Things to do in Panama City
A stroll through the Casco Viejo neighbourhood reveals colonial attractions like La Iglesia de San José church, while a visit to the Smithsonian Canopy Crane Ride in El Parque Natural Metropolitano offers far-reaching views over the world's largest urban rainforest. Located next to the Panama Canal, the Miraflores Visitor Center provides a lesson in engineering. Most attractions are open daily 10am-6pm, though some museums are closed on Mondays.
Miraflores Visitor Center
Canal engineering and history
The Miraflores Visitor Center at Miraflores Locks is a tribute to the Panama
Canal, one of the world's major engineering marvels. Interactive displays
and historical documents keep all ages busy for at least a couple hours at
this fascinating museum.
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Cost
US$8; students and children US$5; under 5s free
Opening Hours
Daily 9am-5pm
Address
Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal, Panama City
Telephone
+507 267 8325
Panamá Viejo Visitor Center
Pirates and ruins
The remnants of Panama City's first Spanish settlement, Panamá Viejo, date
back to 1519. Burnt down in 1691 by the pirate Henry Morgan, the charred
remains and fascinating visitor centre appeal to more than just history
buffs.
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Cost
US$11; seniors US$9; students & children US$2
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Address
Vía Cincuentenario, Panamá Viejo, Panama City
Telephone
+507 226 8915
Transport
Taxi
Cerro Ancón
Hiking and panoramic views
At 650 feet, Cerro Ancón is the highest peak in Panama City and provides a
great look-out point with 360-degree views of the city. There are also
excellent nature walks, bird-watching and opportunities for spotting
wildlife.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily dawn-dusk
Address
Cerro Ancón, Panama City
Transport
Taxi
Iglesia de San José
Baroque art, colonial architecture
The Iglesia de San José church in the Casco Antiguo is remarkable for its
Baroque golden altar. It was supposedly painted black and hidden by a priest
to save it from the pirate Henry Morgan when he raided Panamá Viejo.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily dawn-dusk
Address
Avenida A and Calle 8, next to Plaza Herrera, Casco Antiguo, Panama City
Transport
Taxi
Amador Causeway cycling
Fun by the Pacific
There's no better way to see the Amador Causeway than to cycle alongside the
Pacific. Visitors can rent bikes in Andandor, then enjoy the constant ocean
breeze and laid-back family-orientated atmosphere that characterises Panama
City's most famous waterfront promenade.
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Cost
Various to hire bikes
Opening Hours
Bike rental office: 11am-8.30pm
Address
Bikes & More, Amador Causeway, Just past Figali Convention Center, Panama City
Telephone
+507 314 0103
Transport
Taxi
Smithsonian Canopy Crane Ride
Tree-top adventures
For an adventure in the heart of Panama City, sign up for Ancon Expeditions'
Canopy Crane Ride. Above the canopy of the Natural Metropolitan Park - the
world's only urban rainforest park - visitors can spot sloths, birds and
capuchin monkeys.
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Cost
US$110 (also includes two hours of hiking)
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 9am-1pm
Address
Edificio Dorado, Calle Elvira Méndez, Panama City
Telephone
+507 269 9415
