How to Spend 24 Hours in Panama (First-Time Visitors)
Day 1
Morning: Visit the Panama Canal
- Start at Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
- Watch ships pass through
- Museum + viewing platforms
- Allow 1.5–2 hours
Why it’s perfect for short trips:
Iconic, easy to access, and a memorable experience.
Midday: Explore Casco Viejo
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Colonial streets, plazas, churches
- Coffee shops, museums, rooftop views
Don’t miss:
- Plaza de la Independencia
- San José Church (gold altar)
- Boutique shopping & photo ops
Afternoon: Drive the Amador Causeway
- Ocean views + city skyline
- Bike or walk the causeway
- Stop for lunch or ice cream
Optional quick stop:
- Biomuseo (outside photos if short on time)
Evening: Walk the Cinta Costera
- Sunset views
- Locals jogging & relaxing
- Great intro to city life
Dinner ideas:
- Casco Viejo rooftops
- Waterfront restaurants
- Seafood or Panamanian fusion cuisine
Day 2: Nature + Culture (Close to the City)
Morning: Metropolitan Natural Park
- Rainforest inside the city
- Easy trails
- Wildlife sightings (sloths, monkeys, toucans if lucky)
- Amazing skyline viewpoints
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Late Morning: Local Markets or Malls
Choose based on interest:
- Artisan markets (souvenirs & molas)
- Albrook Mall (largest mall in Central America)
Afternoon: Food Experience
Options:
- Traditional Panamanian lunch
- International cuisine (Panama is VERY diverse)
- Coffee tasting or casual café hopping
Evening: Final City Views
- Return to Casco Viejo for nightlife
- Rooftop bar with skyline views
- Relaxed farewell dinner
What NOT to Do in 24–48 Hours (Important for First-Timers)
- ❌ Day trips to San Blas or Boquete (too rushed)
- ❌ Cross-country travel
- ❌ Overbooking tours without buffer time
- ❌ Ignoring traffic during rush hours
Who This Itinerary Is Perfect For
- First-time visitors
- Cruise passengers
- Short layovers
- Business travelers with free time
In Panama City for a longer time? Check out a list of things to do here or if you’re bringing the kids with you check out this article here.
Want a stress-free way to see Panama in a short time? I offer personalized sightseeing and orientation tours designed for first-time visitors.