Top Places to Visit in Panama

There’s so much more to Panama than its world-famous waterway. Yes, its canal is a whopper and something you won’t want to miss, but this Central American country offers a plethora of attractions. With myriad islands, wildlife-rich tropical forests, and miles of pristine coastline on two oceans, Panama will keep you under its spell for weeks.

1. Panama City

A woman walks along a street in front of a building in an old city — Casco Viejo is Panama City’s coolest neighborhood © Shahaira / Getty Images

Central America’s most stylish capital is a tale of three cities. Downtown is a skyscraper-packed hub of international finance, glitzy shopping malls, and upscale restaurants. Across the bay, tombstone-like ruins are all that’s left of the original city, Panama Viejo, which was sacked by pirates in 1671.

Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo, after an ambitious restoration, has become the city’s hippest neighborhood. Boutique spots and stylish rooftop restaurants fill the pastel-colored colonial mansions that line its cobblestone streets.

Outdoor Adventures

To escape the urban jungle, hike the trails of Parque Natural Metropolitano, or cycle along the scenic Amador Causeway, where the striking Frank Gehry-designed BioMuseo celebrates the natural and cultural history of the isthmus.

2. Panama Canal

The world’s most famous shortcut, the Panama Canal—dubbed “the big ditch”—has been a vital trade route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans since it opened in 1914. An awe-inspiring feat of engineering, this artificial marvel operates around the clock and moves more than half a billion tons of goods a year.

3. Boquete

A solo figure stands at the top of a volcano as the sun rises — Head to Volcán Barú in Boquete for the ultimate sunrise © Smaks K / Getty Images

Adrenaline junkies should head to the highland town of Boquete, where adventurers have their pick of rappelling, rock climbing, and rafting. From the foothills of Volcán Barú, you can hike up to the summit for a show-stopping sunrise or zip line above the slopes.

4. Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro has something for everyone. It serves as a backpacker party hub, a couples’ chilled-out Caribbean paradise, and an expat enclave. The three main islands also boast some of Panama’s finest beaches.

Bocas Town

Bocas Town on Isla Colón is party central, where brightly painted, charming clapboard buildings house everything from hostels to handicraft stores. Go starfish spotting at Playa Estrella, where the calm waters are perfect for snorkeling.

5. Comarca de Guna Yala (San Blas Islands)

Indulge your inner Robinson Crusoe on this string of tropical islands off Panama’s Caribbean coast—all swaying palms, icing-sugar-soft white sand, and azure water. The San Blas archipelago is home to the Indigenous Guna people, who fiercely protect their culture and customs.

Disconnecting from the World

The San Blas Islands offer the chance to disconnect from the world, allowing visitors to bask in the beauty of unspoiled nature without modern distractions.

6. Santa Catalina

A fishing village turned surfer haunt, Santa Catalina in the Gulf of Chiriquí boasts some of the best year-round breaks in Central America. Fishermen sell the day’s catch under a mango tree, offering freshly prepared seafood with a tropical twist.

7. Portobelo

Old Spanish cannon at the fortress ruin of Santiago with a view over the Caribbean Sea in Portobelo near Colon, Panama, Central America. — Portobelo was once one of the most important ports in the Caribbean © SL_Photography / Getty Images / iStockphoto

Strolling around the unhurried streets of Portobelo, it’s hard to believe this was once one of the most important ports in the Caribbean. The ruins of often-sacked fortresses remain, showcasing the historical significance of this remarkable area.

8. Península de Azuero

Farming, folklore, and fiestas are the lifeblood of the Azuero Peninsula, the country’s cultural heartland. Las Tablas hosts the largest Carnaval celebration, featuring flamboyant costumes and lively music.

With well-preserved colonial buildings and world-class surfing beaches, this area also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting at nearby reserves, making it a diverse travel destination.

This comprehensive guide to Panama’s best sights invites adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. Immerse yourself in the vibrant heritage, natural beauty, and thrilling experiences that Panama has to offer.