IconMiraflores Locks, Panama Canal
Watch container ships and cruise liners rise and fall at the locks, with a visitor centre and observation decks over the canal.
Panama City, Panama
Flight + hotel city breaks · Skyline & Casco Viejo
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Panama City
Panama City is Central America's most cosmopolitan capital — a glittering skyline of glass towers rising above the Pacific, the cobbled UNESCO old town of Casco Viejo, and the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal on its doorstep. It's a compact, walkable-in-parts city where you can watch ships transit Miraflores Locks in the morning and sip cocktails on a rooftop by night.
Panama City, PanamaClimate
Climate
27–32°C · tropical
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Warm and humid year-round. Dry season (Dec–Apr) is sunniest; May–Nov is the green season with afternoon showers.
Currency
US Dollar
Balboa (PAB) pegged 1:1 to USD · USD is legal tender
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport only for Canadians
Top Experiences in Panama City
Icon
Old townCasco Viejo Wander
Explore the UNESCO-listed old quarter of colonial plazas, rooftop bars, boutique cafés, and the ruins of the original city.
WaterfrontAmador Causeway & Biomuseo
Cycle or stroll the palm-lined causeway linking three islands, and visit Frank Gehry's colourful Biomuseo on biodiversity.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: Canadians need a valid passport to enter Panama as tourists — no visa is required for stays of up to 180 days. Have proof of onward travel and funds if asked.
Language: Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in hotels, tour operators, and the banking district, but a few Spanish phrases go a long way.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Panama. Buy comprehensive travel medical insurance before you fly.
Power & plugs: Panama uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — identical to Canada, so your devices and chargers work without an adapter.
Time zone: Panama runs on Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC−5) year-round with no daylight saving — the same as Toronto in winter, one hour behind in summer.
Best time to visit Panama City
Dec – AprDry season
Sunniest, least rain and best for canal and old-town sightseeing. Busiest and priciest.
May – AugGreen season
Warm with short afternoon downpours, lush scenery and better value on hotels.
Sep – NovWettest months
Most rainfall, quietest crowds and lowest prices — mornings often stay clear.
Year-roundWarm & tropical
Temperatures stay near 28°C every month; humidity is high all year.
Where to stay
Panama City neighbourhoods
Panama City spreads along the bay, from the historic old town to the modern banking district and the coastal resorts just outside town. Here's how to choose your base.
Casco Viejo
Old town
The UNESCO colonial quarter of cobbled plazas, boutique hotels, rooftop bars and the best restaurant scene in the city.
Best for
- Couples
- Culture
- Nightlife
Marbella & Bella Vista
Banking district
The heart of the modern city — skyline hotels, malls, and Calle Uruguay dining, walkable to Cinta Costera.
Best for
- First-timers
- Shopping
- Business
Punta Pacifica
Waterfront towers
Gleaming high-rises on the bay near Multiplaza mall and the seafront, with big-brand hotels and city views.
Best for
- Skyline views
- Malls
- Comfort
Playa Bonita
Pacific coast
Beachfront resorts about 20 minutes from downtown, backed by rainforest — a calmer base with easy day trips into the city.
Best for
- Relaxing
- Families
- Resorts
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Panama City
Panama City is a great launch point for rainforest, islands, and canal adventures. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel concierge.
IslandsSan Blas Islands Day Trip
Full day · 12 hrsGuna Yala · 2.5 hrs by 4x4 + boat
Sail to the pristine white-sand islands of the Guna Yala, with snorkelling over reefs and a visit to a Guna community.
Insider tips
- Very early start — leave by 5am
- Bring cash for island fees
WildlifeGamboa Rainforest & Monkey Islands
Half day · 5 hrsGatun Lake · 45 min by road
Boat across Gatun Lake to spot capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths and tropical birds in the canal watershed.
Insider tips
- Bring binoculars
- Don't feed the monkeys
Iconic EngineeringPanama Canal Partial Transit
Half day · 4–5 hrsPacific locks · 30 min to pier
Cruise through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks aboard a transit boat and feel the scale of the canal from the water.
Insider tips
- Sun protection for open decks
- Book weekend departures early
HistoryPortobelo & Caribbean Coast
Full day · 8 hrsColón province · 2 hrs by coach
Cross to the Caribbean side to explore the UNESCO Spanish colonial forts and church of the Black Christ at Portobelo.
Insider tips
- Roads can be winding
- Pack a light rain layer
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Panama City travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Panama?
No. Canadian citizens can enter Panama visa-free as tourists for up to 180 days with a valid passport — no visa or ESTA needed.
How long is the flight from Canada to Panama City?
Nonstop flights are about 5h 20m from Toronto to Tocumen International (PTY) with Copa Airlines and Air Canada; connecting options are also available.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
The dry season from December to April is sunniest and best for sightseeing. The May–November green season is quieter and cheaper with short afternoon showers.
Is Panama City safe for tourists?
Tourist areas like Casco Viejo, the banking district and the causeway are generally safe. Use normal city precautions, keep valuables discreet, and use registered taxis or rideshares at night.
What currency is used in Panama?
Panama uses the US dollar as everyday currency, with the Balboa pegged 1:1 and used mainly for coins. Bring US dollars; ATMs and cards are widely accepted.
How do I get around Panama City?
Rideshare apps and taxis are cheap and easy. The Metro and Metrobus cover main routes, and Casco Viejo is best explored on foot.
Can I visit the Panama Canal from the city?
Yes — the Miraflores Locks visitor centre is only about 30 minutes from downtown, and boat transits and rainforest tours are easy add-ons.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes, you can add day trips like the San Blas Islands, Gamboa rainforest, and Panama Canal transit to your trip at checkout.