Panama's natural splendor gives it an edge in leisure pursuits. Beyond city life, the country boasts vast countryside, mountains and beaches to explore. Whether you prefer to relax or stay active, you will find plenty of options. This guide highlights leisure activities across Panamanian provinces and explores the capital's gastronomic and cultural offerings.
Leisure in Panama City
Local and international cuisine in Panama City
Panama City boasts a wide selection of restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world.
If you are nostalgic for Europe, the capital's Italian, Spanish, French, Greek and German restaurants can transport you, making you forget you are in Central America. If you crave Asian food, you will find Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian eateries scattered across the city. Latin American cuisine is also well-represented in Argentinian, Peruvian and Brazilian establishments.
Some restaurant recommendations in Panama City are:
- Casa Stizzoli, Ciao ragazzi (Italian);
- Casa Alejandro (Spanish);
- La Boucherie (French);
- Meze (Greek);
- Steinbok (German);
- Makoto (Japanese);
- Palacio Lung Fung (Chinese);
- Restaurante Vietnamita (Vietnamese);
- Masala (Indian);
- Gaucho's Steak House (Argentinian);
- Segundo Muelle (Peruvian);
- Os Segredos da Carne (Brazilian).
As for local cuisine, several high-end restaurants, including Fonda Lo Que Hay and Cantina del Tigre, entice visitors with Panamanian delicacies.
For a more casual experience, numerous fondas and cantinas serve local specialties. You will have plenty to explore if you enjoy small, unpretentious eateries.
Casa Escondida, Azahar, Furia and Santa Rita are excellent choices for fusion cuisine.
Having a drink in Panama City
Like anywhere in the world, nightlife in Panama City flows with champagne or beer bubbles, red wine tannins and the intensity of spirits.
By day, thirsty tourists also love a gulp of ice-cold beer at lunch after the morning of exploration.
Craft beer has gained momentum and is experiencing its golden age. Local artisanal breweries are popping up across the city. Spots like Tres Gatos, La Rana Dorada, Casa Bruja and CervecerÃa Central offer a taste of Panamanian bubbly freshness. If you love a good brew, they are worth a visit.
The drink locals take the most pride in is Panamanian rum. Golden-brown Abuelo rum, the country's most recognized brand, is famous in Panama and beyond. A small distillery, Pedro Mandinga, produces exquisite artisanal rums. Pedro Mandinga rum bars, with their colonial elegance and warm lighting, provide a perfect setting to experience the excellence of this local spirit.
The go-to drink of the villagers is Seco Herrerano, a clear sugarcane-based spirit with a strong character. If you're keen on trying local beverages, take it slow.
Although Panama's tropical climate is unsuitable for wine production, it is popular here—available in all restaurants and bars. Additionally, national liquor chains like Felipe Motta and Bodegas Varela offer an extensive selection of wines from all corners of the globe.
For a night of bar-hopping, head to the neighborhoods of Casco Viejo, San Francisco or El Cangrejo, where you will find plenty of lively spots to grab a drink—and maybe even show off your best dance moves.
Sightseeing and culture in Panama City
Life is about more than just eating and drinking. For those exploring Panama, sightseeing is not just a pastime— it is a meaningful way to discover the country.
The Panama Canal
If you are in Panama City, the Panama Canal is a must-see. This triumph of imagination and engineering revolutionized global trade, allowing ships to sneak through a man-made, water-filled passage between the Atlantic and Pacific instead of making a long journey around the continent. You can visit the museum to learn about the Canal's history—a story of hardship, relentless work and risk before its glorious completion. For the best view of ships passing through the locks, enjoy a meal or glass of wine at Miraflores, the Canal's restaurant.
Museums
Another museum dedicated to the Canal is the Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo. Modern art lovers should tour MAC Panama (Museum of Contemporary Art). To learn about Panama's role in the blending of species between the American continents, visit Biomuseo—a colorful structure designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry.
Promenades
After Biomuseo, continue with a stroll on Amador Causeway, a lovely promenade washed by the sea on both sides. Popular for walking, skating and biking, Amador connects the city with three small islands that host yacht clubs and many restaurants.
Cinta Costera is another waterfront promenade in the heart of the city. Sports lovers, tourists, and enamored couples mingle, watching the waves and relaxing in the shade of lush trees. Cinta Costera's padel, football and basketball courts encourage a healthy, active lifestyle.
Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see in Panama City. Explore its cobblestone streets and buildings full of colonial charm, sip coffee at one of its many squares and shop for artisan products. Stay until dinner and savor the delicious meals offered by Casco Viejo's fine restaurants.
Theatres
Theatre lovers will be captivated by the neoclassical architecture of the National Theatre, located in the historic district. The ceiling frescoes, golden accents, velvet drapes and chandeliers impress visitors with their elegant opulence. Undoubtedly, the National Theatre is the most beautiful in the country. Other venues, such as Athenaeum, Anita Villalaz Theatre, Guild of Ancon Theatre, Balboa Theatre and Anayansi Theatre, may not be as visually striking but offer regular performances.
Parks
To connect with nature, explore Metropolitan Park or Soberania Park, both located just outside the capital. City dwellers also frequent Parque Omar—a splash of green in the heart of the metropolis.
Cinemas
If you are exhausted after sightseeing and just want to watch a movie, you will find plenty of cinemas across the city. Check out the and websites for showtimes and locations. Most cinemas offer VIP lounges with spacious reclining chairs and food service.
Leisure in Panama's provincesÂ
Leisure activities in Panama's provinces mainly revolve around its natural wonders. Pristine beaches, jungle-covered mountains, waterfalls, volcanos and dense rainforest provide an ample playground for adventurers. Eco-tourism is a growing niche in the country.
A half-hour ferry ride from the capital is Taboga Island, a perfect day trip for those short on time. If you can slip away for a few days, take a ferry or plane to the Pearl Islands. Their turquoise waters will make you forget you are in the Pacific. The Azuero Peninsula is another favored destination along the Pacific coast, renowned for surfing, fishing and large expat communities.
Thanks to its shape and location, Panama offers access to two oceans: the Pacific and the Atlantic. Visit the archipelagos of Bocas del Toro and San Blas in the Caribbean Sea; bring your camera—their aquamarine waters and white-sand beaches are picture-perfect. While Bocas del Toro bustles with tourists and expats, most of the San Blas Islands are uninhabited. The latter has been attracting more tourists, but if you are lucky, you may still get a taste of a Robinson Crusoe-like escape. In San Blas, you can either camp or stay in cabins run by local indigenous families. Island-hopping is the best way to explore both archipelagos.
Panama's rich coastline is ideal for surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Many water sports enthusiasts living in cities head straight for the waves as soon as the weekend arrives.
Lovers of hiking and biking escape to the mountains, such as el Valle de Antón or Boquete; the latter is also great for whitewater rafting. Fresh evenings and impressive vistas are guaranteed in the highlands. Volcán Barú is one of the few places in the world where you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea at the same time.
For those who enjoy exploring the wild, Darién National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers the chance to venture into the thick jungle and observe its diverse flora and fauna. Hiring a local guide is essential.
Panama, with over 1,000 bird species, is a top destination for birdwatching. The country's must-visit spots for birdwatchers include SoberanÃa National Park, Darién National Park, Chiriquà Highlands, Metropolitan Natural Park and El Valle de Antón.
Whatever escape you choose, reaching spectacular destinations for a weekend is easy, as no domestic flights take more than an hour.
Takeaway
Panama may be small, but it is truly unique. The country blends natural beauty, cultural richness and gastronomic variety. It has something for every traveler—whether you are an adventurer or a relaxation seeker. In this tropical gem, boredom is hard to find.
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