Central Panama, Panama Travel Guide
Discover the magic of Central Panama, where breathtaking landscapes, historic wonders, and vibrant culture converge in the heart of this beautiful country.
Central Panama, a region brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a must-visit for any traveler seeking an authentic Panamanian experience. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, this region offers a stunning variety of landscapes, from lush rainforests and rolling hills to pristine beaches and bustling urban centers. One of the main highlights of Central Panama is the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel that has played a crucial role in global trade for over a century. Visitors can explore the Miraflores Locks, where they can witness massive ships navigating through the canal's intricate system. The nearby visitor center offers insightful exhibits and breathtaking views of this iconic waterway. Beyond the canal, Central Panama boasts an array of charming towns and cities, each with its unique character. The capital city, Panama City, combines modern skyscrapers with historic districts like Casco Viejo, where cobblestone streets and colonial architecture tell tales of the past. The region is also a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with national parks like Soberanía and Chagres offering incredible hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities, and the chance to encounter diverse wildlife. Central Panama's culinary scene is another highlight, with a mix of traditional Panamanian dishes and international cuisine. From fresh seafood and tropical fruits to savory street food, there's something to satisfy every palate. Whether you're exploring bustling markets or dining in upscale restaurants, the flavors of Central Panama are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Central Panama.
- Visit the Panama Canal early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best views of the ships passing through.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring Casco Viejo, as the cobblestone streets can be uneven.
- Bring insect repellent for visits to the national parks to protect against mosquitoes.
- Try local dishes like sancocho (chicken soup) and ceviche for an authentic taste of Panamanian cuisine.
- Use public transportation or ride-sharing apps to navigate Panama City efficiently and avoid traffic.
Top City Travel Guides in Central Panama
The cities of Central Panama, and the easiest places to base yourself.
Destinations in Central Panama
Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.
Explore Central Panama: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More
Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more
Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Central Panama
Top-rated picks
Best Attractions
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All Attractions
Miraflores Visitor's Center
Explore the Miraflores Visitor's Center for an unforgettable insight into the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering and history.
Parque Omar
Explore the tranquility of Parque Omar, a lush urban park in Panama City, perfect for outdoor activities, family outings, and scenic relaxation.
Biomuseo
Discover the vibrant ecosystems of Panama at Biomuseo, a stunning science museum showcasing the country's rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Parque Nacional Camino de Cruces
Discover the natural beauty and historical significance of Parque Nacional Camino de Cruces, a must-visit national park in Panama City.
Best landmarks in Central Panama
Top-rated picks
Best Landmarks
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All Landmarks
Panamá Viejo
Explore the captivating ruins of Panamá Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a glimpse into Panama's rich colonial history.
Miraflores Locks
Discover the Miraflores Locks, a historical landmark and engineering wonder at the Panama Canal, where ships navigate between oceans.
Biomuseo
Explore Panama's diverse ecosystems at Biomuseo, a unique science museum that blends interactive exhibits with stunning views of the Panama Canal.
France Square
Explore France Square, a beautiful park in Panama City that offers stunning views, cultural events, and a peaceful retreat amidst the urban landscape.
Best restaurants in Central Panama
Top-rated picks
Best Restaurants
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CasaCasco
Experience the best of dining and nightlife at CasaCasco in Panama City—where culinary excellence meets vibrant entertainment.
El Trapiche
Experience authentic Central American cuisine at El Trapiche - a top breakfast spot in Panama City for food lovers.
La Tapa Del Coco
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors at La Tapa Del Coco in Panama City – where every dish tells a story!
La Rana Dorada
Discover La Rana Dorada: Panama City's top brewpub offering craft beers and delectable dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
Best bars in Central Panama
Top-rated picks
Best Bars
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All Bars
CasaCasco
Discover CasaCasco, a premier grill and cocktail bar in Panama City that blends dining and nightlife for a vibrant experience.
La Rana Dorada Casco
Discover La Rana Dorada Casco: Panama City's premier brewpub offering crafted beers and delicious local cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
El Green Room
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Panama City at El Green Room, the ultimate karaoke bar for music lovers and party-goers.
Alejandro's
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Alejandro's, Panama City's premier bar for cocktails, karaoke, and live entertainment.
Best nightclubs in Central Panama
Top-rated picks
Best Nightclubs
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All Nightclubs
Casa Jaguar
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Panama City at Casa Jaguar, where dance, music, and delicious cuisine create unforgettable moments.
Chill out discotheque
Experience the electric atmosphere of Chill Out Discotheque, Panama City's top destination for dancing, music, and vibrant nightlife.
El Karaoke 50
Experience the vibrant nightlife at El Karaoke 50, Panama City's premier karaoke bar and grill, where music and delicious food come together.
Chupitos 507
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Panama City at Chupitos 507, where fire shows and crafted cocktails create unforgettable memories.
Best shops in Central Panama
Top-rated picks
Best Shops
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All Shops
Albrook Mall
Explore Albrook Mall, Panama City’s largest shopping destination, offering diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences for all ages.
Multiplaza Panamá
Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Multiplaza Panamá, featuring renowned brands, diverse dining, and exciting entertainment in the heart of Panama City.
Metromall Panamá
Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Metromall Panamá, where fashion, dining, and entertainment converge in Panama City.
AltaPlaza Mall
Experience shopping, dining, and entertainment at AltaPlaza Mall, a top destination in Panama City for upscale retail and local flavor.
Explore Central Panama on the Map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Central Panama, mapped for you.
Central Panama Essentials
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Central Panama is accessible via Panama City's Tocumen International Airport (PTY), which is the main gateway into the country. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle service, or rent a car to reach various destinations within Central Panama. Domestic flights are also available to smaller airports within the region, such as Enrique Malek Airport (DAV) in David.
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Central Panama offers a variety of transportation options. Buses are the most common and affordable means of travel, with routes connecting major cities and towns. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in urban areas. Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring more remote areas. For shorter distances, consider using the Metro in Panama City or hiring a bici-taxi in smaller towns.
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The official currency in Panama is the Balboa (PAB), but the U.S. Dollar (USD) is widely used and accepted. Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, especially in urban areas. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for use in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns.
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Central Panama is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid displaying valuable items and be cautious in crowded areas. Certain neighborhoods in Panama City, such as El Chorrillo, Curundu, and parts of San Miguelito, have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially at night. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
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In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Panama has well-equipped hospitals and clinics in major cities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. The Policía Nacional (National Police) and the Panama Tourism Authority can provide assistance and information to tourists in need.
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Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and other religious places. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A friendly 'buenos días' (good morning) or 'buenas tardes' (good afternoon) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
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To experience Central Panama like a local, visit the traditional markets where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss visiting the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering. For a unique experience, explore the rainforests and national parks, such as Soberania National Park, which offers excellent bird-watching opportunities.
When is the best time to visit Central Panama?
Useful Local Phrases for Central Panama
You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.
— Eve
Here are the phrases I use most often in Central Panama. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️
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- HelloHola
[Oh-lah] - GoodbyeAdiós
[Ah-dee-ohs] - YesSí
[See] - NoNo
[No] - Please/You're welcomePor favor
[Por fah-vor] - Thank youGracias
[Grah-syahs] - Excuse me/SorryDisculpe
[Dees-kool-peh] - How are you?¿Cómo estás?
[Koh-moh eh-stahs] - Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
[Byen. Ee too] - Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
[Ah-blahs een-gles] - I don't understandNo entiendo
[No en-tee-en-doh]
- HelloHola
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- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
[Meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr el meh-noo, por fah-vor] - I don't eat meatNo como carne
[No koh-moh kar-neh] - Cheers!¡Salud!
[Sah-lood] - I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
[Meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
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- Help!¡Ayuda!
[Ah-yoo-dah] - Go away!¡Vete!
[Veh-teh] - Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
[Yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah] - Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
[Yah-mah ah oon dok-tor] - I'm lostEstoy perdido
[Es-toy per-dee-doh] - I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
[Es-toy en-fer-mo/a]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
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- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
[Meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prar] - I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
[Soh-loh es-toy mee-ran-doh] - How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
[Kwan-toh kwes-tah] - That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
[Eh-soh es moo-ee kah-roh] - Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
[Pweh-des bah-har el preh-syo]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
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- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
[Keh oh-rah es] - It's one o'clockEs la una
[Es lah oo-nah] - Half past (10)Y media (10)
[Ee meh-dee-ah (10)] - MorningMañana
[Mah-nyah-nah] - AfternoonTarde
[Tar-deh] - EveningNoche
[Noh-cheh] - YesterdayAyer
[Ah-yer] - TodayHoy
[Oy] - TomorrowMañana
[Mah-nyah-nah] - 1Uno
[Oo-noh] - 2Dos
[Dohs] - 3Tres
[Tres] - 4Cuatro
[Kwah-troh] - 5Cinco
[Seen-koh] - 6Seis
[Says] - 7Siete
[Syay-teh] - 8Ocho
[Oh-choh] - 9Nueve
[Nweh-veh] - 10Diez
[Dyehs]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
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- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde hay un/una...?
[Dohn-deh ai oon/oo-nah] - What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
[Kwahl es lah dee-rek-syohn] - Can you show me (on the map)?¿Me puedes mostrar (en el mapa)?
[Meh pweh-des mohs-trar (en el mah-pah)] - When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo viene el siguiente (bus)?
[Kwan-doh vyen-eh el see-gyehn-teh (boos)] - A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
[Oon bo-leh-toh (ah ....)]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde hay un/una...?
History of Central Panama
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Long before the arrival of Europeans, Central Panama was home to numerous indigenous groups, including the Coclé and the Cuevas. These civilizations thrived on agriculture, fishing, and trade, leaving behind a rich legacy of pottery, gold artifacts, and petroglyphs. The archaeological site of El Caño offers a glimpse into this ancient world, with its elaborate tombs and ceremonial artifacts.
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In 1519, Spanish explorer Pedro Arias Dávila founded the city of Panama, which became a critical hub for the Spanish Empire’s colonial ambitions. As the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas, Panama City served as a staging ground for expeditions to Peru and was a vital link in the transoceanic trade network, known as the Camino Real.
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In 1671, the infamous pirate Henry Morgan led a devastating attack on Panama City, which resulted in the city's destruction. The ruins of the original settlement, known today as Panamá Viejo, offer a haunting reminder of this turbulent period. Visitors can explore the ruins of the cathedral, convents, and other structures that once stood at the heart of this thriving colonial city.
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The construction of the Panama Canal, completed in 1914, is one of the most significant engineering feats of the 20th century. The canal transformed global trade by providing a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Central Panama played a crucial role in the canal's construction, with the city of Colón serving as a key logistics hub. The Miraflores Locks, located just outside Panama City, offer visitors a chance to witness the canal's operations up close.
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Signed in 1977, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties marked a turning point in Panama's history. These agreements, signed by Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos and U.S. President Jimmy Carter, paved the way for the eventual transfer of control of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama. The treaties were a significant step toward Panamanian sovereignty and are commemorated with monuments and public spaces in Panama City.
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Today, Central Panama is a vibrant region that blends its rich history with modern development. The capital, Panama City, boasts a stunning skyline, world-class shopping, and a thriving cultural scene. The Casco Viejo district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a charming mix of colonial architecture, boutique hotels, and lively restaurants and bars. Central Panama is a testament to the resilience and innovation of its people, who have transformed the region into a dynamic hub of commerce and culture.
Neighbouring Regions of Central Panama
The closest regions to Central Panama, if you have time for more than one.
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Explore More of Panama
Looking beyond Central Panama? Discover Panama for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.
Explore PanamaCentral Panama in Photos
Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.
Exploring the Heart of Central Panama
Central Panama, a region brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a must-visit for any traveler seeking an authentic Panamanian experience. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, this region offers a stunning variety of landscapes, from lush rainforests and rolling hills to pristine beaches and bustling urban centers. One of the main highlights of Central Panama is the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel that has played a crucial role in global trade for over a century. Visitors can explore the Miraflores Locks, where they can witness massive ships navigating through the canal's intricate system. The nearby visitor center offers insightful exhibits and breathtaking views of this iconic waterway. Beyond the canal, Central Panama boasts an array of charming towns and cities, each with its unique character. The capital city, Panama City, combines modern skyscrapers with historic districts like Casco Viejo, where cobblestone streets and colonial architecture tell tales of the past. The region is also a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with national parks like Soberanía and Chagres offering incredible hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities, and the chance to encounter diverse wildlife. Central Panama's culinary scene is another highlight, with a mix of traditional Panamanian dishes and international cuisine. From fresh seafood and tropical fruits to savory street food, there's something to satisfy every palate. Whether you're exploring bustling markets or dining in upscale restaurants, the flavors of Central Panama are sure to leave a lasting impression.