with many Bible carvings. decorate.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.