Panama City Things to See and Do

The bulk of Panama City attractions lie within the Casco Viejo area. A walking tour of the neighborhood, taking in just about everything of interest, will take around three hours. Another essential activity is to see the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. Biking along the Amador is another popular activity, and if you just can't get enough ruins take a trip to the ruins of Panama Viejo.

Other Activity pages in Panama City that may be of interest: La Exposicion Activities, Casco Viejo Activities, El Cangrejo Activities and Casco Activities.

About this Page

By Mike Karanicolas

Michael Karanicolas is awesome.

Updated: 19 Jul 2008

Top Things to Do in Panama City

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Miraflores Locks

This is the best place to find out about the Canal and watch it in action. About 14km out of the city, this newly created visitors centre and...

Types: Museum
Location: Panama City, Panama

Canal Traverse

Several companies offer trips on the Panama Canal—a great way to experience the workings of this engineering...

Types: Boating
Location: Panama City, Panama

Panama Viejo Ruins

This area is what is left of the original Panama City, but there is not much still standing. Old stone...

Types: Ruin
Location: Panama City, Panama

Presidential Palace

Nicknamed "Palacio de las Grazas" after the African herons that stalk its grounds, this modest but beautiful building is the office of...

Types: Historical Building
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Plaza Bolívar

Away from the bustle of Lima’s downtown lies the green park of Plaza Bolívar, flanked by three of Lima’s more interesting museums. Travel back...

Types: City Plaza
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis

This cathedral was one of the original structures from Casco Viejo. It was ravaged by fire in 1737 and again in 1756. The cathedral was restored in...

Types: Historical Building
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Teatro Nacional

Fronted with busts of famous writers, this cultural center hosts operas, plays, ballets and performances of all types. The building is about 100...

Types: Historical Building
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Plaza Francia

This plaza is part of a monument honoring France's contributions to the construction of the Panama Canal. There's often a delightful breeze blowing...

Types: City Plaza
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Museo de Canal Interoceano

Overview For canal buffs this is a must as it offers a two-storey exhibition full of...

Types: Museum
Location: Panama City, Panama

Plaza de la Catedral (AKA Plaza de la Independencia)

A great place to start on a walking tour of Casco Viejo. This plaza marks the spot where, on November 3 1903, Panama declared its independence from...

Types: City Plaza
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Catedral Metropolitana

With its beautifully contrasting gray-and-black facade and white bell towers, this building is an excellent example of Latin American neoclassical...

Types: Historical Building
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Baseball Games

If you happen to visit during the winter baseball season, head up to Rod Carew Stadium to catch a game. Crowds are lively and beers cost a dollar....

Types: Other Activity
Location: Panama City, Panama

Parque Nacional Soberania

This park provides some of the area's best hiking and a chance to experience the tropical rainforest. This park is home to over 500 species of birds...

Types: City Park
Location: Panama City, Panama

Parque Natural Metropolitano

This gorgeous, 650-acre urban park is a great place to reconnect with nature. It's home to more than 200 species of birds, as well as sloths, monkeys...

Types: City Park
Location: Panama City, Panama

Iglesia la Merced

This pretty church was constructed in 1680 after having been moved, stone by stone, from the previous site in Panama Viejo. It's a gorgeous facade,...

Types: Historical Building
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama