Panama City Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Panama City tours, the dynamic crossroads of the Americas: the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and its Miraflores Locks, the colourful colonial streets of UNESCO Casco Viejo, jungle wildlife on Gatún Lake and monkey island, the indigenous Emberá villages, and idyllic island escapes to Taboga and the San Blas archipelago. Compare top-rated activities and plan your perfect Panama trip.
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Explore Panama City by interest
Whatever brings you to Panama City — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Panama Canal
Engineering marvel.
ExploreCasco Viejo
Colonial old town.
ExploreSan Blas Islands
Caribbean paradise.
ExploreJungle & wildlife
Monkeys and sloths.
ExploreEmberá village
Indigenous culture.
ExploreTaboga Island
Island of Flowers.
ExploreMiraflores Locks
Watch ships transit.
ExploreCity highlights
Old and new Panama.
ExploreTop attractions in Panama City
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Panama Canal
Engineering marvel.
Casco Viejo
Colonial old town.
San Blas Islands
Caribbean paradise.
Monkey Island
Gatún Lake wildlife.
Emberá Village
Indigenous culture.
Miraflores Locks
Watch ships transit.
Taboga Island
Island of Flowers.
Panama Skyline
Modern city views.
Panama City in 2 days
- 1Day 1: canal & old town
- 2Day 2: jungle & monkeys
- 3Gatún Lake safari
- 4Rainforest
Panama City in 3 days
- 1Day 1: canal & old town
- 2Day 2: jungle & monkeys
- 3Day 3: San Blas or Emberá
- 4City, jungle & islands
Panama City with kids
- 1Monkey island
- 2Miraflores Locks
- 3Casco Viejo
- 4Taboga beach
Full day awaySan Blas Islands
Caribbean paradise.
Gatún Lake awayMonkey Island
Jungle wildlife.
1.5 hrs awayEmberá Village
Indigenous culture.
1 hr awayTaboga Island
Island of Flowers.
Near city awayPanama Canal
Watch the locks.
2 hrs awayPortobelo
Caribbean fort.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Panama City visitor asks before booking.
The sweet-spot months
December to April is the dry season, with the sunniest weather — the prime time for islands, the canal and city tours.
Dry season (Dec–Apr)
Warm and mostly sunny, ideal for San Blas, Taboga, the canal and outdoor activities; the peak season, so book ahead.
Green season (May–Nov)
Lush and quieter with afternoon showers and lower prices; mornings are often clear and the rainforest is vibrant.
Year-round warmth
Panama City is hot and humid all year, with temperatures around 30°C; stay hydrated and dress light.
For the canal
The canal and Miraflores Locks can be visited year-round; mornings and early afternoons usually see the most ship traffic.
For the islands
The dry season offers the calmest seas and clearest waters for San Blas and Taboga.
One day
The canal and Casco Viejo.
Two days
Add a Gatún Lake jungle safari.
Three days
The sweet spot: canal, jungle and San Blas or Emberá.
Four to five days
Add an overnight in San Blas and more nature.
Gateway to Panama
The city launches trips across the country.
Travelling with kids
Mix monkeys, ships and island beaches.
Metro
Panama City’s clean, modern metro connects parts of the city quickly and cheaply, handy for some areas.
Ride-hailing
Uber and taxis are affordable and the easiest way to get around; agree taxi fares in advance.
Tours & transfers
Day trips to the canal, jungle, Emberá villages and islands include transport and pickup, the easiest option.
On foot
Casco Viejo and the Cinta Costera waterfront are pleasant to explore on foot.
On the water
Boats and ferries reach Taboga, San Blas and the canal’s partial transits.
From the airport
Tocumen International Airport is about 30–45 minutes from the city by transfer or ride-hailing.
US dollars
Panama uses the US dollar (locally called the balboa); cards are widely accepted, but carry small bills for taxis, tips and islands.
Start San Blas early
San Blas day trips involve an early start and a long 4x4 and boat journey, so be ready for a pre-dawn pickup.
Beat the heat
It’s hot and humid year-round — bring sun protection, water and light clothing, and plan island and outdoor time for the morning.
Canal timing
Check transit schedules to time your Miraflores visit for when ships are passing through the locks.
Respect Guna culture
In San Blas, respect the indigenous Guna’s rules and fees, and ask before photographing people.
Pre-book popular tours
San Blas, the canal and Emberá tours fill up in dry season — book ahead.
San Blas tours
Island day trips have limited spots — book ahead.
Canal partial transits
Boat transits run on set days — reserve early.
Emberá village
Cultural tours fill up — pre-book.
Jungle safaris
Gatún Lake monkey tours are popular — book ahead.
Taboga cruises
Catamaran day trips sell out — reserve early.
Dry-season peak
December–April is busy — plan ahead.
Canal & city
Around €30–70 for a Panama Canal and city tour.
Jungle safari
About €45–80 for a Gatún Lake monkey-island safari.
Emberá village
Roughly €70–120 for an Emberá village tour.
San Blas
Around €100–160 for a San Blas islands day trip.
Taboga cruise
About €60–110 for a Taboga catamaran tour.
How to save
Combine the canal with a city tour, join group trips, and travel in the green season.
Panama City through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Islands, canal, sun.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal; book ahead.
- Best for
- Lush, fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Afternoon showers.
- Best for
- Value, vibrant jungle.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Wettest months.
- Best for
- Green, quieter.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rains easing.