Looking for an epic long weekend getaway? Panama City has it all—vibrant culture, incredible food, historic charm, and unforgettable adventures for the whole family.

With a direct flight from Cayman Airways, a trip to this dynamic city is just under two hours away! Here’s how we spent four action-packed days in Casco Viejo, Panama City — save this guide for later!

Getting There & Travel Requirements

Getting to Panama City couldn’t be easier with Cayman Airways’ direct flights (11 AM Thursday departure, 3 PM Monday return)—the perfect schedule for a long weekend.

Top Tips:

✔️ Complete your Panama visitor waiver online in advance to breeze through immigration - note the form link at the airport wasn’t working so I’d wish we’d done this before we left. There are paper forms to complete when you get there, but it’s a bit of a hassle.

✔️ A heads up, when you disembark the plane in Panama there is an additional security search which does hold up the process quite a bit - prepare for a delay getting off the plane, it’s hot and you’re in the tunnel for quite some time (20 mins if towards the back of the plane!)

✔️ No need to pre-book a taxi — all taxis have a standard fare of US$35 to Casco Viejo (just be sure to use a licensed taxi company or Uber for safety).

✔️ We felt very safe and at ease during our trip, making it a great destination for families.

The Weather

Panama has consistent weather to that of Cayman, and the best time to avoid rain and extreme heat is from February to April. However, we went in January, and we were surprised just how hot it was. In the city, temperatures range from 90˚F/32˚C during the day to 70˚F/21˚C at night.

Panama has a dry season from mid-December to mid-April and the weather is mostly sunny. The rainy season runs from mid-April to mid-December, with heavy afternoon downpours, but mornings and nights remain clear, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration.

WHERE TO STAY

We based ourselves in a spacious house in Casco Viejo, Panama’s charming old town — a great option for families looking to escape the heat and enjoy a homey feel. We booked it here via Booking.com and you can find pictures of it below. It was spaced across 4 floors and worked great for 4 adults and a toddler, or 4 couples who all want their own space with ensuites and communal areas to cook and catch up.

If you prefer a hotel, consider:

Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools (perfect for Panama’s hotter months!):

• Sofitel Hotel Legend – most uxurious in Casco Viejo and very centrally located.

• Hyatt Hotel La Compania – Historic elegance meets modern comfort, would have been our choice if there was space.

For the Adventure Seekers:
We took a day trip to The Gamboa Rainforest Reserve (see below) and loved it so much that next time, we’d stay 1-2 nights to enjoy all the activities fully. If you have older kids, there would be so much for them to do there (ziplining, boat tours, night safaris etc)

Adults-Only Boutique Stay:
For a romantic escape, Amarla Hotel is a gorgeous boutique hotel in Casco Viejo.

Where To Eat & Drink

Panama City delivered incredible dining experiences, from casual bites to upscale culinary gems. Here are our favourites:

• Fonda Lo Que Hay – Must-try for vibrant local flavours with a modern twist. Not for unadventurous eaters, as it’s a quirky menu!

• Madre Cucina – Italian-inspired dishes in a chic setting - we enjoyed delicious steak, salads, pizzas and kids’ pasta.

• La Pulperia – A hidden gem for elevated pub food - the chicken quesadillas were incredible!

• Cafe Unido – Panama’s take on Starbucks and arguably the best place for speciality Panamanian coffee (Stefan brought some home and loves it!). We loved the breakfast sandwich and pour-over coffee.

• Sisu Coffee Studio – A great coffee house and breakfast spot.

Top Tip: Make dinner reservations ahead of time, as most restaurants are small and book up fast in peak season.

Where to Drink: Rooftop Bars & Hidden Gems

Panama City’s rooftop bar scene is lovely. Whether you’re looking for city views, casual drinks, or family-friendly spots, here’s where to go:

• Lazotea – Amazing cocktails, delicious food, and a kid-friendly pool! On Sundays there are DJs and pool party vibes (not kid friendly I imagine).

• Casa Casco – A stylish, upscale rooftop experience with multiple restaurants in the same building.

• Tantalo – A lively rooftop with music and great views of the city centre, also a restaurant and hotel.

• La Rana Dorada – No rooftop here but a classic pub for craft beer lovers.

Places To Explore

Strolling Through Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is a dream to explore on foot, with its cobbled streets, beautifully restored buildings, charming plazas, and hidden ruins.

Some must-see stops:

• The Metropolitan Cathedral – A stunning landmark in the heart of Casco Viejo.

• The Canal Museum – A great way to understand Panama’s history.

• Boutique Shopping – Panama has some really mainstream shopping (in the city centre) and although that’s not really on offer in Casco, there are many smaller artisan and craft shops for souvenir shopping. We also found two really cute boutiques - Solsana for ladies cute outfits perfect for Cayman weather and Boho Shack for fun guy’s shirts and shorts. If you’re looking for more serious shopping there are some great mall options apparently (we just didn’t fancy that with a toddler).

• Ice Cream Stops & Artisan Markets – Perfect for little explorers!

Day Trip to Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

Just 40 minutes by taxi, The Gamboa Reserve is an absolute must for nature lovers and families. We booked a toddler-friendly tour (Red Frog & Sloth Tour) and saw:

• Capuchin monkeys

• Sloths

• Blue morpho butterflies

• Dart frogs

• Agoutis

They also offer Monkey Island boat tours, zip-lining, crocodile excursions, and night safaris!

More Nature Adventures:
For a deeper dive into Panama’s biodiversity, consider exploring Soberanía National Park with a private guide.

Visit the Panama Canal

No trip to Panama City is complete without seeing the legendary Panama Canal. While the process is slow and might not captivate younger kids, the iMAX cinema experience at the Miraflores Visitor Center makes up for it!

Final Thoughts: Panama City is a Must-Visit!

From historic charm to jungle adventures and world-class dining, Panama City exceeded all expectations. Whether you're travelling as a family, couple, or solo adventurer, this destination offers the perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and adventure.

Have questions? Send me a message, and tag me if you go—I’d love to see your Panama City adventures!