Panama City, the capital of Panama, is a busy metropolis made up of modern skyscrapers, historic colonial buildings, and natural beauty. The city is filled with numerous activities: from experiencing the world-famous Panama Canal to exploring the charming streets of Casco Viejo. The city's many green spaces and the nearby coastline are ideal spots to spend time outdoors, while Panama City's vibrant street art and galleries are perfect for art lovers.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: The city's international airport, Tocumen, is located about 30 km (20 miles) from downtown Panama City. Flights land here from major cities around the world, and once you arrive, you can take a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation.
• Getting Around: The city has an efficient public transportation system that includes the subway and a fleet of buses. However, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are more convenient and comfortable modes of transportation, especially for first-time visitors.
• Where to Stay: If you want to stay close to historic landmarks and enjoy the cobblestone streets, consider a hotel or guesthouse in Casco Viejo. If you prefer modern luxury and lively nightlife, the Obarrio or Punta Pacifica neighborhoods are ideal.
• How Long to Visit: A 3-day trip will allow you to see the top attractions, while a week-long stay will allow you to explore the city's lesser-known spots, museums, and parks, as well.
• When to Visit: December through April is the dry season and is considered the best time to visit.
• Similar Destinations: If you find Panama City intriguing, you might enjoy Cartagena, Colombia for its historic walled city and tropical climate. For a more cosmopolitan experience similar to Panama City, consider Singapore, which is also a major shipping hub and known for its modern architecture.

Highlights:

Casco Viejo:

Casco Viejo, also known as the Old Quarter, is the historic heart of Panama City and showcases the city's Spanish colonial past. This neighborhood is lined with pastel-colored buildings, wrought-iron balconies, and narrow streets. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Casco Viejo is meticulously maintained and gives an authentic sense of the city's complex past. Unique boutiques and art galleries fill the streets, offering crafts and indigenous art. Plaza de Francia, at the southern tip of Casco Viejo, honors the French contributions to the Panama Canal with an obelisk and busts of engineers and visionaries. It's a relaxed and airy plaza with scenic views of the ocean and the high-rises of Panama City. Nearby, Plaza de la Independencia is the main square of the neighborhood and hosts a variety of community events. It is surrounded by significant architectural wonders, including the Metropolitan Cathedral. Arco Chato, or the Flat Arch, stands next to the ruins of Santo Domingo Church and is worth a quick stop to appreciate its engineering. If you're visiting during the holiday season, be sure to stop at the Nativity scene at the Iglesia de San Felipe, an intricate, elaborate celebration of Christmas.

Amador Causeway:

The Amador Causeway is a man-made strip of land that extends from the mainland and connects Panama City to four small islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. From the causeway, you can also get a great view of the city's skyline, and it is a popular spot to watch ships as they line up to enter the Panama Canal. There are also many restaurants along the Causeway, which are ideal if you want to dine with a view.

Bridge of the Americas:

The Bridge of the Americas is a cantilever bridge that spans the Pacific Ocean entrance to the Panama Canal. This impressive structure plays a key role in world trade, allowing countless ships to pass through each year. As a monument to Pan-American unity, the bridge symbolizes the connection between the Americas, from Canada in the north to Argentina and Chile in the south.

The Panama Canal:

No visit to Panama City would be complete without experiencing the Panama Canal, a waterway that has revolutionized world trade and represents human ingenuity. You can witness this engineering marvel at the Miraflores Locks, where educational exhibits explain the canal's history and function. Observation decks give you a bird's-eye view of the canal in operation, allowing you to watch ships of various sizes pass through the locks. If you time your visit well, you may catch the water levels being adjusted to accommodate these vessels. You can spend hours just watching the meticulous orchestration that goes into guiding a ship through this narrow passageway.

Panama Viejo:

Panama Viejo is the site of the original city of Panama, founded in 1519 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila. Here you'll find remnants of the first European settlement on the Pacific, with ruins of cathedrals, administrative buildings, and residential areas. When the pirate Henry Morgan attacked the city in 1671, it was almost completely destroyed, leading to the relocation and eventual birth of what is now known as Casco Viejo.