Panama City

Tourist Attractions in Panama City

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Panama City. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

18 Attractions

★4.6 Average rating

9 Categories

About Panama City

Panama City blends a dramatic skyline with a storied colonial heart, making it a dynamic gateway to Central America's best-kept secrets. In the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo, graceful plazas, gilded balconies and lively cafes tell centuries of trade and culture. A short journey reveals the awe-inspiring Panama Canal at Miraflores, where ships glide through massive locks with roaring visitors’ center exhibits. On the Amador Causeway, sweeping sea views meet seafood markets and museums against the gleam of high-rise towers. Surrounding rainforests of Soberanía and Metropolitan Nature Park offer jungle trails, while world-class hotels, markets, and nightlife showcase the city’s modern energy.

St. Andrews State Park — Park, rated 4.8/5

1

Park State Park

St. Andrews State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 12,021 reviews

St. Andrews State Park is a modern, protected coastline paradise set on the Gulf of Mexico near Panama City Beach, Florida. Visitors come for white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and easy access to Shell Island by boat or shuttle. The park preserves pine and scrub habitats, offering nature trails, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing—from alligators to osprey. Expect calm swimming coves, snorkeling along rocky outcrops, a fishing pier, picnic areas, and well-maintained campsites. It’s ideal for families and outdoor lovers seeking scenic shorelines, kayak adventures, and a relaxed coastal escape.

4607 State Park Ln, Panama City, FL 32408, USA

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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Miraflores Locks — Historic site, rated 4.7/5

2

Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Miraflores Locks

4.7 ★★★★★ 12,988 reviews

The Miraflores Locks, on the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal near Panama City, are one of the canal’s most popular viewing spots. This historic complex, completed in 1914 and expanded over time, lets visitors watch giant cargo ships glide through two oversized chambers while massive gates rise and lower their hulls. At the Miraflores Visitor Center you’ll find exhibitions, a cinema, and elevated terraces offering close-up views of the operation, plus a cafe and gift shop. Plan a few hours to explore, learn, and photograph mighty vessels in action.

XCW5+RG5, Panama City, Panamá Oeste Province, Panama

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:15 PM Open now

Monday8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 5:15 PM

Restroom

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Miraflores Visitor Center — Landmark, rated 4.6/5

3

Landmark Visitor CenterTourist Information CenterTour AgencyTravel Agency

Miraflores Visitor Center

4.6 ★★★★★ 25,392 reviews

The Miraflores Visitor Center is a modern museum at the Panama Canal’s Pacific entrance, where you can watch ships pass through the locks from a dramatic viewing terrace. Inside, interactive exhibits illuminate the canal’s engineering, history, and global impact, while a short film provides context for the lock operations. Outside, a well-kept promenade and nearby observation decks offer close-up views of vessel traffic and the lush canal landscape. Visitors can expect informative displays, a cafe, shop, and a memorable, family-friendly perspective on one of the world’s great waterways.

XCW5+WF2, Panama City, Panamá Oeste Province, Panama

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now

Monday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Pier Park — Market, rated 4.6/5

4

Market Shopping Mall

Pier Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 22,201 reviews

Pier Park is a sprawling outdoor shopping and entertainment district on Panama City Beach, Florida, just steps from the white sands and emerald gulf. This pedestrian-friendly complex combines more than 120 stores, eateries, a riverwalk-style promenade, and frequent live music, making it a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and family fun. Visitors can browse boutiques, savor fresh seafood, catch a sunset from the plaza, or ride nearby attractions. With free parking, family-friendly events, and a lively atmosphere, Pier Park offers laid-back Gulf Coast vibes for all ages.

600 Pier Park Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, USA

Opening hours · Today: 12:00 – 6:00 PM Closed now

Monday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday12:00 – 6:00 PM

Cards accepted

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Sea Screamer — Snack Bar, rated 4.9/5

5

Snack Bar Scenic SpotClothing StoreTour AgencyTravel Agency

Sea Screamer

4.9 ★★★★★ 4,176 reviews

Sea Screamer is a lively seaside snack bar in Panama City that treats guests to casual, sun-and-sand dining with ocean views. It’s the perfect pit stop for a quick bite after a day on the water, offering simple, flavorful fare like shrimp, fritters, and other local-inspired snacks along with refreshing tropical drinks. Expect a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, friendly service, and outdoor seating that puts you right in the coastal hustle. It’s a great spot to refuel, watch the marina bustle, and savor easy, affordable Panama City flavors.

3605 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, USA

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now

Monday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Cards accepted

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Pacific Lookout — Park, rated 4.7/5

6

Park

Pacific Lookout

4.7 ★★★★★ 8,631 reviews

Pacific Lookout is a coastal park perched above Panama City’s Pacific shoreline, offering sweeping panoramas of the sea, nearby ships, and the city’s modern skyline. Visitors come for golden sunsets, breezy ocean air, and easy trails that wind through shaded palms and manicured viewpoints. The site includes shaded picnic areas, a small boardwalk, and informational panels about local wildlife and marine conservation. It’s a family-friendly option within reach of urban hotels, ideal for a sunset stroll, nature photos, and a refreshing break from the bustle.

XF68+P6C, Cinta Costera, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Restroom Cards accepted

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Old Panama — Historic site, rated 4.6/5

7

Historic site Historical PlaceHistorical Landmark

Old Panama

4.6 ★★★★★ 11,218 reviews

Old Panama, known as Panamá Viejo, the ruins of the original city founded in 1519, are a UNESCO World Heritage site just outside modern Panama City. It offers atmospheric plazas, a crumbling cathedral and walls, and a modern Visitors Center with exhibits that bring the past to life. Expect shaded ruins, interpretive signs, and guided tours that reveal pirate raids, colonial trade routes, and daily life in a once-great port. Panoramic views from nearby hills complete the visit. Bring water and sun protection.

2G47+MW9, Vía Cincuentenario, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama

Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Open now

MondayClosed
Tuesday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Good for kids

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Plaza de Francia — Park, rated 4.6/5

8

Park

Plaza de Francia

4.6 ★★★★★ 8,717 reviews

Plaza de Francia is a small, picturesque square in Panama City’s Casco Viejo dedicated to the French engineers who tried to conquer the Isthmus and build the canal. A bronze monument and engraved plaques commemorate their efforts, framed by palms and a gentle sea breeze. From the plaza you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific, the city skyline, and the historic harbor below, with colonial streets just steps away. Visitors can wander, snap photos at sunset, and explore nearby cafés, shops, and the surrounding historic architecture for a balanced mix of history and scenery.

C. 2a Oeste 85-81, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Cards accepted

Entrance Parking

Photo Parador - Cinta Costera, rated 4.7/5

9

Tourist attraction

Photo Parador - Cinta Costera

4.7 ★★★★★ 5,467 reviews

Photo Parador - Cinta Costera is a popular vantage point along Panama City's Cinta Costera promenade, designed for photographers and sunset chasers. This open-air parador-style shelter frames dramatic views of the Casco Viejo skyline, the modern high-rises, and the Pacific beyond, with the Amador Causeway visible on clear days. Visitors can expect easy access from downtown, shaded seating, and vantage points ideal for cityscape selfies or long-exposure sea views. It's best at late afternoon and blue hour when the light, breeze, and lively waterfront vibes amplify the urban majesty.

XF89+R9J, Cinta Costera, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed

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Metropolitan Natural Park — Park, rated 4.6/5

10

Park

Metropolitan Natural Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 5,413 reviews

Metropolitan Natural Park is a protected tropical rainforest on the edge of Panama City, created to conserve biodiversity and shield urban residents from the heat and noise of the capital. The park offers easy to moderate trails through lush canopy, ridgetop viewpoints with sweeping city and canal panoramas, and a chance to glimpse howler monkeys, toucans, and myriad butterflies. Expect well-marked paths, shaded rest spots, and informative signage, plus sunrise and sunset moments that feel worlds away from the bustle. A quick, rewarding escape for nature lovers and families.

Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama

Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM Open now

Monday7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday7:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Plaza Simón Bolívar — Park, rated 4.6/5

11

Park

Plaza Simón Bolívar

4.6 ★★★★★ 4,174 reviews

Plaza Simón Bolívar is a leafy, sun-dappled square in Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo, framed by colonial façades and the grandeur of nearby temples and government buildings. Named for the South American liberator, the plaza centers on a statue of Bolívar and a fountain, surrounded by restaurants and cafes. It’s a peaceful waypoint for a stroll between atmospheric plazas, galleries, and viewpoints over the bay. Visitors can soak up history, watch locals and visitors mingle, and use it as a launchpad to explore UNESCO-listed streets and sunset spills over the Pacific.

XF38+7HQ, Calle 4a Este, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama

Opening hours · Today: 12:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Open now

Monday6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday12:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Good for kids Dogs allowed

Entrance Parking

Panama Canal Museum — Museum, rated 4.6/5

12

Museum Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Panama Canal Museum

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,531 reviews

The Panama Canal Museum in Panama City is a focused tribute to the engineering marvel that reshaped global trade. Housed in a heritage building, it chronicles the canal’s history from French beginnings to American construction and the 20th-century completion, highlighting key figures, technical challenges, and the intricate lock system. Visitors can expect multimedia displays, historic artifacts, scale models, and immersive timelines that bring the operation of ships and the geography of Central America to life. It’s a concise, engaging stop for curious travelers or families seeking insight into one of the world’s greatest engineering feats.

Plaza de la Independencia, C. 5a Este, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now

MondayClosed
Tuesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

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Ripley's Believe It or Not!, rated 4.5/5

13

Tourist attraction

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

4.5 ★★★★★ 3,979 reviews

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Panama City is a quirky, bite‑sized museum of oddities and marvels housed in a bright, inviting building along the waterfront. Inside, visitors wander through bizarre artifacts, surprising displays, and interactive exhibits that challenge what you think is possible. Expect photo opportunities, hands‑on experiences, and curiosities ranging from astonishing natural phenomena to strange man‑made wonders. It’s a family‑friendly stop that blends education with entertainment, making for fun, rapid-fire exploration between nearby shorefront strolls and other city sights. A lighthearted, memorable detour for curious travelers.

9907 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Open now

Monday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Metropolitan Natural Park Visitor Center — National park, rated 4.7/5

14

National park Park

Metropolitan Natural Park Visitor Center

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,329 reviews

At the Metropolitan Natural Park Visitor Center in Panama City, you’ll find the gateway to a lush urban rainforest just minutes from the skyline. The center offers interpretive displays about the park’s biodiversity, conservation efforts, and the history of the city’s green belt, plus maps and seasonal observations. From here, easy looping trails wind through primary forest, where howler monkeys, toucans, and glistening hummingbirds are common. Expect shaded canopies, fresh air, and city views from overlook points—an accessible, family-friendly introduction to Panama’s urban nature and its conservation challenges.

XFP3+47H, Av. Juan Pablo II, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama

Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Open now

Monday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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ZooWorld — Zoo, rated 4.4/5

15

Zoo

ZooWorld

4.4 ★★★★★ 5,450 reviews

ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory is a family-friendly zoo in Panama City Beach, just minutes from Panama City, Florida. It brings together hundreds of animals across diverse habitats, from playful meerkats and mischievous primates to colorful birds and impressive reptiles. Visitors can enjoy interactive encounters, engaging animal talks, a petting zoo area, and frequent keeper demonstrations that reveal how conservation and care shape daily life at the park. Expect compact, walkable grounds, photo opportunities with friendly residents, and a relaxed, educational experience ideal for families and curious travelers alike.

9008 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA

Opening hours · Today: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Open now

Monday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Poin Panamá, rated 4.7/5

16

Tourist attraction

Poin Panamá

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,218 reviews

Poin Panamá is a contemporary urban hub in Panama City that blends stylish architecture with riverfront dining, shopping, and cultural spaces. The development offers sweeping views of the skyline and easy access to nearby waterfront parks, making it a stylish anchor for a day of wandering. Visitors can expect a mix of boutiques, cafés, and outdoor promenades, plus art installations and live events that capture the city’s modern spirit. It’s ideal for a relaxed stroll after a day exploring the historic districts, with versatile options for bites, drinks, and photo-worthy vistas.

0801, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Open now

Monday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Shipwreck Island — Theme park, rated 4.5/5

17

Theme park Water ParkAmusement Park

Shipwreck Island

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,665 reviews

Shipwreck Island is a nautical-themed amusement park on Panama City’s sun-soaked coast, inviting families and thrill seekers to explore a sprawling pirate-inspired wonderland. Yachts, salvaged hulls, and faux storms create an immersive backdrop for a mix of high-speed roller coasters, splashy water rides, and interactive shows. Expect a lively atmosphere, delicious seafood-inspired snacks, and photo-worthy corners near a dramatic wreckyard centerpiece. Accessible by taxi or city bus, the park blends adrenaline with playful lore, making it a memorable day for all ages seeking tropical fun.

12201 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Punta Culebra Nature Center — Museum, rated 4.6/5

18

Museum

Punta Culebra Nature Center

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,711 reviews

Punta Culebra Nature Center is a compact, hands-on marine museum on the Amador Causeway outside Panama City. Operated by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, it offers interactive exhibits about Panama’s coastal ecosystems, from mangroves to coral reefs, plus live touch tanks with starfish, sea urchins and small rays. Visitors can linger on elevated boardwalks with views of the Gulf, discover tide pools, and spot green iguanas basking in the sun. It’s ideal for families and curious travelers seeking approachable science, concise interpretation, and a pleasant outdoor bite of Caribbean-adjacent nature.

Calz. de Amador, Panamá, Panama

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Open now

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday1:00 – 4:00 PM
Thursday1:00 – 4:00 PM
Friday1:00 – 4:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom Seating

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