Travel to and tour Panama City | Keytours Vacations

Discover Panama City's Wonders

Panama City: Panama’s bustling capital is a fusion of modern skyline and historic charm. Visitors can explore the iconic Panama Canal, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, or stroll through Casco Viejo, the city’s UNESCO-listed old quarter, filled with colonial buildings, art galleries, and rooftop bars. Panama City offers a unique blend of urban energy and nearby natural escapes, making it an exciting hub for travelers.

Current Weather

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Trips

Hotels

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Useful information

Population:

477,328 (2017)

Currency:

United States Dollar / Balboa

Emergency Info:

911 for all emergencies
104: Police
103: Firefighters and Ambulance
+ 507 316 3200: SINAPROC (National Civilian Protection System)

Opening Hours:

Offices are open Mon–Fri/Sat from 8am–12pm. Business are open Mon–Sat from 9am–5pm. Shopping centers are open Mon–Sat from 10am–7pm.

Do & See

Amador Causeway

The causeway is a long stretch of land uniting the mainland with four small islands. It was created using the materials removed during the construction of the canal. The Amador Causeway is now developing into a great tourist spot, both during the day and the night, thanks to a lively scene of street cafes, restaurants and bars. There are excellent views of the city skyline and the Casco Viejo. A firm favorite with families, the causeway’s wide sidewalks are great for walking, jogging and cycling. The Smithsonian Research Institute is also on the Causeway and is well worth a visit.

Ancon Hill

A scenic overlook in Panama City, 654 feet above sea level. Enjoy a pleasant hike to the top of the hill, along a paved road and escorted by exotic birds and wildlife. You can also reach the top by car and take amazing shots of the Panama Canal, the modern city and the Casco Antiguo. The Panamanian flag sits at the top of the hill as a symbol of pride and sovereignty: before 1977 Ancon Hill was under US jurisdiction and Panamanians did not have access to it. At the bottom of the hill resides a site called “Mi Pueblito” (my little town), a small colorful museum-like installation depicting the culture, traditions and architecture of Panama as well as its Hispanic, indigenous and Afro-Antillean heritage.

Bird Watching

Panama City is one of the few modern cities in the world that lie less than 30 minutes away from the tropical virgin jungle. The Pipeline Road has earned the Audubon Society's World Record for most bird species spotted in 24 hours! Among the species, you can see Passerini’s Tanager and Resplendent Quetzals, as well as South American species such as the Flame-rumped Tanager and Golden-headed Quetzal.

Casco Antiguo

The historic district of Panama City, keeper of the city's traditions and history, is characterized by charming narrow streets, colorful buildings, exciting cultural attractions and an array of hotels, cafes, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and art galleries. No wonder people are coming from all over the world to visit this evocative little corner of the world. In 1673, after the sacking of Panama Viejo by Welsh privateer Henry Morgan, the current Casco Antiguo was chosen as location to rebuild Panama’s capital city. The new city was surrounded by a wall to protect it from further pillaging. An eclectic blend of French, Spanish and American architecture developed as the country evolved over the years.

Inter-Oceanic Canal Muesum

Still undecided about which museums to visit while in Panama City? Worry no more, because you have found the one you can't miss. With 10 permanent exhibitions that trace the construction of the Panama Canal and its impact on Panamanian history and society, the museum deserves at least a couple of hours in order to appreciate and absorb the wealth of information available. The museum highlights include the 1977 Carter-Torrijos Treaty that marked the end of the American control over the Panama Canal, as well as several interactive and engaging exhibits. Guided tours are available in both Spanish and English to help you navigate through the abundant information.

Jungle Land Panama

Eco Tours and Overnight Adventures: Discover the most unique and complete all-inclusive experience at the only floating lodge in Panama City! Explore the Canal from within and live the real Jungle Experience.

Museo Antropologico Reina Torres De Arauz

Its collection of 15,000 pre-Columbian ceramic, sandstone and ethnographic pieces is by far the largest grouping of anthropocentric historical artifacts in Panama City. The M.A.R.T.A. is one of the most important museum in the country, keeper of its most ancient history and traditions. Come visit to admire pre-Columbian treasures and indigenous artifacts, as well as household items and farm tools demonstrating modern Panamanian life and culture.

Nightlife

Panama City has everything you are looking for when it comes to nightlife. Whether you are here on business, for leisure, with the family, or just exploring the city by yourself, you can’t miss out on Panama’s nightlife. You will find everything from dress-down breweries to stylish nightclubs in the heart of the city and a rooftop bar with spectacular views.

Dining

El Caribe

Located in the multicultural neighborhood of El Cangrejo, this restaurant offers a broad selection of authentic Caribbean and Costeñan food. Whether you prefer meat, fish or vegetables, the chef will know how to please your palate with tasty traditional specialties.

El Trapiche

Opened in 1983, El Trapiche is one of the most acclaimed traditional restaurants in Panama City, famous for its wide choice of dishes, its authenticity, its relaxed and laid back atmosphere, but most importantly for its commitment to supporting the local farmers who provide fresh ingredients to the establishment.

Mahalo Snack Shack

In the heart of Casco Viejo, concealed by exotic plants, the intimate and cosy Mahalo awaits you. This laid back restaurant, founded and managed by two Canadian sisters, stands out for the fresh, healthy, local food it offers. Explore a culinary world made of colors, try vegan and vegetarian recipes, taste the pressed juices and have fun playing board games with your friends.

Mi Ranchito

Family owned restaurant offering various Panamanians dishes with a focus on seafood. Mi Ranchito succeeds in delivering a high-quality culinary experience while preserving its informal, chilled out, fun atmosphere. The restaurant is set in a prime location: the Amador Causeway, a lively promenade linking Panama city with four islands.

Napoli Ristorante & Pizzeria

A family owned traditional Italian restaurant serving Panamanians for more than 28 years. Consistency, good food and fast service have created great loyalty amongst their ever-increasing clientele. The restaurant is known for its extensive and traditional menu offering up dishes such as lasagna, cannelloni, ravioli, parmigiana steak, and their antipasto selection of clams, octopus, jumbo shrimp, eggplant and ceviche.

Restaurante Tinajas

Just like teachers strive to make a subject more appealing to their students, the Restaurante Tinajas will do its best to make you passionate about Panama and its culture. Not only will visitors taste classic Panamanian dishes, but they will also enjoy after-dinner shows portraying local folklore through music and dancing.

Riesen

Experimentation, innovation and perfectionism blend with the most ancient Panamanian culinary tradition in this family-run restaurant located right on the ground floor of the family's mansion.

Super Gourmet

A landmark in Casco Viejo offering freshly prepared deli foods for all budgets. Super Gourmet serves gourmet products from around the world and is also the home of the Caribbean Chocolate Company. Here you can find a wide selection of meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, wines and liquors, desserts, snacks, organic cacao and chocolate, coconut oils and more.

Bars & Nightlife

‘t Bier Klooster

When the owners of this lovely pub decided to leave Belgium and sail away to Panama, they had the bright idea to bring the country's best products with them. And so the "Bier Klooster" was born: a cozy, intimate pub in Casco Viejo featuring a selection of 80 varieties of Belgian beer, the typical fries and delicious meatballs. Experience Belgium to the rhythm of rock music playing in the background.

Casa Jaguar

Casa Jaguar is one of the many nice bars and nightclubs located in Panama City's historic old quarter. It is characterized by a vibrant, international and dynamic atmosphere that lingers after midnight: tourists and locals love to dance the night away to the rhythms of rumba and electronic music.

La Rana Dorada

In the raging summer heat an English-style pub brewing its own beer may seem not unlike a hallucination, but don't hesitate: once inside, a kind golden frog and its attentive associates will lead you down a path of refreshing beverages and edible delights.

Moloko Plus Bar

A true underground bar to catch the vibes of Casco Viejo. Moloko+ embodies the ideals of Panamanian hospitality by treating guests like family, offering a high-quality music experience (it hosts both DJs and live concerts) and providing a wide choice of elaborate cocktails.

Relic Bar

Hidden in Casco Viejo's narrow streets, concealed by the overlying hostel "Luna's Castle", this eclectic place is one of the best nightclubs of the city. In the charming atmosphere of Relic's open-air eighteenth-century garden, different worlds collide when both internationals and locals get together to chat, dance and exchange.

Tantalo Kitchen

Have you ever wondered how it feels to overtop a city, its bay, and observe the conflict between the ocean's still waters and the streets' chaotic motion from above? No need to wonder longer. The Tantalo Hotel's rooftop offers that and much more, where "more" stands for delicious cocktails, tapas style menus and a unique cosmopolitan vibe.

Shopping

Casa Latina

Casa Latina is not just a boutique, or even a museum. It is a place where a passion for heritage, art, culture and a vision of preservation and promotion collide to result in something incredibly meaningful. Here you can admire colorful, high quality items from Panama and the Andean region, learn about Latin American folk art and experience the beauty of traditional handicrafts such as Embera masks, molas or Wounaan baskets.

El Hombre de la Mancha

Looking for holiday reading while in Panama City? "El Hombre de la Mancha" is the place for you, whether you prefer to read in Spanish or English. This well-stocked bookstore chain has 12 branches around the city, and is an oasis for young and older readers alike. Some of the branches can be found in: - Albrook Mall - Altaplaza Mall - Casco Antiguo - San Francisco - Boulevard de Santiago - Ciudad del Saber

Mercado De Artesanias Balboa

This market offers a wide variety of Panama's handicrafts in a small and quiet setting. It is the perfect place to look for traditional souvenirs at a reasonable price. As a plus, the sellers speak English and are open to price negotiations.

Panama City's Malls

Albrook Mall, the city's biggest shopping center, houses a wide variety of businesses and activities: from cinemas to restaurants, from bowling alleys to 4-star hotels or even a church. Address: Avenida Roosevelt y Avenida de la Amistad, Panama City Phone: +507 303 6255 Multiplaza Mall features mainly high-end brands such as Armani, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Gucci and many others. Address: Calle Isaac Hanono Missri, Panama City Phone: +507 302 5380 Altaplaza Mall is a modern and large shopping center on the edge of the city, home to many international brands and a renowned cinema. Address: Vía Centenario, Panama City Phone: +507 830 7080 Soho Mall is the fanciest shopping center in town, featuring only luxury brands. As a result, you will often find it half empty and extremely quiet. Address: Calle 50, Entrance Calle 54 and 56, Panama City Phone: +507 200 7476

Reprosa - Treasures of Panama

"Treasure of Panama" is a company of noble intent that faithfully reproduces ancient jewels and indigenous artifacts with the aim of preserving and promoting Panama's history, culture and traditions. During interesting guided tours you will see how jewels are/were made, have a hands-on experience of the crafting process and finally have the chance to buy a precious relic of the past. Stores can be found in: - Casco Viejo - Multiplaza - Costa del Este

The National Handicraft Market

The National Handicraft Market is located next to the ruins of the ancient settlement of Panama Viejo. Inside, you can take a look at the many stands displaying authentic Panamanian crafts, observe the artisans at work, chat with them and buy products straight from the makers' hands.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Panama is a country of two seasons only: summer (or dry season) and winter (or wet season). The summer period runs between January and April and it’s normally considered the best time to visit Panama City. However, due to the constantly high temperatures (around 30°C) some may find comfort in the refreshing rainfalls of the wet season, during which hotel prices slightly decrease. It is not recommended to visit Panama City in November. Apart from being subjected to incessant rain, this month is also characterized by many national holidays, leading to overcrowding and the temporary closure of many local businesses.

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the majority of European and American (North & South) countries, as well as a number of countries in Asia & Africa, do not require a visa to enter Panama for up to three months, provided they hold a passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry. When entering Panama by land, visitors may be asked to produce an onward ticket, as well as proof of sufficient financial resources to last their stay. One may also need to obtain a tourist card on arrival; fees may be included in the flight ticket. Note that export of any goods made from endangered species is strictly prohibited, and punishable by law. Immigration requirements are subject to change, so please familiarize yourself with the latest updates prior to travel.

Airport

Tocumen International Airport (IATA code: PTY) is located 24 km from downtown Panama City, approximately 20 minute by car. Official taxi services are readily available just outside the terminal on the ground floor. These taxis are the only taxi service authorised to pick up passengers at the airport. Should you decide to share the ride, the fee will be lower depending on the number of passengers. Several car rental companies offer their services. Many hotels offer shuttle services and you can also choose to be picked up by a tour operator or private transportation service of your choice. Phone : +507 238-2700 Email : www.tocumenpanama.aero Marcos A. Gelaber Airport (Albrook Airport; IATA code: PAC) is located 1.5 km west of downtown Panama City, offering daily local flights within Panama and international flights to Costa Rica and Medellin, Colombia. Phone : +507 501 9800 Email : www.aeronautica.gob.pa

Public Transport

Metrobus: The Metrobus network is a reliable and affordable way to travel within Panama City. To take the Metrobus you must acquire the corresponding card, sold at grocery stores and pharmacies. Buses stop approximately every 15 minutes and bus stops are identified by an orange Metro Bus sign. Remember to swipe your Metrobus Card when entering and to push the red button in order to ask the driver to stop. Phone : +507 800 9393 Email : www.mibus.com.pa Metro: Panama has a new and reliable metro system, inaugurated in 2014. At present, there's only one line but a second is on its way. Metro cards are sold at the metro stations. The Metro operates seven days a week and 365 days a year: Monday-Friday 05:00h-23:00h, Saturday 05:00h-22:00h, Sunday and holidays 07:00h-22:00h. Relevant line stations for tourists are Albrook, Iglesia del Carmen and Via Argentina. Phone : +507 5047200 Email : www.elmetrodepanama.com

Taxi

In Panama, all licensed taxis should be yellow and their licence number should be visible on both side doors. Taxis in Panama City are quite cheap, but there are some things to should be aware of: - taxis are not metered , fares are set by the authorities and change based on the area you are going to/coming from, on the number of people in the car, time of the day and more. However, fares usually range from a minimum of $1.25 to a maximum of $5. - drivers tend to overcharge tourists, especially if they don't speak Spanish. - drivers can pick other passengers up while reaching your destination. - drivers do not expect tips. Good to know: Taxi fare from Tocumen International Airport to Panama City should be around $30.00. Taxi fare from the city center to the Amador Causeway should be around $5 - $10.

Electricity

110 volts, 60 Hz Standard two pin plugs

Pharmacy

FarmaValue Multicentro: +507 215 0381 Mon-Tue, Sun 09h-20:30; Fri 08:30-16:30h Supermercado Deli K Market, Multicentro, Panama City FarmaValue - Costa del Este: +507 271 0738 Everyday 08h-21h Vía Cincuentenario, Panama City Pharmacy Revilla - Parque Urraca: +507 207 1835 Mon-Sat 06:30h-21:30h; Sun 11h-19h Avenida Federico Boyd y Avenida Balboa, Bella Vista, Panama City Pharmacy Revilla - 12 De Octubre: +507 207 1800 Mon-Sat 07h–22:30h; Sun 11h-19h Av. 12 de Octubre, Panama City Farmacia el Boticario: +507 269 7209 Mon-Fri 06:30h–18h; Sat 08h-18h Via España, Panama City Many El Rey Supermarkets have pharmacies inside, which are open 24h.

Post

Three of the biggest post offices in Panama City are listed below, but you can find more of them on the official website of the country's postal service. Estafeta de Paitilla: +507 512 6257 Av Italia, Panama City Mon-Fri 08h–15h; Sat 08–13h Estafeta de Balboa Ancón: +507 512 6244 /6246 Steven's Circle, El Prado, Panama City Mon-Fri 07h–16:30h; Sat 07h–12h Estafeta Plaza las Americas: +507 512 6235 /6234 Centro Comercial Mercado de Las Américas, Av Central, Panama City Mon-Fri 07:30h–15h

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