Panama City, the epicentre of central America's vibrant culture and history, and enhanced by glittering high-rises, proves an exciting holiday spot for families. Its history can be traced back to the days of Spanish colonisation, and today it stands tall as a hub for banking, commerce and tourism.
Whether you fancy a budget stay, prefer a luxurious suite or are looking for homespun B&Bs, Panama City has it all. For us, the ultimate family stay in Panama City involves a lively district near attractions, a comfortable hotel that caters for all ages, and a memorable experience. Continue reading and we'll help you find the perfect family-friendly hotel in Panama City.
Things to do
Panama City, straddling both the past and the present, is packed with exciting things for families to indulge in – from historical tours, pirate cruises to exotic animal encounters in zoos.
Engage the young minds with a dose of history at Panama Viejo, which displays the architectural vestiges of the first Spanish city on the Pacific. Climb the lookout tower for breathtaking views and walk among the ruins to imagine life half a millennium ago.
If you wish to infuse some adventure into your trip, hop on the famous family 'Sea Dragon' Pirate Cruise along the Grand Lagoon. Kids get to enjoy sword fights, treasure hunts and water gun battles, while adults can sit back, sipping cool drinks and soaking in the gorgeous views.
Embrace the city's stunning natural offerings at Oaks by the Bay Park. Amble along the boardwalk taking in the sparkling bay views, while children enjoy spotting the curious creatures that inhabit the park.
For animal lovers, ZooWorld Zoological Park offers a fantastic opportunity for close encounters with exotic creatures, including sloths, kangaroos, giraffes, lemurs, and porcupines. Don't miss the new alligator experience area that's sure to leave the kiddos chattering excitedly afterwards.
When to visit
Deciding when to visit Panama City largely depends on what your family aims to get out of the holiday. If you’re undeterred by slight humidity and occasional rainfall, you can visit any time of the year to enjoy the city's tropical savanna climate.
For those seeking blissful sunshine, the dry season from late December to April is ideal for outings, particularly to attractions like Casco Viejo or the Miraflores Visitor Center on the Panama Canal. Though bear in mind, Panama City, like many popular destinations, sees a high volume of tourists during school holidays. If you're looking for a budget-friendly trip with fewer crowds, stepping into spring from April to May makes for a good shout.
Things you'll love...
- Immerse yourselves in history by exploring the fascinating remnants of Panama Viejo, the first Spanish city on the Pacific coast of the Americas.
- Experience a tropical savanna climate all-year-round in Panama City, ideal for family holidays.
- Delight in the city's diverse cultural architecture from Spanish colonial buildings to modern skyscrapers.
- Discover the historic district of Casco Viejo or San Felipe, a UNESCO listed site full of maritime history and colourful buildings.
- Engage the family with seafront fun activities such as the "Sea Dragon" Pirate Cruise and interactive wildlife parks like ZooWorld Zoological Park.
