Intentional travel with balance & ease
5 Days in Panama City: A Perfect Guide for Solo Travellers
Written By
Joba
April 1 2025
From the old-world charm of Casco Viejo to the modern marvel that is the Panama Canal, Panama City really stands tall on its own. For my first solo trip in years, this city instantly captured my heart, and I know it’ll do the same for you. Whether you’re a foodie, history geek, adventure seeker, or city explorer, this city offers something for everyone, and you’re bound to enjoy it.
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What You Need to Know Before Visiting Panama City
Before you start planning, here are the things that can make this trip much easier and save you time and money.
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Best Time to Visit: Panama has a tropical climate, meaning it’s warm year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season (December to April) to avoid heavy rains.
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Getting In: Fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY). It’s about 5 hours from Toronto.
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Currency: Panama’s official currency is the USD. Credit cards are also widely accepted.
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Getting Around: Walking is great in Casco Viejo, but for longer distances, take an Uber. Uber is very affordable in Panama City, with some rides as low as $2 USD. It’s trusted and a very convenient way to get around the city.
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Language: Spanish is Panama’s official language, but English is widely spoken in most tourist areas.
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Connectivity: Skip the cost of roaming with your carrier by getting an Airalo eSIM.
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Country Hopping: If you have extra time, consider pairing Panama City with Cartagena, Colombia as it’s just a 1-hour flight away, making it a perfect 2-in-1 adventure!
Check out my 4-day Cartagena itinerary here.
Use PERFECTPATHS15 to get a discount on your first Airalo eSIM. No roaming, no hunting for WiFi
Where to Stay in Panama City
Depending on your travel style, Panama City has some great areas to stay. You can choose between Casco Viejo for historical & “old-town” vibes, the City Center for a more modern feel, or Amador Causeway for ocean views and a generally quieter stay. I stayed right at the center, and it couldn’t have been better.
My Full 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrived, checked into my hotel, then I set out to leisurely walk through the city’s central district to familiarize myself with the area. I then found myself at La Pulperia, a hidden gem with an intimate ambiance and delicious food which I had for dinner.
Day 2: Brunch, Chocolate, & Walking Tour
Started the day with brunch at the iconic American Trade Hotel.
Then, I headed to a Chocolate-Making Class at Nome Chocolate, where you’ll learn about Panamanian cacao, taste some, and make your own handcrafted treat.
Next stop is a walking tour by GuruWalk where a local guide takes you around town, sharing bits of the history of Panama City and how it’s come. The tours on GuruWalk are free, with the condition that you tip your tour guide when it’s over. End the day with dinner at Nazca 21, a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Day 3: Panama Canal & Amador Causeway
Started with breakfast at Cafe Sucre to try the world-famous Geisha coffee. Then, spent the afternoon visiting the Panama Canal, which is one of the greatest engineering marvels in the world.
Sabroso is a tourist favorite and widely known in Panama City, so I made a quick photo stop at the colorful Panama sign before heading over there for dinner and some live entertainment
Day 4: Island Hopping in San Blas
This was an early start for a full day tour of the San Blas Islands. The booking covered pick up to the dock with the guide and then a boat ride to see some of the most beautiful Caribbean islands in Panama. I got to swim (and you can also snorkel) and then relax on white-sand beaches with the clearest of waters. It was very eye-opening to experience the Guna Yala indigenous culture, who are the people that have carefully taken care of these islands for years. This tour included lunch & drinks. After what was quite a long day, it was only right to end it enjoying delicious Caribbean flavors with dinner at El Caribe.
P.S: Booking in advance is the way to go, as this tour fills up quickly. Also, if you plan to spend on the islands, only cash is accepted.
Day 5: Wildlife or a Chill Day
Option 1: Explore the Panamanian rainforest and cruise along Gatun Lake to see capuchin, howler, and tamarin monkeys up close.
Option 2: Relax & Explore Casually – Sleep in, wander the city at your own pace, and soak in the last bits of your time in Panama City.
Try out lunch at a local Fonda. These small eateries serve authentic Panamanian dishes at budget-friendly prices. Then, select any option from here for dinner.
Final Thoughts on Panama City
Panama City was vibrant and diverse in ways I had not seen in a long time. Seriously. It truly offers something that everyone can enjoy. So, whether you’re exploring Casco Viejo, marveling at the Panama Canal, or relaxing in the San Blas Islands, this 5-day itinerary ensures you experience the best of the city. Check out my Eat, See & Do guide for Panama City here.
I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip. Save this post, share it with fellow travelers, and let me know your favorite part of Panama City!
Until next time, Panama!
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Safe travels,
Joba
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Written By
Joba
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