Free things to do · Panama City · Panama
8 free things to do in Panama City
Panama City without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
You can fill at least 3 days in Panama City without paying an entry fee: Casco Viejo, Plaza de Francia and Las Bóvedas, Iglesia de San José and Catedral Metropolitana are all free. Use the Metro and ride-hailing rather than hotel taxis, which charge more.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 8
- Low-cost extras
- 4
- Cost level
- Moderately priced
- Lowest hotel prices
- May–June and September–October
Free sights and experiences
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Historic site · Casco Viejo
1.Casco Viejo
Walk it in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and stick to the restored streets after dark.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Free
- Photo spot
Landmark · Casco Viejo
2.Plaza de Francia and Las Bóvedas
Walk the bougainvillea-covered promenade at sunset for views across the bay to the towers.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
- Couples
Religious site · Casco Viejo
3.Iglesia de San José
Visit when there is no service, and sit near the front to see the carving in detail.
- Time needed
- 20–30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Free
- Art
Religious site · Casco Viejo
4.Catedral Metropolitana
Sit on the plaza after visiting the cathedral and the canal museum, which is on the same square.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Free
Waterfront · Amador
5.Amador Causeway
Rent a bike or surrey near the start of the causeway in the late afternoon, when it is cooler and the skyline catches the sunset.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Views
- Active
- Outdoors
Waterfront · Bella Vista and Avenida Balboa
6.Cinta Costera
Walk or jog it early in the morning or after sunset; there is little shade in the middle of the day.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Views
- Active
Viewpoint · Canal Zone
7.Ancón Hill
Start early in the morning, when it is cooler and the wildlife is most active, and carry water.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Nature
- Active
- Outdoors
Street · Santa Ana
8.Avenida Central pedestrian street
Visit in daylight, keep phones and wallets secure in the crowds, and finish by walking into Casco Viejo.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Casco Viejo | Casco Viejo, Plaza de Francia and Las Bóvedas, Iglesia de San José and Catedral Metropolitana | Half a day + 45 minutes + 20–30 minutes + 30 minutes |
| Amador | Amador Causeway | 2–3 hours |
| Bella Vista and Avenida Balboa | Cinta Costera | 1–2 hours |
| Canal Zone | Ancón Hill | 1.5–2 hours |
| Santa Ana | Avenida Central pedestrian street | 1 hour |
Worth a small ticket
Market · Casco Viejo
Mercado de Mariscos
Try a mixed ceviche from the stalls outside, and go at lunchtime when the market is busiest and freshest.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Iconic
Museum · Casco Viejo
Panama Canal Museum
Visit before going to the Miraflores Locks; the history makes the locks far more interesting.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
Historic site · Panamá Viejo
Panamá Viejo
Climb the cathedral tower for the contrast between the ruins and the modern skyline, then see the museum's scale model.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Outdoors
Park · Canal Zone
Metropolitan Natural Park
Follow the marked trails uphill to the viewpoint over the canal and skyline, and arrive early to avoid the heat.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
More ways to save
- Use the Metro and ride-hailing rather than hotel taxis, which charge more.
- Eat at fondas for set lunches at a fraction of restaurant prices.
- Walking the Cinta Costera, the Amador Causeway and Casco Viejo costs nothing.
- Visit in the rainy season, May to November, for lower hotel rates.
- Bring small US dollar notes; large notes such as US$50 and US$100 are often refused.
- Book canal transits and island tours directly with established operators to compare prices.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Panama City expensive to visit?
Panama City is moderately priced for most visitors, but 8 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Panama City?
Casco Viejo: Walk it in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and stick to the restored streets after dark.