Panama City
Panama City Bites & Nights: Casco to Causeway
Sip, savor, and stroll Panama City’s historic coasts
Planning a trip to Panama City?
Two packed days focused on Panama City’s vibrant food, wine, and nightlife scene, anchored in easily walkable neighborhoods. You’ll balance historic Casco Viejo charm with oceanfront views and local markets, plus a hands-on cooking class and relaxed nature time along the Amador Causeway.
Highlights
Sample modern Panamanian dishes and cocktails in the colonial streets of Casco Viejo.
Learn to cook local Panamanian classics with a small-group class.
Enjoy ocean breezes, nature views, and skyline photos from the Amador Causeway.
Relax over curated wines and small plates in a stylish local bar.
Blend street-market browsing with air-conditioned mall shopping for local crafts and stylish finds.
Where to Stay
Hotel stay not specified
Accommodation choices are not included in this portion of the itinerary; assume you are already based in a central, comfortable neighborhood like Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo, or Punta Pacífica.
$XXX/nightGood to Know
Smart Neighborhood Hopping
Plan your days around 2–3 adjacent neighborhoods (e.g., Casco Viejo + Mercado de Mariscos + Amador Causeway, or San Francisco + Punta Pacífica) and move between them by Uber or metro instead of crisscrossing the city.
Safety & Boundaries in Casco Viejo
Stick within well-lit Casco Viejo streets at night and avoid walking out toward El Chorrillo; take an Uber when leaving the area after dark, and keep phones secured in busy spots like Albrook or Avenida Central.
Payments, Tipping, and Bargaining
Carry small US dollar bills for markets and taxis, tip around 10% at sit-down restaurants (nothing needed at street stalls), and reserve bargaining for craft markets rather than regular shops.
Your Weekend Itinerary
Mahalo Cocina y Jardín
Garden-style café with healthy yet hearty plates and good coffee; order the Caribbean-inspired breakfast bowls or French toast to fuel a busy day.
1h · $15-25 per person
Diablico Restaurante
Sit-down restaurant on a central plaza serving traditional Panamanian dishes; try the sancocho, patacones, and a cold Balboa beer.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
La Vespa Vista Mare
Waterfront Italian restaurant with Panama City skyline views; order fresh seafood pasta and a bottle of wine while watching the sunset.
1h 30m · $35-60 per person
Casco Viejo Historic Stroll
Walk the colonial streets, visit plazas like Plaza de la Independencia, step into churches (dress modestly), and capture balcony and alleyway photos.
2h · Free
Mercado de Mariscos & Cinta Costera Walk
Browse the fish market stalls, sample a quick ceviche from one of the outdoor stands, then stroll the oceanfront Cinta Costera for skyline views and nature breezes.
2h · $5-15
Amador Causeway Sunset Stroll
Walk or rent bikes along the Causeway with views of the Panama Canal entrance, city skyline, and nearby islands; pause for photos and ocean air.
1h 30m · Free (bike rental extra)
Segundo Muelle San Francisco
Upscale Peruvian restaurant known for ceviche and seafood; pair a ceviche sampler with a pisco-based cocktail for a polished final-night meal.
1h 30m · $40-70 per personCooking Class at The Cooking Academy Panama
Join a small-group class to learn Panamanian dishes like ceviche, patacones, and sancocho, with hands-on guidance and tastings.
2h 30m · $60-90
Soledad Wine Lounge
Cozy wine bar offering a curated list of international bottles and by-the-glass options, plus small plates to share.
1h 30m · $25-45Multiplaza Pacific Mall Shopping
Browse international brands and local boutiques in an air-conditioned upscale mall; look for Panamanian-designed clothing, crafts, and gourmet products.
2h · Free (shopping extra)10 activities across 2 days
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