Panama City in 24 Hours: Best Eats & Must-See Spots on a Layover! 🇵🇦

Follow along as Matthew Bernstein, host of The Eater's Guide, explores Panama City on the ultimate food and travel tour in 24 hours.

Panama City is an easy introduction to what's great about this country.
A vibrant metropolis where modern meets historic, offering stunning views, rich culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. Today, we’re diving into some of its most iconic spots and savoring the local flavors.

But first, we step back in time to the Historic District, known as Casco Viejo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a charming blend of colonial architecture, colorful facades, and lively plazas.
Every corner tells a story, and the district’s lively atmosphere is a testament to Panamá’s rich defining heritage.

For a taste of old-world elegance, we head on over to the Central Hotel Panamá. Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, this historic hotel offers luxurious accommodations with a nod to the city’s colonial past.
With its stunning rooftop views, it’s the perfect place to taste tapas on a budget and trade stories with new friends.
We ordered a classic savory sampler of fried yucca fritters stuffed with ground beef, chicken and cheese.
Along with empanadas filled with chicken and beef.
Both topped with sweet, pickled onions for a bright crunch.

For a true taste of local street food, we head to Sabores de el Chorrillo at Balboa Port. This area is famous for its diverse and delicious food stalls, offering authentic Panamanian cuisine.
I was told I must try the queen of the fish here—Kathia. She’s known for serving the freshest catch in this area.
Behind the cramped concrete kitchen is the outdoor dining area, a local hotspot for lunch and an ideal spot to grab drinks and watch the sunset.
With my lunch cooking and the tide out, I get the perfect chance to explore the bay. The scene of the fishing boats tossed across the muddy bottom feels like the best backdrop for our late lunch.

For starters, I order a plate of fried octopus and calamari. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and paired with a homemade tartar sauce.

Next up is a fresh mix seafood ceviche, marinated in zesty lime juice. The chef combines scallops, shrimp, and snapper with crisp onions for a true fiesta in my mouth.

My main dish is a whole fried snapper, served with coconut rice, patacones, and a pickled cucumber salad. If you’ve never tried patacones, they’re smashed plantains, fried until golden and tender—a perfect substitute for French fries and a staple in Latin American cuisine.

After a long first day - I’m ready to go back to my room at the Golden Tower Las Americas, a beacon of luxury in the heart of Panamá City. This architectural marvel reflects the city's modern flair and offers breathtaking views of the skyline.
Whether you're here for business or pleasure, the tower's opulence and amenities set the stage for an unforgettable experience.

It’s time to indulge in Panamá’s culinary delights, starting with a seafood feast at El Marinero Restaurante in Mercado del Marisco. Here, we’re taking on a colossal 5-pound lobster.
Stuffed with scallops, octopus, calamari and shrimp that were first sauteed in butter and chopped garlic.
Fresh from the sea only a few feet away. This local delicacy is a must-try for seafood – and lobster lovers!
What made this moment even better was sharing it with my wife. I don’t think there’s anyone who loves lobster more.
Delicious, flavorful, and absolutely massive—this lobster is a true Panamanian treat.

There's something special about exploring local markets. Vibrant stalls line the street, offering handmade crafts—hats, bags, wallets, and jewelry. The air hums with local chatter, while the aroma of food fills the street. The colors, the sounds, the liveliness—everything draws you in. While my wife shops, finding hidden gems at every stall, I take a moment to soak in the view, sipping on this ice-cold coconut water. Fresh from the trees, it's the perfect way to cool off under Panama’s warm sun.

And just when you think you've seen it all, the city surprises you with another culinary delight.
A woman pushing a simple cart down the street, her face warm with a smile. Inside her cart, a large stock pot and a stack of Styrofoam cups. She stops every few feet serving something that everyone seems to want. My culinary curiosity gets the better of me, and I decide to see what all the fuss is about.

No visit to Panamá City is complete without seeing the Panamá Canal, one of the world’s greatest engineering feats. This man-made wonder connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, revolutionizing global trade.
Watching massive ships pass through the locks is a mesmerizing sight, showcasing the canal’s crucial role in international shipping.

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