THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Panama (Updated 2024) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Panama

Top Panama Attractions

Things to Do in Panama


Top Attractions in Panama

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Marvel at the engineering triumph of the iconic canal, view ships navigating the locks, and discover maritime history at the museum. Enjoy unique perspectives on global trade routes.
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Historic neighborhood with a blend of architectural styles, walkable streets lined with diverse dining and shopping. Vibrant nightlife meets cultural landmarks and charming plazas.
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Observation deck with views of ships navigating canal locks, complemented by an informative 3D movie narrated by Morgan Freeman. Gift shop with varied souvenirs on site.
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Scenic causeway ideal for walking and biking with panoramic sea and city views, dotted with palm trees and beaches. Features a natural history museum and quaint shops.
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Historic museum in Casco Viejo showcases Panama Canal's history and impact, featuring bilingual exhibits and interactive displays amidst beautiful architecture.
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Boat rides provide access to tranquil San Blas islands, where white sand beaches and clear blue waters await. Enjoy local dishes and explore the culture of the Guna Yala tribe.
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Scenic walking and biking path along the waterfront in Casco Viejo, with views and local street food, plus lively cultural festivals and a nearby fish market.
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Interactive exhibits on natural and cultural history housed in a Frank Gehry-designed structure, surrounded by lush gardens and panoramic views, with engaging multimedia presentations.
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Rainforest trails with diverse wildlife and scenic city views, featuring a challenging hike to a lookout point. Prepare for uneven paths and carry essentials.
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Vast shopping destination with over 700 stores, including a mix of local and international brands. Features an integrated bus terminal and a variety of dining options. Clean and easy to navigate.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.






*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Andy keen
    Birmingham, UK1,484 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Third time thru over 15 years.
    Really lovely to sail on a ship thru this engineering marvel.
    Every time we have seen Crocs and this time the Old Girl and I saw a Croc take a Egyptian Eagle from a branch
    Lovely to sail under the Bridge of the Americas as we have now done the top, bottom and middle of the Pan American Highway.!
    Written June 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeremy T
    London, UK37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A little touristy but fascinating place that is being 'gentrified' and restored to its former glory. Nice restaurants and lots of souvenir shops. Allow time to get there and back, traffic is bad even at weekends.
    Written May 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lynn R
    Fort Myers, FL15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice visitors center with a covered viewing area of the locks. Be sure to grab some popcorn or a snack and catch the IMAX movie which is very informative!
    Written May 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vanessa M
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Glitzy and touristy area, nice to take a stroll on the water. Go for a meal or a bike ride. It has a lovely view, but it's not actually very interesting. If you don't have much time, this isn't highly worth it in my opinion.
    Written April 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ava j
    Houston, TX3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum is truly remarkable, offering a wealth of historical insight into the former US colony in Panama, famously known as the Canal Zone, and the fascinating history of the canal itself. I highly recommend it.
    Written May 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • brad h
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We found that the San Blas Islands of Guna Yala offer an unparalleled experience of natural beauty. The pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters create postcard-perfect memories that are truly priceless.

    One of the most captivating aspects of Guna Yala is its vibrant communities and rich cultural heritage. The colorful traditions and way of life of the Guna people could add a unique value to the experience.
    However, while the beauty of the islands is undeniable, there were moments where we felt disconnected from the local culture. Despite our eagerness to learn and understand, we found it challenging to fully engage with the community. At times, interactions felt rustic, and there were instances where we encountered unfriendliness.

    Nevertheless, we remain firm in our belief that the San Blas Islands are absolutely worth visiting. To truly appreciate the depth of this destination, we recommend going with a knowledgeable guide who can bridge the gap between visitors and the local community.
    Written May 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Geo89_12
    Romeoville, IL507 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took an evening stroll along the waterfront every evening, great place to take in the beauty of Panama. They also have dedicated bike paths for those who ride bikes.
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jhon B
    Chicago, IL3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This waterfront is absolutely amazing! It's got a dedicated area for people to walk, ride bicycles, play basketball, and so much more. And guess what? We were actually lucky enough to be there during a national festival (carnavales) where we got to enjoy live music and mingle with the locals. Talk about a unique experience!
    Written February 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • todd l
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was the first activity our family did in Panama City. Wonderful in every way. Interesting for children and adults. Beautiful building. Great way to understand the natural and human history of Panama.
    Written April 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Resh
    Oakland, CA28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The staff were friendly. It was easy to catch an uber there and back. We got here early and glad we did. We got there at 8:00am/8:30am. I would recommend getting there at 7am or 7:30am right when it opens. It was very hot in the late afternoon. We spotted a sloth, agoutis, and a coati. It's a very kid-friendly hike and not too hard. Not stroller friendly, so best to use a backpack/hiking baby carrier for the little one. Bring water, bug spray, hat/shade. We had a wonderful time and the view of the city was beautiful. Make sure you climb the stairs at the viewpoint to get an even better view of the city.
    Written June 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lucycan
    San Diego, CA3,492 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a must see if you have the time. Board a boat and cruise around the lake / jungle where you will see ships, crocs, birds, monkeys and so much more.
    Written February 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kathyh6642017
    Bellingham, WA107 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited this mall a couple of times as we used public transportation and the station is right across the street.
    Had a couple lunches in the food court. Service wasn't great but food okay.
    Went into numerous shops and the grocery store as well.
    It's cool/air conditioned, clean and modern. Toilets cost to use.
    It was very busy the times we were there.
    Written February 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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