Our most recommended things to do in Panama City

Panama City: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

1. Panama City: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

See Panama City from the top deck of an open top tour bus. New to the city, the tour takes you to all the major attractions of the Panama capital. Set amidst the Pacific Ocean, the rainforest and Panama Canal, Panama City is a striking modern city, not least because of its unique attractions. The tour is designed to ensure that you see all main attractions beginning with the World famous Panama Canal. Learn about the construction of this 8th wonder of the world with a live guide. The bus also travels to the colonial city of Casco Antiguo, as it is known in Spanish. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it boasts wonderful colonial Spanish and Italian architecture. Panama also has splendid examples of French architecture, due to the French presence during the last decade of the 19th century when the French attempted to build the canal. Visit the islands that are connected by a Causeway. From here you will experience great views of the Panama Canal entrance and the Bridge of the Americas, as well as stunning views of the Panama City skyline and skyscrapers. On the way to the islands, and at the entrance of the Causeway, is the amazing Frank Gehry-designed Bio-Museum. Also known as the "Bridge of Life," it explains how Panama rises from the seas and links North with South America. As well as taking in Panama´s key places of historical interest, the city has a vibrant outdoor scene with several cafés, which are a delight to hop-off and linger at. You can visit areas where you will find restaurants and bars that cater for all palates, as well as shopping areas like the Albrook Mall, which boasts brands from around the world, sometimes sold at bargain prices. Tour stops: 1. Balboa Boutiques Plaza 2. Parque Urraca 3. Mi Pueblito 4. Albrook Mall 5. Miraflores Locks - Canal 6. Entrada de Amador 7. Biomuseum 8. Punta Culebra 9. Isla Flamenco 10. Isla Perico 11. Sabores Del Chorrillo 12. Casco Antiguo 13. Multicentro

Panama: All-Inclusive Taboga Island Catamaran Cruise

2. Panama: All-Inclusive Taboga Island Catamaran Cruise

Explore the serene waters of Panama on an all-inclusive day tour on a Mega catamaran. Dive into the water for a refreshing swim before moving to the Island of Taboga for a beach and town visit. Enjoy morning snacks, lunch, and an open bar. After reaching Taboga, sail to the backside of the island to a secret spot where a bay with beautiful natural views is waiting for you. Jump off the boat and enjoy your first swim (there are also stairs to access the water if you do not want to dive in). After some fun in the water, climb back onto the boat to drink a cold beer. Rest in the boat's nets or dance with the crew while you sail towards the town side of the island. Dock so you can head to the beach and visit the small village of Taboga. Spend time on the beach relaxing or learn about the historical landmarks the Island has to offer. After your beach and town visit, hop back aboard for lunch with chicken, veggies, rice, vegetable salad, potato salad, and oleo pasta. Sip on drinks from the open bar like rum, vodka, Seco Herrerano, local beer, mixers, and cocktails. If the wind conditions are right, open the sails and continue the party as you cruise along the open water.

From Panama City: San Blas Day tour (3 Islands and village)

3. From Panama City: San Blas Day tour (3 Islands and village)

Be collected from your accommodation in Panama City to start the day trip. Drive 2.5 hours to San Blas Port, Carti, and then take a local Panga boat to the first of the San Blas islands. First arrive to Guasirdub island an exclusive and private island just for our clients. Enjoy a light breakfast of fresh fruit and coffee and take some time to sunbathe with hammocks. Towels will be provided. Then take the kayaks or paddle boards and your snorkel gear and go paddle around the Island. Discover a variety of colorful fish species. Afterward, we go to Hierba island where is the best spot for Instagram pictures, with a double swing in front of the ocean enjoy a lunch of fresh fish, rice, and salad. After lunch, head to the natural swimming pool. Chill out on a bank of sand in the middle of the ocean where you can walk or swim around to find your starfish. Finally, visit a local community where you see a traditional dance and music made with instruments handcrafted by them. In this tour you will learn about their culture and see how the locals live. You can try the coconut bread made on the island, and see how molas are made by the grandmas on the island. Sail back towards the port and return to Panama City in the evening.  We are the only agency providing a full experience Beach and Culture so you wont miss anything about the importance of this paradise, we are a social responsable agency who pays fair price to support economy of the local communities.

Panama City: Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour

4. Panama City: Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour

Enjoy 2 hours at the fascinating Panama Canal before exploring Panama City's history and sights. Discover 4 levels of exhibitions about the Canal at the Miraflores Visitor Center.  Take a panoramic drive along the Ancon foothills where you can take in the lush greenery and learn about the area's importance during the world wars. Stop at the Amador Causeway for a chance to get some incredible photos of the city, try one of its best ceviche places, have some amazing homemade ice cream, or do some shopping. Walk through the streets of the Old Town and visit the Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria la Antigua. Take a guided walk, ending in the Plaza de Francia on the old walls that protected the city from invasion over the years.

From Panama City: Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour

5. From Panama City: Panama Canal and Monkey Island Tour

Spend half a day exploring the Panama Canal while learning about its history and creation. See the famed Miraflores Locks in action and take a scenic boat ride in the Panama Canal. Get picked up at your hotel or other location in Panama City, and journey to the Panama Canal Visitors Center for a detailed explanation about how the canal and famous Miraflores Locks work. Visit the museum to learn more about this important water passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Drive by Miraflores Lake and the Pedro Miguel Locks as you make your way to the Chagres River. Climb aboard for a scenic boat trip across artificial Gatun Lake. Marvel at the surrounding landscape of the biggest and most important lake in the Panama Canal. Watch as large ships pass through the canal to get a sense of the magnitude of this masterpiece of engineering. Arrive at a group of islands to see different species of animals and monkeys. Return to Panama City and get dropped off at your hotel.

Panama City: Legends and Hidden Gems of Casco Viejo Tour

6. Panama City: Legends and Hidden Gems of Casco Viejo Tour

Step into the enchanting world of Panama City's Casco Viejo with a local guide who's passionate about sharing the stories, history, and culture of this vibrant part of town. Our "Legends of Casco Viejo" walking tour takes you on a journey through time, where you'll discover the hidden gems, stunning architecture, and authentic local spots that only insiders know about. Our knowledgeable guide will captivate you with fascinating tales of love, glory, and fortune, as well as stories of intrigue, war, and conflict that have shaped this remarkable area. You'll also receive insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and experience the city like a true local. This tour is perfect for anyone who loves outdoor walks and wants to connect with a friendly and personable guide who truly loves this city. Choose to meet us at the starting point or enjoy the convenience of a hotel pick-up from any location in Panama City. Rain or shine, we've got you covered with plenty of umbrellas.

From Panama City: Gamboa Rainforest Guided Tour with Lunch

7. From Panama City: Gamboa Rainforest Guided Tour with Lunch

Explore the Panamanian rain forest while gliding smoothly through treetops on an aerial tram. Learn the jungle's most interesting facts from a naturalist guide. Watch colorful birds flying around you.  Take a boat ride through the Panama Canal, observing marine life. End your tour with a delicious lunch. Board a tram bound for a 280-feet peak surrounded by leafy jungle. While going up to the observation tower, enjoy fabulous views of the Chagres River, the Embera indigenous community, and much of the Soberania National Park. Gamboa is home to many natural labs including a butterfly farm, an orchids center, and a frog pond. See around 20 species of butterflies native to Panama at the Butterfly House. Get up close to the sloths at the Sloth Sanctuary. This sanctuary hosts a rehabilitation and training program for injured, sick, and orphaned sloths. Enjoy a scenic boat tour along the Panama Canal's waterways. Observe the fascinating tropical wildlife of Gatun Lake and the surrounding forest. Get a chance to spot crocodiles, caimans, sloths, monkeys, and a host of birds with the help of your guide.

From Panama City: Chagres Rainforest and Embera Village Tour

8. From Panama City: Chagres Rainforest and Embera Village Tour

Explore Chagres National Park on a day trip from Panama City. Enjoy a traditional canoe ride on the Chagres River and hike to a preserved waterfall for a swim. Have lunch in an indigenous Embera village and find out about their culture. The day begins with a transfer by car from your hotel or residence in Panama City to the Chagres National Park, one of the most important forest and water reserves in Panama. Enjoy a traditional canoe ride on the Chagres River, followed by a half-hour walk through the jungle, walking on mud, water and slippery rocks to a beautiful and pristine waterfall. Take a refreshing some free time at the waterfall to swim, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Then, walk back to the canoe and continue to visit a real Embera indigenous community that will welcome you to enjoy lunch, traditional music and dances in a hut. Afterward, learn about the culture and way of life of this tribe via a conversation with the chief or one of the leaders before returning to Panama City.

From Panama City: Monkey Islands Tour on Gatun Lake

9. From Panama City: Monkey Islands Tour on Gatun Lake

Travel to the Gamboa Marina in an air-conditioned tour vehicle with a guide and the rest of the tour group, before a transfer to a riverboat for a ride on the Chagres River, one of Panama's largest rivers, and head for Monkey Island. Observe the different species of monkeys that live on the island, from white-face monkeys, howler monkeys, and Geoffrey´s tamarinds, while taking some time to snap photos, and learn interesting facts and information about the different species from a knowledgeable guide. Return to the marina and to Panama City, and end the tour with drop-off at the hotel.

Panama: Guided Northbound Panama Canal Cruise with Box Lunch

10. Panama: Guided Northbound Panama Canal Cruise with Box Lunch

Experience a relaxing northbound cruise on the Panama Canal aboard the glorious Pacific Queen. Enjoy a complimentary lunch while admiring the breathtaking landscape passing slowly by you.  Pass through the Culebra Cut, the Pedro Miguel Locks, and the engineering marvel of the Miraflores Locks. Learn how the locks are controlled to allow ships to pass through, while tucking into your lunch. Feel the waves beneath your feet as you admire scenic views of the Puente Centenario, the Chagres River, and the brilliant Bridge of the Americas, connecting North and South America. Wave goodbye to the Pacific Queen but hold onto the memories, as you disembark at Gamboa before returning to Panama City.

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Panama City
Thanks to its ideal location, this Central American city boasts both tropical escapes and cultural highlights.

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Frequently asked questions about Panama City

What are the best day trips and excursions from Panama City?

The best day trips and excursions from Panama City are:

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What people are saying about Panama City

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,947 reviews

The excursion can be very recommended, never felt rushed, our guide Elida was informative, helpful and attentive (thank you Elida), outside buffet lunch overlooking the canal the perfect culmination of a perfect day. The sloth sanctuary, well that was meh...but the butterflies were beautiful and the tiny frogs a sight to behold - If you take this trip to see the canal, its vegetation, islands and monkey population, you will not be disappointed. Lunch and view from the observation tower provide the perfect vistas.

Alex was thorough, honest about the history and passionate in his delivery of historical facts. As an aside it seemed like he knew all of the locals in the area. My whole expectation of my visit changed with the information he provided. He’s a National treasure!

Great trip with the Caramaran! All was very well taken care of. Good drinks, good food, nice swim and the island visit was very nice too. The crew really makes sure you are enjoying yourself too. Would highly recommend it!

Good organisation of the trip. In both Spanish and English. Lovely food. Plenty of drinks. We were lucky as we were the only boat going through the locks, isually there would be a ship in front, but not today.

Great trip to the locks and the monkey island was surprisingly fun too. I think this trip is a bit overpriced but all excursions in Panama air expensive… would still recommend going to this one!