Panama City Panama

Panama City: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Welcome to Panama City, a vibrant metropolis blending modern skyscrapers with historic charm! This guide will equip you with everything you need to explore this fascinating destination.

Table of Contents

  • Places to Go:

    • Historic Casco Viejo
    • Panama Canal & Miraflores Locks
    • Biomuseo: Museum of Biodiversity
    • Ancón Hill & Parque Natural Metropolitano
    • Amador Causeway and Isla Naos
    • Cinta Costera (Coastal Beltway)

  • Things to Do:

    • Witness the Panama Canal in Action
    • Explore the Ruins of Casco Viejo
    • Hike or Bike through Parque Natural Metropolitano
    • Enjoy Watersports at Amador Causeway
    • Experience Nightlife in Calle Uruguay
    • Take a Cooking Class
    • Shop for Souvenirs

  • Where to Eat:

    • Fine Dining: Restaurante Maito, Donde José
    • Casual Eateries: Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market), Tantalo Kitchen
    • Street Food: Empanadas, Patacones, Ceviche

  • Where to Stay:

    • Luxury Hotels: The American Trade Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Panama
    • Boutique Hotels: Central Hotel Panamá, Casa Casco
    • Budget-Friendly Options: Hostal Mamallena, Luna’s Castle Hostel

  • Transportation:

    • Metro de Panamá (Subway)
    • Buses (Metrobús and Diablos Rojos)
    • Taxis & Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber, Cabify)

  • Essential Tips:

  • Currency: US dollar is widely accepted.

  • Language: Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas.

  • Safety: Exercise caution in crowded areas and at night. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large sums of cash.

  • Weather: Tropical climate with rainy season (May-November) and dry season (December-April).

Places to Go:

  • Historic Casco Viejo: Explore the cobblestone streets, colorful colonial architecture, charming plazas, and historical landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Presidential Palace.

  • Panama Canal & Miraflores Locks: Witness engineering marvel at its finest! Observe ships passing through the impressive locks, learn about the canal’s history, and enjoy panoramic views from the visitor center.

  • Biomuseo: Museum of Biodiversity: Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, this museum showcases Panama’s rich biodiversity through interactive exhibits and captivating displays.

  • Ancón Hill & Parque Natural Metropolitano: Hike or bike through lush rainforest trails for breathtaking city views. Spot diverse wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and toucans.

  • Amador Causeway & Isla Naos: Enjoy a scenic drive along the causeway connecting Panama City to four islands. Visit Isla Naos for tranquil beaches, watersports, and restaurants.

  • Cinta Costera (Coastal Beltway): Stroll or cycle along this waterfront promenade, enjoying stunning views of the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean.

Things To Do:

  • Witness the Panama Canal in Action: The Miraflores Locks are a must-visit! Watch giant ships navigate through the locks, raising and lowering them with impressive engineering.

  • Explore the Ruins of Casco Viejo: Step back in time and wander through the ruins of churches and fortifications, imagining life in colonial Panama.

  • Hike or Bike through Parque Natural Metropolitano: Escape the city bustle and immerse yourself in nature. Hike to the summit for panoramic views or explore the diverse trails teeming with wildlife.

  • Enjoy Watersports at Amador Causeway: Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis for an active day on the water. Isla Naos also offers opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

  • Experience Nightlife in Calle Uruguay: This vibrant street comes alive at night with bars, clubs, and restaurants offering a variety of music genres and entertainment options.

  • Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare authentic Panamanian dishes like ceviche, sancocho (stew), and patacones (fried plantains).

  • Shop for Souvenirs: Find unique handicrafts, jewelry, and artwork at Mercado de Artesanias (Artisans Market) in Casco Viejo or explore the boutiques in El Cangrejo neighborhood.

Where to Eat:

  • Fine Dining:

    • Restaurante Maito: Michelin-starred restaurant with innovative Panamanian cuisine using fresh, local ingredients.
    • Donde José: Intimate setting offering a tasting menu that celebrates Panama’s diverse culinary heritage.

  • Casual Eateries:

    • Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market): Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and choose from a variety of fresh seafood cooked to your liking.
    • Tantalo Kitchen: Trendy rooftop restaurant with stunning city views and a menu featuring international flavors and Panamanian influences.

  • Street Food: Indulge in delicious and affordable street food options:

    • Empanadas: Savory pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
    • Patacones: Fried plantains served with salsa or guacamole.
    • Ceviche: Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice, onions, cilantro, and chili peppers.

Where to Stay:

Panama City offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets:

  • Luxury Hotels:

    • The American Trade Hotel: Stylish boutique hotel housed in a historic building with rooftop pool and bar offering stunning city views.
    • Waldorf Astoria Panama: Luxurious hotel with elegant rooms, fine dining restaurants, spa, and rooftop infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

  • Boutique Hotels:

    • Central Hotel Panamá: Charming hotel located in Casco Viejo with colonial architecture, rooftop terrace, and a cozy ambiance.
    • Casa Casco: Stylish boutique hotel in Casco Viejo offering unique rooms with contemporary design elements and personalized service.

  • Budget-Friendly Options:

  • Hostal Mamallena: Popular hostel with dorms and private rooms in Casco Viejo, known for its social atmosphere and friendly staff.

  • Luna’s Castle Hostel: Hostel located near the Cinta Costera offering basic accommodation at affordable prices, with common areas for socializing.

Transportation:

  • Metro de Panamá (Subway): Efficient and cost-effective way to travel around the city. Lines 1 & 2 connect major points of interest like Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal, and Albrook Mall.

  • Buses (Metrobús and Diablos Rojos): Extensive bus network covering most areas of the city. Metrobús are modern buses with air conditioning and designated lanes, while Diablos Rojos are older yellow buses that follow specific routes.

  • Taxis & Ride-Sharing Apps: Convenient for short distances or traveling at night. Uber and Cabify are popular ride-sharing apps available in Panama City. Negotiate the fare with taxi drivers before starting your trip.

Essential Tips:

  • Currency: US dollars are widely accepted, making currency exchange unnecessary.

  • Language: Spanish is the official language. While many people in tourist areas speak English, it’s helpful to learn basic Spanish phrases for smoother interactions.

  • Safety: Exercise caution, especially at night and in crowded areas. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large sums of cash.

  • Weather: Panama City has a tropical climate with distinct wet (May-November) and dry (December-April) seasons. Pack accordingly!

Enjoy your adventure in Panama City!