Panama City in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Panama City will captivate you with its diversity of cultural, gastronomic and entertainment proposals. To make sure you don't miss a single detail, I recommend you book a full week and get to know the secrets of this paradisiacal destination in depth. It has everything you need to create unforgettable memories, from beaches and jungles to quiet plans in front of the majestic canal.

This window of time allows you to take advantage of Panama City' s best unhurried activities and stroll around the nearby islands, climb Ancon Hill, zip-line through the jungle, learn about the enigmas of the canal and discover the underrated sites.

On your first day venture out on a historical tour of the highlights of Casco Viejo de San Felipe, where you'll find ancient churches, museums ideal for an educational experience, bike rides, foodie hideaways and a quaint craft brewery.

Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria La Antigua

One place you can't miss is the Metropolitan Cathedral, so I recommend you start here, which is completely free to enter. It is one of the largest churches in Latin America and is located in the heart of Casco Antiguo. From your accommodation you can reach it on the Panama Metro

Here I recommend you take your time to appreciate the façade, whose architectural design is a mixture of Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. In fact, it was built in 1510 and in the main sacristy there are paintings and sculptures representing the most important moments in its history. The most interesting thing is to climb the bell tower and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

And if you are lucky, your visit may coincide with a choir concert. But in case you have little time and prefer to admire it from the outside without looking inside, as well as getting to know other parts of the city on this first day, I suggest you consider a bicycle tour of Panama City, as it is a common stop for this type of experience.

Interoceanic Canal Museum

Just a minute's walk away is the Interoceanic Museum of Panama, an ideal place to visit if you intend to visit the Panama Canal, as it is an introduction to its history, biodiversity and most important sites. Through interactive scenarios you can discover the changes it has undergone since its inauguration in 1914.

In fact, it is ideal if you want to learn more about the expansion of the canal, which took place between 2007 and 2016. I recommend exploring the interior in detail, to delve into the permanent exhibitions that cover political conflicts and trade routes. Guided tours are usually offered that include a stop here and take you to see the Panama Canal itself.

Seafood Market and Casa Bruja

You can't miss a stop for lunch, so on your first day I invite you to visit the best seafood restaurant on the Cinta Costera. This is the popular Mercado de Marisco (Seafood Market), which you can reach in two minutes by Uber. It's the perfect place to discover Panamanian gastronomy through specialties based on ceviche, sea bass, snapper and all kinds of fresh fish.

After a good meal you'll have extra energy to visit Casa Bruja, a craft brewery on the east coast of Casco Viejo, located 10 minutes away by car. In the afternoon they offer guided tours of their brewery and tastings of Panamanian alcohol. At the end of the day you can watch the sunset, enjoy the live shows or take advantage of the quiz nights.

Trivia Night is the most popular activity and consists of four rounds of surprise questions, and if you get them right you can win prizes. Please note that there will be a maximum of eight people at each table.

After recharging your batteries, you'll be ready to dive into the rainforest, home to some of the country's most important wildlife sanctuaries. In addition, nature will guide you to the shores of Gatun Lake, where there are hidden fun plans that will enhance your experience.

Here are three options of exciting activities, but keep in mind that there are many things to see in each one, so you can appreciate them superficially or choose your favourite to dedicate the whole day to it.

Sanctuaries of the Gamboa Reserve

To start the day in the best way, I recommend getting up early and driving half an hour to the Gamboa Reserve or booking a guided tour to get to know it. This place is characterised by the majesty of its green areas, where different species of animals coexist. In addition, it has become popular for the activities it offers:

• Boat and aerial tram rides.
• Visit the largest butterfly farm in Panama.
• Live a bird watching experience at the Canopy Tower.
• Appreciate the orchid exhibits of the region.
• Visit a sloth sanctuary where sloths are reinserted in their habitat.
• Explore a frog pond that takes you through their mating, breeding and feeding cycle.

While it's accessible on your own, you can leave the planning to the experts and join some of the best excursions from Panama City to get here.

Pipeline Trail

Would you like to explore an old fuel pipeline? Then drive about 12 minutes to the Pipeline Trail. It is located within the Soberania Park, a great place to walk and clear your mind.

Overall, it is the perfect location for fresh air, mountain biking and getting away from the tourist hotspots.

Gatun Lake

Before returning to the city, I recommend a stop at Gatun Lake, located an hour's drive away, where you will have to put aside your fears to experience one of the most exciting adventures on offer in the area. Here there is a park with 10 zip-line platforms, which allow you to swing through the jungle to the rhythm of the monkeys.

You can also get to know the wooded areas outside Panama City by booking a hiking experience that will offer you the best views of the lake.

Of course, a trip to this region can't miss out on booking a visit to the Panama Canal This place can be appreciated from different perspectives and understanding its history takes time, for which I recommend you go to its learning buildings that pay tribute to its trajectory and operation.

Panama Canal Administration Building

Around 8:00 you can start your visit at the Panama Canal Administration Building, where there are murals and graphics about the history of the canal. Upon arrival, you'll be awed by the Italian Renaissance-style windows, marble staircases and a tribute to the creator of this engineering jewel.

Miraflores Visitor Centre

A ten-minute taxi ride away is another point of interest to consider when visiting the Panama Canal. This is the Miraflores Visitor Centre, one of the most outstanding learning places for its 3D exhibits on the history of the locks.

Here you can also learn about the importance of the canal on a commercial level and enjoy a projection that explains the construction in detail through an interactive video.

Viewpoint of the Americas

If you want to visit a place that fuses Panamanian and Asian culture, you should consider the Mirador de las Americas. It is located just ten minutes from the visitor centre and from the outside the façade is a magical spectacle. Every detail was thought out to honour the hieroglyphics, terraces and statues of China, but it is located in a tropical area that reminds you that you are in Panama City.

Here you can get the best views of the Panama Canal and the surrounding area, without paying a single euro.

Another place you should visit is the picturesque El Cangrejo neighbourhood, known for its safety, artistic passages, shopping areas, green areas and trendy restaurants. To make the most of your visit, I suggest you prioritise via Argentina and Veneto, as well as Parque Andrés Bello.

Andrés Bello Park

Your first stop of the day is comfortably reached by metro, located on Via Argentina, a must for its multifaceted perspective. Here you can enjoy the local culinary culture, walk through contemporary buildings and visit art galleries. In general, you can choose the plans that best suit you, as it has options for all ages and tastes.

Its main attraction is the Andrés Bello Park, an ideal place to start the day on the right foot, thanks to its activities that are pleasurable for travellers. You can take a bike ride, join outdoor yoga classes and admire the authentic life of the locals. Even if you plan to visit Panama City with children, it can be a good option.

Old Panama

On long itineraries it's important to include breaks, so I recommend taking it easy on this day. Slowing down a bit, take the Panama Metro to Panama Viejo, an archaeological site where you'll find the ruins that made up the city between 1519 and 1671.

Admission starts at 9 euros, but you can also join one of the city' s best tours to understand the stories hidden among the ruins:

• Cathedral Tower.
• King's Bridge
• Matadero Bridge
• Convents of La Concepción, San Juan de Dios, San Francisco, La Merced, La Compañía de Jesús, El Cabildo, among others.

Spend a day strolling around the most popular places in the city such as Ancón Hill, the Punta Culebra Nature Centre and the handicrafts fair at the Paseo de las Bóvedas.

Ancon Hill

Start the day on a hiking adventure up the famous Ancon Hill, which has an easy-going, strenuous route. Here you can appreciate the Panamanian flag, as well as connect with different species of animals that prowl among the forested areas. In fact, the highest point of the hill is 199 metres high and can be seen from different parts of the city.

When you reach the top you will find a panorama that will not leave you indifferent, as you can see local monuments, the Panama Canal and some neighbouring islands. To get to the foot of the hill you can take metro line 1 from Fernandez de Cordoba station and enjoy a twenty-five minute ride.

Punta Culebra Nature Centre

In fifteen minutes by taxi you can reach the Centro Natural Punta Culebra, known for its interactive spaces. It is ideal for organising plans with children because of its outdoor activities, species conservation areas, museum routes and the viewpoint from where you can see incredible landscapes.

Paseo de las Bóvedas

To continue the tour, I recommend a bike ride through Panama City, which will take you to the Paseo de las Bóvedas in record time. Along the way you can make the stops of your choice, or hire a local guide to take you to the most emblematic places between the two locations.

When you get to the Paseo de las Bóvedas I recommend you to go to the handicrafts fair that is organised every afternoon. While you buy souvenirs to immortalise your trip, take advantage of the spectacular views at sunset.

Time is flying by and the week-long itinerary is almost over, so make the most of every remaining minute. I suggest organising a trip to the Las Perlas Archipelago, which is accessible by the Las Perlas Ferry that departs in the morning and returns in the afternoon.

Contadora Island

This archipelago is practically uninhabited, so it is one of the most interesting excursions in the surroundings, especially if you want to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. I recommend arriving first at Contadora Island which is home to peaceful beaches where you can enjoy water sports and explore Panama's maritime richness. I recommend you to take a beach route, as they are all close to each other.

The most outstanding ones are:

• Executive Beach.
• Long Beach.
• Las Suecas Beach.
• Cacique Beach.
• Canoa Beach.

Saboga Island

A ferry or private catamaran can take you to Saboga Island, which is famous for whale watching. These friendly animals gather in the warm waters of different Panamanian islands to feed and escape the freezing oceans.

In general, you will find outdoor activities and an enjoyable experience. In case you want to stay all day in one place I recommend you to skip Saboga Island and Contadora Island and directly book a boat trip to Taboga Island from Panama City, to enjoy this paradisiacal destination with less tourist crowds and for a longer period of time.

For your last day in the city, I recommend opting for a quiet route, remembering places like the emblematic tornillo or taking a tour of the green areas of Parque Omar. Before leaving for the airport, be sure to stop by the Spanish Reggae Museum to dust off some interesting stories.

F&F Tower in Obarrio

Of course, you can't leave the city without passing through the Obarrio district, home to Calle 50, one of Panama City's most important thoroughfares. Here you can't leave without seeing the F&F Tower, known for its peculiar screw shape that makes it one of the most outstanding architectural works in Latin America. Unfortunately you can't climb it, but it's worth a closer look.

Omar Park

A recreational activity par excellence is a visit to Parque Omar, located three minutes by taxi and half an hour's walk away. It has family-friendly spaces and attractions, so many people come to participate in morning zumba classes, watch the macaws that roam the grounds or camp out at night. There are also impromptu sports tournaments, live entertainment, bike rides and skating rinks.

Reggae Museum in Spanish

The end of the route takes you to the Spanish Reggae Museum, which can be reached in eight minutes by taxi. Here you'll have access to exhibits that will take you back in time to the 1980s, when this musical genre was at its peak. You can pass through the hall of fame, meet the pioneers, enjoy live shows and experience traits of Jamaican culture.

The entrance fee is around 6 euros, but you can get discounts if you sign up for a gastronomic experience at the Afroantillano Restaurant which offers octopus costa brava, carne ropa vieja, prawns au gratin, among others.