When to Go
Best Time to Visit
December–April. Dry season with less humidity. May–November is the green season — cheaper but expect afternoon downpours.
Daily Spend in USD
Budget
Budget
$60/day
Mid-range
$130/day
Luxury
$320/day
Costlier than most of Latin America because of USD parity, but hotels + food are cheaper than Miami.
With Kids
Family Travel
The Miraflores Locks visitor center is a hit with all ages; BioMuseo (designed by Gehry) fits a rainy afternoon; day trips to Playa Blanca beach islands.
Together
Couples Travel
Casco Viejo rooftop bars, a Panama Canal partial transit cruise, and a weekend in Bocas del Toro.
On Your Own
Solo Travel
Casco Viejo has a solid hostel + coworking scene; the Cinta Costera bay walk (5km) is the daily runners’ commute.
Food
What to Eat
- Sancocho. Panama’s hangover soup — chicken, yam, and cilantro — served everywhere from bars to fondas.
- Ceviche. Corvina (sea bass) in lime, red onion, and cilantro — buy it fresh at the Fish Market (Mercado de Mariscos).
- Ropa vieja. Shredded stewed beef with rice and beans — the Caribbean colonial classic done Panamanian.
- Patacones. Twice-fried green plantain smashed flat — Panama’s answer to French fries.
Transportation
Getting Around
Metro (2 lines) reaches most tourist zones; Uber is cheap and safe; taxis negotiate first — no meters.
Tocumen Airport is 45 minutes from Casco Viejo — Uber $30–40. Panama City buses (Metrobus) require a RapiPass card.
Where to Base Yourself
Neighborhoods
- Casco Viejo. The colonial old town — cobblestones, boutique hotels, rooftop bars, Sunday markets.
- El Cangrejo. Restaurant-and-hotel zone — a walkable strip of international restaurants and mid-range hotels.
- Punta Pacifica. Modern skyscraper district — luxury hotels, malls, safest area after dark.
- Amador Causeway. A 3km causeway of islands connected to the city — bike, run, or watch canal ships.
What to Know
Safety
Safe by Central American standards but pockets vary sharply — El Chorrillo and Curundú are best avoided. Casco Viejo and Punta Pacifica are safe day and night.