When planning a trip to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, I knew I wanted to take advantage of a long layover somewhere in Central America on my way down. Copa Airlines offers an extended layover program in Panama City, and since they had the best flight options, that’s the route I decided to take. I only had about 9 hours in Panama City total, and here’s what I’d recommend doing for any extended layover here.
1. Stroll Casco Viejo
By far, the best thing to do in Panama City is to stroll the colorful streets of Casco Viejo. I was there early in the morning on New Year’s Day, so the streets were empty, but my understanding is that it’s usually packed with people. Crowds or no crowds, the area is filled with colonial-style architecture, tons of colorful houses and buildings, and plenty of eateries, shops, and cafes. It is also aligned along the water, so the views are simply top-notch.
2. Eat Panamanian Food
People often ask me what I believe constitutes having actually visited a place. Everyone has different requirements, but mine are: leaving the airport, conversing with some locals, purchasing something, and eating something. So, when in Panama, first things first was I headed into the city to grab a bite to eat. Some of the most popular dishes in Panama are sancocho (a stew, typically loaded with vegetables like cassava, sweet potato, and more, and often with chicken), hojaldra (a fried bread), root yucca, and more.
3. Visit The Panama Canal
Easily the most famous landmark in Panama is the Panama Canal. You can book a tour to see it, or you can simply do it yourself. I would recommend a tour to get a proper historical experience, but if you’re short on time, a simple visit works, too. You should prioritize seeing the Panama Canal, because, when in Rome, but to be honest, it’s not the most exciting experience.
4. Day Trip To A Panamanian Beach
Panama is surrounded by water, so if you want to get out of the city, go explore a beach instead! Veracruz Beach is only about a half-hour drive from Panama City, and another popular option is Monkey Island. At the beach, you can kick it in a hammock, sip Atlas (the local beer of Panama), snorkel, and eat some fresh seafood, served Panamanian style.
- Book a day tour from Panama City to Monkey Island here.
- If you have time, book this tour to Taboga Island.
5. Take Advantage Of Copa Airlines’ Stopover Program
As mentioned above, the only reason I was able to spend time in Panama is because I took advantage of Copa Airlines’ Stopover Program. While I only had a few hours, Copa Airlines allows up to a 6-night stopover. If your schedule allows it, extend your time in Panama City up to several days so you can properly explore. Remember, Panama is a fairly small country, so a few nights could mean getting out of the city and seeing more of the country.
6. Visit Urraca Park
Urraca Park is a wide open green space in the middle of Panama City. It borders the very busy Avenida Balboa, and is about halfway from the airport to Casco Viejo. It’s a great spot to stop and smell the roses, and a good stopping point if you’re using public transportation to get around the city. Note that Ubers in Panama are pretty cheap, so if you don’t want to wait for the bus, Uber is a great option.
7. Stay In A Luxury Hotel
If you have more than one night in Panama City, you’ll need quality accommodation to properly enjoy your stay. Panama is one of the richest countries in Latin America, so go big or go home as they say, and book a luxury hotel. Some of my favorite luxury properties in Panama are:
- Waldorf Astoria Panama
- JW Marriott Panama
- The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort
- Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
- Le Meridien Panama
8. Take A Walking Tour Of Panama City
Sometimes, trying to plan something on your own time, especially with time restrictions, can feel overwhelming. I have hired guides on long layovers before (including in Dubai and Saudi Arabia). Why not do the same? This is a great tour to book to see all of the highlights of Panama City. There’s also this great hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
9. Chill In The Copa Club Lounge At The Airport
One of my favorite travel perks to my Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is the inclusion of Priority Pass. If you travel even three times a year, investing in some type of travel credit card or lounge pass is well worth it. Think of how much you spend on average at the airport, and that annual fee is easily a better deal. Luckily, Panama City International Airport has one of the best lounges I’ve ever been to. While the food leaves a little to be desired, the overall aesthetics and atmosphere of the Copa Airlines Club is far above the quality of several airport lounges around the world. There are quiet rooms to take a nap in, desk space to get some work done, an open-air eating area surrounded by lush, green plants, and more. Remember, in a lounge, you get unlimited food and soft drinks, and usually unlimited booze as well.
10. Go To A Museum
While exploring the outdoors in Panama City is what most people go for, maybe you’re an indoor cat, and you’d rather spend your time inside. This is also a great option if it’s raining. There are plenty of great museums in Panama City, including but not limited to the BioMuseo, Museo del Canal Interoceanico (museum of Panama Canal), Museo de la Mola (Mola is a traditional fabric in Panama), Museo Panama Viejo (a museum of ruins), and more.
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