Sightseeing in Panama
Including Ancon Hill, Biomuseo, and Casco Antiguo. On the map.
The vibe
Wandering between crumbling colonial ruins and modern glass scrapers feels like watching two entirely different centuries fold into one steamy afternoon. The dry months from December to April bring out the outdoor crowds along the waterfront, while the rainy green season clears the plazas for quiet wandering under sudden downpours. You mostly navigate the historic alleys and coastal paths on foot, trading tour-bus groups for the hum of local neighborhood life just a few blocks off the main drag.
Ancon Hill, Panama City
Panamá Province
curtisbellis / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Ancon Hill is the highest point in Panama City, offering a panoramic viewpoint over the city skyline, the Panama Canal, and the surrounding rainforest. It serves as a natural sanctuary where visitors can spot sloths, toucans, and monkeys while enjoying the vista.
Access. Accessible by a paved walking trail from the base; limited vehicle access.
Notes. The hike is moderate; bring water and insect repellent.
Biomuseo, Panama City
Panamá Province
ArnoldReinhold / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo is a striking landmark dedicated to the natural history and biodiversity of the Isthmus of Panama. Its colorful, geometric structure is as much an attraction as the exhibits inside, which detail how the rise of the isthmus changed the world's climate.
Access. Located at the entrance of the Amador Causeway in Panama City; accessible by taxi.
Casco Antiguo, Panama City
Panamá Province
James Castle / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The historic district of Panama City is a vibrant UNESCO World Heritage site featuring colonial-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming plazas. It offers a rich blend of Spanish, French, and American influences, housing historic churches, museums, and a bustling culinary scene.
Access. Easily accessible by taxi, rideshare, or walking from the main Panama City waterfront.
Notes. Best explored on foot; can be busy on weekends.
Fortifications of Portobelo, Colón Province
Colón
f_msantos...lo que siento por ti! from Panama City, Panama / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
These 17th and 18th-century Spanish colonial fortifications were once a vital Caribbean port for transporting gold and silver to Spain. The ruins of the coastal forts offer a dramatic glimpse into the era of pirates and colonial defense strategies.
Access. Accessible by road via a day trip from Panama City or Colón.
Notes. The site is largely outdoors; bring sun protection and water.
Panamá Viejo, Panama City
Panamá Province
Marcos Moreno / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Panamá Viejo is the archaeological site of the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas, founded in 1519. The ruins of the old city, including the iconic cathedral tower, offer a profound look into the colonial history and the eventual destruction of the city by pirates.
Access. Located within Panama City; reachable by taxi or public bus.
Notes. Requires a fair amount of walking; best visited in the cooler morning hours.