3 Days in Panama City Panama: From Casco Viejo to the Canal

When hunting for a destination for a short, solo birthday trip, I decided on Panama! In total I spent five days in this beautiful country, with 3 days in Panama City, Panama and 2 days in the San Blas Islands!

Panama is a stunning Central American country with plenty to offer. The Panama Canal has helped shape Panama City into a global hub that draws in business travelers, shoppers, expats, digital nomads, and even the occasional sailor passing through.

I visited solo and would gladly return! Here’s how I spent 3 days in Panama City, Panama.

Before you dive in, I want to be transparent: this article includes affiliate links. This simply means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Rest assured, the article includes my genuine advice and it won’t cost you anything extra. Your support is greatly appreciated. Happy reading!

Day One | Casco Viejo & Cinta Costera

Casco Viejo

Easily the most charming area and the most memorable of my 3 days in Panama City, Panama is Casco Viejo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has charm, good restaurants and beautiful historical streets to explore!

I only stayed here one night, but I wish I had stayed more! Founded in 1673, Casco Viejo is anything but sleepy. The area has seen a serious revival over the past decade, blending centuries-old architecture with boutique hotels, rooftop bars, and some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and cafés.

For those who don’t like to simply wander, here are some main areas to see:

• Plaza de la Independencia – The heart of the old town, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and history-rich buildings.
• Iglesia de San José – Famous for its golden altar (yes, real gold).
• Panama Canal Museum – A great stop if you want a deeper understanding before visiting the canal itself.
• Street Art & Local Shops – Take time to explore the side streets for murals and handmade souvenirs.

I enjoyed the Panama Canal Museum even though I’m not typically a museum girl. This canal has played such a major role in the world’s transportation and is Panama’s most famous landmark.

I wandered around Casco Viejo for hours, dipping into shops and stopping for coffee. One coffee spot was Café Unido Casco Viejo where I tried their famous Geisha coffee. Originally from Ethiopia, this coffee thrives in Panama’s unique climate and has gained international acclaim for its exceptional flavor profile. Café Unido sources its Geisha beans from local farms and I can confirm it was delicious even though I rarely drink black coffee!

Cafe Coca Cola is the oldest restaurant in Panama City dating back to 1875. Feels like a diner, Panamanian style, and worth a visit while in Casco Viejo even if it’s just for a coffee.

Another place I had bookmarked and visited was Ice Cream Shop of Granclement. Ice cream is probably my favorite dessert so I’m always down for this sweet treat. This shop was cute and I enjoyed what I ordered! Not much else to ask for!

Cinta Costera

From Casco Viejo, it’s natural to wander to the beautiful walkway of Cinta Costera. The views of the bay are worth enjoying whether you’re heading somewhere specific or not.

While I walked part of it on my first day, I think renting a bike would be the most enjoyable and would allow you to see all or most of it.

I didn’t grab a photo at the iconic Photo Parador spot, but it’s worth it if you’re passing by!

Day Two | Panama Canal + Bike Ride

Panama Canal

Once back from my two days in the San Blas Islands, I was so happy to enjoy a hot shower. While I loved my adventure, it certainly adds appreciation for often overlooked blessings. After breakfast on my second day in Panama City, I headed to the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal is basically a giant water elevator for ships, helping them cross between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans without sailing all the way around South America. It’s one of the most impressive engineering feats in the world—and seeing it in action is worth it.

It’s definitely worth getting there to see a ship go through this process. I arrived around 9:30AM and only saw the tail end of this procedure. The busiest times are said to be 9AM to 11AM and 3PM to 5PM. I’d suggest the morning as I imagine most ships will want to maximize the daylight and it gives you the rest of the day to explore other parts of Panama City.

Bike Ride

After the Panama Canal, I headed to Amador Causeway. After enjoying an acai bowl, I rented a bike and rode along the causeway. There is something about riding a bike along the water that I always love. Whether I’m in Lisbon, spending two days in the Grand Canyon, a ride along Venice Beach during three days in Los Angeles, or home in Florida I just love a bike ride with a view!

Whether you ride along the Amador Causeway, Cinta Costera or both, I absolutely recommend it! Of course, a bike tour is always a great option and will give you more insight into the area! Panama City Bike Tour is both top rated and affordable. Perfect if you want to take in the sights with a local.

However, I also enjoyed just renting on my own and felt safe riding a bike solo! I rented from Bicicletas Moses which is conveniently located on Amador Causeway.

Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera

After riding along the causeway, I made my way to Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera. I don’t know if I had tried ceviche before this famous place, but I tried the famous ceviche here and I actually enjoyed it!

Even if ceviche isn’t your thing, this market is worth visiting! Though I do recommend trying it! Consider having cash for this stop. Some vendors will take card, but it’s advisable to have cash in case.

Shopping

Panama City was known as a shopping hub. For anyone who couldn’t get to Miami, Panama City was the next option, so I chose to head to the mall for a bit. However, I don’t think a trip to mall is necessary or special.

As evening drew close, I made my way back to where my hotel was located. When I returned from the San Blas Islands, I opted stay in the city center, but I wish I had stayed in Casco Viejo. I loved that area and kept returning there.

Day Three | Day Trips, Nature, or Museums

For your 3 days in Panama City, Panama there are some day trips to consider. I was flying out the end of this last day in Panama, and I ended up back in Casco Viejo! What can I say? I really liked it there. I spent my first day there, which was a half day since I arrived that morning, so in reality I spent two shortened days (or one full day) exploring this historical area.

However, depending on your schedule, you may want to consider other options. I’ll review some day trips, tours and other highlights in Panama City worth considering! This will allow you to tailor your 3 days in Panama City to fit your preferences.

More of Panama City

Nature & Wildlife

Metropolitan Natural Park is only 13 minutes from Casco Viejo. You can visit this park for a small fee, enjoy a hike and see some wildlife. Some reviewers give this park high marks and state it’s a highlight of their time in Panama City.

If you want to see wildlife, another option to consider is this boat tour on the Panama Canal! Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour combines a boat ride next to big ships on the Panama Canal, the jungle and animal sightings. I’m adding this well rated tour to my list for the next time I’m in Panama City!

Museums

Biomuseo is along the Amador Causeway and I only passed by it on the bike I rented. The only museum I visited this trip was the one in Casco Viejo about the Panama Canal. However, if you love museums, this one is worth checking out!

Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, this building is hard to miss with its bright, angular rooftop in red, yellow, green, and blue. The Biomuseo is dedicated to telling the story of Panama’s role in the natural world—specifically, how the isthmus (the land bridge that connects North and South America) changed the planet’s biodiversity forever.

Day Trips

San Blas Islands

My 2nd and 3rd days in the country of Panama were spent in the San Blas Islands. I absolutely loved this experience, though I have to admit, it was quite a journey from Panama City to San Blas, so I’m glad I chose to overnight. However, you can also do a day trip!

A day trip is popular to these islands, but it will be a FULL day (approx. 14 hours)! I’m glad I stayed overnight, even if it was basically camping, but if that doesn’t sound appealing or you just don’t have the time, then a day trip is great!

This Day Tour in San Blas Islands All Included Visiting 4 Islands is well rated. Before booking, I recommend reading about my journey to these islands from Panama City. I think they’re worth visiting, but you definitely want to be prepared! If the journey sounds to be too much, consider the next option: a day trip to the Embera tribe.

Read about my Two Days in the San Blas Islands: A Caribbean Paradise I’ll Never Forget

San Blas Islands | Tours from Panama City

If you want to visit the San Blas Islands, here are some tours to consider. I went for two days and one night which I think was worth it.

There are day trips, two days, three days or more! If you choose to stay on the islands expect primitive options. Basically consider that it will be like camping and keep your expectations low. The experience is worth it, but you need to be prepared.

If roughing it isn’t for you, consider sailing. While it’s kind of like camping it will feel cleaner overall than most (if not all) of the accommodation options in the San Blas Islands.

• Day Tour in San Blas Islands All Included Visiting 4 Islands
• 2-Day Trip to Paradise San Blas Island + Meals + Boat Tour
• 3-Day / 2-Night in San Blas Including Trip to Cayos Holandeses
• 2 DAYS 2 NIGHTS All-Inclusive San Blas Island Hopping on SAILBOAT

Visit an Embera tribe: Hike, Waterfall, Culture & Lunch

Since I did the San Blas Islands, I was exposed to the Guna people and a bit of their culture. I loved it and would absolutely add this tour to the Embera tribe to my next trip to Panama City! The journey to the Embera Tribe is half the time of the drive to the docks at the San Blas Islands, which makes it more of an ideal day trip from Panama City.

All Inclusive Taboga Island Catamaran Tour from Panama City

If you’re after a day trip that involves a beach but is a little more comfortable, this catamaran to Taboga Island is worth a look! The San Blas Islands are STUNNING, but the journey is long and the tourism there is bare bones. I actually loved the experience for that reason, but if you’re wanting comfort then this Catamaran tour would be a better fit.

How to Get Around Panama City

Uber

I used Uber the entire time I was in Panama City (other than the tour to the San Blas Islands). There was only one hiccup and it was at the airport. The pickup location for Uber was hard to find and I unfortunately speak very little Spanish. Despite that, the driver was very patient and we finally found each other. Overall, I had a great experience as a solo traveler using Uber in Panama City.

It’s inexpensive and easy to use while in the city. I read it was cheaper than taxis, but it also sounds like you’d negotiate your price with the taxis. Something that isn’t an option for me since I don’t speak Spanish. Another reason Uber was great for me!

Bus

You could try the public bus, but you’d be better of if you speak Spanish. Another option tailored to tourist is the hop-on hop-off bus. I didn’t use it in Panama City, but I have used them in other cities. Book it for your first day to get overview of Panama City, then use Uber the rest of your 3 days in Panama City, Panama. Just ensure you know the operating hours to really maximize your time on the bus.

• Uber is your best bet for safe, affordable, and hassle-free rides—especially from the airport or around central areas.
• Taxis are everywhere but don’t use meters, so negotiate the fare before getting in. They’re generally safe but not always air-conditioned.
• The Metro is clean, efficient, and cheap—just $0.35 per ride. Great for getting to major hubs like Albrook Mall or hopping between neighborhoods.
• MetroBuses are widespread but can be confusing if you don’t speak Spanish. You’ll need a Metro card for both subway and bus.

Safety | From a Solo Traveler’s Perspective

Overall, I felt safe in Panama City, but there were definitely moments I was hyper aware. Walking around Casco Viejo I felt very safe, but the construction workers did cause some discomfort.

Some areas I walked, such as when I walked to the fish market, didn’t feel like the best areas, but I was fine.

Ubers were never an issue. I always felt safe using Uber drivers, but I can’t speak to the other transportation options.

I did put my camera on a bench to take photos of myself at one point in Casco Viejo and no one ran up and stole my camera. Of course, there wasn’t anyone super close while I was doing this, but it does illustrate that I felt safe enough to have my belongings a short distance away.

While Panama maintains a safe and stable presence, it’s always good to check for any updates on the US Travel Advisory site or google before planning a trip.

Overall I felt as safe in Panama City as I did traveling solo in Tulum, but not as safe as I felt traveling solo in Fiji.

Best Time to Visit Panama City

Dry season from December to April is considered the best time to visit! I visited in February and it never rained, the weather was beautiful and the skies were clear and sunny! The dry season is also best for the San Blas Islands, if you wanted to add that to your trip as well.

The rainy season from May to November is lush and less crowded. Rain typically shows up in the afternoon, so you could enjoy a siesta or museum then. Also, Bocas del Toro has a different climate, and September and October are considered good months to visit. You’ll get lower prices in Panama City and can enjoy paradise by visiting during these two months.

Season	Months	Avg High Temp (°F)	Avg Low Temp (°F)	Rainfall	Weather Notes

☀️ Dry Season

Mid-Dec to Mid-May

87–91°F

74–76°F

< 1 inch / month

Hot, sunny, low humidity, perfect for outdoor exploring

🌧️ Rainy Season

Mid-May to Mid-Dec

85–89°F

75–77°F

6–13 inches / month

Humid, afternoon storms, mornings usually stay clear

Where to Stay in Panama City

If you’re wondering where to stay for your 3 days in Panama City, Panama I recommend in or near Casco Viejo. Generally the recommendations for Panama City are Casco Viejo, Marbella, Cinta Costera or El Cangrejo. I stayed in Casco Viejo and El Cangrejo.

While El Cangrejo was a safe area and I found accommodations that were better for a cheaper price than in Casco Viejo, I still found myself in the old city often. Second to Casco Viejo would be Marbella or along Cinta Costera. It’s an hour walk to Casco Viejo from Marbella, but it’s on the bay with beautiful views.

• Casco Viejo:
  Panama’s historic district with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, rooftop bars, and boutique hotels. Ideal for walkability, nightlife, and charm.
• Marbella:
  A modern, upscale area close to the waterfront and business district. Think high-rises, great dining, and easy access to malls and the metro.
• El Cangrejo:
  A local favorite—trendy, walkable, and full of cafes, art, and affordable stays. Great for a more residential vibe with nightlife nearby.

3 Days in Panama City, Panama

I hope this guide was helpful as you plan your 3 days in Panama City. This capital city was great and I would gladly return! As far as Central and South American countries go, Panama is generally safe to visit. Of course, it’s always good to check for recent updates before planning a trip.

I look forward to returning this beautiful country one day and I hope you have the best time on your trip!