No trip to Panama is complete without visiting the Panama Canal. Watching enormous ships navigate the locks is mesmerizing, and the engineering feat is truly awe-inspiring. For a closer experience, take a boat tour that passes through the canal—it’s like seeing the heartbeat of global trade in motion.
If you love wildlife, Monkey Island is a must-visit. This small island is home to playful monkeys swinging through the trees, and it’s a fantastic spot to connect with Panama’s wild side. Bring your camera and a sense of wonder!
For a deeper cultural experience, head to an Embera village. The indigenous Embera people warmly welcome visitors, sharing traditional music, dance, and crafts. Dancing alongside the locals is not just fun—it’s a powerful way to connect with Panama’s living traditions.
For travelers keeping kosher, the Marriott Residence Inn is a fantastic choice. It’s conveniently attached to a massive kosher grocery store, making it easy to stay on track with dietary needs without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Back in the city, Casco Viejo is a charming historic district filled with vibrant street art, cozy cafes, and lively nightlife. It’s the perfect place to unwind after your adventures, offering great dining options and a taste of Panama’s urban culture.
• Arrival & Check-in: Arrived at the Residence Inn by Marriott, conveniently located next to a massive kosher grocery store — perfect for stocking up on snacks and essentials.
• Dinner: Dined at Aria, known for its exceptional kosher cuisine.
• Morning Tour: Embarked on a private tour with Alon Levy to Monkey Island, where we fed monkeys and visited the Embera indigenous village — a truly special experience.
• Lunch: Enjoyed a meal at Lula, offering Israeli-style kosher dishes.
• Afternoon: Strolled through Casco Viejo, the historic old city, soaking in its colonial charm.
• Day Trip: Took a ferry to Contadora Island with Ilene Little for a private beach day and snorkeling — so relaxing and beautiful.
• Dinner: Savoring kosher burgers at Yoss Burger.
• Morning: Visited the Panama Canal and snapped photos at the iconic Panama sign.
• Lunch: Dined at Kava, a kosher dairy restaurant.
• Afternoon: Arranged for a COVID test (very easy to organize).
• Evening: Flight home.
We loved staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott — clean, comfortable, and perfectly located next to a massive kosher grocery store, which made meal planning a breeze. Other options we considered were the Hilton and JW Marriott, but the Residence Inn fit our needs perfectly.
If you have AAA, definitely check their rates — we found the best prices there. Also, book with the hotel directly and pay upon arrival; we saved $200 by not pre-paying!
Here are our favorite kosher restaurants in Panama City:
• Aria: Incredible kosher cuisine, a must-try.
• Lula: Israeli-style with great flavors.
• Kava: Dairy kosher options, fresh and tasty.
• Yoss Burger: Perfect for casual, delicious kosher burgers.City Sightseeing+1YouTube+1
Others we heard great things about:
• Aroma (dairy) — reputed to have heavenly food (not just coffee!).
• La Spezia (dairy) — also highly recommended.
For more kosher options, check out gokosherpanama.com.
Alon Levy has been organizing private kosher tours in Panama since 2010. His tours are customizable, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests. For example, our Monkey Island tour included feeding monkeys and visiting the Embera indigenous village, but you can choose to focus solely on the wildlife or the cultural experience. Similarly, our Pearl Island tour with Ilene Little included snorkeling and beach time, but you can opt for fishing, island hopping, or other activities.en.panamawithalon.com+1Instagram+1
Other fun things to do around Panama City:
• Aerial tram ride over the Gamboa rainforest — stunning views!
• Bike rentals on the Amador Causeway.
• Zipline over Gatun Lake (if you’re brave!).
• Hike up Ancon Hill for panoramic city views.
Don’t forget to check canal ship schedules before visiting so you catch the action!
• Jeffrey’s Bakery near the Residence Inn has amazing pastries — great for breakfast!
• Stock up on snacks and lunch at the kosher grocery store attached to the Residence Inn.
