Got just one day to soak in all of what Panama City has to offer? No worries, I’ve got you covered! You might not be able to see it all, but my 1-day itinerary will get you to some of the best spots. We’re talking freshly baked pastries to start, a tour of the famous Panama Canal, ceviche by the sea, and a stroll through Casco Viejo that’s straight out of a storybook.
And as the day wraps up, you’ll be toasting the sunset with a cocktail so good, you’ll forget there’s a flight home waiting!
PS: If you’re there for longer, check out my full list of things to do in Panama City.
1-Day Itinerary for Panama City, Panama (24-Hours)
8:00 AM
Breakfast: Krume Bäcker
Nothing says “good morning” like the smell of coffee, freshly baked pastries and homemade sourdough bread, right? If the answer is yes, then Krume Bäcker is the place to kick off your day in Panama City. It’s in the San Francisco district, about a 15 minute Uber from the old town, but their mushroom toast (tosta de hongas ostra) is totally worth it!
The vibe is laid-back, making it perfect for a relaxed breakfast or a place to hang out on your laptop for a bit. Just a heads-up, it gets busy quickly, so either get there early or grab your goodies to go.
9:00 AM
Take a Panama Canal Tour
After breakfast, it’s time to do one of Panama’s most popular experiences: a Panama Canal tour. The Panama Canal is like the ultimate shortcut for ships, cutting through Panama to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. No more sailing all the way around South America (seriously, who has time for that?).
Opened in 1914, the canal is an engineering masterpiece that continues to amaze visitors. Watching enormous ships being raised and lowered through the canal’s lock system is a sight to behold—think of it as a gigantic water elevator for boats!
Tip: This is the tour I took that included a short city tour too!: Half-Day Panama Canal
1:30 PM
Ceviche Lunch at Mercado de Mariscos
By now, you’ll be craving something fresh and flavorful, so head over to Mercado de Mariscos for some seriously good ceviche (and other yummy seafood!). They’ve got a handful of super casual restaurants here, but don’t let that fool you—the food is seriously good!
I grabbed my lunch from El Bote Pty, the busiest spot in the market, and it was truly delicious! And the best part? The price for a cup of the freshest ceviche is less than $5. No wonder Anthony Bourdain himself gave it his stamp of approval!
3:00 PM
Sip a Rum Cocktail Pedro Mandinga
It’s time to kick back with a cocktail! At the legendary Pedro Mandinga in Casco Viejo, you’ll find handcrafted rum cocktails that perfectly capture the essence of Panama. Named after a famous 16th-century Afro-Panamanian rum maker, Pedro Mandinga celebrates the rich history of rum in the region.
This place has such a chill vibe, and if you’re lucky you might even catch live music while you’re there. Oh, and I highly recommend the Mandinga Mule (super refreshing and delish!).
4:00PM
Explore Casco Viejo
Now for the main event – Casco Viejo, Panama City’s old town. Walking through these cobbled streets is like stepping into a history book. Built after pirates (yes, pirates) ransacked the original city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with stories, restaurants and cool spots to see. Here are a few of my favorite stops:
La Calle de los Sombreros (hat street): This street is so Instagram-worthy it hurts! Picture hundreds of colorful Panamanian hats hanging above you as you stroll down Calle 1a Oeste. It’s quirky, fun, and the perfect photo op.
Try Geisha Coffee at Cafe Unido: You cannot leave Casco Viejo without trying Geisha coffee at Cafe Unido, one of the most expensive coffees in the world. Yes, it’s $12 a cup, but this is a bucket list-worthy coffee experience. Totally worth the splurge!
See the Iglesia San Felipe Nativity Scene: If you love a good Nativity scene, you have to stop by Iglesia San Felipe. This place has a miniature Nativity display that is housed in a private room inside the church. The level of detail in the biblical villages and buildings is impressive.
6:00 PM
Get a Sunset Drink at Panaviera Sky Bar
Ready for a view that’ll leave you speechless? Head to Panaviera Sky Bar – it’s the highest rooftop bar in Central America, and the sunset over the Panama City skyline is unreal. Plus, the drinks are affordable (score!), so sit back, sip, and soak it all in.
TIP: Get there well before sunset or you won’t get a prime viewing seat!
7:30PM
Have Dinner at Maito
For dinner, treat yourself to one of Panama’s best restaurants – Maito. Chef Mario Castrellón puts a modern spin on Panamanian cuisine with influences from Afro-Caribbean, Asian, and Creole flavors. His talent has won the restaurant a spot on the World’s Top 50!
A word to the wise: book your reservation early (a few days, if not weeks in advance)— it’s a hot spot for a reason! Also, I highly recommend the ceviche rallado.
Make it an Overnighter
Central Hotel Panamá Casco Viejo
If you want to turn this itinerary into an overnight stay, then Central Hotel Panamá in Casco Viejo is the perfect place! Right in the heart of the old town, this hotel has been welcoming guests since 1874 (seriously, it’s been around forever!).
Back in the day, it was the place for big names passing through during the Panama Canal days, and now it’s totally restored but still full of history—with lots of modern perks.
And the best part? You’re just steps from all the cool things to do in Panama City!
That wraps up an unforgettable day in Panama City that’s packed with culture, flavor, and seriously stunning sights. Even if you only have 24 hours, this city will steal your heart. You’ll leave with memories (and lots of photos) that’ll keep you smiling long after you’ve said goodbye!
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