What to Do in Panama City for a Full Day?

If you have a full day to spend in Panama City, here’s a list of places you can visit to make the most of your short stay

Panama City is a vibrant place that has a lot to offer: history, culture, nature, food, shopping, and modern attractions, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. With just one full day to explore, you can experience a diverse array of activities that capture the essence of this dynamic city. From the awe-inspiring Panama Canal to the charming streets of Casco Viejo, and from lush parks to bustling markets, Panama City offers something for every traveler. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or culinary delights, this guide will help you make the most of your day in Panama City, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling experience.

Before we start, keep in mind that Panama City isn't exactly pedestrian-friendly. The streets in many neighborhoods are quite confusing, and the traffic can be a real mess. Instead of relying on walking to get from place to place, it's much more convenient to hop in an Uber or grab a taxi.

Here's our list of places you can visit if you have a full day in Panama City:

1. Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)

- Visit Duration: 2 hours

- Recommendation: This area is actually pedestrian-friendly, but be cautious with kids as the streets can be uneven. Start your day with a stroll through Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its narrow streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, churches, and plazas. Visit the Panama Canal Museum to learn about the history and significance of the canal. Enjoy breakfast or a coffee at one of the charming cafes, Dodó Bon Pan Café or Café Unido.

The colorful streets of Casco Viejo.

2. Panama Canal - Miraflores Locks

- Visit Duration: 1.5 hours

- Price: USD$20 for adults, USD$12 for children

- Recommendation: Kids will enjoy watching the ships pass through the locks and the interactive exhibits. There are observation decks that provide good viewing spots for children. Head to the Miraflores Locks to watch the massive ships pass through the Panama Canal. Don't forget to visit the Miraflores Canal Visitor Center

which offers interactive exhibits, a short film (included in the price), and viewing platforms. This center is definitely worth a visit. Ships go through the canal's locks from 8 to 10 in the morning, so be sure to get there on time.

Panama Canal.

3. Biomuseo

- Visit Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours

- Price: USD$18 for adults, USD$11 for children

- Recommendation: Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum has interactive and colorful exhibits that are engaging for children. This museum focuses on the natural history of Panama and its impact on the world’s biodiversity. Spend an hour or two exploring the exhibits, which are both educational and visually striking.

Biomuseo.

Or maybe, how about disconnecting from the concrete jungle for a while and immersing yourself in the wildlife within a lush urban oasis?

4. Metropolitan Natural Park

 - Visit Duration: 2 - 3 hours

 - Price Entrance: USD$4 for adults, USD$2 for children (under 18).

 - Recommendation: Ideal for families and nature enthusiasts, this urban park offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and panoramic views of Panama City. Visit early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and better chances of spotting wildlife. Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and insect repellent.

Panoramic view from Metropolitan Natural Park.

5. Go shopping at the best malls in town

Multiplaza Pacific

   - Recommendation: Enjoy part of your day at the Multiplaza Pacific mall, one of the premier shopping destinations in Panama City, offering a variety of high-end stores, department stores, trendy boutiques for both men and women, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

Albrook Mall

 - Recommendation: One of the largest shopping malls in Latin America. It has a variety of shops, a food court, and entertainment options like a cinema and an arcade, making it perfect for families. There are also kid-friendly stores and play areas.

And finally, to enjoy the last part of your day...

6. Dinner and Nightlife in Casco Viejo

- Visit Duration: 2 - 3 hours

- Price: USD$15 - USD$50 per person depending on the restaurant

- Recommendation: Explore the vibrant nightlife. For a livelier evening, try out the rooftop bars like Sama Sky Lounge, located in the heart of Casco Viejo, for drinks with a stunning view. These kind of spots often have music and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a group of friends. You can also choose a family-friendly restaurant for dinner which offer relaxed atmospheres and menus suitable for all ages. Enjoy ice cream or a dessert at one of the cafes in the area.

Sama Sky Lounge rooftop.

Now, you may be wondering why the San Blas islands are not on our list, given that the archipelago is one of the top destinations in Panama and in the Caribbean. Essentially, it’s out of the question because you’d either have to rush through the islands or only access those closer to the road entrance, which are not the best options.

These islands are highly frequented by both local Panamanians and day tourists due to their convenient accessibility and are known for their constant loud music and bustling crowds that last throughout the day. But if this sounds appealing to you, we do take single day charters but only if you arrive and leave by plane. For more info, check out our post "Flights from Panama City to San Blas: Ultimate Guide" or Contact us for any further questions :)

Sunken ship at Dog Island, San Blas.

Whether you are traveling with family or friends, spending a day in Panama City can be unforgettable. Embrace the unique mix of old and new, relax, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that makes Panama City a top destination in Central America.