Passport stamp into Panama

Let me start by saying we flew out of Florida, and I was honestly loving my super comfortable and affordable flight on Copa Airlines. I usually get a little nervous flying with airlines I’ve never used before, but Copa completely changed my perspective. The seats were roomy, the cabin was a comfortable chilled temperature perfect for dozing off, and we even got two meals one on the way there and one on the way back with a couple of options to choose from. I went with the Alfredo pasta, which was a small portion but filling and actually really good, plus a cold Coke to wash it down. There were TVs on the seatbacks, which made the flight go by fast, and overall it was just a smooth experience. When we landed in Panama, there were dancers at the airport in traditional cultural clothing performing to Spanish music, which instantly set the tone for the trip. I’m not sure if they do this year-round, but arriving like that in November made the experience feel so alive and welcoming. I was already excited before even stepping fully into the country. And yes this is Panama the country, not Panama City, Florida. The main language is Spanish, but nothing a little Google Translate can’t handle once you’re out there. After linking up with my friends, we Ubered to AC Hotel Panama, freshened up, and immediately got ready for a good time. We toasted with some wine and headed downtown for local food at La Pulpería, and I’m telling you now, that place was a 10/10! no question ,probably the best empanadas I’ve ever had in my life. We also tried the lollipop fried chicken with a sweet tangy sauce, plus chicken/ steak quesadillas, and everything was so flavorful fresh and Hot at first bite. We ordered these festive drinks called Tequilanco that had edible salty foam bubbles on top, which was such a fun touch. I highly recommend eating here at least once if you’re in Panama. After dinner, we headed to Casco Viejo to keep the night going with a mini bar crawl, starting at Tantalo Rooftop Bar and moving through a few other spots before ending the night around 2 AM, fully living it up on our first day in the city.

Day two in Panama felt like the real start of the Trip here. The first day is always about taking everything in, but the second day is when you really start exploring. We woke up with wide eyes and empty stomachs, ready to hit the streets. We walked around the hotel a bit, and I have to say it was really nice especially the rooftop pool overlooking all of Panama was such a beautiful touch. Honestly, my only regret from the whole trip is that we never made it into that pool. I’m the type of person who really tries to get my money’s worth out of everything, so I definitely wish we had spent more time enjoying the hotel, but we were just too excited to be outside exploring the city.

We started the day with brunch at Lazotea Restaurant & Rooftop. I’ll admit, I’m probably butchering the pronunciation the American way, because the staff definitely said it differently there. Now this place was pretty calm not crowded at all when we went, but that never really matter at all because I travel with the kind of friends who don’t need a crowd to have a good time, we are the good time. The space was super aesthetic with great views and even a pool right in the middle of the dining area, which made it perfect for pictures. We took a lot here, especially since we accidentally coordinated in light spring colors, so the photos came out really nice. The food and mimosas were good too! I highly recommend the truffle mac and cheese, even if you just share it with the table. One friend had grilled salmon, we tried bao buns (not really my favorite, but it was interesting to try authentic Panamanian-inspired dishes), and the brisket pasta was honestly really good. The only thing to note is that this place is a bit on the pricier side, and there is a gratuity included, so just be prepared and budget for that. There’s also a hidden second rooftop area where you can get even better views of the city, which made the experience even more worth it.

After brunch, we spent time walking around and exploring local shops. Panama is beautiful, but like many places, you do see different local economic areas where there are some struggling families and children so you may be approach to for help. It was eye-opening, but at no point did I feel unsafe walking the streets. It just added another layer to the experience of being somewhere new. We kept exploring throughout the day, grabbing small local bites here and there, just taking in the city as it is.

Later that night, we went back out to Casco Viejo for bar hopping, which is really the main nightlife area in Panama City. Every night feels a little different depending on the music, DJs, and crowd, but it’s always lively and full of energy. It ended up being another fun night for us all.

Day 3 in Panama, we were up and at it, but this time we wanted to spend a little more time outside of Casco Viejo, so we called an Uber and headed to the Amador Causeway area. I honestly loved it out there we even ended up going twice during the trip. This side of Panama has beautiful views, great restaurants, and you can even take a ferry over to Taboga Island, which is about a 30-minute boat ride.

Now let me tell you... I had no idea we were supposed to be at the ferry so early in the morning, around 7 AM. The website shows different boat times, but don't be fooled those are often return times, not departure times. Between that, the traffic, and the fact that Panama drivers are fast and a little wild with those lane changes, you really have to plan ahead. The Uber ride alone can take 30 to 45 minutes from the hotel. My advice? Don't stay out partying all night before an excursion like we did, or your "excursion day" can quickly turn into an eating and roaming day. Our group literally started joking that our excursions became guided tours to the next food spot because we could not get it together.

Since we missed the ferry, we decided to stay in the area and make the most of it. If you need a quick bite that won't slow you down, I highly recommend Beauty and the Butcher. The burgers there were some of the most tender and juicy I've ever had. Honestly, Panama did not miss when it came to food. There wasn't a single restaurant on this trip where I felt disappointed.

After that, we headed to Sabroso Restaurant for the atmosphere, and it absolutely delivered. The live music, dancing, and high-energy environment made it feel like more than just lunch it felt like the Panama experience. The staff was dressed in traditional outfits with flowers in their hair, which added to the cultural charm. I even tried a traditional Panamanian beer. It wasn't my favorite, but I'm the type of traveler who likes to try everything at least once. The steamed fish was probably my favorite dish there, but honestly the real star was the atmosphere. Between the oceanfront views, the breeze, the music, and the friendly locals, this was one of those places where you just sit back and enjoy being exactly where you are. The pictures we took here will definitely last a lifetime.

From there, we rented a bike and pedaled along the waterfront, stopping to take in the views and snap photos along the way. Of course, we had to stop at the famous Panama sign that's definitely the place to get your classic Panama photo. We also explored the nearby food court area, which had everything from ice cream and desserts to food trucks and local vendors. It was very family-friendly spot, and we spent a few hours just walking around, shopping, grabbing souvenirs, and enjoying the area.

Later that night, we headed back for dinner at Tomillo Steakhouse, and I have one word for you: chicharrónes. Get them immediately. They were some of the most flavorful and tender I've ever had, and we ended up ordering three plates for the table. This time, instead of everyone ordering their own entrée, we ordered a variety of dishes and shared everything. Honestly, I think that's the best way to travel with friends because everyone gets to try a little bit of everything and rate their favorites together.

And of course, after all that, we ended the night back in Casco Viejo bar hopping again because at this point, it had basically become part of our daily routine.

Day 4 was a little bittersweet because it was our last full day in Panama, but we weren't frowning just yet we still had one more day to experience everything we could. We started the day by heading to the Panama Canal Visitor Center, which was a bit of a ride from our hotel, but absolutely worth it. I think what makes this place so fascinating is its impact on history. The Panama Canal revolutionized global trade by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, dramatically reducing travel distances for ships and becoming one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century. Honestly, I did not expect to get a history lesson on this trip, but this ended up being the one excursion I'm most glad we didn't skip or replace with another food stop.

Watching the massive ships pass through the canal was incredible. Seeing the crew members wave from the ships while visitors and locals watched and cheered made the experience feel special. What surprised me most was how invested everyone was in the history and culture here even the children. I learned so much that day, and I'm not ashamed to admit I didn't know much about the canal before visiting. The weather was beautiful, we grabbed a few souvenirs and quick snacks, and for once I wasn't worried about taking pictures. This was one of those experiences where you just wanted to put your phone down and be present. The museum itself is very modern, with interactive touchscreens, moving exhibits, avatars that tell stories from the past, and displays covering everything from trade routes to the people who helped build the canal. If you're visiting Panama, this absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Afterward, we made our way back to the Amador area to explore a little more and try a different restaurant from the one we visited earlier in the trip. we tried Praia Amador restaurant As usual, the vibes were great, the food was good, and the drinks were even better especially the margaritas. There was even a pool downstairs, and at that point I was convinced Panama was determined to get us in the water somehow. While we ate, we spotted colorful birds and other wildlife nearby. Between the ocean views, tropical scenery, and lively music playing in the background, it was the perfect way to spend our final afternoon after the museum.

Of course, we couldn't leave Panama without one last night in Casco Viejo. We spent the evening revisiting our favorite bars, enjoying the nightlife, and soaking in every last moment. By this point, it felt like some of the locals recognized our group by name. As our trip came to an end, I realized I wasn't just leaving with photos and souvenirs I was leaving with memories, stories, and a deeper appreciation for Panama's culture, food, history, and people. I won't tell you that you have to visit Panama. I'm just telling you what you'll be missing if you don't.