How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Panama City, Panama

1. Miraflores Locks

Watch the Panama Canal ships pass through the locks without overpaying for food or souvenirs in the touristy nearby area.

Authentic Local Food: Eat at local eateries a short walk away from the locks.
Off-Peak Visits: Plan your visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices.
Souvenir Bargaining: Negotiate prices for souvenirs instead of accepting the first price offered.

Experience a vibrant local market without falling for overpriced goods or pushy vendors.

Knowledgeable Guides: Hire a local guide who can help navigate the market and negotiate prices.
Off-Grid Exploration: Explore less crowded sections of the market for unique finds.
Local Etiquette: Respect local customs and practices while shopping to ensure a positive experience.

Discover the historic ruins without being hassled by tour guides or vendors.

Self-Guided Tours: Use a guidebook or app for self-guided tours to save money and set your own pace.
Arrival Time: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist hours.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices for any additional services or souvenirs.

Enjoy a traditional flamenco performance without overpaying for tickets or drinks.

Local Venues: Search for smaller, less touristy venues to experience authentic flamenco.
Advance Booking: Book tickets in advance to secure a good deal and avoid peak pricing.
Happy Hours: Look for venues with happy hours or drink specials for affordable beverages.

Enjoy the waterfront views without being swindled by food or souvenir vendors.

Packed Lunch: Bring a packed lunch to avoid overpriced food.
Evening Stroll: Take an evening stroll for stunning sunset views and fewer crowds.
Local Restaurants: Find local eateries nearby for affordable and delicious meals.

Experience wildlife without falling victim to scams or overpriced tours.

Self-Guided Tours: Use a guidebook or app for self-guided tours to explore at your own pace.
Advance Planning: Plan your visit in advance to research the best spots and avoid peak hours.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices for any additional services or souvenirs.

Take in the city views without being pressured into overpriced tours or photos.

Self-Guided Hikes: Hike up Ancon Hill on your own for stunning views of the city.
Budget Cameras: Use a budget camera or smartphone to capture memories instead of hiring a photographer.
Local Knowledge: Ask locals for the best spots and tips on your self-guided hike.

Appreciate contemporary art without overpaying for admission or food.

Off-Peak Visits: Visit the museum during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices.
Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts if eligible.
Packed Lunch: Bring a packed lunch to avoid overpriced food in the museum cafeteria.

Learn about Panama hats without being pressured into overpriced purchases.

Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices.
Educational Tours: Choose educational tours that focus on the history and craftsmanship of Panama hats.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices for any purchases made at the workshop.

Savor delicious seafood without overpaying or being served subpar food.

Local Recommendations: Ask locals for their favorite seafood spots in the market.
Fresh Ingredients: Look for stalls with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices for your seafood meal.

Explore the rainforest without being overcharged or scammed.

Self-Guided Tours: Use a guidebook or app for self-guided tours to explore at your own pace.
Advance Planning: Plan your visit in advance to research the best spots and avoid peak hours.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices for any additional services or souvenirs.

Marvel at the historic church ruins without being hassled by tour guides or vendors.

Self-Guided Tours: Use a guidebook or app for self-guided tours to explore at your own pace.
Arrival Time: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist hours.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices for any additional services or souvenirs.

Explore the city on two wheels without being overcharged or led to tourist traps.

Reputable Tour Companies: Choose a reputable, locally-owned bike tour company.
Customizable Tours: Look for customizable tours that cater to your interests and budget.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices for any additional services or souvenirs.

Enjoy outdoor activities without being swindled by vendors.

Packed Lunch: Bring a packed lunch to avoid overpriced food.
Evening Stroll: Take an evening stroll for stunning sunset views and fewer crowds.
Local Restaurants: Find local eateries nearby for affordable and delicious meals.

Learn about the Panama Canal without overpaying for admission or food.

Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices.
Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts if eligible.
Packed Lunch: Bring a packed lunch to avoid overpriced food in the museum cafeteria.