24 Hours in Panama City: The Perfect Day From Work to Play

A One-Day Guide for the Modern Traveler
Panama City is where business meets leisure, history meets modernity, and work meets play. Whether you're in town for a quick business trip or a spontaneous getaway, this guide helps you make the most of your 24 hours—from morning productivity to sunset strolls and late-night drinks.
☀️ 8:00 - 10:00 AM – Wake Up & Work in Style at LA RÉSIDENCE
📍 LA RÉSIDENCE – Financial District
💡 Why Stay Here? Modern suites, seamless amenities, and the perfect work-life setup.
Mornings at LA RÉSIDENCE are designed for both comfort and productivity. Wake up in a stylish suite, enjoy a Nespresso in your private workspace, and ease into the day without rushing.
If you prefer working outside your suite, head to Caféine Café downstairs—because good coffee and a well-designed space make work feel effortless.
✅ Strong WiFi for seamless video calls
✅ Comfortable workspaces in your suite & common areas
✅ Caféine Café for a quick caffeine boost and light breakfast
☕ Try This: Espresso + avocado toast = the perfect morning fuel.
By 10 AM, you’ve checked emails, tackled your first meetings, and set yourself up for a productive day—now it’s time to explore.
🚢 10:30 AM – Experience the Panama Canal
📍 Miraflores Locks or Amador Causeway
💡 Best For: Checking the Canal off your bucket list—without the crowds.
The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel, but you don’t need to spend hours at the tourist center to appreciate it. Head to Miraflores Locks to watch massive ships transit through one of the most important waterways in the world.
🚴 Prefer a more scenic approach? Take a drive to Amador Causeway for a more relaxed way to see the canal from a waterfront setting.
🚀 Pro Tip: The earlier you go, the fewer crowds you’ll deal with.
🍕 12:30 PM – Lunch at Gamboa Bakery Co.
📍 Gamboa, Panama
💡 Why Go? Great sandwiches, wood-fired pizza & a chill vibe near the canal.
By now, you’ve worked, explored, and earned a good meal. Instead of a tourist-heavy restaurant, head to Gamboa Bakery Co. for a laid-back lunch with some of the best sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas in town.
🥪 Order This: The fresh sourdough sandwiches & a cold juice.
🌳 Bonus: The drive to Gamboa is scenic, surrounded by nature, making it a refreshing break from the city.
🚀 3:00 PM – Afternoon Reset: Pool, Nap, or Coffee?
📍 Back at LA RÉSIDENCE
💡 Why? Because recharging is part of the itinerary.
After a busy morning, head back to LA RÉSIDENCE for a mid-day reset. Whether that means powering through a few emails from The Study, catching a quick nap in your suite, or hitting the gym, this is your moment to slow down before the evening.
Need another caffeine fix? Stop by Caféine Café or try a quick afternoon coffee at Dos Cucharas, a cozy café known for its pastries and relaxed ambiance.
🌇 5:30 PM – Sunset Walk Through Casco Viejo
📍 Casco Viejo – Historic District
💡 Why Go? Because golden hour in Casco is pure magic.
There’s no need to plan every second of your evening—just head to Casco, start walking, and see where the night takes you. The area is packed with history, rooftop bars, and charming side streets—perfect for a slow, scenic golden hour.
✨ Recommended Sunset Spot: Walk along Plaza de Francia for an incredible 360° view of the city and ocean.
🍸 Want a drink? Casco is full of great bars—just follow the energy.
🍽️ 7:30 PM – Dinner at Cantina del Tigre
📍 Coco del Mar
💡 Why? Because tacos and cocktails just hit different here.
For a fun, no-pressure dinner with bold flavors, Cantina del Tigre is the spot. A modern take on Latin street food, this place is all about vibrant flavors, top-notch ingredients, and a seriously good cocktail list.
🌮 What to Order: Tacos, tostadas, and anything off the cocktail menu.
🚕 11:30 PM – Back to LA RÉSIDENCE
📍 Your Suite at LA RÉSIDENCE
💡 Why? Because every great day ends with a good night’s sleep.
After a day of exploring, eating, and unwinding, there’s nothing better than returning to your effortlessly stylish suite at LA RÉSIDENCE. Whether you’re checking emails before bed or collapsing into crisp sheets, this is where your perfect 24 hours in Panama City ends—until the next adventure.
Because here, you’re not just a visitor. You’re our guest.
👉 Book your stay at LA RÉSIDENCE and make Panama your city.
🚀 Next up: Which blog should we write next?
- Why Stay in a Hotel When You Can Stay in a Residence?
- How to Make a Business Trip Feel Like a Vacation
- Best Restaurants in Panama City for Every Mood
Let me know which one you’d like to tackle next! 🚀