Top 7 Things To Do In Colón, Panama
Make the Most of Colón
By Wanda Duncan | Published on September 10, 2025
Known as Panama’s second city, Colón, Panama, was founded in 1850 and is a highlight of the Caribbean Sea. While Colón is not known to be flashy, it is a great destination to explore on its own or if you’re planning a day trip to nearby cities.
Is Colón, Panama worth visiting? Yes, Colón, Panama is a fantastic city with lots to do for those who love nature, water activities and Caribbean culture. Colón is most known for the Panama Canal and being home to the dynamic Afro-Caribbean descendants of the workers who helped build the canal.
A Royal Caribbean guest had this to say about their experience in Panama: “Nice ship, happy we went, best way to see the Panama Canal was this cruise & taking the ferry through the locks. Would recommend.”
Here are some things to consider before your visit to Colón, Panama:
- ● The best months to visit are from December to April during the dry season, when the weather is optimal for all of your outdoor excursions. Some travelers have also been able to enjoy Colón, Panama attractions and activities outside of these months.
- ● While Panama has its own currency, the Balboa (PAB), the U.S. dollar is widely used, making it easy to shop and get around.
- ● For your safety, exercise awareness and caution when walking around Colón so you can discover the best Panama has to offer with confidence.
- ● The distance from Colón to Panama City is around 40 miles. You can travel the distance in about an hour by car or an hour and a half by bus.
Read on for a list of the top things to do in Colón, Panama and nearby areas.
Roam Through The Bustling Colón, Panama Cruise Port
Cruise right into one of Colón’s most popular attractions. Whether you arrive at the Colón 2000 or Cristóbal terminals, you’ll have access to some of the best duty-free shopping available when looking for things to do in the Colón, Panama cruise port.
From electronics and jewelry to local crafts, textiles and Panamanian coffee, you’ll have your choice of souvenirs to remember your voyage by. After shopping, you can sit down to have a meal at one of the many restaurants or test your odds at the casino before heading to the city on your own or with a guided tour.
When you cruise to Colón, Panama, you get to choose your adventure every step of the way.
Sightsee In Colón, Panama’s Vibrant City Center
When researching what to see in Colón, Panama, you’re sure to come across many sites in the city center. As you walk down the long, narrow streets of Colón, you’ll see prime examples of the Gothic Revival, Neoclassical and Art Deco architecture styles of this international trade hub.
Make your way to the Colón Public Market with its colorful sights and sounds and fresh food and wares for those who arrive before it closes in the afternoon. Or bring a snack to the palm tree-lined Parque Centenario with plenty of benches so you can enjoy a moment of stillness and take in some fresh Caribbean air. Try Panamanian ceviche, tamales or, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, cocadas — a macaroon-like coconut cookie.
Drop by the Colón Art and Culture Center to dig into the history of the Panama Canal, then head to the heart of the city to the Inmaculada Concepción Cathedral, a Gothic-style church that was declared a national monument in 1976.
Explore Incredible Historic Colón, Panama Attractions
Add learning about history to your list of what to do in Colón, Panama. Located just eight miles west of Colón are the ruins of Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1595, the fortress lies along the Chagres River and was built to protect the mouth of the river. Examine the moat, walls and cannons that still remain. Prepare for gorgeous sea views and over 33,000 acres of protected rainforest that surround the fort called the San Lorenzo National Park.
For more recent history, the Agua Clara Locks began operation in 2016 as a part of the Panama Canal expansion. It allowed larger ships to pass through the canal that could carry twice the amount of cargo. Touring the area, you get a splash of history and panoramic views that include Gatun Lake and the Atlantic Bridge while viewing ships passing through century-old locks of the Panama Canal.
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Bask In The Sun And Sand At Beaches Near Colón, Panama
Colón, Panama beaches offer you the idyllic Caribbean experience you’ve longed for. Travelers have raved about the beaches near Colón, Isla Grande and Playa Langosta.
Isla Grande is a small, serene island located 2.5 hours from Colón. Partake in water activities such as snorkeling or diving, or simply unwind on the white sand beach. If you’d like a stunning vista and a nice walk, take a 25-minute hike to visit the Isla Grande Lighthouse.
On a reef at the entrance of the island, you’ll see the iconic statue of the Black Christ that appears to float on water. The statue is important to Afro-Panamanian Catholics and bears significant cultural and religious meaning to locals.
If you’re looking for somewhere closer to the city to enjoy, Playa Langosta is only an hour from Colón. It’s known to be crowded on weekends with Panamanians taking full advantage of the natural beauty of their unique country. This beach is best suited for swimming and relaxing, with few other activities available.
Unique Things To Do In Colón For Nature And Wildlife
Gatún Lake is an artificial lake that’s a part of the Panama Canal. When it was built in 1913, it was the largest artificial lake in the world. On the lake, you have the opportunity to boat, kayak and spot animals natural to the area.
Gently drift above the treetops of the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve in the Gamboa Rainforest Aerial Tram. The reserve is a mere 30-minute drive from Colón and is a part of the 55,000-acre Soberania National Park. Some of the wildlife in the area are Howler monkeys, sloths and capybaras.
Sitting at 86,000 acres, Portobelo National Park has something for the culture, nature and history fanatics. View the traditional dances of the Embera people, participate in water activities, including coasting through the "Tunnel of Love" mangrove forest, and see the ruins of Spanish forts.
Chase waterfalls and stroll along streams at the Chagres National Park, spanning 309,000 acres. Home to over 114 mammal species, you’re sure to get a peek of whitetail deer, stripe-cheeked woodpeckers or violet-capped hummingbirds. And for the experienced hiker, voyage along the historic Camino Real. National Geographic named it one of the best tours in Central and South America in 2013.
If culture and outdoor experiences are calling you, consider Royal Caribbean South America cruises.
Take The Scenic Panama Canal Railway To Panama City
Traveling parallel to the Panama Canal is the 47-mile-long Panama Canal Railway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across the isthmus. Operating since 1855, the railway was an impressive feat due to the rough terrain and tools of the time.
Take a scenic three-hour ride in a vintage-style railcar through dense rainforests and get a different perspective of the Panama Canal and locks. A special train runs for passengers just once per week. Otherwise, the commuter train runs Monday through Friday, once in the morning and once in the evening, and takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
Consider taking a cruise from Panama City if you’re interested in spending more time in the capital.
See The Engineering Marvel That Is The Panama Canal
Canal enthusiasts rejoice. No trip to Panama is complete without seeing the engineering genius of the Panama Canal. Aside from facilitating trade between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the canal is one of the world's most strategic waterways.
Watch giant cargo ships rise and fall as the canal opens and closes. There are many vantage points to observe the canal. Take a boat tour to see it up close and personal, visit the observation deck at the Agua Clara or the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centers and see the canal from many surrounding sites as you explore Colón.
From Cartagena to Cabo San Lucas, see the diversity of Panama Canal cruises.
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