Panama City, Panama

🌆 Panama City, Panama: Skyscrapers, Canals & Casco Viejo Charms

With a skyline rivaling Miami and a historic heart steeped in colonial elegance, Panama City is a city of contrasts—where the modern meets the timeless. From the legendary Panama Canal to vibrant neighborhoods filled with art, cuisine, and culture, this Central American capital is a dynamic destination that offers more than just a gateway between oceans.

📍 Location & Overview

Country: Panama
Coordinates: 8.9824° N, 79.5199° W
Language: Spanish (English widely spoken in tourism)
Currency: US Dollar (official) & Balboa (coins)
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)
Airport: Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

🚢 Panama Canal: An Engineering Marvel

You can’t visit Panama City without witnessing the Panama Canal, a feat of global engineering that revolutionized maritime trade.

Miraflores Locks Visitor Center: Watch colossal ships pass through the locks and visit the museum that explains the canal's century-old history.
Panama Canal Railway: Ride alongside the canal through lush rainforest landscapes to Colón.
Boat tours: Get closer to the canal waters with guided boat rides or day trips through parts of the waterway.

🏛️ Casco Viejo: The Soul of the City

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed district is the cultural heartbeat of the capital.
Wander cobblestone streets, admire restored Spanish colonial buildings, and enjoy rooftop bars and boutique hotels tucked within 17th-century facades.

Must-sees:
- Plaza de la Independencia
- Metropolitan Cathedral
- National Theatre of Panama
- Museo de la Mola – celebrating Guna indigenous textile art

Casco is also home to artisan shops, Panama hat boutiques, and some of the city’s best fine dining.

🏙️ The Modern Skyline & Avenida Balboa

Panama City’s financial district is filled with gleaming skyscrapers, including the iconic twisted F&F Tower. Walk along Avenida Balboa, a scenic waterfront boulevard lined with parks, bike lanes, and food stalls.

Cinta Costera: Perfect for cycling, jogging, or enjoying skyline views at sunset.
Multiplaza Pacific Mall and Soho Mall: For upscale shopping experiences.
Trump Ocean Club (now JW Marriott): A sail-shaped skyscraper offering panoramic dining and luxury stays.

🌿 Urban Nature & Wildlife

Though thoroughly metropolitan, the city offers lush green escapes and biodiversity just minutes from the center.

Metropolitan Natural Park: Panama’s only rainforest park within a capital city. Spot toucans, sloths, and monkeys while hiking.
Biomuseo: Designed by Frank Gehry, this museum explores Panama’s unique biodiversity and its role as a biological bridge.
Amador Causeway: A scenic stretch connecting four islands, perfect for biking, kayaking, or enjoying seafood with ocean views.

🍴 Cuisine & Nightlife

Must-Try Foods:

Ceviche: Especially from the fish market near Casco Viejo.
Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef with spices and rice.
Carimañolas: Yuca fritters filled with meat or cheese.
Sancocho: Hearty Panamanian chicken stew.

After Dark:

Casco Viejo Rooftops: Dance or sip cocktails at Tantalo, Lazotea, or Selina.
Urbano 67: A trendy venue mixing art and electronic music.
La Rana Dorada: Panama’s beloved craft beer chain, ideal for relaxed evenings.

🏨 Where to Stay

Luxury:

American Trade Hotel – Boutique elegance in Casco Viejo.
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo – New and ultra-luxe with colonial design.
JW Marriott Panama – Iconic skyscraper with sea views and rooftop pools.

Mid-Range:

Hotel Casa Panamá – Design-forward, lively rooftop, great location.
Waldorf Astoria Panama – Comfort and class near the business hub.

Budget:

Hostel Selina Casco Viejo – Hip and social, ideal for solo travelers and creatives.
Luna’s Castle Hostel – Budget favorite in a colonial mansion.

📷 Top Instagram Spots

La Mano de Punta Culebra – Art on the Amador Causeway
F&F Tower – A striking twisted glass building
Sunset from the Cinta Costera
Casco’s pastel alleys and church facades
The locks at Miraflores

🧭 Nearby Getaways

Taboga Island: Just a 30-minute ferry from Panama City, this volcanic island offers beaches, hiking, and colorful homes.
Gamboa Rainforest Reserve: Zip-lining and wildlife boat tours deep in the jungle.
San Blas Islands (via domestic flight or overnight trip): Pristine Caribbean islands managed by the Guna Yala people.