Panama City! The name itself conjures images of the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel. But what if I told you there’s more to Panama than just the canal? This vibrant metropolis is a captivating blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty, ready to surprise you. Forget any preconceived notions of an “underdeveloped” nation – Panama City boasts a skyline that rivals those of Los Angeles or Miami!
Think sleek skyscrapers, meticulously planned infrastructure, and a palpable international vibe. Today, we’re going beyond the canal to explore the 10 must-see destinations that make Panama City an unforgettable travel experience.
Our Panama City Adventure: Top 10 Destinations
- Panama Canal: Begin at the iconic Panama Canal, the engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- Casco Viejo: Step back in time in Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.
- Cinta Costera: Stroll along the Cinta Costera, a scenic waterfront promenade with stunning city views.
- Panama Viejo: Explore the ruins of Panama Viejo, the original site of Panama City, destroyed by pirates in the 17th century.
- Taboga Island: Escape to Taboga Island, a volcanic island known for its beaches and charming village.
- Avenida Central: Immerse yourself in the local culture on Avenida Central, a bustling shopping street.
- Bridge of the Americas: Marvel at the Bridge of the Americas, a vital transportation link spanning the Panama Canal.
- Fuerte Amador Resort & Marina: Relax at Fuerte Amador Resort & Marina, a waterfront complex with yachts, restaurants, and shops.
- Biomuseo: Discover Panama’s unique biodiversity at the Biomuseo, a colorful museum designed by Frank Gehry.
- Albrook Mall: Shop ’til you drop at Albrook Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in Latin America.
1. The Panama Canal: Witnessing Engineering History
No trip to Panama is complete without experiencing the Panama Canal. Most tourists visit Panama solely to witness this world wonder! Seeing the locks in action, understanding the technology involved – it’s a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Fun Fact: The Panama Canal allows ships to avoid sailing around the treacherous Cape Horn at the tip of South America, saving them thousands of miles and weeks of travel time!
Tips for Visiting the Panama Canal:
- Booking a Transit: While a full transit through the canal is an incredible experience, it requires significant planning and can be quite expensive (around $15,000 for a 6-hour journey). Tourist transits are limited due to heavy commercial traffic.
- Visitor Centers: A more accessible option is to visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. Here, you can watch ships pass through the locks, learn about the canal’s history, and explore interactive exhibits.
- Consider a Partial Transit: Some tours offer partial transits, allowing you to experience a portion of the canal without the full-day commitment.
How to Reach:
- Miraflores Locks Visitor Center: Located about 20 minutes from downtown Panama City. Taxis and Uber are readily available. Many tour operators offer transportation as part of their packages.
2. Casco Viejo: A Step Back in Time
Next, let’s journey into the heart of Panama City’s history: Casco Viejo (also known as Casco Antiguo), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For years, this “Old Quarter” was neglected, its buildings crumbling. But in the 1990s, a restoration project breathed new life into Casco Viejo, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub.
Fun Fact: Casco Viejo was established in 1673 after the original Panama City (Panama Viejo) was destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan!
What to See and Do:
- Colonial Architecture: Admire the stunning Spanish colonial architecture, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, and numerous historic churches.
- Plaza de Francia: Visit Plaza de Francia, a charming square dedicated to the French engineers who initially attempted to build the Panama Canal.
- Rooftop Bars & Restaurants: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline and the bay from Casco Viejo’s trendy rooftop bars and restaurants.
- Handicraft Markets: Browse the local handicraft markets for unique souvenirs and traditional Panamanian crafts.
Tips:
- Walking Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets.
- Safety: Casco Viejo is generally safe, but it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
How to Reach:
- Taxis and Uber are the easiest way to reach Casco Viejo from other parts of Panama City. You can also take a bus to the area.
Cost of Living (in Casco Viejo):
- Casco Viejo is one of the more expensive areas in Panama City. Expect to pay higher prices for accommodation, food, and drinks here.
3. Cinta Costera: A Breath of Fresh Air
Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a stroll along the Cinta Costera, a beautiful waterfront promenade. This is where Panama City residents come to relax, exercise, and enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the city skyline.
What to Expect:
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline, the Bridge of the Americas, and the Pacific Ocean.
- Walking & Biking Paths: Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the paved paths.
- Parks & Playgrounds: Relax in one of the many parks and playgrounds along the Cinta Costera.
- Sports Courts: Play a game of tennis, basketball, or volleyball at the sports courts.
How to Reach:
- The Cinta Costera is easily accessible by taxi, Uber, or bus.
TRIP ITINERARY SUGGESTION
3-Day Panama City Highlights:
- Day 1: Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks), Casco Viejo (walking tour, rooftop bar)
- Day 2: Panama Viejo, Cinta Costera (walk or bike ride), Biomuseo
- Day 3: Taboga Island (beach day, hiking), Albrook Mall (shopping)
Best Time to Visit:
- The dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit Panama City, with sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. The rainy season (May to November) can be hot and humid, but you’ll find lower prices and fewer tourists.
Fun Facts About Panama City:
- Panama City is the only capital city in the world that has a rainforest within its city limits (Parque Natural Metropolitano).
- The Panama hat is actually from Ecuador, not Panama! It was sold to canal workers passing through Panama.
- Panama uses the US dollar as its currency.
Ready to explore Panama City? It’s a destination that seamlessly blends history, innovation, and natural beauty, offering something for every traveler.
