Much more than the Panama canal!
I started to plan my trip with a LONELY PLANET guide book, which turned out to be perfect.
Most of international flights arrive to Tocumen airport, some 20 km from the center of Panama City. Taxi ride should cost around 30 USD, and there are not other options. Unless you have got an electronic citybus ticket, which can't be bought at the airport. The taxi ride takes some 30 minutes - out of the rush hours. It is wise to reserve a ride in advance - I had good experience with Inside Panam tours. Punctual, attentive talkative driver, clean new car...
There are some luxury options for accommodation in the capital, but I have found most handy the hotel WYNDHAM Panama Albrook Mall.
Location is perfect if you are traveling to other part of Panama or even just exploring the capital with surroundings. Main bus station (Metro as well) is just some 100 meters away and the hotel is connected with one of the biggest shoping malls in Latin America - Albrook Mall.
The hotel is modern, tastefully decorated, rooms spacious and with great views as there are no taller buildings around. A big advantage is the roof pool. The views from terrace are spectacular - city skyline and Panama canal in a distance. Breakfast was tasty, with lots of selection. And there are also two hotel restaurants not to be missed (Canal bistro, Hasaki sushi lounge) - the best in this part of the city.
If you prefer to stay in old town - Casco Viejo, there are even some budget options. One of the most interesting is MAGNOLIA INN.
Hotel and hostel in a carfully restored old mansion is just a few steps away from old town restaurants, churches, shops... Rooms are spacious, some with a city view. Hostel rooms are well organized and comfortabe, mos with AC. There is an inviting common room and well eauiped kitchen and also nice balcony to sit on while having a morning coffee...
It s easy and safe to walk around Casco viejo even durng the night. But if you want to know more about it and find less known attractions and restaurants, I recommend a walking city tour with Joey - Panama detour. Joey knows lots of citys secrets and great places to enjoy local food, not to mention coffee and chocolate! The tour includes all of that and more! Every tour is costumized to what you are interesting in and what would you like to do. I felt like exploring the town with an old friend...
Beside Old town and lovely coastal part with parks and cycling paths a must visit is the Panama canal. There are public buses going all the way to the observation building and museum at Miraflores locks. Entrance fee is quite steep for forigners - but if you dont mind visiting museum, you can go just to the restaurant which offer similar views of the locks and passing ships. You need to get a free entrance ticket for the restaurant at the ticket counter. End then spend some money for food and drinks instead for museum.
If you want to see the canal from the water side there are several different tours. I went on a lake Gatun tour with Ancon expeditions of Panama. Great option as we saw a lot of wildlife (monkeys, sloths, birds, crocodiles). The cruise on a fast boat starts in Gamboa with a transfer from Panama City as well. It takes several hours and the ride is attractive - close to the big ships passing the lake, along small islands full of life...
I have found another green oasis in El Valle 2,5 hours drive from Panama City. Ela Valle is a small town located in an extinct volcano. Attractive location with some hills to climb and streams with waterfalls. There are lots of birds around. I stayed in Cabanas POTOSI
Real paradise with big garden is a heaven for bird lovers. There are some feeding stations which are regulary visited by diferent birds. The kind owners treat guests as a friends so it is easy to stay in lovely bungalows some days. The owners have lots of advice aout El Valle attractions and can organize an exciting tour for bird watchers with a professional guide.
Panama is also a paradise for beach lovers. Santa Catalina is one of the best places on Pacific coast for surfing, diving, snorkeling or just enjoying a beach with a shadow of coconut palms.
Luis Silva is the one to visit, if you would like to organize some interesting activity. He came here years ago to surf and just stayed. He also knows all about best diving spots, day trips, and can offer a zip line adventure at his property SOL Y MAR.
The property looks like a manicured garden with tropical fruit trees and flowers among which are set cosy bungalows. All with nice veranda and a hammock. And there is much more! Spectacular views to the coast from the highest spot of the property. There is a restaurant and inviting swiming pool. Luis likes nature and with his family they grow some organic vegetables and fruits - you might get some for breakfast.... The chef knows how to prepare delicious italian pasta, fish and other sea food - I vote for spaghetti with seashells! There is also good selection of drinks, from wine to cocktails not to mention fresh made fruit juices. 
Peninsula Azuero provides different look of Pacific coast. Beaches are not so temptive but I've found out very interesting interior. Las Tablas is known for the biggest carnival in Panama. And there is another one, smaller but more authentic in nearby Santo Domingo.
I even found accommodation here - Hostel KIMMELL and more important, the talkative owner Martha who is very enthusiastic about town, region, tradition and sustainable tourism. Marthas rooms are very comfortable - I liked the ones with the garden entrance. There is also big common space with lots of traditional items - Marthas ethnographic collection. She also provides tasty breakfast - locally flavoured. And she does much more: She organizes excursions to the less known places on the peninsula and visits of different craftmans, farmers etc.
Carribean side of Panama is a different story - gorgeous beaches, wilder nature. One of the easiest islands to reach are in Bocas del Toro province. Especially island Colon and around. It is all about sea, beaches and relaxation....
I started to plan my trip with a LONELY PLANET guide book, which turned out to be perfect.
Most of international flights arrive to Tocumen airport, some 20 km from the center of Panama City. Taxi ride should cost around 30 USD, and there are not other options. Unless you have got an electronic citybus ticket, which can't be bought at the airport. The taxi ride takes some 30 minutes - out of the rush hours. It is wise to reserve a ride in advance - I had good experience with Inside Panam tours. Punctual, attentive talkative driver, clean new car...
There are some luxury options for accommodation in the capital, but I have found most handy the hotel WYNDHAM Panama Albrook Mall.
Location is perfect if you are traveling to other part of Panama or even just exploring the capital with surroundings. Main bus station (Metro as well) is just some 100 meters away and the hotel is connected with one of the biggest shoping malls in Latin America - Albrook Mall.
The hotel is modern, tastefully decorated, rooms spacious and with great views as there are no taller buildings around. A big advantage is the roof pool. The views from terrace are spectacular - city skyline and Panama canal in a distance. Breakfast was tasty, with lots of selection. And there are also two hotel restaurants not to be missed (Canal bistro, Hasaki sushi lounge) - the best in this part of the city.
If you prefer to stay in old town - Casco Viejo, there are even some budget options. One of the most interesting is MAGNOLIA INN. 
Hotel and hostel in a carfully restored old mansion is just a few steps away from old town restaurants, churches, shops... Rooms are spacious, some with a city view. Hostel rooms are well organized and comfortabe, mos with AC. There is an inviting common room and well eauiped kitchen and also nice balcony to sit on while having a morning coffee...It s easy and safe to walk around Casco viejo even durng the night. But if you want to know more about it and find less known attractions and restaurants, I recommend a walking city tour with Joey - Panama detour. Joey knows lots of citys secrets and great places to enjoy local food, not to mention coffee and chocolate! The tour includes all of that and more! Every tour is costumized to what you are interesting in and what would you like to do. I felt like exploring the town with an old friend...
Beside Old town and lovely coastal part with parks and cycling paths a must visit is the Panama canal. There are public buses going all the way to the observation building and museum at Miraflores locks. Entrance fee is quite steep for forigners - but if you dont mind visiting museum, you can go just to the restaurant which offer similar views of the locks and passing ships. You need to get a free entrance ticket for the restaurant at the ticket counter. End then spend some money for food and drinks instead for museum.
If you want to see the canal from the water side there are several different tours. I went on a lake Gatun tour with Ancon expeditions of Panama. Great option as we saw a lot of wildlife (monkeys, sloths, birds, crocodiles). The cruise on a fast boat starts in Gamboa with a transfer from Panama City as well. It takes several hours and the ride is attractive - close to the big ships passing the lake, along small islands full of life...
I have found another green oasis in El Valle 2,5 hours drive from Panama City. Ela Valle is a small town located in an extinct volcano. Attractive location with some hills to climb and streams with waterfalls. There are lots of birds around. I stayed in Cabanas POTOSI 
Real paradise with big garden is a heaven for bird lovers. There are some feeding stations which are regulary visited by diferent birds. The kind owners treat guests as a friends so it is easy to stay in lovely bungalows some days. The owners have lots of advice aout El Valle attractions and can organize an exciting tour for bird watchers with a professional guide.
Panama is also a paradise for beach lovers. Santa Catalina is one of the best places on Pacific coast for surfing, diving, snorkeling or just enjoying a beach with a shadow of coconut palms.
The property looks like a manicured garden with tropical fruit trees and flowers among which are set cosy bungalows. All with nice veranda and a hammock. And there is much more! Spectacular views to the coast from the highest spot of the property. There is a restaurant and inviting swiming pool. Luis likes nature and with his family they grow some organic vegetables and fruits - you might get some for breakfast.... The chef knows how to prepare delicious italian pasta, fish and other sea food - I vote for spaghetti with seashells! There is also good selection of drinks, from wine to cocktails not to mention fresh made fruit juices. 
Peninsula Azuero provides different look of Pacific coast. Beaches are not so temptive but I've found out very interesting interior. Las Tablas is known for the biggest carnival in Panama. And there is another one, smaller but more authentic in nearby Santo Domingo.
I even found accommodation here - Hostel KIMMELL and more important, the talkative owner Martha who is very enthusiastic about town, region, tradition and sustainable tourism. Marthas rooms are very comfortable - I liked the ones with the garden entrance. There is also big common space with lots of traditional items - Marthas ethnographic collection. She also provides tasty breakfast - locally flavoured. And she does much more: She organizes excursions to the less known places on the peninsula and visits of different craftmans, farmers etc.
Carribean side of Panama is a different story - gorgeous beaches, wilder nature. One of the easiest islands to reach are in Bocas del Toro province. Especially island Colon and around. It is all about sea, beaches and relaxation....
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