48 Hours in Panama City: Where to stay and what to do!
*Please note: all information below, including prices, is reflective of the time of writing (2019). Feel free to reach out with questions and I’ll happily help however I can.
So you’ve booked your tickets to Panama City and decided to opt for a short stopover before continuing on elsewhere.
No worries, that’s what most people do and my girlfriend and I were no different on this last trip.
It was a bit overwhelming at first. The city is HUGE and a lot of our stress was stemming from the inevitable decision of where to base out of in order to see and do the most. But have no fear - the 48 hours guide is here!
WHERE TO STAY
The simple answer: Casco Viejo.
There’s a lot of information on the internet about neighborhoods to avoid in Panama City, and if you look on a map, Casco Viejo appears to be flanked by many, most notably El Chorillo and Calidonia. Many people prefer to stay in the “more secure” financial district, and that’s perfectly fine.
We chose Casco Viejo for a few reasons. To start with, it was easy to get around. There were only a couple of things that we wanted to do across town (Panama Viejo and Miraflores Locks), and those were just a short 20 minute Uber ride away. Everything else was in close proximity to the old town and our average Uber fare was $2.
The second reason was that it gave us the historical experience. Panama City is full of high rises, but by staying in Casco Viejo we surrounded ourselves with the rich history of how the city came to be.
Some people warn that the area is far too touristy. That may be the case during the day, but at night it comes alive as the neighborhood of choice for Panamanians to grab dinner and drinks.
Now that you know where to stay, here are the top 7 things to cram into your 48 hours in Panama City!
PANAMA VIEJO
On the opposite side of town from Casco Viejo, you will find Panama Viejo, the ORIGINAL Panama City.
Yes, Casco Viejo is known as the “Old Town,” however it wasn’t established until Captain Henry Morgan ransacked and pillaged the early settlement in 1671, forcing the citizens to abandon and re-build in modern-day Casco Viejo.
Panama Viejo itself was established in 1519 and is the oldest European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas.
It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and costs just $15 (as of 2019) to get up close and personal with the ruins. Pro tip: It’s a short walk from the ticketing booth to the ruins, but shuttles offer visitors free rides for those interested.
The ruins of Panama Viejo in Panama City, Panama
CERRO ANCON
Cerro Ancon is a short hike within the city limits that provides sweeping views over the city, Casco Viejo, and the Panama Canal.
Just a 10 minute Uber ride from the hotel in Casco Viejo, this short hike up a paved road acts a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city below.
The climb itself only took around 30 minutes. There was a bit of an incline that probably felt a lot harder than it was because of the humidity, but the lush flora and fauna was more than worth the effort. Bring water!
Pro tip: Do the hike in the morning or evening and when you reach the first tower station, go RIGHT. You will have a perfect view of the Miraflores Locks, Bridge of the Americas, and the canal as a whole!
Bridge of the Americas as seen from the top of Cerro Ancon in Panama City, Panama
PANAMA CITY SEASIDE WALK
If you want to go on a people-watching adventure, this is the place to do it. Simply by walking and observing you’ll be able to experience daily life as joggers fly by and families spend time together under the shade of the palm trees.
Need to cool off? Grab a shaved ice and get ready for that oh-so-sweet relief from the heat for just one dollar! Try the passion fruit. You won’t regret it. Pro Tip: This is an ideal spot for night photography of the downtown skyline!
View of downtown Panama City, Panama at night
MIRAFLORES LOCKS
I know there’s already A TON of information out there about visiting Miraflores, so I’ll keep this brief… make sure you go.
A short 20 minute Uber ride outside of the city and you’ll be dropped at the doors of the Miraflores Visitors Center. Inside you'll find a multi-story museum featuring the fascinating history and expansion of the canal, as well as the observation deck to watch ships pass through.
We paid $15 for an adult entrance fee. Non-resident children will cost $10 (ages 6-12). It’s worth spending a few hours learning why Panama City is BOOMING! Pro Tip: Plan your visit according to the ship schedule to ensure that you catch one passing through the locks.
A ship passes through the Miraflores Locks in Panama City, Panama
MERCADO DE MARISCOS
One of my favorite pastimes is wandering the local fish market of a coastal city in a foreign country. The myriad of noise and shouting, the chaos that is so intimidating and yet flows so perfectly, and the joy of finding a creature from the ocean that I've never seen is always a highlight.
The wholesale portion of the Mercado de Mariscos is open from 6:00am-5:00pm each day in the main building, but the outside restaurants are open until 10pm and make for an easy dinner (and cheap) dinner of fresh ceviche and a cold beer! A small cup will cost you $2-$4, depending on the seafood of choice. Pro Tip: Wake up early, walk along the Cinta Costera, and watch the fishing boats unload their catch of the day while the sun rises over the city.
EAT AT KWANG CHOW
I am a self-proclaimed dumpling-obsessed individual. As I continue traversing the globe to places like Japan and South Korea, I feel an unexplainable pull towards their food. As I was preparing for this trip and watching an episode of Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre Foods, I couldn’t help but feel that same pull to Kwang Chow’s.
With the completion of the canal construction in 1914, the world flocked to Panama City and as a result, the first ever Chinatown in the Western Hemisphere was established. Kwang Chow is the last remaining relic from that time. There are no more Asian markets, no trinkets to buy, or even people of Chinese descent wandering the streets.
Despite the changes, Kwang Chow has remained the same. The moment you step inside you are transported back in time to the 1900s and everything stands still. What better way to enjoy a delicious lunch?
CASCO VIEJO
What if I told you there was a neighborhood full of colorful colonial-style buildings and that Panama City isn’t all about finances and high-rises? Interested? Then be sure to explore Casco Viejo!
Wander the streets, discover colonial-era churches and ruins, hop in and out of the picture-perfect cafes, stroll along the city wall where you can shop for souvenirs, and more. Time passes slowly here... be sure to soak it all up!
Wandering the streets of Casco Viejo in Panama City, Panama
BONUS: AMADOR CAUSEWAY
A local favorite, the Amador Causeway connects four small islands and flanks the entrance to the Panama Canal in the Pacific Ocean. Rent bikes, visit the BioMuseum, or simply walk and enjoy the views of passing cargo ships and the city skyline. Pro Tip: Go at the right time of day to watch the sunset and stand in amazement as the city’s lights come alive!
We had a great time in Panama City and whatever you choose to do, I’m sure you will too! Need more information or have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments below.
Stay safe & happy travels, my friends!
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