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Picture of Panama City, Panama

Travel Guide for
Panama City

Panama

Tropical wet and dry, hot, humid

Introduction

Panama City is a vibrant metropolis nestled at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. Its modern skyline contrasts with the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo, the city’s historic heart, which tells stories of pirates and colonial empires.

In mid-February, expect warm, tropical days—ideal for working from open-air cafes or co-working spaces with canal views. The city’s blend of global cuisine, buzzing nightlife, and fast internet makes it perfect for digital nomads seeking inspiration outside the typical office.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates15-18 February 2026

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, hostel

Interests and Activities:

festivals and eventsgastronomynightlife and entertainmentsightseeing and toursoutdoor adventures

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Picture of Panama City, Panama

Key Facts

Location

Central America

Currency

Panamanian balboa and US dollar (PAB/USD)

Religion

Roman Catholic

Population

1,500,000

Language

Spanish, English

Electricity

110V, 60Hz, plug types A/B

Time zone

UTCEST (UTC-5)

Country code

+507

Internet access

Widely available, fast speeds, affordable

Climate

Tropical wet and dry, hot, humid

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-ohs)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta esto? (kwan-to kwes-ta ehs-to)
  • please

    por favor (por fah-bor)
  • thank you

    gracias (grah-see-as)
  • excuse me

    perdón (pehr-dohn)

Map

Logistics

The easiest way to reach Panama City, Panama is by air; Tocumen International Airport (PTY) serves many direct international flights from North America, South America, and Europe. Budget-conscious digital nomads can find affordable fares, especially with airlines like Copa, Spirit, and Delta. The airport is a 30-minute taxi or shuttle ride to the city center.

Overland travelers can arrive by long-distance bus from neighboring countries such as Costa Rica, using the well-connected Albrook Bus Terminal. Boats arrive mainly from Colombia via the scenic San Blas Islands, though this route is more adventurous. Trains are not a transit option from outside the country, but the Panama Canal Railway offers a scenic ride between Panama City and Colón.

February weather is typically warm, dry, and ideal for travel—no special considerations needed. Moving around the city is easy and affordable with public buses, the metro, and ride-sharing apps.

Weather

Panama City, Panama, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, usually between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (90°F). The year is split into the dry season (mid-December to April) and the rainy season (May to mid-December), with humidity levels remaining high throughout every season.

From February 15 to 18, the weather is typically sunny, hot, and dry, making it perfect for outdoor adventures, sightseeing, and city tours. Extreme weather events are rare during this time, so travelers can expect pleasant conditions for enjoying local festivals, bustling nightlife, and the city’s renowned gastronomy, including seafood and Panamanian specialties.

Food & Drink

Panama City’s cuisine is a flavorful blend of Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, and indigenous influences. Expect dishes like sancocho (hearty chicken stew), patacones (fried plantains), and ceviche. Try local coffee and drinks like seco, a sugarcane spirit. For vegetarians or those with dietary needs, most places are accommodating, but asking ahead is recommended.

For affordable eats and a digital-nomad-friendly vibe, Café Unido and Bajareque offer great Panamanian coffee and Wi-Fi. Mercado de Mariscos is perfect for fresh seafood, especially ceviche stands. Casco Viejo’s Mahalo and Fonda Lo Que Hay serve creative, budget-friendly fusion menus. Panama City bars like CasaCasco or Tantalo Rooftop provide lively atmospheres and great city views.

Tipping around 10% is customary unless service is already included. The city’s food scene is diverse and welcoming, making it easy for travelers to find satisfying options for any palate or preference.

A picture of Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja, which means 'old clothes' in Spanish, is a savory and hearty stew made with shredded beef,...

A picture of Sancocho

Sancocho

Sancocho is a comforting and flavorful chicken soup made with a variety of root vegetables like yams, plantains,...

A picture of Empanadas

Empanadas

Empanadas are delectable fried or baked pastries filled with a variety of ingredients such as ground meat, cheese,...

A picture of Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo, which translates to 'rice with chicken,' is a classic one-pot dish featuring tender chicken pieces,...

A picture of Ceviche

Ceviche

Ceviche is a refreshing and zesty dish made with marinated raw fish or seafood, mixed with citrus juices,...

Accommodation

For digital nomads visiting Panama City, Casco Viejo is a charming, historic neighborhood with trendy hostels and boutique hotels, perfect for blending work and leisure. The El Cangrejo and Obarrio districts also offer affordable, comfortable hotels with solid Wi-Fi and plenty of cafes nearby. Top hotels such as Hotel Riu Plaza Panama and Selina Casco Viejo provide ideal amenities for remote work and relaxation.

Browse Hotels.com to compare rates and find exclusive deals. During February 15-18, book early as these dates may coincide with Carnaval or national events, leading to higher prices and limited availability. Hostels like Magnolia Inn and Luna’s Castle are excellent budget-friendly bases with communal workspaces and vibrant social scenes.

Itinerary

Begin your journey with a mix of Panama’s local culture and city energy, soaking in historic sights, creative neighborhoods, and vibrant street scenes.

Stroll Through Casco Viejo & Plaza Mayor

Wander the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo, Panama City’s historic district, lined with colorful colonial buildings, cafés, and street art. Stop by the vibrant Plaza Mayor for people-watching, photos, and a taste of local life. Great introduction to city culture!

Discover Mercado de Mariscos

Visit the bustling Mercado de Mariscos, Panama’s famous seafood market. Enjoy freshly prepared ceviche and local delicacies at open-air stalls—perfect for lunch or a snack. Arrive hungry and be ready to try something new!

Avenida Central Shopping and Street Art Walk

Explore Avenida Central, a lively pedestrian street packed with shops, street performers, and local vendors. Don’t miss the urban murals and vibrant storefronts—a great spot to snap photos and shop for affordable souvenirs!

4h Cooking Class in Panama City: 10 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks

4h Cooking Class in Panama City: 10 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Immerse yourself in the beautiful culture of Panama with this boozy, 10-recipe cooking experience! In this fun Panama City activity, you’ll prepare delicious recipes with our friendly and entertaining cook, Winnie. This interactive cooking and dining experience is a delightful way to: + Learn Panamanian cooking techniques of dishes like Carimanõlas and Butter Cassava + Savor fresh wholesome ingredients + Engage in spirited conversation Enjoy social interaction while indulging in incredible drinks, appetizers, main dishes and desserts. While preparing this delicious meal, take pics of your dishes, group and new friends! Post to social for many oohs-and-aahs and to rack up those likes! Many of our past guests tell us that this was their best dinner and activity in Panama! We look forward to cooking and dining with you! *Vegetarian meals and non-alcohol beverage recipes are available upon request. We can accommodate any food restriction request. ** None of our dishes contain pork!

4.9 (357 reviews)

From $95 USD

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Attractions

4.4 (99 reviews)
 Panama City Tour and Panama Canal – Miraflores Locks Experience

Panama City Tour and Panama Canal – Miraflores Locks Experience

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

⭐ What Makes This Tour Different? This is not just a regular city tour — it's an authentic, comfortable, and well-curated experience designed to help you truly connect with Panama. ✅ Guided visit to the Miraflores Locks, with a detailed explanation of the Canal’s operation and enough time to explore the visitor center. ✅ Complete city tour including the historic Casco Antiguo, the modern skyline, Cinta Costera, and panoramic viewpoints. ✅ Certified bilingual local guides passionate about sharing the country’s history, culture, and hidden gems. ✅ Comfortable air-conditioned transport and reliable, on-time service. ✅ Small groups or private service, with personalized attention and flexible timing. You won’t just see Panama City — you’ll experience it with insight, comfort, and local flavor.

From $35 USD

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4.9 (139 reviews)
Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal

Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy visiting one of the wonders of the modern world, the Panama Canal, Miraflores locks, immerse yourself in the history of the second ancient city of Panama City and fall in love with the beautiful view of the largest city in Central America, take a tour along the Amador Causeway with its beautiful marinas and the famous Panama sign.

From $65 USD

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4.8 (138 reviews)
Private Half-Day Panama City Tour And Panama Canal

Private Half-Day Panama City Tour And Panama Canal

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy your Half-day Panama City Tour which included Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, Amador Causeway tour. This Private Panama City Layover Tour with certified, bilingual (English/Spanish) guide who will take you to the most interesting parts of Panama City. This private tour offers a personalized experience, ensuring you enjoy the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Panama City in comfort and style. Ideal for layovers or short stays, this tour guarantees you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of one of Central America’s most dynamic cities.

From $67 USD

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4.8 (53 reviews)
Panama City and Panama Canal Tour

Panama City and Panama Canal Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Complete tour of the most emblematic places of Panama City. Personalized attention, guides with vocation for service that will make your trip the best experience lived in PANAMA.

From $68 USD

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3.9 (57 reviews)
Panama City FOOD Tour

Panama City FOOD Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Panama, known for the canal and the hat, is quickly becoming a foodie destination as well! Anthony Bourdain was here for his show and recently CNN filmed THIS TOUR! Sample 5 products from Panama that are all of the chart! The world's #1 coffee, Geisha and organic chocolate to start. Sip local craft beers and stroll to the seafood market to sample ceviche and finish up in Casco enjoying the view (and rum, made in Panama) from a famous rooftop bar.

From $65 USD

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5.0 (10 reviews)
Panama City & Panama Canal: Miraflores Locks Half-Day Tour

Panama City & Panama Canal: Miraflores Locks Half-Day Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience the highlights of Panama City on this 5-hour, expertly guided tour. Visit the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks to witness massive ships navigate this engineering marvel. Stroll the historic streets and plazas of Casco Viejo (Old Town), exploring colonial architecture, cafes, boutiques, and vibrant local life. Drive along the glitzy Avenida Balboa and scenic Cinta Costera, with breathtaking skyline views, and capture photos at the famous Panama sign. Finish at the Amador Causeway, enjoying fresh ocean breezes and stunning city vistas. With a friendly English-speaking guide, this tour offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and iconic landmarks—ideal for first-time visitors or travelers short on time. Perfect for a half-day Panama City tour, Panama Canal visit, or Casco Viejo walking experience.

From $79 USD

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4.3 (80 reviews)
BLISS in San Blas Islands Panama Includes Tour & Transport from Panama City

BLISS in San Blas Islands Panama Includes Tour & Transport from Panama City

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the magic of the San Blas Islands on a full-day adventure from Panama City. This experience combines everything travelers dream of in the Caribbean—crystal-clear waters, untouched beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and the authentic culture of the indigenous Guna Yala people. Snorkel the famous shipwreck at Isla Perro Chico, swim in a natural pool in the middle of the sea, and enjoy a freshly prepared island lunch on the stunning shores of Isla Chichime. With stops on multiple islands, including Isla Diablo, you’ll experience the variety and beauty that make San Blas one of Panama’s most sought-after destinations. Perfect for travelers looking to escape the city, this San Blas day trip offers the right balance of adventure and relaxation, with roundtrip transport from Panama City included. ✅ Explore 4 unique islands in one day ✅ Snorkel gear available (request from crew) ✅ Fresh lunch with fish, chicken, or vegetarian option ✅ Seamless transport from Panama City

From $144 USD

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3.6 (8 reviews)
Half-Day Panama City Tour

Half-Day Panama City Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore Panama City’s most iconic landmarks on a half-day adventure blending history, culture, and breathtaking views. Start your tour at the Miraflores Visitors Center, where you’ll learn the fascinating story behind the Panama Canal and watch ships navigate the locks. Continue through Casco Viejo, the city’s charming colonial quarter filled with plazas, churches, and restored architecture dating back to the 1600s. Finally, relax along the Amador Causeway, with panoramic views of the city skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and the Bridge of the Americas. Your guide will share stories of Panama’s past and present, providing a deep understanding of this vibrant capital.

From $60 USD

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4.8 (137 reviews)
Panama City's Top Tour

Panama City's Top Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The Panama City Tour will show you Panama is more than just a canal. Enjoy all the city has to offer on this 1 day tour though the old town, Casco Antiguo, the Amador Causeway, learn about important and historic neighborhoods like Balboa and Ancon and of course visit the Panama Canal visitor center at Miraflores Locks. ±7 hours

From $125 USD

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4.9 (87 reviews)
Full day Panama City Sightseeing & Canal Tour with Private Guide

Full day Panama City Sightseeing & Canal Tour with Private Guide

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

This full day tour is the best way to discover Panama City. We will visit all highlights and sights Panama City has to offer.

From $120 USD

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4.7 (142 reviews)
Private Tour Layover in Panama

Private Tour Layover in Panama

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Do not miss the chance to visit the Panama Canal and the best of Panama City, Panama with this private tour starting at the International Airport PTY, from any location in Panama City ending at the airport or from the airport ending a hotels or accomodations in downtown of Panama City. It is required by Inmigrations Department of Panama a minimum of 7 hours between flights in order to be able to leave the airport.

From $85 USD

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4.9 (73 reviews)
Miraflores Canal Locks and Casco Viejo walking all inclusive tour

Miraflores Canal Locks and Casco Viejo walking all inclusive tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

We will start the experience by visiting two of the most popular tourist attractions in the country: the world-famous Panama Canal and the Casco Viejo(Colonial City). Our first or last stop could be the Miraflores visitor center(depending on the transit schedule of the ships), where we will see the Canal in full action and watch up close vessels passing through the locks. We will also enjoy a 3D movie at the IMAX Theater. After that, we'll travel along Balboa Avenue, taking in the sights of modern Panama City, also known as the "Manhattan of Central America," until we reach our final destination, the Colonial Casco Viejo. In Casco Viejo, we'll take a walking tour, visit all its plazas and colonial buildings, and end our experience with a stunning view of the Panama City skyline from the Amador Causeway.

From $99 USD

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4.3 (37 reviews)
San Blas 4-Day Island Hopping Adventure from Panama City

San Blas 4-Day Island Hopping Adventure from Panama City

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Once in a life-time experience in San Blas with 4 Days Island Hopping in the most amazing Paradise in Central America, sleep each day in a different island, with tours included in the nicest tiny islands with white sand beach and turquoise color ocean. This zone protected by locals indigenous, Guna Ayala Community. Relax, make new friends and have unforgettable holiday while learning about other culture. Panama San Blas Tours have partnership with a local community for our clients to have a demonstration of the handcrafts made by Guna men and women, you can also have a small atelier to finish your own mola or acorn palm bookmark and coaster. Activities included: Visits to another islands and a local community, Self guided -Kayaks, snorkeling, volleyball, beach pickle ball, water beds, and much more.. Please note this is not a guided tour, you will have a guide in your daily tours, but not the whole time. We only work with local people, so english spoken is very basic.

From $559 USD

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4.6 (201 reviews)
Canal expansion Agua Clara, Rainforest safari & San Lorenzo Fort

Canal expansion Agua Clara, Rainforest safari & San Lorenzo Fort

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Discover Panama’s Caribbean side on a full-day adventure of nature, history, and engineering. Start with a rainforest safari through lush jungle, home to monkeys, sloths, anteaters, caimans, crocodiles, and more. Several photo stops let you capture this ecological paradise. Continue to the UNESCO-listed San Lorenzo Fort, a coastal stronghold that resisted pirate attacks for nearly 75 years. Your guide will share its dramatic history and legends. End at the Agua Clara Locks, part of the Panama Canal Expansion, where giant cargo ships transit the new locks. Learn how this modern marvel reshaped world trade. This tour blends wildlife, culture, and the Canal into one unforgettable experience.

From $85 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Panama Canal and City Sightseeing Tour

Panama Canal and City Sightseeing Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The tour consists of sightseeing all over Panama City with an English speaking driver in a private vehicle. After pick-up at the hotel you will visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center where you will see the canal up close and how the locks work to assist in the transit of the ships through the canal.  After seeing the Canal operations you will visit the famous Causeway which is a narrow strip connecting 3 islands in the bay of Panama where you can shop at a duty free center or enjoy lunch and a cold Panama beer. Afterwards you will visit the famous Old Spanish Quarter (casco viejo) a World Patrimonial Heritage Site full of Spanish Colonial architecture, unique history, and tourist attractions (market, restaurants, shops). The tour then continues with a sightseeing drive on Balboa Avenue and downtown Panama.

From $200 USD

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5.0 (5 reviews)
Panama Canal and City Sightseeing Tour

Panama Canal and City Sightseeing Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Be amazed by the world-famous Panama Canal, a marvel of modern engineering and history. Begin your journey in Panama City with an expert local guide sharing captivating stories about the nation’s culture and heritage. Visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to watch giant ships ascend and learn about the canal’s construction and global significance. Continue past historic landmarks like the Administration Building, Martyr’s Avenue, and the Bridge of the Americas, with photo stops at the Chinese Monument and Amador Causeway. Capture views of the Bio Museo, visit Punta Culebra Nature Center to explore Panama’s biodiversity, and pause by the colorful Panama Sign and duty-free store. Savor authentic local seafood at the famous Fish Market (lunch at your own expense). End the day in Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, strolling its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant plazas a perfect blend of Panama’s past and present.

From $155 USD

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