Panama City, Panama

A modern skyline next to a restored colonial quarter, with the Canal a short ride away.

Daily budget baseline: $85 USD. Canal history paired with a modern Latin American skyline

How much does a trip to Panama City cost?

A practical midrange budget for Panama City is about $85 USD per traveler per day. For a 7-day trip for two people, ground costs land around $932 USD before long-haul flights—usually cheapest in September and October.

• Daily budget baseline: $85 USD / traveler
• 7 days for 2 people: ~$932 USD ground costs (2nd traveler ≈ 62% of daily rate, shared room)
• Usually cheapest: September and October
• Busiest months: June, July, and August

Sample food prices

• Sancocho panameño — avg $9.00 USD
• Ceviche panameño — avg $8.00 USD
• Patacones — avg $3.00 USD
• Ropa vieja — avg $10.00 USD

Ground-cost planning assumptions dated July 2026. Use the calculator to personalize origin, dates, and group size. See how group size affects cost.

When is the best time to visit Panama City?

Travelers chasing value often prefer September and October, but the sweet spot for conditions is typically January, February, March, and December. Expect denser crowds in June, July, and August.

What are the top things to do in Panama City?

1. Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks) — Working locks with a visitor viewing deck.
2. Casco Viejo — Restored colonial old town of plazas and rooftop bars.
3. Panama Viejo — Ruins of the original 16th-century city.
4. Biomuseo — Frank Gehry-designed biodiversity museum.
5. Amador Causeway — Waterfront path with skyline views.

What's the food and dining like in Panama City?

Must-try food in Panama City usually includes Sancocho panameño, Ceviche panameño, Patacones. Typical plates below help you budget meals before you go.

• Sancocho panameño — National chicken-and-root-vegetable stew. (avg $9.00)
• Ceviche panameño — Citrus-cured fish with onion and cilantro. (avg $8.00)
• Patacones — Twice-fried smashed plantain rounds. (avg $3.00)
• Ropa vieja — Shredded braised beef in tomato sauce. (avg $10.00)

Estimate your Panama City trip or open the general calculator