Owais Crawford
Panama Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the largest airport in Panama, located in Panama City, the country's capital. The airport is conveniently located only a 30-minute drive from the city centre, which is also connected via the metro system. If you have a long layover, you can explore the city, which is known for its colourful streets, colonial-style architecture, and vibrant culture. You can stroll through the historic Casco Viejo neighbourhood, visit Urraca Park, or take a tour of The Panama Canal. The airport itself offers a variety of dining options, featuring cuisines from all over Latin America, as well as duty-free shopping outlets with affordable prices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Airports in Panama | 1 large international airport and over 100 domestic and international airports |
| Largest Airport in Panama | Tocumen International Airport (PTY) |
| Distance of Largest Airport from City Center | 30-minute drive |
| Other Airports | Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport (PAC) |
| Distance of Albrook Airport from City Center | 4.3 miles |
| Recommended Places to Visit During Layovers | Casco Viejo, Urraca Park, La Loteria, Avenida Balboa, The Canal Museum, Panama Canal |
| Recommended Means of Transportation | Uber, Electric Kick Scooters, Public Transportation |
| Food Options | Burgers, Pizza, Pastries, American Fast Food |
| Other Amenities | Duty-Free Shopping Outlets, Quiet Rooms, Open-Air Eating Areas |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colourful colonial architecture, eateries and shops
- Visit Urraca Park, a peaceful green space in the middle of the city
- Take a boat tour of the Panama Canal
- Shop at the airport's duty-free outlets, which offer lower prices than some other places
- Enjoy the airport lounge, which has quiet rooms, desk space and an open-air eating area
Explore Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colourful colonial architecture, eateries and shops
If you're looking for something to do near Panama Airport, Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a great option. Located in the San Felipe neighbourhood of Panama City, it is easily accessible by any mode of transport from the capital.
Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or El Casco to locals, is a beautifully preserved colonial quarter featuring colourful colonial architecture. The area showcases a mix of Spanish, French, and American architectural styles. The vibrant neighbourhood is filled with charming plazas, historic churches, and a lively cultural scene.
One of the highlights of Casco Viejo is the climb to the top of the Mirador, a tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. From there, you can see the contrast between the modern skyline of Panama City and the ancient ruins below. The juxtaposition of the past and present provides a deeper appreciation of the city's history.
As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you'll find yourself immersed in a blend of colonial charm and modern energy. Colourful, weathered facades line the narrow streets, while Spanish-style balconies draped in bougainvillaea overlook bustling cafes and boutique shops.
Before your visit, it is recommended to be cautious of the surrounding neighbourhood, as there have been reports of robberies. Additionally, if you're on a strict budget, it might be a good idea to eat before you arrive, as the prices in the area can be steep. Nevertheless, Casco Viejo is definitely worth exploring and offers a unique glimpse into Panama's diverse and enduring heritage.
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Visit Urraca Park, a peaceful green space in the middle of the city
If you're looking for a peaceful green space to relax in while in Panama, look no further than Urraca Park. Located in the middle of Panama City, this park is easily accessible, especially if you're using public transportation to get around the city. It's also a great spot to stop and take a break if you're walking from the airport to Casco Viejo.
Urraca Park, or Parque Urraca, is one of the oldest green spaces in Panama City. It offers a wide-open space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The park borders the busy Avenida Balboa, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its convenient location and serene atmosphere, Urraca Park is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some quiet time amidst nature.
The park has a rich history and is known for its cultural significance in Panama. It is home to a statue of Urracá, Panama's Ngäbe chieftain and leader of the resistance against the Spanish conquest. The statue stands proudly in the park, honouring the country's indigenous heritage and serving as a symbol of national pride.
In addition to its historical significance, Urraca Park is also a popular spot for sports enthusiasts. It is famous for its softball diamond, where players gather to enjoy baseball and softball, two of Panama's most beloved pastimes. The diamond is surrounded by dirt and gravel infields and has its own unique culture. Beyond the softball diamond, the park also features basketball courts and a grass baseball field, making it a versatile space for sports and recreation.
Urraca Park is not just a place for relaxation and sports but also a great spot for the community to come together. The park has undergone a $2.1 million revitalization project, which included improvements to the kiddie playgrounds, parking spaces, and benches, as well as the addition of a new dog park. These enhancements have made Urraca Park an even more welcoming and enjoyable space for locals and visitors alike.
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Take a boat tour of the Panama Canal
If you're looking for an adventure, a boat tour of the Panama Canal is a great option. The Panama Canal is an impressive system of locks that connects the two largest oceans on the planet, and a boat tour will give you a unique perspective of this engineering marvel. You'll get to immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking scenery of the area.
There are a few different options for boat tours of the Panama Canal. Partial transits last 5 to 6 hours, while full transits last 10 to 11 hours and take you through the entire canal from ocean to ocean. There are also alternative tours that explore the canal's waters in a unique way, lasting about 5 hours. These tours are promoted by major cruise ship lines, hotels, travel agencies, and tour operators worldwide, so you can be sure that you're getting a quality experience.
The tours usually begin early in the morning, between 6 am and 8 am, and the Panama Canal Authority assigns departure times for all craft. It's important to email the tour company the day before your scheduled tour to reconfirm departure details. The boats are relatively small, with a capacity of between 120 and 500 passengers, so they must pass through the locks with another boat. Unfortunately, passengers are not permitted to disembark the boat until the tour is finalized.
To get to the Panama Canal from the airport, you can take an Uber or use public transportation. If you're looking for a place to stay, there are many luxury hotels in Panama City that will allow you to enjoy your stay in comfort and style.
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Shop at the airport's duty-free outlets, which offer lower prices than some other places
If you're looking to do some shopping during your time at Tocumen International Airport, the airport's duty-free outlets offer a wide variety of products at lower prices than some other places. The shops are well distributed across both terminals, offering convenience and a diverse range of items.
For those with a sweet tooth, Chocoland and Chocolatier offer chocolates, sweets, and delicatessen treats. If you're seeking luxury accessories, cosmetics, or perfumes, La Riviera Duty Free and Attenza Duty Free are excellent options. These stores also operate 24 hours a day, providing flexibility for travellers at any time of day.
For fashion enthusiasts, renowned brands such as Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Hugo Boss, and Nike are available, offering elegant and stylish options for men and women. You can also find sportswear and footwear at Adidas and Columbia, along with casual and urban fashion at Tommy Hilfiger.
Additionally, the airport has a range of specialty stores. These include Panafoto for cameras and accessories, an international bookstore and press at La Riviera Duty Free, and Bijoux Terner for costume jewellery and accessories. With such a diverse range of options, travellers can find souvenirs, luxury items, and everything in between at competitive prices without having to venture beyond the airport.
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Enjoy the airport lounge, which has quiet rooms, desk space and an open-air eating area
If you're looking for a comfortable space to relax, get some work done, or simply kill time during a layover, the airport lounge at Panama City Airport might be your best bet. The airport has two lounges that offer added comfort and a range of amenities to make your stay more enjoyable.
The Copa Airlines Club, located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, provides quiet rooms to catch some sleep, desk space for those who need to work, and an open-air eating area surrounded by greenery. This lounge has been praised for its aesthetics and atmosphere, offering a pleasant environment to relax or work. It also provides workstations, Wi-Fi, TV, newspapers, and magazines to keep you entertained and connected.
The lounges at Panama City Airport can be accessed by purchasing a pass at the door, through lounge membership programs, or by utilising benefits offered by certain credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. If you're travelling with children, it's good to know that one child under 12 years of age can enter the lounge for free with each cardholder.
In addition to the comforts of the lounge, Panama City Airport also offers other conveniences to make your layover more manageable. These include free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes, ATMs, currency exchange services, duty-free shopping, and a variety of dining options available 24 hours a day.
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Frequently asked questions
Some things to do during a layover in Panama include strolling through the streets of Casco Viejo, visiting Urraca Park, and touring the Panama Canal.
The Copa Airlines Club lounge has been described as having quiet rooms to take a nap in, desk space to get some work done, and an open-air eating area. There is also a wide variety of food options to choose from, including burgers, pizza, pastries, and American fast food.
It may be difficult to find a place to sleep at the Tocumen airport, as signs state that sleeping in areas near the gates is prohibited. Additionally, while there are many duty-free shopping outlets, food at the airport is reportedly expensive.
