A 5-Day Itinerary To Panama City

Panama City is full of exciting things to do, from the local coffee and cuisine to the natural wonders and historical sights. Here is a solid, five-day itinerary for exploring the city.

Start with Panamanian coffee

This is an absolute must if you are a coffee person. Panamanian coffee of the Geisha variety is extremely special and expensive, so be sure to enjoy every sip of the cherished elixir. This is a perfect way to start your day, and it just might convince you to move to Panama, because this cup of coffee is that smooth, rich, powerful and magical—the perfect cup of joe.

Spend an afternoon at the Biomuseo

Explore Casco Viejo by day or night

Best enjoyed after the sun goes down, Casco Viejo is standing proof of Panama’s beginnings. Explore the old town with a guide to fully understand all it hides within its walls, from incredible remains to anecdotes about Panama from centuries ago. Along with it being a history-rich slice of Panama, Casco Viejo is also known for its epic nightlife.

Hit the beach

Taboga Island is a quick, inexpensive ferry ride from Panama City, making it most easy to access for a day trip to the beach. Lots of young travelers and Panamanians love to spend their weekends at the beach on Taboga Island, especially in the dry season. Two words: Beach party. Don’t miss the opportunity to revel in the bliss of this volcanic island.

Panama Canal

A visit to Panama City is not complete without a visit to the famous Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal. Luckily, this is located very close to Clayton. Watch as the Panama Canal feeds into the Pacific Ocean, with the opening directly in front of the Miraflores Locks for viewers to watch in awe as the canal works its wonders.

Walk the Cinta Costera

Best saved for around sunset or early in the day to catch the sunrise, the Cinta Costera is an incredible sight to see. Quite possibly the most gorgeous seaside walk in Panama City, it is completely free. The Cinta Costera also runs along the ever-trendy, upscale Avenida Balboa, so if you’ve worked up an appetite, walk over for a bite to eat on a balcony overlooking the city.

Enjoy a bowl of sancocho

Bottomless coffee and freshly baked bagels make a divine combination at New York Bagel Café. This conveniently located café is a praised staple among locals, visitors, and expats alike. The menu also offers a full list of breakfast options, from the incredibly delectable French toast to delicious omelets. Lunch items range from phenomenal, fresh salads to burgers to the Panamanian favorite, sancocho. Everyone loves New York Bagel Café.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.