Panama calling: The best things to see & do
With its Latin American art, glittering gastronomy, coral-fringed archipelagos, and kaleidoscopic wildlife, Panama is a veritable treasure trove of culture and color.
One of Central America’s most underrated destinations, Panama offers both extraordinary architecture and great feats of infrastructure (see its capital’s cinematic skyline and world-famous canal). And while Panama’s major tourist sights are definitely worth a visit, there are plenty of lesser-known treasures that are just waiting to be discovered.
Bucket list things to do in Panama include: sailing to remote coral keys for shallow water snorkeling, dancing to Afro-Congolese rhythms at flamboyant cultural festivals, and strolling UNESCO-listed districts to gaze at colorful colonial buildings. Along the way, stop by atmospheric restaurants and old-world coffee plantations, before ending your travels in the nation’s verdant cloud forests.
Panama’s picture-postcard beaches
Part of an isthmus that connects North and South America, Panama’s photogenic coastlines skirt both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. As a result, its beaches showcase diverse terrain—think palm trees and gentle zephyrs, as well as volcanic mountains and gale-force gusts.
Daredevils can travel the 25-mile Riviera Pacifica to kitesurf mammoth waves on the Punta Chame Peninsula, while laid-back souls can head to Nueva Gorgona town for its glistening black diamond beach and inviting turquoise sea. Meanwhile, Taboga Island beckons with Playa Restinga’s golden shores and crystal-clear waters(a haven for those who want to soak up the sun and paddle with their kids).
East coast vacationers shouldn’t miss the Bocas del Toro archipelago for its mangrove-edged beaches, blue-green swimming lagoons, and sands so white you’ll swear they’re made of sugar.
Further south, the secluded San Blas Islands are Panama’s answer to the magical Maldives. Kayak between hundreds of atolls to snorkel with eagle rays and drink fresh coconut water prepared by the locals.
Alternatively, spend a day journeying through Portobelo National Park for encounters with resident spider monkeys before dropping anchor at Isla Mamey for an hour’s rest in a beach cabana. Nearby Isla Grande delivers an off-the-beaten-track adventure with its footpath-only travel and Afro-Caribbean cuisine. Enjoy freshly caught lobster and a piña colada at Rancho el Bucanero.
Panama travel guides
Inspiring art and remarkable Panamanian architecture
Panama is famed for its colorful Mola textiles by Indigenous Guna artists, featuring symbolic plants and animals, as well as bold geometric patterns. In Panama City, swing by Museo de la Mola for a rainbow-hued homage to this imaginative art form, where you can learn more about its production techniques and deeply rooted history.
Fans of contemporary art will love MAC Panamá in the capital’s Bella Vista neighborhood, which features carefully curated exhibits with works by modern masters. Just beyond MAC, you’ll find a slew of galleries and boutiques selling eye-catching pieces (many have been created by up-and-coming artists).
In terms of architecture, Panama City astounds with show-stopping structures like the iconic Biomuseo (which looks like melted Lego blocks from afar) and the surreal F&F Tower which ascends towards the heavens like a Mesoamerican serpent.
History buffs can head to the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo for its effervescent plazas and romantic colonial buildings. Visit Iglesia de San José church for its baroque golden altar.
Lastly, El Caño Archaeological Park (circa 700 to 1000 AD) is home to pre-Columbian burial tombs that have coughed up a wealth of man-made treasures during its years-long excavation. Named “Panama’s El Dorado” by National Geographic, its museum hosts a permanent exhibition displaying arrowheads and golden breastplates, as well as a range of animistic artefacts featuring supernatural beings.
A food lover’s guide to Panama
Heritage-infused Panamanian food & drink
With its Indigenous population (including the Ngäbe, Emberá, and Guna peoples) and melting pot of immigrants from Asia, Europe and Africa, Panama is, quite naturally, a gastronomic hotspot. On one end of the spectrum, you’ll find Indigenous and Latin staples like chicken tamales and ropavieja; at the other, Afro-Caribbean classics including roasted breadfruit and saltfish.
If staying in Chiriquí province reserve a table at T’ACH—it’s helmed by leading culinary anthropologist, Charlie Collins, who dives deep into Panama’s ancestral traditions to deliver plate after plate of epicurean perfection. Thirty minutes south, you’ll find Mezcla Gourmet which serves affordable eats in laid back surrounds. Try the beef cheek tacos and Almojábanos.
In the historic pirate town of Portobelo, foodies can sample Afro-Congolese cooking and freshly caught seafood at one of its breezy waterfront restaurants. Stop by La Torre for shrimp-stuffed cassava tortilla cups and fried green plantains packed with succulent clam meat. Black Zambombo serves a delicious Mojito.
Back in old town Panama City, some of the best restaurants include rustic Santa Rita specializes in tasty Spanish tapas (think Andalusian calamari and Ibérico de Bellota ham), while Kaandela (helmed by celebrity chef Edy Acedo) offers upscale fusion dishes like Atlantic lobster with Creole rice. The award-winning Maito Restaurante is a Panamanian fusion bistro with its very own vegetable garden. Come here for the Sancocho a la Leña (Caribbean stew) and the fragrant octopus congee.
Retail therapy: Panama’s unique shopping experiences
Panama is a haven for artisan crafts thanks to its numerous indigenous enclaves—all which offer something unique. In the country’s westerly mountains, the Ngöbe Buglé tribe are celebrated for their Chácaras woven bags that are handmade with threads from the agave plant and colored with natural dyes.
In Panama City, between the Punta Pacifica and Villa Lilla neighborhoods, discover Multiplaza: a high-end air-conditioned strip mall that’s home to a wealth of luxury stores. Shop YSL, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo before rewarding yourself with something sparkly from Tiffany & Co.
Still in the capital, the National Handicraft Market sits next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Panama Viejo—it’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs. Browse stacks of Panama hats and towers of woven Emberá bowls. There’s also an impressive collection of reproductions trinkets modelled on pre-Hispanic and Columbian artifacts.
Balboa’s Handcrafts Market (located near the Canal Zone) was launched in the late 1990s to promote Indigenous artisans. Today, you can interact with its many traders who come here with a bounty of items including paper masks, woven dolls, and Guana Yala fabrics.
Ready for your once-in-a-lifetime Panamanian adventure? While you’re planning the itinerary, discover some of the best places to stay in Panama.
Images courtesy of Visit Panama.
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