Received simply in the future to soak in all of what Panama Metropolis has to supply? No worries, I’ve received you coated! You may not be capable to see all of it, however my 1-day itinerary will get you to a few of the finest spots. We’re speaking freshly baked pastries to start out, a tour of the well-known Panama Canal, ceviche by the ocean, and a stroll by way of Casco Viejo that’s straight out of a storybook.
And because the day wraps up, you’ll be toasting the sundown with a cocktail so good, you’ll neglect there’s a flight house ready!
PS: Should you’re there for longer, take a look at my full listing of issues to do in Panama Metropolis.
1-Day Itinerary for Panama Metropolis, Panama (24-Hours)
8:00 AM
Breakfast: Krume Bäcker
Nothing says “good morning” just like the odor of espresso, freshly baked pastries and selfmade sourdough bread, proper? If the reply is sure, then Krume Bäcker is the place to kick off your day in Panama Metropolis. It’s within the San Francisco district, a couple of 15 minute Uber from the outdated city, however their mushroom toast (tosta de hongas ostra) is completely value it!
The vibe is laid-back, making it good for a relaxed breakfast or a spot to hang around in your laptop computer for a bit. Only a heads-up, it will get busy rapidly, so both get there early or seize your goodies to go.
9:00 AM
Take a Panama Canal Tour
After breakfast, it’s time to do considered one of Panama’s hottest experiences: a Panama Canal tour. The Panama Canal is like the final word shortcut for ships, slicing by way of Panama to attach the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. No extra crusing all the best way round South America (critically, who has time for that?).
Opened in 1914, the canal is an engineering masterpiece that continues to amaze guests. Watching monumental ships being raised and lowered by way of the canal’s lock system is a sight to behold—consider it as a big water elevator for boats!
Tip: That is the tour I took that included a brief metropolis tour too!: Half-Day Panama Canal
1:30 PM
Ceviche Lunch at Mercado de Mariscos
By now, you’ll be craving one thing recent and flavorful, so head over to Mercado de Mariscos for some critically good ceviche (and different yummy seafood!). They’ve received a handful of tremendous informal eating places right here, however don’t let that idiot you—the meals is critically good!
I grabbed my lunch from El Bote Pty, the busiest spot out there, and it was really scrumptious! And the very best half? The value for a cup of the freshest ceviche is lower than $5. No surprise Anthony Bourdain himself gave it his stamp of approval!
3:00 PM
Sip a Rum Cocktail Pedro Mandinga
It’s time to sit back with a cocktail! On the legendary Pedro Mandinga in Casco Viejo, you’ll discover handcrafted rum cocktails that completely seize the essence of Panama. Named after a well-known Sixteenth-century Afro-Panamanian rum maker, Pedro Mandinga celebrates the wealthy historical past of rum within the area.
This place has such a chill vibe, and when you’re fortunate you may even catch stay music when you’re there. Oh, and I extremely suggest the Mandinga Mule (tremendous refreshing and delish!).
4:00PM
Discover Casco Viejo
Now for the primary occasion – Casco Viejo, Panama Metropolis’s outdated city. Strolling by way of these cobbled streets is like stepping right into a historical past e-book. Constructed after pirates (sure, pirates) ransacked the unique metropolis, this UNESCO World Heritage Website is filled with tales, eating places and funky spots to see. Listed here are a number of of my favourite stops:
La Calle de los Sombreros (hat road): This road is so Instagram-worthy it hurts! Image tons of of colourful Panamanian hats hanging above you as you stroll down Calle 1a Oeste. It’s quirky, enjoyable, and the right photograph op.
Strive Geisha Espresso at Cafe Unido: You can’t go away Casco Viejo with out attempting Geisha espresso at Cafe Unido, one of the vital costly coffees on this planet. Sure, it’s $12 a cup, however this can be a bucket list-worthy espresso expertise. Completely well worth the splurge!
See the Iglesia San Felipe Nativity Scene: Should you love an excellent Nativity scene, it’s important to cease by Iglesia San Felipe. This place has a miniature Nativity show that’s housed in a non-public room contained in the church. The extent of element within the biblical villages and buildings is spectacular.
6:00 PM
Get a Sundown Drink at Panaviera Sky Bar
Prepared for a view that’ll go away you speechless? Head to Panaviera Sky Bar – it’s the best rooftop bar in Central America, and the sundown over the Panama Metropolis skyline is unreal. Plus, the drinks are inexpensive (rating!), so sit again, sip, and soak all of it in.
TIP: Get there effectively earlier than sundown otherwise you gained’t get a major viewing seat!
7:30PM
Have Dinner at Maito
For dinner, deal with your self to considered one of Panama’s finest eating places – Maito. Chef Mario Castrellón places a contemporary spin on Panamanian delicacies with influences from Afro-Caribbean, Asian, and Creole flavors. His expertise has gained the restaurant a spot on the World’s High 50!
A phrase to the sensible: e-book your reservation early (a number of days, if not weeks prematurely)— it’s a scorching spot for a purpose! Additionally, I extremely suggest the ceviche rallado.
Make it an Overnighter
Central Lodge Panamá Casco Viejo
If you wish to flip this itinerary into an in a single day keep, then Central Lodge Panamá in Casco Viejo is the right place! Proper within the coronary heart of the outdated city, this resort has been welcoming visitors since 1874 (critically, it’s been round perpetually!).
Again within the day, it was the place for large names passing by way of throughout the Panama Canal days, and now it’s completely restored however nonetheless stuffed with historical past—with a lot of fashionable perks.
And the very best half? You’re simply steps from all of the cool issues to do in Panama Metropolis!
That wraps up an unforgettable day in Panama Metropolis that’s filled with tradition, taste, and critically beautiful sights. Even when you solely have 24 hours, this metropolis will steal your coronary heart. You’ll go away with recollections (and many pictures) that’ll maintain you smiling lengthy after you’ve stated goodbye!
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