Step 1 · Timing
When to visit Panama City
Now in Panama City—:—Sunrise—:—Sunset—:—
December–April are popular times to visit Panama City. For planning the trip, timing matters: Dry season with less humidity. May–November is the green season — cheaper but expect afternoon downpours. Deciding your dates first shapes the rest of the plan — how many days to spend and which area to base yourself in.
Warmest in Panama City: Feb (32°C / 90°F) · Coolest: Nov (28°C / 82°F) · Wettest: Jul (~30 rain days)
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)
Step 2 · Trip length
How many days in Panama City?
Pick a length and follow a ready-made Panama City itinerary — each one sequences the sights so your days flow without backtracking.
Step 3 · Itinerary
Build your Panama City itinerary
A good Panama City plan bases you in one central area, groups nearby sights into each day, and leaves room to slow down. Start from a day-by-day itinerary above, then adjust the order to your dates and pace.
Step 4 · Your base
Where to base yourself
A central base cuts travel time between sights.
- Casco Viejo. Base yourself here: The colonial old town — cobblestones, boutique hotels, rooftop bars, Sunday markets.
- El Cangrejo. For your itinerary: Restaurant-and-hotel zone — a walkable strip of international restaurants and mid-range hotels.
- Punta Pacifica. An area to consider: Modern skyscraper district — luxury hotels, malls, safest area after dark.
- Amador Causeway. Base yourself here: A 3km causeway of islands connected to the city — bike, run, or watch canal ships.
City centerTap a pin to book stays nearbyClick the map to enable scroll zoom
- Casco Viejoneighborhood3.8 km from center
- El Cangrejoneighborhood9 min walk from center
- Punta Pacificaneighborhood23 min walk from center
- Amador Causewayneighborhood7.9 km from center
Step 5 · Transport
Getting around Panama City
Metro (2 lines) reaches most tourist zones; Uber is cheap and safe; taxis negotiate first — no meters. Getting around while you explore: Tocumen Airport is 45 minutes from Casco Viejo — Uber $30–40. Panama City buses (Metrobus) require a RapiPass card.
Step 6 · Your trip
Plan by trip style
- Family trips. With kids in tow: The Miraflores Locks visitor center is a hit with all ages; BioMuseo (designed by Gehry) fits a rainy afternoon; day trips to Playa Blanca beach islands.
- Couples. Travelling as a pair: Casco Viejo rooftop bars, a Panama Canal partial transit cruise, and a weekend in Bocas del Toro.
- Solo travel. Going solo: Casco Viejo has a solid hostel + coworking scene; the Cinta Costera bay walk (5km) is the daily runners’ commute.
Step 7 · Before you go
Practical planning
Practical precautions for the trip: Safe by Central American standards but pockets vary sharply — El Chorrillo and Curundú are best avoided. Casco Viejo and Punta Pacifica are safe day and night. Getting around while you explore: Tocumen Airport is 45 minutes from Casco Viejo — Uber $30–40. Panama City buses (Metrobus) require a RapiPass card. Work these into the plan early — they affect which neighborhood to base yourself in and how much to fit into each day.
Step 8 · Where to stay
Hotel or whole home?
Two ways to book your Panama City stay — pick by trip type.
Hotels & city stays
Best for short city breaks and central locations — compare Panama City hotels on Expedia.
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