Bought simply someday to soak in all of what Panama Metropolis has to supply? No worries, I’ve acquired you lined! You may not be capable of see all of it, however my 1-day itinerary will get you to among the greatest 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 via 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 overlook there’s a flight dwelling ready!
PS: If you happen to’re there for longer, take a look at my full checklist 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 do-it-yourself 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 few 15 minute Uber from the previous city, however their mushroom toast (tosta de hongas ostra) is completely value it!
The vibe is laid-back, making it excellent 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 one in every of Panama’s hottest experiences: a Panama Canal tour. The Panama Canal is like the final word shortcut for ships, slicing via 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 via 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 acquired 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 actually scrumptious! And the most effective 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 relax 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 for those who’re fortunate you would possibly even catch dwell 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 principle occasion – Casco Viejo, Panama Metropolis’s previous city. Strolling via 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 below are just a few of my favourite stops:
La Calle de los Sombreros (hat avenue): This avenue is so Instagram-worthy it hurts! Image lots 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 not go away Casco Viejo with out making an attempt Geisha espresso at Cafe Unido, probably the most costly coffees on the earth. Sure, it’s $12 a cup, however it is a bucket list-worthy espresso expertise. Completely definitely worth the splurge!
See the Iglesia San Felipe Nativity Scene: If you happen to love a superb Nativity scene, you must 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 reasonably priced (rating!), so sit again, sip, and soak all of it in.
TIP: Get there effectively earlier than sundown otherwise you received’t get a first-rate viewing seat!
7:30PM
Have Dinner at Maito
For dinner, deal with your self to one in every of Panama’s greatest 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 received the restaurant a spot on the World’s High 50!
A phrase to the clever: e book your reservation early (just a few days, if not weeks prematurely)— it’s a sizzling spot for a motive! Additionally, I extremely suggest the ceviche rallado.
Make it an Overnighter
Central Resort Panamá Casco Viejo
If you wish to flip this itinerary into an in a single day keep, then Central Resort Panamá in Casco Viejo is the right place! Proper within the coronary heart of the previous city, this lodge has been welcoming visitors since 1874 (critically, it’s been round eternally!).
Again within the day, it was the place for large names passing via throughout the Panama Canal days, and now it’s completely restored however nonetheless filled with historical past—with a number of trendy perks.
And the most effective 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 gorgeous sights. Even for those who solely have 24 hours, this metropolis will steal your coronary heart. You’ll go away with reminiscences (and plenty of photographs) that’ll maintain you smiling lengthy after you’ve stated goodbye!
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