4-Day Ultimate Panama City Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & Casco Viejo Charm

Day 1: Historic & Canal Day

Panama City, Panama on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Unido

Enjoy a fresh Panamanian coffee and a breakfast of tropical fruit and pastries to start your day energized in the heart of Casco Viejo.
USD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Casco Viejo

Walk through Panama City's historic district, admiring colonial architecture, plazas, and key sites like Plaza de la Catedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Free, 2h0m

11:45am

Visit the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks

See the famous Panama Canal operations up close and learn about the canal's history and engineering at the visitor center (open 9am-5pm).
USD15, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Miraflores Restaurant

Dine with views of the canal, sampling local seafood dishes that offer a true taste of Panama.
USD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Casco Viejo - Museum Visit

Visit the Museo del Canal Interoceánico for deeper insight into Panama's canal history (open 9am-5pm).
USD5, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tantalo Kitchen

Enjoy vibrant Panamanian fusion cuisine and cocktails in a lively rooftop setting with views over Casco Viejo.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nature & Waterfront

Panama City, Panama on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mahalo Cocina y Jardin

Start with healthy, tropical-inspired breakfast options surrounded by lush greenery.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Hike Metropolitan Natural Park

Enjoy hiking trails with city skyline views, observing local wildlife in Panama’s only metropolitan nature park (opens 6am-6pm).
USD5, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Biomuseo

Explore the striking architecture and exhibits focused on Panama’s biodiversity at this iconic museum (open 9am-5pm).
USD18, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mi Ranchito on Amador Causeway

Taste traditional Panamanian dishes with waterfront views along the Amador Causeway.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Bike or Walk Amador Causeway

Rent a bike or walk along this scenic path with views of the Panama City skyline and Pacific entrance to the canal.
USD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Causeway Bars

Enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset at one of the bars along the Causeway.
USD15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mercado de Mariscos

Indulge in fresh seafood dishes right on the waterfront, a local favorite for an authentic experience.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Culture & Shopping

Panama City, Panama on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at El Trapiche

Traditional Panamanian breakfast in a casual and popular spot serving local favorites like hojaldres and fried cheese.
USD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping at Albrook Mall

Visit the largest mall in Central America with a wide variety of shops, local crafts, and entertainment options.
Free entry, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Maito

Experience upscale Panamanian cuisine with a modern twist at this celebrated restaurant (reservations recommended).
USD40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit the Panama Viejo Ruins

Explore the ancient ruins of the original Panama City founded in 1519, a UNESCO World Heritage site (open 9am-4:30pm).
USD10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Casa Escondida

Enjoy a quiet ambiance with international and Panamanian dishes in a hidden garden setting in Casco Viejo.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Locks & Local Life

Panama City, Panama on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bisou Panam

Delight in artisan pastries and coffee at this stylish bakery downtown to start your final day.
USD12, 1h0m

9:30am

Miraflores Locks Early Visit

Return early to catch a quieter time at the locks, seeing ships traverse this engineering marvel (9am-5pm).
USD15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Casa Blanca Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of local and international dishes in a classy yet relaxed ambiance within Casco Viejo.
USD25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore San Felipe Neighborhood

Wander through a more residential, authentic neighborhood with vibrant street art and local shops.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Bajareque Coffee House

Taste award-winning Panamanian coffee from local growers in a cozy setting.
USD10, 1h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Intimo Restaurante

Wrap up your Panama City adventure with innovative Panamanian dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients.
USD40, 1h30m
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