How To Spend A Stopover In Panama City

In our recent article, Airlines With Free Stopover Programs, we mentioned that Copa Airlines offers a 1-7 day stopover in Panama City. The program is attractive because you get to see the Panamanian capital on the way to or from your final destination — without paying for any additional airfare. You simply need to add the Panama stopover option to your itinerary when you book your Copa flights. 

Most people have never been to Panama (and some Americans think the only Panama City is the one in Florida). As Panamanian residents who spend a lot of time in the country, we are happy to share some tips for how to experience Panama City on a stopover. Here are some of the highlights:

Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Panama is undoubtedly most famous for its canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. By using the canal shortcut, sailors can avoid the lengthy, dangerous route around the southern tip of South America. After a recent expansion, the lock-style canal can welcome vessels measuring up to 1,215 feet long, so you can see some of the world’s largest cruise ships, yachts, and cargo tankers float by. To date, it has transported over 900,000 vessels.

If you want to see the locks in action and learn how this maritime wonder was built, you should go to the Miraflores Visitor Center, approximately 20 minutes outside of Panama City. If you have limited time on a short stopover, you may elect to stay in the city and visit The Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo. It has some informative exhibits, but no views of the canal itself. 

However, if you choose a longer stopover, you may be able to experience this maritime marvel first-hand. Maritime laws require vessels to have a certain number of crew members onboard, so frequently boat owners seek volunteers to hop on for the ten-hour canal trip. Many volunteers go through agents, but we have also seen some online ads from yacht owners looking for temporary crew members.

Panama City’s “‘old town” or “old quarter” is a must-see during any stopover. It is a walkable historic neighborhood with beautifully restored plazas and buildings. The district dates back to 1673 and is now considered a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site.

Casco Viejo is where you will find important buildings such as the Presidential Palace and The National Theater. It is also home to religious sites such as El Arco Chato: the stone archway of a ruined church built by Dominican friars; the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Church of San Jose. Fun fact: the golden altar at Iglesia de San Jose is one of the few valuable artifacts that was saved when Pirate Henry Morgan (yes, that Captain Morgan) sacked Panama.

Casco Antiguo is a wonderful place to shop, eat, and dance. The area has a variety of bars and restaurants – our favorites include the Hemingwayesque Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar, Lazotea Rooftop Restaurant, and Restaurante Santa Rita. The neighborhood is also known for its nightlife, with chic nightclubs such as Casa Jaguar, and Element. If you want to stay in the old town, we recommend the brand-new Sofitel Legend or the colonial-style American Trade Hotel.

Panama is home to the world’s first biodiversity museum. Its exhibits describe how connecting two oceans and two continents has changed the currents, climates, flora, and fauna in the area. 

While the exhibits at Biomuseo are interesting, the building itself is spectacular. The huge multicolored structure was designed by architect Frank Gehry. He has created iconic buildings, such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Dancing House in Prague, and the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris. The museum is located on Amador Island, only a few minutes from downtown Panama City. 

Reminiscent of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, this sail shaped tower is stunning inside and out. Located in the ritzy Punta Pacifica neighborhood, this striking hotel is a hub for dining and entertainment. You can try your luck at the Ocean Sun Casino, and then head up to the Panaviera Sky Bar. It is an intimate rooftop bar on the 66th floor, with spectacular views of Panama City. You can also enjoy waterfront meals at restaurants such as La Vespa Vista Mare, Lima Nikkei, and Petit Paris. If you choose to stay at the JW Marriott Panama, you will get to swim in a gorgeous pair of infinity pools overlooking the ocean. 

The Multiplaza is a lovely shopping center, with a wide range of stores. On “Luxury Avenue” you can find high-end brands such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Cartier. In other parts of the plaza, you will find three different department stores and mainstream brands such as H&M, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, and Zara. The mall even has some quirky boutiques such as Tresors de France, which sells imported wines, meats, and cheeses. 

If you are hungry, the mall has a food court, as well as some popular sit-down chains such as TGI Friday’s, Olive Garden, and P. F. Chang’s. It also houses one of our favorite independent restaurants, Bruttito. It serves delicious sushi platters, decadent pastas, tasty sandwiches, and unique brunch creations such as carrot cake pancakes. 

We highly recommend Copa Airlines’ Panama City stopover program. You can get a quick taste of the Panamanian capital and decide if you want to come back again on another trip.