The Best Things to See and Do in Panama If You Only Have 72 Hours

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 the 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—it is a perfect cup of joe.

Panama is the only place in the world that has a jungle within the city limits. Take a quick hike through the gorgeous Metropolitan Park for a beautiful view of the city. The various hike options are rated by time, so you don’t have to spend all day there, though it is so beautiful that you might want to anyway.

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 is the majestic Cinta Costera, and 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.

Best enjoyed after the sun goes down, Casco Viejo packs a big historical punch of Panama’s beginning, too. Explore it with a guide to fully understand all that it hides in the walls with incredible remains and anecdotes of Panama from centuries ago. Along with it being a history-rich slice of Panama, it is also known for its epic nightlife.

An incredible, interactive museum dedicated to the evolution of biodiversity as we know it, this Frank Gehry-designed museum is a spectacle not to be missed. Dedicate a morning or afternoon to exploring its many, wonder-filled exhibits, and learn a thing or two about how the world came to be all that it is today. It is fascinating.

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 Taboga Island.

A visit to Panama City is not complete with 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.