Panama is a beautiful little country that connects Central America to South America. This small country of 4.2 million people is where you can see the sunrise and fall on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at the same time. Its famous canal, which we all learned about in fifth grade, is genuinely a modern engineering marvel. The Panama Canal still hosts 270 billion dollars worth of cargo every year, connecting over 80 counties to goods and services. That’s 85 billion more dollars more than Elon Musk’s wealth. 

Of course, for travel purposes, it is warm year-round.  It was in the winter, which means that New York City was 30 degrees while Panama averaged 76-86 degrees. And Panama City is one of the few places where you can be in the city one second and a lush forest the next. So, I booked three days and four nights in Panama City, Panama. 

I assumed that I would fall deeply in love and then promptly out of love with the capital city, but instead, I found myself staying in love with its warm atmosphere, delicious food, and natural beauty. 

So, if you are like me and always looking for a quick and local getaway, here’s what to see, do, and eat in Panama City, Panama, when you only have three days, and you happen to be there during Christmas.

*note, please follow all COVID guidelines and check for travel restrictions- here. 

We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Panama, free due to a Hilton Points, between 47th & Uruguay Calle in downtown Panama. It was a short walking distance to night clubs, casinos, and an array of boutique and chain restaurants. Honestly, there are more exciting places to stay than downtown, but the allure of a free hotel stay was a huge draw. 

When we arrived, being it was close to Christmas, most places were gearing up to close, and the night of our arrival, we saw revelers partying the night away to ensure they get it all out before Christmas Eve. But if you are paying full price, the hotel is surprisingly affordable for being a part of the Waldorf brand, averaging about $120-130 dollars a night. 

So what the top four must-do things in Panama City, Panama, on a short trip?

Visit the Panama Canal

It should go without saying that even if you are just staying for a day in the city before venturing off to explore the rest of Panama’s 29,157 square miles, you have to see the canals. While I am a person who can absolutely get lost in a museum or an old city, these are something magical.  Getting it is easy by public transit, car, or tour, and all you need is about two hours to feel satisfied. 

The Miraflores Visitor’s Center is where you can learn about the Panama Canal, its canal locks, and everything else about the magic of a canal built in 1914 using that time’s technology. The visitor center has terraces and an observation deck where you can watch with wonder for twelve minutes as a huge tanker makes its way through rising and lowering the water to deliver modern goods.  Currently, the Canal is investing in updates and is pumping millions of dollars into its increased efficiency. While I admit, I had to drag myself to the center; I was so beyond happy I went and ended up loving the place. 

Visit and Get lost in Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is Spanish for Old Quarters. Like the Old Quarters of New Orleans, Casco Viejo offers spectacular views, churches, rooftop bars, delicious boutique restaurants, and ice cream, as well as cobblestone roads. I simply fell for the place. Booking a hotel stay here would be worth it. 

It is safe to walk around Casco Viejo, even at night. We saw people out drinking and enjoying themselves well into the twilight.  The night is the most popular. 

For the best experience, arrive in the late afternoon. Then you can enjoy a few hours of sunlight to explore the Paseo las Bovedas, where you can bargain with local artisans, or walk along the seashore and explore Plaza de Francia,  before you retire at a rooftop bar, preferable Casa Casco (if you can get in), to enjoy the epic sunset before you party the night away. 

An entire article can be written on what you can do while in Casco Viejo, and luckily for you, I found just the article that will give you the down low, including a list of the best rooftop bars in Panama City.  

I found particular joy eating some of the best ice creams of my life at the Ice Cream Shop of Granclement (which unfortunately is permanently closed now). Besides eating, you can check out the numerous museums like Museo del Canal Interoceanico de Panama or walk by their ruins like Saquella Casco Viejo. If you want more instructions on what you are looking at, opting for one of the many easy walking tours. 

For food, we ate at the delicious Diablicos. Yes, it’s in the name. This place is famous for its transitional Panamanian fare and the occasional antics that lead to the restaurant-goers’ delight. They put on traditional folk shows called the “dancing devils,” which lead to much debauchery and laughter. Is it touristy, sure? Is the food good, yes? Will you pay a bit more. Not really. 

Visit Causeway Amador for the Gram

Causeway Amador is where you can take that instagrammable photo of you in front of the Panama signs. There are a few shops in the area and a park, but really, it’s just for the gram. 

Take an Adventure to the Gamboa Rainforest

Panama is one of the few capital cities on the edge of a rainforest that boasts an exciting array of wildlife and biodiversity. 

While I could not squeeze this into our short trip, it’s on my bucket list for next time. 

Visiting the rainforest is like a choose your adventure. With just a 30-minute drive from the center, you can do everything from visiting the Embera Tribe, take a night safari, take a boat to see wildlife and birds on the riverbanks, or simply go fishing. Visitors choose to Kayak their way through nature, take a stroll, or hike, or relax in leisure on a 600-meter long  Aerial tram that rides above the forests. 

Of course, Panama is more than just Panama City. Here are some other travel bloggers’ guides to check out if you plan on spending more than three days. I want to emphasize how incredible safe we felt in Panama. It was most welcoming, easy to navigate, full of natural beauty and fantastic food. 

• 41 THINGS TO DO IN PANAMA + 3 THINGS NOT TO DO by HeartmybackPack
• PANAMA TRAVEL TIPS by Nomadic Matt
• Panama Travel Guide  by The Blonde Abroad
• Essential Panama City by Travel Noire