Why visit
Panama City is a skyline capital beside the canal and Pacific entrance, with Casco Viejo streets, finance towers, rainforest parks, and one of the region's strongest transit hubs.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Panama City is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Panama. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Panama City, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Panama better matches the trip style.
Panama City at a glance
City population
408k
Elevation
17 m
56 ft
Time zone
UTC-5
America/Panama
Airport
PAC
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport
Panama at a glance
Country center
9.0°, -80.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
75,417 km²
29,119 mi²
Country population
4.5 million
59/km²
Subregion
Central America
Currency
Panamanian balboa (B/.)
PAB
Dial
+507
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Panamanian
Internet
.pa
UN
Member state
ISO code
PA / PAN
Where in the world
9.0° - -80.0°
Panama
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Panama City is one of the few capitals with rainforest inside the city limits at Metropolitan Natural Park.
- Casco Viejo, the historic district, is UNESCO-listed.
- Panama City is often called the only capital with a tropical rainforest inside its city limits.
- The Panama Canal handles about 5% of global maritime trade: its 2016 expansion doubled capacity.
- Panama uses the US dollar (called "balboa" at parity) as official currency since 1904.
Bordering Panama
Traveler notes
- Panama Canal visitor centers explain the city's global role
- Casco Viejo is UNESCO-listed
- Metropolitan Natural Park puts rainforest trails inside the capital area
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Panama City
What currency is used in Panama City?
Panama City uses the Panamanian balboa (B/.), ISO code PAB.
What languages are spoken in Panama?
The primary language is Spanish.
What is the international calling code for Panama?
The calling code is +507.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
Dec–Apr. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Panama City?
Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (IATA: PAC).
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