Things to do in Panama City

Neighborhood · Old city, on the peninsula

Restored Spanish colonial streets of rooftop bars, boutique hotels and ruined churches, with the modern skyline framed across the bay.

Local tip: Go up to a rooftop bar at sunset for the view back across the water to the towers. It's the single best thing to do in the city and costs the price of a drink.

Landmark · North-west of the city

The visitor centre where you watch Panamax ships lifted between oceans, a few metres away.

Local tip: Check the ship transit schedule before going and time your visit for a large vessel. Without one in the lock it's a museum; with one it's extraordinary.

Nature · Along the bay

A landscaped waterfront strip of cycle paths, gyms and playing fields running along the seafront to Casco Viejo.

Local tip: Sundays see part of it closed to traffic. Walk or cycle it at dusk when the skyline lights up and the whole city is out.

Nature · Between the city and the Canal

A rainforest hill inside the city with sloths, toucans and a summit view over the Canal entrance and the skyline.

Local tip: Walk up early morning for wildlife and cool air. Genuine rainforest fifteen minutes from the financial district is a Panama-specific pleasure.

Food · Waterfront, near Casco Viejo

The fish market, where the upstairs restaurants and outside stalls serve ceviche by the cup for a couple of dollars.

Local tip: Buy ceviche from a stall rather than the restaurant, eat it standing up, and pair it with a cold beer. This is the city's best-value meal by a distance.

Nature · Within the city limits

A protected tropical forest reserve inside the capital, with marked trails and a canopy viewpoint.

Local tip: Almost no visitors bother, which is why you'll have monkeys and trails largely to yourself on a weekday morning. It's ten minutes from the towers.