Panama City holidays

Local dishes in Panama City

One of the highlights of holidays to Panama City is discovering the diverse and flavoursome cuisine. Expect a fusion of Latin American, Caribbean and international flavours, with a focus on fresh ingredients.

Some typical dishes

• Sancocho: This hearty, comforting Panamanian staple is a traditional chicken soup made with yucca, corn and herbs.

• Arroz con pollo: A popular dish across Latin America, this is Panama’s take on chicken and rice, flavoured with a mix of spices, vegetables and olives.

• Carimañola: A local snack made from cassava dough stuffed with minced beef or cheese before being deep-fried.

Meat dishes

• Ropa vieja: Shredded beef stewed in tomatoes, onions and peppers, usually served with rice and beans. It’s a favourite among locals for its rich and satisfying flavour.

• Chicharrones: Crispy fried pork belly, often served as a snack or side – crunchy, savoury and full of flavour.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Ceviche: Fresh fish marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, coriander and peppers. This refreshing dish is best at seafood markets like Mercado de Mariscos.

• Corvina a la plancha: Grilled corvina (a local white fish) is a simple but delicious dish, often served with rice and plantains.

Street food

• Empanadas: These pastry pockets filled with meat, cheese or chicken are sold everywhere, from street vendors to small cafés. They’re great for a quick bite on the go.

• Patacones: These fried green plantains, served as a side or snack, are a crunchy and savoury favourite in Panama City.

Sweets and desserts

Desserts here are influenced by a mix of Latin American and Caribbean flavours. Raspados (shaved ice with sweet fruit syrup) is a popular street treat on hot days, while flan and tres leches cake are common in local bakeries. For something more traditional, try bienmesabe, a sweet coconut pudding.

Local drinks

• Chicha: This refreshing drink is made from natural fruit juices like pineapple or tamarind.

• Seco: Panama’s national spirit is a sugarcane-based liquor often mixed with fruit juice or soda.

Best things to do in Panama City

Panama City is a dynamic blend of old and new, where skyscrapers stand side by side with historical monuments. Here’s the best of what Panama City holidays have to offer:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Cerro Ancón: For panoramic views of the city, head up to Cerro Ancón, a lush, jungle-clad hill overlooking the city. This is also a good spot to photograph the Panama Canal.

• Miraflores Visitors Center: This viewpoint offers sweeping views of the Miraflores Locks and lets you witness the Panama Canal in action. Watch colossal cargo ships rise and fall as they navigate one of the world’s most famous waterways.

The best districts

• Casco Viejo: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Casco Viejo (also called Casco Antiguo) is the heart of old Panama. Wander its narrow cobbled streets, lined with colourful colonial buildings, boutique hotels and rooftop bars.

• Amador Causeway: Linking a series of islands to the mainland, the Amador Causeway is a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike.

Historical monuments

• Panama Viejo: These ancient ruins are the remnants of the original Panama City, which was destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. Today, visitors can explore the eerie remains of the city’s cathedral, convents and impressive bell tower.

• The Metropolitan Cathedral: Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, this grand cathedral symbolises Panama’s religious and architectural heritage. It’s one of the oldest churches in the region, dating back to the 18th century, with its iconic twin towers standing over Plaza de la Independencia.

Day trips in the area

• Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal: A short journey from Panama City brings you to the vast expanse of Gatun Lake. This artificial wonder is part of the Panama Canal and is an ideal spot for boat tours. Explore the surrounding rainforest, spot wildlife like howler monkeys and toucans and get up close to enormous ships as they navigate the locks.

• Isla Taboga: A 30-minute ferry ride from Panama City, Isla Taboga is known as the ‘Island of Flowers’. Visitors can relax on the island’s beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters or hike to the summit for views of the surrounding islands.

Activities for families in Panama City

Family holidays to Panama City are well catered for, with a mix of educational experiences and fun-filled adventures.

• Parks and gardens: Head to Parque Omar, the largest park in the city, which features open green spaces, playgrounds and picnic areas.

• Aquariums: The Punta Culebra Nature Center is part of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Kids will love exploring the exhibits on marine life, which include touch tanks, interactive displays and opportunities to learn about Panama’s coastal ecosystems.

• Museums: Don’t miss the Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry. This interactive museum tells the story of Panama’s incredible biodiversity, with colourful and engaging exhibits perfect for children.

Free things to do in Panama City

There’s plenty to explore in Panama City without spending a penny. Here are some of the best bits.

• Free events: Panama City hosts numerous free cultural events throughout the year, including open-air concerts and street festivals. One of the highlights is the colourful Carnaval, held every February, where visitors can enjoy parades, live music and vibrant celebrations.

• Free museums: Many Panama City museums offer free entry on certain days. For example, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Art) is free on Sundays.

• Free guided tours: Several organisations offer free walking tours of Casco Viejo led by knowledgeable guides who work on a tips-only basis. These typically cover the district's history, architecture and cultural highlights.