Know Before You Go

Visit the Canal Museum early in the day, then walk to Plaza de Francia and the sea wall.

Watch ships at the Miraflores Locks during scheduled transit times. Check the schedule online before going.

Eat ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos for lunch. It is fresh, cheap and very local.

Take a sunset drink at the rooftop bar. The view over the bay and the skyline is spectacular.

Learn some basic Spanish phrases. They make taxi rides, shopping and communication easier.

Keep to well lit streets at night. Casco Viejo is safe in central areas, but surrounding neighbourhoods can be risky.

Use Uber rather than street taxis to avoid overcharging.

Carry US dollars. Panama uses the dollar alongside its own coins, the balboa.

Prepare for rain from May to November. Afternoon storms are common and short, so an umbrella helps.