🇵🇦 24 Hours in Panama City, Panama 🇵🇦

So you only have 1 day and less than $100 to spend in Panama City. But the city is so big how will you ever make this happen? Don’t worry! You can check out quite a lot in a short amount of time. Here is my tips and tricks for making the most out of 1 day with times and costs! Rise and shine! The sun rises every morning about 6am and the city comes alive soon after. First things first. Coffee! While Panama has countless options for a cup of jo, I recommend checking out Café Unido. There are several locations throughout the city and they are all delicious. Grab a ham and cheese and Yami’s iced latte. You won’t be disappointed. (60-90 minutes and $10.) Next, take an Uber to the bottom of Ancon Hill. Ancon Hill is a beautiful forest on the outskirts of town. It’s the big hill with the Panamanian flag flying high that you can see from pretty much anywhere in the city. It’s a short hike to the top on a paved road. You will see all sorts of wildlife. Look down to see the busy leaf cutter ants toting bright green bites back to their nest, millipedes marching along the trail, and some of the brightest colors of frogs in the world. You will also see the really cool Aguti. Think if a squirrel has been hitting the gym 6 days a week for a few years. These little jokers hop along the ground picking up whatever they can find to eat. Now look up. The trees are so alive. You will see some of the most beautiful butterflies ever created. There will also be the hustle of bustle of some of the local birds. Look closely and you will see a Tucan or 2! Monkeys and sloths have been spotted as well. I have yet to see either but I’m going to keep looking. (60-90 minutes. Free to hike. $2-4 uber depending on where you are coming from) You will work up an appetite on the hill so let’s grab lunch. I recommend stopping by a local fonda. Fondas are cool cafeteria type of places where you can try many of the local foods. “How do I know which one to go to?” Great question! Honestly, look for the one with the most cars or longest line. (60-90 minutes $5-10) You can also head out to the Amador Causeway. There are many restaurants and food stands along the way. While on the causeway stop by and check out the Punta Culebra Nature Center. Here you can see frogs, fish, and turtles up-close. You can also play with a few of the star fish that are found around the country. There are also a few sloths that call this place home! (30-60 min and $7) What is a visit to Panama without seeing the Panama Canal? Check out the Miraflores locks while you are here. Insider tip. It is around $20 to walk out to the viewing decks so skip that and visit the Atlantic & Pacific Co Restaurant and grab a drink. You can still see the ships passing through and you saved a few bucks. (30-60 min $5-10) After leaving the canals you have to visit Casco Viejo, the “Old City”. There are quite a few historical spots each with their own facts plaque. Walking tours are available, and many are free or really cheap. I personally just enjoy walking around and exploring the city myself. Once you are done touring, you have to hit up happy hour at one of the many rooftop bars! I recommend Tántalo. Great views of the city so check out the sunset while enjoying $2 local beers! (2-3 hours $5-10) Pop over to La Rana’s for great local brews and unbeatable pizza. Get the flight/boat to sample them all and pick your favorite! The margarita pizza is pretty solid. (1-2 hours $20) After dinner take a stroll down the Cinta Costera. Pass by the fish market and local vendors. Mix the old with the new as the skyline from the city overtakes the building from Casco. This 4 kilometer path comes to life as the sun sets. Filled with joggers, bikers, and families enjoying the cooler nights. Easily the best way to end your day in Panama City. So there you have it. The best way to spend a day in Panama City without breaking the bank. 12 hours and $100 bucks later you have seen many of what the city has to offer.