Last Updated on March 8, 2026

This October, I’m setting off on a month-long adventure through Panama. I’m so excited! To make the most of my trip, I’ve researched and compiled a Panama bucket list of the top things to do, see, and experience. This list is packed with 100 things to do across the country, perfect if you love history, nature or adventure. Of course, I also searched for some food-related to do things or dishes. I am already looking forward to the Panamanian cooking class where I can whip up traditional dishes with unlimited mojitos (yes, please!).

Here are 100 things to do in Panama, categorized for your convenience and inspiration. For many things, you can click through to the relevant location in Panama or you will be shown a page with more information about the particular activity or attraction. I thought quite convenient 😉 Enjoy!

Estimated reading time: 19 minutes

Panama City

Panama City, the capital of Panama, offers a diverse range of activities and attractions that blend modern urban life with rich history and natural beauty. Here are some things to do in Panama City:

– Museum

1. Panama Canal Museum (paid): Explore the history and significance of the Panama Canal.
2. Biomuseo (paid): Visit this biodiversity museum designed by Frank Gehry.
3. Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) (paid): Enjoy modern art exhibits. There’s no permanent exhibition.
4. Museum of History of Panama (free): Dive into Panama’s historical events.
5. Museum of Religious Colonial Art (free): Admire religious artifacts from the colonial period.
6. Museo de la Mola (free): Explore the art of the indigenous Guna people.
7. Panama Viejo visitor center (paid): Learn about the history of Panama’s old town.
8. Museo de Arte Religioso colonial (free): View religious art and artifacts from the colonial era.
9. Punta Culebra nature center (paid): Visit this marine and nature center.

– Culture

10. Free walking tour or bicycle tour (free): Explore Panama City with a free walking or bicycle tour. You can leave a tip at the end if you enjoyed it. I always like to do these types of tours when traveling. They’re a great way to get to know the city, meet other travelers, and collect some insider tips. Some companies that offer these free tours include Freetour or Guruwalk.
11. La Calle De los Sombreros (free): Visit La Calle De los Sombreros in Casco Viejo if you like hats 😀
12. Av. Central España (free): Go shopping at this low-budget shopping street and visit Portal del Barrio Chino (Chinatown).
13. Panama Canal (free/paid): Watch the ships pass through the Miraflores Locks (free), visit the Miraflores Visitor’s Center (paid) and visit the Mirador Pedro Miguel (free). Combine your visit to the Panama Canal with the San Lorenzo National Park or a half-day Panama City Tour.
14. Helicopter flight (paid): Make a 30-minutes helicopter flight above Panama City and the Panama Canal.
15. Casco Viejo (free): Wander the streets of this historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consider booking a bicycle tour through Casco Viejo or a hidden gems walking tour.
16. Casa Gongora (free): Visit one of the oldest colonial houses in Panama City.
17. Old cathedral of Panama (free): Discover the history of this large stone church completed in 1796, with looming twin bell towers.
18. Mi Pueblito (free): Experience traditional Panamanian culture in this recreated village/theme park.
19. Amador causeway (free): Rent a bike and ride (or walk) along the causeway. Make a stop at the Panama Skyline Viewpoint and take a picture at the Panama sign.
20. Cinta Costera (free): Stroll along this waterfront promenade featuring parks, playgrounds, and scenic views of the Bay of Panama.
21. Albrook mall (free): Visit one of the largest shopping malls in Central America. Combine your visit with a visit to the cinema. I always love going to the cinema when traveling abroad.
22. Street art tour (free/paid): Discover the colorful murals and street art throughout the city, particularly in the Casco Viejo neighborhood (Recontur offers a Panama City Graffiti Tour).

– Nature

23. Metropolitan natural park (paid): Enjoy urban wildlife and trails. Spot marmosets, sloths and various birds. A wonder for wildlife photography and macro photography.
24. Cerro Ancón (free): Hike up for a panoramic view of Panama City and spot toucans, monkeys, sloths, and poison dart frogs plus.
25. Soberanía national park (suburb Panama City, free): Visit this tropical forest national park with trails & streams inhabited by monkeys, sloths & birds. Combine with a visit to Parque Municipal Summit or the Panama Canal and a monkey safari.
26. Isla Taboga (Taboga District): Take a ferry from Panama City, relax on the beach and hike to some viewpoints on the island. You can also visit Taboga Island by booking an all inclusive Taboga Island Catamaran Tour from Panama City.
27. Fishing tour at Panama Bay (paid): cruise to Taboga Island and go snorkeling or fishing.

– Food and drinks

28. Mercado de Mariscos: Enjoy some fresh seafood 😀
29. San Felipe Neri public market: Explore local produce. Open till 4pm.
30. Vista Corona: Enjoy a corona on their rooftop terrace and see the church from above. Live music on Wednesdays 🙂
31. Pedro Mandinga rum bar in Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo: Enjoy a rum tasting or try a mojito.
32. Sama Sky lounge: Unwind after a long day and catch the amazing sunset, enjoy a romantic evening out, or dance the night away.
33. Panamanian cooking class + dinner (paid): Something I always do when traveling abroad! Learn how to prepare 10 traditional recipes while enjoying unlimited mojitos during a cooking class in Panama City. Gain insight into the cooking techniques, ingredients and flavors of Panama.
34. Class for chocolate making and tasting (paid): During a visit to the chocolate factory, you will learn the cocoa process, how it becomes chocolate, make your own chocolate bar and taste some products.
35. Panama City food tour (paid): Another thing I love to do when traveling abroad! Enjoy a 3-hours food tour starting at 16:30pm or a 5-hours private food tour starting at 10:00am.

Colón

Colón, located at the Caribbean end of the Panama Canal, is a city rich in history and culture with a variety of attractions and activities. Here are some things to do in Colón:

36. Fort San Lorenzo (paid): Discover this historic fort in a stunning natural setting.
37. Gatun locks (free): Watch the ships pass through the Panama Canal.
38. Colon Duty Free zone: Explore one of the largest free-trade zones in the world, ideal for shopping.

El Valle de Antón

El Valle de Antón is a town nestled in the crater of a dormant volcano and a place absolutely not to be missed in this Panama bucket list. It’s known for its cool climate, lush greenery, rich biodiversity and beautiful hiking trails. Here are some of the top things to do in El Valle de Antón:

39. La India Dormida (free): Hike this famous mountain with its mythological background.
40. Cerro La Silla (free): Enjoy the sunset or sunrise at this relatively easy hike with incredible views.
41. Mountain biking in El Valle de Antón (paid): Ride (guided) trails in this volcanic crater.
42. El Chorro Macho Waterfall (free): Hike to waterfalls and swim in the natural pool at the base.
43. La Piedra Pintada (paid): View these ancient petroglyphs and hike the trail that leads to them.
44. El Valle market (free): Visit the local market where you can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts.
45. Frog Sanctuary and Square Trees Nature Trail (paid): Learn about Panama’s endangered golden frog (Rana Dorada) at the sanctuary (location) and hike the Square Trees Nature Trail (location).
46. Orchid center (APROVACA) (paid): Visit the orchid conservation center to see a variety of native orchid species and learn about conservation efforts.

Tip: read my Valle de Anton guide to get to know everything about this volcano town.

Gamboa

Gamboa is a small town located at the confluence of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal. It’s known for its rainforests and rich biodiversity and therefore great to visit if you love nature and adventure. Here are some things to do in Gamboa:

47. Aerial tram Gamboa resort (paid): Take a tram ride through the rainforest (no high chance to see wildlife).
48. Monkey sightseeing boat trip (paid): Take a boat trip and spot monkeys.
49. Gamboa rainforest resort (paid): Stay at this eco-resort that offers various activities like guided nature walks, bird watching tours, and night safaris to spot nocturnal animals. I’ve stayed twice here during my Panama trip. At the start and at the end. Totally loved it!
50. Chagres river tours (paid): Explore the Chagres River by kayak or boat. These tours often include visits to indigenous Emberá villages, where you can learn about their culture and traditions.
51. Fishing: Go fishing in Gatun Lake or the Chagres River. You can catch species like peacock bass and tarpon.

Tip: read my Gamboa guide to get to know everything about this wonderful place in Panama.

Boquete

Boquete, located in the highlands of Panama, is known for its cool climate, coffee, lush landscapes, and vibrant expat community. Here are some top things to do in Boquete:

52. Volcán Barú national park (free/paid): Trek to the highest point in Panama (1700 meters), alone or with a guided tour.
53. Visit a coffee farm in Boquete (free/paid): Learn about and taste local coffee.
54. Los Ladrillos: Try rock climbing, a popular spot with natural rock formations.
55. Zip-lining and canopy tours (paid): Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the treetops with companies like Boquete Tree Trek. It’s a great way to see the forest from above.
56. River rafting (paid): Enjoy the adventure of white-water rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo River. Various difficulty levels are available for different skill levels.
57. Boquete Tuesday market (free): Explore this market where you can buy fresh produce, crafts, and local goods.
58. The Lost Waterfalls / Las Tres Cascadas (free): Hike to three jungle falls with natural pools and wildlife like quetzals & snakes.

Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina, located on the Pacific coast of Panama, is known for its stunning beaches, excellent surf spots, and proximity to the incredible marine life of Coiba National Park. Here are some top things to do in Santa Catalina:

66. Surfing: Enjoy some of the best surfing in Central America. Suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
67. Kayaking and paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coastline and nearby islands. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenic views and encounter marine life.
68. Fishing: Charter a boat for deep-sea fishing. The waters around Santa Catalina are rich with species like tuna, marlin, and dorado.
69. Estero beach (free): Spend your days relaxing on this beach.
70. Coiba national park (paid): Take a boat (day) trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. Dive and snorkel sites like Granito de Oro and Wahoo Rock offer chances to see sharks, manta rays, turtles, and an abundance of tropical fish.

Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro, an archipelago in Panama, is known for its stunning beaches and (backpackers) parties. Here are some activities and attractions to enjoy in Bocas del Toro:

71. Visit (and party) Bocas town (free): Explore the main island’s capital, Bocas Town, with its colorful buildings, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Bocas Town, with its many bars, clubs, and live music venues.
72. Bluff beach (free): known for its golden sand and strong waves, popular among surfers.
73. Snorkeling and diving (free or paid): Discover the vibrant coral reefs and marine life around Isla Colón and Isla Bastimentos, for example at sites like Coral Cay and Hospital Point.
74. Red frog beach (paid): Named after the small red frogs native to the area, this beach on Isla Bastimentos is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
75. Bastimentos national marine mark (paid): Explore this protected area with its diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and various bird species.
76. Nivida bat cave (paid): Explore some caves on Isla Bastimentos, home to bats and unique rock formations.
77. Surfing: Surf at popular spots like Paunch, Bluff, and Silverbacks, known for their consistent waves.
78. Cacao farm tours: Visit local cacao farms to learn about the chocolate-making process and sample fresh chocolate.
79. Kayaking and paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters and mangroves around the islands.

San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands, also known as Guna Yala, are a stunning archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Panama, famous for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and unique Guna culture. These islands are a must-see on your Panama bucket list. Here are some things to do in the San Blas Islands:

80. Cultural tours: Engage with the Guna Yala people and learn about their traditions, crafts, and way of life. You can visit traditional villages and see hand-made molas (textile art).
81. Island and beach hopping: Take a (day) boat tour or charter a sailboat to explore multiple islands in the archipelago, each with its unique charm and attractions. Combine with snorkeling or diving.
82. Fishing: Go on a fishing trip with local guides who can show you the best spots for catching fish.
83. Kayaking and paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters and nearby islands at your own pace.

Conclusion

As I wrap up this Panama bucket list, I’m filled with excitement for the journey ahead. From the vibrant streets of Panama City to the serene beaches of the San Blas Islands, I think that every corner of this country offers something unique and unforgettable. I hope this bucket list inspires you to explore all that Panama has to offer. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to make some incredible memories in this beautiful country.

If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!

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