Panama City

  • Like
  • Check In
  • Flights
  • Holidays
Although it’s often confused with the identically named coastal city in Florida, Panama City, Panama is not a ‘spring break’ beach destination but rather the most cosmopolitan capital in all of Central America. Here, at the intersection of the Americas and the Pacific terminus of the world-famous canal, Panama City is truly open to the world. First impressions of the city are nearly always favorable, especially considering that its chic skyline of soaring steel and glass cuts a graceful arc across the horizon. As one of the up-and-coming financial and trade centers of the world. Today, the downtown business districts are chock full of stylish bars and restaurants, and it’s possible to dine on the majority of the world’s top cuisines. By night, urban dwellers take to the streets in their choicest robes, forming the crux of the capital’s legendary nightlife.

Assuming you can pry yourself away from Panama City’s urban charms, there are a variety of spectacular attractions lying on the outskirts of the capital. No visit to Panama would be complete without a day-trip to the canal, especially if you can time your visit to coincide with a vessel transit. And this is to say nothing of Panama’s stunning natural attractions, which include virgin rainforests and palm-fringed beaches, which lie less than an hour from the heart of the downtown. Although it’s still off the beaten path, save ample time to explore what is arguably one of the most rewarding capital cities in all of Latin America.
Tocumen International Airport is located 35km (20.5 miles) east of the city center.
Public TransportPanama City has an extensive network of public buses, though unfortunately it’s confusing and at times daunting if you don’t speak Spanish. As a result, most visitors prefer to take taxis, or even huff it on foot around the city center. However, if you feel like braving the public buses, destinations and prices are posted on the front windshield. Although there are few formal bus stops in the city, do as the locals do and queue up along major routes.Special tickets and passes are not available for visitors, though this isn’t a problem as bus fare is extremely cheap. Public transport generally operates between approximately 0500-2200. It is safer to take a taxi during early morning and late night hours.

Taxis

Taxis can be hailed on the street, though drivers are surprisingly reluctant to pick up passengers and may even protest if your destination won’t result in a high fare. Drivers will almost always leave the meter off in an attempt to charge you more.
Approx travel time from:

London 08Hrs 53Min

Manchester 08Hrs 39Min

Edinburgh 08Hrs 29Min

Glasgow 08Hrs 24Min

Birmingham 08Hrs 43Min
Panama Canal

This modern engineering marvel is famous the world over, though nothing can prepare you for the awesome sight of watching hulking vessels traverse any of the canal’s three sets of locks. Most visitors choose to visit the Miraflores Locks, which are located next to a shiny new visitors’ center, an open-air restaurant, a museum and a viewing platform.

Panamá Viejo (Old Panama)

Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, Panamá was the first European city on the Pacific coastline of the America. Although it was plundered and burnt to the ground by Captain Henry Morgan in 1617, the ruins of this once great city make for wonderful independent exploration.

Casco Viejo (Old Compound)

Following the destruction of Panamá, the Spanish moved their city a few kilometers east to a more fortified location. Today, much of this colonial city remains standing, and thanks to rapidly increasing urban renewal, is becoming the center of a reinvigorated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Parque Natural Metropolitano (Metropolitan Natural Park)

Perched on the northern edge of the city, this natural retreat for urban dwellers is an expansive stretch of primary and secondary rainforest. The park is home to an enormous diversity of wildlife including rare tití monkeys, sloths, deer and more than 200 species of tropical birds.

Isla Taboga (Taboga Island)
#Known as the Island of Flowers, this offshore gem lies just 20km (12 miles) from Panama City, though beachcombers and sun worshippers will find themselves in a different world. Grab a boat from the Causeway, look for pods of whales en route and prepare yourself for a day of lounging about on sun-kissed sands.##Museo del Canal Interoceánico (Intero-Oceanic Canal Museum)##Commonly known as the Panama Canal Museum, this is a great place to stop by before visiting the canal itself. Housed in the original headquarters of the French canal expedition, it’s easy to get a sense here of the trials and tribulations that were overcome in order to complete this engineering marvel.##Museo Antropológico Reina Torres de Araúz (Reina Torres de Araúz Anthropology Museum)##Founded by Panama’s most famous and accomplished anthropologist, this expansive museum aims to educate visitors about the country’s pre-Colombian populations. Exhibits focus on the anthropology and archaeology of each of Panama’s regions, and are highlighted by rare artifacts from around the country.##Museo de la Biodiversidad (Museum of Biodiversity)##Construction is well underway on this Frank Gehry-led project, which is destined to be one of the city’s top highlights. The museum will focus on the incredible biodiversity found within Panama’s ecosystems, and will be housed in a unique building designed by the much acclaimed architect himself.
From boutiques by the sea to open-air malls, Panama City Beach shopping options are perfect for a day-long splurge, a quick trip to find that one-of-a-kind souvenir and everything in between!Pier Park in Panama City Beach, is a brightly colored, open-air gem features a combination of national chain stores and local favorites, making it an unsurpassed Florida shopping mall. You can find everything from seashell jewelry and gourmet popcorn to business attire and designer handbags at this Panama City Beach mall.Pier Park’s lineup includes Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, Dillard’s, Target, Hofbrau Beer Garden, Starbucks, Border’s Books & Music and more. Visitors to Pier Park enjoy park-like walkways, spectacular Gulf views and a wealth of year-round activities for all ages - making this a memorable choice among Florida shopping malls. Pier Park also hosts outdoor entertainment and recreation throughout the year.

Another notable spot for Panama City Beach Florida shopping is Grand Panama Beach Resort. Among an eclectic mix of retail shops, restaurants and salons, you’ll find names you already know and love while becoming acquainted with regional and local favorites. With an array of options that span beach souvenirs to distinctive fashions, mouth-watering dishes to extraordinary service, shoppers of all ages and preferences are delighted with the treasures they find in The Village.Other Panama City Beach shopping options include Carillon Beach, Classic souvenir shops with selections of clothes, beach-themed unique items and more line Market Street. You'll find the best Florida shopping center, right here in Panama City Beach.
Ecotourism

The Gamboa Tropical Rainforest Reserve and the Soberania National Park offer good opportunities for learning about tropical fauna and flora. Birdwatching enthusiasts will not be disappointed in Panama: there are about 950 registered species and the country is considered one of the world’s best birdwatching spots. The Antón Valley (El Valle de Antón), 120km/70 miles west of Panama City, is famous for its orchids and the El Níspero Botanical Gardens; one activity on offer here is the tree canopy adventure, where participants are fastened into a harness, pulled up to the tree tops and swung from one platform to another in order to enjoy particularly ‘green’ views. Trips to the famous Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island (which houses a renowned tropical research laboratory) are also possible, although appointments need to be made at least one month in advance.

Boat trips

Boat trips on the Panama Canal are one of Panama’s major tourist attractions and there are various types of tours available. Crocodiles, frigate birds and other animals living along the banks and in the surrounding jungle can be observed. Canal tours often aim to provide visitors with a chance to observe one of the many large vessels moving through the canal locks, usually the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks. Executive yacht tours are available.

Watersports

There are some excellent locations for diving and snorkeling in Panama, the best of which include Isla Grande near Portobelo, where there are a number of dive centers offering excursions to the best reefs; the Bocas del Toro archipelago; Taboga Island (20km/12 miles south of Panama City); and the San Blás Islands (off the northeast coast). Whitewater rafting is becoming increasingly popular on the Chiriquí and Chiriquí Viejo rivers (not possible during the rainy season, from April to mid-December). Good sites for surfing include Santa Catalina, Venado and Rio Mar in the Pacific and Isla Grande, Bluf and Careneros in the Atlantic; waves can reach 15ft (4.5 meters).

Fishing

Fish are abundant in the Panamanian waters of the Pacific and the Caribbean. Locations include Piñas Bay, Coiba Island, Contadora Island and Taboga on the Pacific side and the San Blas Islands and the Chiriquí Lagoon off the archipelago of Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean. A number of hotels offer deep-sea fishing expeditions.

Golf
#There are six golf courses on the isthmus. Panamá Country Club, Summit and Fort Amador’s courses are all open to tourists. Guest cards are needed to play the 18-hole course at Coronado Beach Country Club. In addition, Itoroko, the former US golf course, has now opened up.##Horse riding##This is popular in the mountainous Chiriquí province, whose wild landscapes provide a natural habitat for cattle and horses. There are numerous horse-breeding farms, some of which can be visited. Horse trips to the Baru Volcano are also available.
A traditional canon blast signals the end of another sunny day in Panama City, but it’s after that shot that “blasts” really begin. From massive dance clubs with theme rooms and humming dance floors to cozy seaside bars and clubs, partygoers find a never-ending array of nightlife options. For live music fans there are a variety of clubs and nightspots that feature local and regional bands that perform everything from rock-n-roll to jazz, island beats to country. If a relaxing evening on the shore is more your speed, plenty of bars and seaside restaurants fit fill the bill. Whether you're looking to unwind after a day of shopping and sightseeing or shake it on the dance floor until dawn, Panama City Beach offers 365 unforgettable evenings. There are so many things to do in Panama City Beach, your after-dark hours will be packed full. Listen to the ceremonial cannon blast daily at dusk at Schooner’s Local Beach Club, listen to the best live music on the beach while chilling with friends at Spinnaker, or dazzle on the dance floor at Club La Vela, the largest nightclub in the U.S. Watch the fishing boats unload as the sun sets outside Captain Anderson’s Restaurant or line dance to live country western at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Panama City Beach entertainment is something to remember. However you enjoy spending your after-dark hours, we'll keep you entertained way past your bedtime with plenty of things to do in Panama City Beach.

Customer's Feedback

James was very helpful today and helped me sort my flight out within minutes! He is always very helpful and I always use him when I am booking a flight!

ZIA

Pam was of great help, patient ,listening to me and considerate. Great help

Juliet Adsett

I had a great experience with this agency! Kate was incredibly helpful and professional from start to finish — from helping me choose the right date to finding the best affordable flight. She made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I am extremely satisfied with the service and am happy to give a five-star rating. Thank you so much, Kate!

Anuj Bhardwaj

Hi, we booked our holidays with one of your colleague "kate" she was very good and helpful, We felt like She truly cared about making our vacation a memorable

Shamoon

Just done one but will for another, first class service of Kate again and several of our friends are very happy as well.

Geoff Barker

I have booked my holidays with Kate for my family with Kate . First she booked holidays for us in Corfu in Greece. We all were very happy and with that experience we booked our family holiday again this year with Kate . She booked holiday for us in Spain Airline: Ryanair. We are pleased with her customer service. She is good in her work.

Fouzia Nasir

I wanted to take a moment to share my appreciation for the outstanding service I received while booking my flight tickets. Kate was incredibly helpful, attentive, and professional throughout the entire process. She went above and beyond to ensure I found the best options for my needs, and her patience and expertise made the experience much smoother than I anticipated. It is not often that I feel compelled to share feedback, but Kate truly made this booking process enjoyable, and I wanted to make sure her efforts are recognized.

Pankaj Macwan

That is all correct and thank you for brilliant service

Duaa Kazmi

I bought 4 flight to goa from London yesterday, I was impressed with Kate the rep. excellent service and very polite 10 / 10.

Michael Astin

Hi, Received all support required form Rodger. Refer & Earn bit means Hoodaki need to keep the document as well as I lost the email previously sent by Roger.

Cleopatra Kundeya

I like to deal with kate she understands and understands your holiday need and of course a beautiful woman.

Nicholas Garner

Hi, The service is good and Kate is excellent to work with.

Mahnoor Naeem

Customer service was great and made me feel very looked after, thanks

Asma

Holiday booking service 10 out of 10.Kate very helpful. Thanks

Joe McSweeney

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your outstanding service you provided it. I truly appreciate your knowledge and patience for finding the best flight arranging. I look forward to working with you again for future travel.

Amal Rahma

Service was very good. Thankyou

Yvonne Mills

Hi Pam, Just wanted to drop a note to say how impressed I was with your customer service. Thanks, you so much will use the company again for my future trips.

Jasvir Virdi

Hi, I would like to say a big thank you to Jenny for her service this morning. I have been struggling to book these flights for some time and was getting very frustrated. Jenny was so pleasant and so patient. She spoke to me with compassion understanding of the difficulties of travelling with young children. She went over and above to get us the best deal. I am very happy with the service i received today. Keep up the good work Jenny you are a natural.

Rose Forde

I book my ticket for India with roger got good deals.

MR. PANKAJ

James was very helpful today and helped me sort my flight out within minutes! He is always very helpful and I always use him when I am booking a flight!

ZIA

Pam was of great help, patient ,listening to me and considerate. Great help

Juliet Adsett

Hoodaki

Book with £ 50 Deposit*
+44
Time Slot Back   

Enter Captcha:

Hoodaki

Book with £ 50 Deposit*

You will receive a call from 0203 745 9440
Thank you,
Team Hoodaki


Hoodaki App
 

Talk to us on...

  • WhatsApp Chat..
Hoodaki App
 

We are sure we can give you the best quote, whether you have got a quotation from the Airlines or from any other Travel Agent.

Departure*
Destination *
Outbound Date *
Return Date*
1
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
0
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
0
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
Airline*
Class
Economy Class
  • Economy Class
  • Premium Economy
  • Business Economy
  • First Economy
Total Price Quoted*
Name*
Mobile No*
Email Address
Landline No
Any Other Info
Maximum turnaround time would be 1 Hour