Not every day in Panama City needs to be filled with tours and sightseeing. Sometimes the best memories come from slowing down. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful morning, a leisurely afternoon, or simply a break between busier adventures, here are some of my favorite ways to experience a slower side of Panama City.
Ashley Quick Guide
| 🧭 Looking For | ✨ Ashley Recommends |
| A peaceful sunrise with coffee | Casco Perk |
| Scenic waterfront walk or bike ride | Cinta Costera |
| A fresh seafood lunch near the marina | Mercado de Mariscos |
Option 1: Coffee + Sunrise at Casco Perk
Best for a Slow Morning
Start your day at Casco Perk, a waterfront café tucked beside Casco Viejo’s small urban beach. Grab a coffee and breakfast while enjoying views across Panama Bay as the city begins to wake up.
It’s an easy place to linger, relax, and enjoy one of the quieter corners of Panama City before exploring nearby Casco Viejo or the Cinta Costera.
✨Perfect for:
- Coffee lovers
- Early risers
- Those wanting breakfast with a view
Option 2: Walk or Bike the Cinta Costera
Best Free Relaxing Activity
The Cinta Costera is one of the city’s best places for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Stretching along Panama Bay, the waterfront promenade offers skyline views, green spaces, public art, and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday morning, parts of the surrounding roads are temporarily closed to vehicle traffic, creating extra space for cyclists, runners, walkers, and families to enjoy the waterfront.
Whether you’re looking for exercise or simply want to enjoy the ocean breeze, it’s one of the city’s most enjoyable public spaces.
✨Perfect for:
- Families
- Budget travelers
- Walkers and runners
- Cyclists
Option 3: Visit the Mercado de Mariscos
Best Local Food Experience
For a taste of everyday Panama City, head to the Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market).
If you arrive early in the morning, take a walk around the marina behind the market where you’ll often see local fishing boats returning with their daily catch. Watching fishermen unload fresh seafood offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life along Panama Bay.
If you visit a little later in the day, you can experience the full journey—from seeing the fresh catch arrive to enjoying seafood prepared just steps away at one of the market’s restaurants. Whether you’re craving ceviche or a freshly grilled fish, it doesn’t get much fresher than this.
✨Perfect for:
- Food lovers
- Photographers
- Travelers looking for authentic local experiences
More Peaceful Places to Enjoy the City
If you’re looking for a quiet place to slow down, these spots are also worth visiting.
Cerro Ancón: Enjoy panoramic views of Panama City, the Panama Canal, and the surrounding rainforest from the city’s highest point.
Parque Paitilla: A peaceful waterfront park with views of Panama Bay and ships anchored offshore.
Parque Omar: A natural retreat with plenty of green space, colorful murals, and play areas.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Looking to Relax Even More?
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or you simply want a resort day without booking an overnight stay, consider spending the day at one of Panama City’s hotel pools through a ResortPass day pass.
It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a luxury pool, waterfront views, and hotel amenities while taking a break from sightseeing.
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