Often compared to Miami, Panama City is Central America's most glamorous, cosmopolitan capital, blessed with year-round sunshine and refreshing coastal breezes. The country's most famous attraction, the Panama Canal, is just outside of town. This 48-mile (77-kilometer) feat of engineering can be viewed from the banks, but for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a full or partial canal cruise through the Miraflores Locks. Be sure to reserve ahead—private canal tours often fill up months in advance. Shimmering skyscrapers and luxury hotels dominate the downtown area, but a history tour reveals the city's colorful past as a Spanish treasure port and buccaneer hideaway. UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo (Old Town) holds 17th-century colonial landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Palacio de las Garzas, the Church of St Francis of Assisi, and the National Theatre. Sample some fresh, local ceviche and a microbrew, perhaps topped off with Panamanian coffee and a taste of raw chocolate. Head to Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador) for fantastic harbor and skyline views, as well as high-end shopping. Check out Biomuseo, Frank Gehry's first building in Latin America, and stick around Amador if you like the nightlife—it's home to the city's trendiest clubs. Take a break in the lush, urban gardens of Parque Natural Metropolitano, or escape on a day trip to Soberania National Park to see Monkey Island. Active nature lovers can kayak down the Chagres River, or soak up the sunshine on a boat trip to Taboga Island or Gatun Lake.
Panama City, the largest financial and banking hub in Central America, is best known for the Panama Canal shipping channel. The thriving city offers a high-rise studded city skyline and colonial-era architecture in Casco Viejo, popular for its artful ruins, churches, restaurants, plazas, museums and shopping.
...MoreDon't miss the colonial-era architecture of Panama City's Casco Viejo. Visit the colorful Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo, focused on Panama's natural history, and walk up Ancon Hill for views of the entire city. Head to the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal to observe the ships in action.
...MoreOne day in Panama City lets you visit natural, cultural, and culinary attractions. Begin with an early trip up Ancon Hill for the views, then check out the natural exhibits at Biomuseo. Spend the afternoon and evening in Casco Viejo, wandering the cobbled streets and dining at top restaurants.
...MoreYou'll find some of the city’s best restaurants and shops in downtown Panama City, which is the area northeast of Casco Viejo. Wander amidst the city's modern high-rise office and apartment buildings and try fare from the restaurants dotting El Cangrejo and the Financial District (Area Bancária).
...MorePanama City’s nightlife scene is vibrant, whether you’re looking for Latin dance clubs, late-night restaurants and cocktail bars, or somewhere with a city view. Most nightlife is concentrated in the downtown business district and Casco Viejo, and each provides a different atmosphere. Many places stay open until 2am or 3am.
...MoreYes. Panama is generally a safe tourist destination. Violent crime against foreigners is not common, but it does occur occasionally. Petty crime and theft is more common, so take normal safety precautions. The least safe areas are in the east, near the Colombia border, due to gang-related and political violence.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 28 |
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Number of Tours | 551 |
Number of Reviews | 12,024 |
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