5 Best Places to Visit in Panama: Top Travel Guide

Panama is a beautiful and diverse country. From its bustling modern capital city to peaceful natural spots, it has something for everyone. The Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, Boquete, and Bocas del Toro are some of the best places to visit in Panama. Each place has something to offer for every kind of traveller. Whether you are after adventure, culture, or simply a beautiful place to unwind, Panama has it all.

1. Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is one of the world’s greatest and most impressive engineering feats, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and plays a key role in global trade. It’s one of the most iconic places to visit in Panama. Miraflores Locks are among the most accessible and popular places to see the canal in action.

Things to do:

Visit Miraflores Locks (Main Visitor Center):

• You can watch ships transit through the locks.
• Explore the interactive museum and IMAX theater.
• It’s an ideal place to visit in Panama for first-time visitors and families.

Take a Panama Canal Partial or Full Transit Tour:

• Take a partial transit (half-day) or full transit (full-day) boat tour.
• You must book with a tour company in advance to have a cool experience of the canal, just like the big ships do.

Ride the Panama Canal Train:

• Take a scenic 1-hour train from Panama City to Colón.
• Ride along the canal with views of the jungle and Gatun Lake.

2. Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro, an archipelago on Panama’s Caribbean coast, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, stunning beaches, and relaxed island atmosphere. It offers adventures like surfing, snorkelling, and exploring rainforests.

Things to do:

Explore the Beaches:

• Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella): It’s a famous beach offering shallow waters filled with colorful starfish.
• Red Frog Beach: A great beach for swimming, sunbathing, and spotting the iconic red frogs in the nearby jungle.

Snorkelling & Diving:

• Discover vibrant coral reefs and marine life around Bastimentos National Marine Park.
• Popular spots include Coral Cay, Hospital Point, and Cayos Zapatilla.

Boat Tours & Island Hopping:

• Take a boat tour to visit smaller islands and cays.
• You can snorkel, swim, or just relax as you island-hop.

3. Casco Viejo (Historic District), Panama City

Casco Viejo is also called Casco Antiguo and is a beautifully preserved historic district of Panama City, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This restored area is full of colonial charm, history, culture, and a vibrant modern twist, and is also known as the Old Quarter. It features a blend of Spanish colonial architecture, French influences, colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, rooftop bars, art galleries, and churches.

Things to do:

Walk the Historic Streets:

• Stroll through Plaza Bolívar, Plaza de Francia, and Plaza Catedral, perfect spots for people-watching and taking photos.
• Admire restored colonial-era buildings and charming alleyways.

Visit the Churches:

• Metropolitan Cathedral: Explore the grand cathedral located in Plaza Mayor.
• Iglesia San José: Visit it and see its famous Golden Altar (Altar de Oro).

Museums & Culture:

• Panama Canal Museum: Learn about the canal’s impact and history.
• Visit small, history-rich museums, such as the Museum of Religious Art and the Museum of the History of Panama.
• Street art and galleries: Look out for local artists and murals scattered around the district.

4. Boquete

In the green mountains of Chiriquí Province, visit Boquete, which is a peaceful town known for its cool climate, lush landscapes, outdoor activities, and world-famous coffee farms. It’s a favorite destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape.

Things to do:

Coffee Tour:

• Visit local farms like Finca La Milagrosa or Finca Lérida and learn how Panama produces some of the world’s best coffee, including the rare Geisha variety.

Hike the Lost Waterfalls Trail: 

• Enjoy the scenic jungle hike with 3 beautiful waterfalls and a great way to explore Boquete’s natural beauty.

Explore Downtown Boquete:

• You can browse local shops, try fresh pastries, and eat at mountain-view cafés and restaurants.

5. Volcán Barú

Near Boquete, you will find Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest peak at 3,475 meters (11,400 ft), offering adventurous hikes and stunning views, and it is one of the few places in the world where you can see both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans on a clear day.

Things to do:

Hike to the Summit of Volcán Barú:

• Hike to Panama’s highest point, 3,475 meters (11,401 ft).
• If you want to catch the breathtaking sunrise view, then hike overnight to the top starting around midnight.
• You can also consider a 4x4 Jeep tour for a less strenuous option.

Explore Volcán Town:

• It is a smaller and quieter place, with great views of Barú and access to farms and trails.
• You can also visit Finca Dracula, a famous orchid garden.

Barú National Park Trails:

• Experience gentle hikes through the cloud forest with birds, butterflies, and unique plants.
• It’s great for birdwatching, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

Also Read: Family-Friendly Things to Do in Panama City Beach

Conclusion: Why Panama Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Panama is filled with exciting destinations for every kind of traveler. From world-famous attractions like the Panama Canal and historic Casco Viejo to the lush highlands of Boquete and the stunning beaches of Bocas del Toro, there are countless places to visit in Panama.

Whether you are exploring tourist places in Panama City, relaxing on the beaches, or discovering scenic towns and national parks, there is no shortage of Panama tourist places to explore.

Ready to experience all these amazing places? Book your flights now with Affluence Travels and start planning your unforgettable Panama adventure today!

FAQs about Places to Visit in Panama

Q.1: What are the must-visit places in Panama?

• Some of the best places to visit in Panama include the Panama Canal & Miraflores Locks, Casco Viejo (Old Town, Panama City), Boquete & Volcán Barú, Bocas del Toro, San Blas Islands, Coiba National Park, and El Valle de Antón.

Q.2: Can I visit both the Caribbean & Pacific coasts in one trip?

• Yes, Panama is narrow, so you can go from one coast to the other in about 1–3 hours by car or flight.

Q.3: Which language is spoken in Panama?

• In tourist areas and cities, basic English is common, and in rural areas or off-the-beaten-path places, Spanish is more common, so learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful.

Q.4: What currency is used in Panama?

• Panama uses the U.S. Dollar (USD) as its official currency. It's also known locally as the Balboa, which is equal in value to the dollar. While Balboa coins are used, all paper money is in U.S. dollars