Panama City

When to visit Panama City

The dry season, from mid December to April, is the easiest period: skies are clear, rain is scarce and these are the best months for the canal, city walks and the San Blas islands. They are also the busiest and most expensive months. May to November is the rainy season; rain mostly comes as short afternoon downpours, with October and November the wettest months. Being close to the equator, the city is hot and humid all year, so bring light clothes, sunscreen and a small umbrella.

Things to do in Panama City

Miraflores Locks

About 20 minutes northwest of the city centre, these are the locks at the Pacific end of the Panama Canal. From the visitor centre's terraces you watch large ships enter the chambers, the water rise and fall and the ships move on to the next level up close. The centre has a museum and a cinema covering the building, operation and history of the canal. Ship traffic varies by day, so checking transit times in advance helps.

Casco Viejo

The historic centre of the city rebuilt on the peninsula after 1671, on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Metropolitan Cathedral on Independence Plaza, the San José Church known for its gold covered altar, the Plaza de Francia and the old sea walls fit into the same walk. Restored colonial houses hold cafés, restaurants and terrace bars. Looking from the walls at the modern skyline in the late afternoon is one of the best moments of a visit.

Panamá Viejo

The ruins of the first permanent city founded by the Spanish on the Pacific coast of the Americas, in 1519; it was destroyed in Henry Morgan's attack in 1671 and never resettled. The surviving stone tower of the cathedral is the symbol of the site, and from its top you see the bay and the modern city. The site museum tells the story of the city's founding and destruction. It is 15 to 20 minutes from the centre by taxi.

Biomuseo

At the start of the Amador Causeway, the museum designed by Frank Gehry with its colourful, angular roofs opened in 2014. It explains how the rise of the Isthmus of Panama from the sea joined two continents, separated the oceans and affected living species. The botanical garden in front and the walking and cycling path along the Amador Causeway combine well with a visit. Ships heading into the canal and the city skyline are in view along the way.

Ancón Hill

The highest point in the city rises between Casco Viejo and the canal area, with a large Panamanian flag flying on its summit. The top is reached on foot along a wooded road in about half an hour, and sloths, agoutis and toucans can be seen on the way. From the hill you see the towers and Casco Viejo on one side and the Bridge of the Americas and the canal entrance on the other. Going early in the morning avoids the hottest hours.

Guna Yala (San Blas) Islands

Small palm covered islands on the Caribbean coast, in the Guna Yala region governed by the Indigenous Guna people. They are reached by a two to three hour drive from the city followed by a boat ride, on day trips or tours staying in simple island huts. Clear water, snorkelling and the hand sewn mola textiles of Guna women are the highlights. The Guna authorities charge an entry fee to the region, and you need your passport with you.

Flights from Turkey to Panama City

Direct flights to Panama City from Turkey leave Istanbul Airport on Turkish Airlines; nonstop services run several days a week and take about 14 hours, while the other services route via Bogotá. Connections from other Turkish cities go via Istanbul. Flights land at Tocumen International Airport, about 25 kilometres east of the city centre, 30 to 45 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Metro Line 2 leaves from Aeropuerto station next to Terminal 2 and links to the centre with a change to Line 1 at San Miguelito.

Panama City FAQ