What to see in Panama 9 must-sees

What to see in Panama: 9 must-sees

D’It has a huge skyline, a charming old town, colorful markets, and is a great place to see what Panama City has to offer’there is to see in Panama !

Panama, Panama City or Panama City is one of the most dynamic cities in the world’s most dynamic cities’Central America. The country’s capital is a mandatory stop on any trip through Panama. What do you think if we tell you that’in one day you can be surrounded by modern skyscrapers in its financial center, colonial buildings and the ruins of the original city founded in the 16th century ? There is a lot to see in Panama City and it deserves at least a few full days.

Read on and discover with us the 9 best places to visit in Panama.

1.Panama Canal, Miraflores Locks

S’There is one thing that cannot be missed in our list of things to see in Panama, that is the UNESCO World Heritage site’is the famous Panama Canal. Even if you don’t’If you are not a fan of civil engineering, we promise you that this visit is worth it. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is the best place to visit’and is located only 20 minutes from downtown Panama City. Interactive exhibits allow you to discover the history of this place’Learn more about this work of art’engineering that facilitates trade between the’Atlantic and Pacific for over 100 years. L’The advantage of the visit is that you can spend as much time as you want contemplating the view from the terrace and watch the boats pass through the locks.

For an unforgettable lunch, you can choose the restaurant in the center of the city’welcome. If you are very interested, another activity to do in Panama is to rent a small cruise through the Panama Canal. There are companies that offer tours of the country’a half day or more’You can spend a whole day going through the different locks of the canal to admire this pharaonic work of art’interior.

2. Old town of Panama

Panama City was founded in 1519 by Pedro Arias Davila, a Spanish nobleman who was the first to visit the city’placed at the mouth of the Panama Canal, where the current remains of Panama Viejo are located. In less than a year’A century later, it became the’It is one of the most important cities in the world’Spanish America, but in 1673 it was invaded and destroyed by the British pirate Henry Morgan. C’It is thus that’a new city was built 8 kilometers away, which is now known as Casco Viejo de Panama.

Declared a world heritage site by the’UNESCO, crossing it is the’one of the best things to do in Panama. Here you can enjoy the rehabilitated colonial buildings that reflect the’Spanish, French and American influence in the country, churches, museums, cafes and restaurants decorated with the joy and kindness of Panamanians… You want to know what to visit in the Casco Viejo of Panama? Check out these spots:

  • The Metropolitan Cathedral or Santa María de la Antigua: this colonial church will make you fall in love with its façade framed by two white bell towers.
  • The Plaza de la Independencia: place where the’Panama’s independence was declared from the Spanish domain and later from the Colombian domain.
  • Palacio Municipal or Antigua Casa del Cabildo: Currently, this is the only place in Panama where you can see the’is the Museum of Engineering’History of Panama.
  • Plaza Simón Bolívar: c’is the’The Casco Viejo is one of the most important squares of the old city of Panama, as it houses remarkable buildings such as the Palacio Bolívar, the Museum of the Americas and the Museum of the Americas’Columbia Hotel or the’San Francisco Church.
  • Ruins of the convent of the Society of Jesus: this was the site of the first university in Panama.

3. La Calzada de Amador

The Calzada de Amador or Causeway is the’one of the attractions to visit in Panama City. This crossing was created to connect four small islands in the bay and to make breakwaters for the’The cost varies according to the service provider and also, depending on the type of service provided. If you dare to explore this area, you can fall in love with the magnificent view of Panama City’s skyscrapers and the Bridge of the Americas, as well as with the city’s natural beauty’lively atmosphere of its restaurants and stores.

In addition, in this area you will find what is probably the best museum to visit in Panama: the Biomuseum or Museum of Biodiversity. In this modern building designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry, you can see the formation of the Panamanian skyline from Calzada de Amador’The Isthmus of Panama and its impact on the biodiversity of our planet.

4. Panama Viejo

C’s the place to be’where the first Spanish city was founded on the Pacific coast and where it remained until the end of the 19th century’in this area’It’s not necessary to hire a guide to see the city if it is attacked by pirates thirsty for information’It is a place of gold and riches heading to the UNESCO World Heritage site’Spain. You can still visit the remains of what was Panama Viejo, being the most striking thing the tower of the cathedral. The archaeological site has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO’It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 and also includes a museum and an exhibition center’You will be welcomed with exhibitions that will help you to better understand the city’importance of Panama City to the’time. If you’re thinking of including Panama Viejo on your list of things to do in Panama City, don’t miss it’Don’t forget to visit it’Bring a sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun and the sun’The water is usually very hot and the weather is !

5. Metropolitan Natural Park

If you need to disconnect from the city’s’s green lung and Panama City’s only rainforest, the Metropolitan Natural Park’a modern city. Only 15 minutes from the financial center, you can see monkeys, toucans, hummingbirds, sloths, iguanas and much more without having to hire a guide. There are several trails that take no more than two hours and are suitable for all audiences.

Without a doubt, walking through the Metropolitan Natural Park is a great activity to do in Panama if you are traveling with your family.

6. Financial Zone of Panama City

Contemplating the’The Panamanian skyline from Calzada de Amador is something of a modern city’There are several trails that take no more than a couple of hours and are suitable for everyone’hallucinate with the hundreds of skyscrapers it boasts. Stroll through the streets looking for the most impressive and enjoy the’There is a huge range of restaurants and entertainment in the area. In addition, the financial area is home to some of the best hotels in Panama City, many of which offer a breathtaking view of the bay.

Not far from this complex of buildings’The city’s huge buildings are what the city is all about’The coastal strip of Panama City, which connects the financial zone (Punta Paitilla) with the old city to the San Felipe peninsula and offers beautiful views of the sea and the city. In addition, the promenade has several sports and play areas, including the one for the children’So this is a great place to see in Panama if you want to get an idea of how Panamanians spend their free time.

7. Ancon Hill

The best place to see in Panama City for a great view of the city is Cerro Ancon. This hill, from’The Panama Viejo, a little over 200 meters high, is located a few kilometers from the old city. You will have great views, but you will also have the opportunity to see the’See birds and other birds of prey’other animals like sloths. At the top there is a monument dedicated to the Panamanian poetess Amelia Denis de Icaza and a huge Panamanian flag.

Try to get to know the local culture’Go early to avoid the heat and keep in mind the importance of Panama City in the morning’mind that Cerro Ancon usually closes around 15:00.

8. Market

As soon as you arrive in Panama City, you’ll realize that it’s the only place where you’ll be able to see the world’is a dynamic city. C’It is the fault of its people, who will welcome you wherever you go. We like to get lost in the markets, because it’s very hot’A visit to Panama City is a great way to get to know the local culture and in Panama City you will not miss the opportunity to see the local people’opportunities. L’One of the most interesting markets to see in Panama is the seafood market, which is near the coastal belt.

Here you will find fish and seafood so fresh that you can’they get out of the boats that dock near the market. There’s an adjacent area full of restaurants and cevicherías to sample the local produce and mix it up with tissues. For a similar experience, head to the Mercado de Abastos, where you can taste the’huge variety of fruits and vegetables from Panama.

In addition, the’Panamanian handicrafts are a great souvenir to take home. Most of the’hese are made by the seven Indian tribes of the country. For example, molas (hand-woven textiles full of colorful shapes) are made by Indian Kuna women and can be found at the National Market of’You can also go shopping for handicrafts in Panama Viejo or, even better, at the market on the’Avenida 5 de Mayo.

9. The night of Panama City

And after all that travel…. What if we told you that’there’s more to do in Panama City ? Whether you’re a hardcore party animal or not, we encourage you to get strong and enjoy the nightlife. Panamanians love to dance and a great way to end your stay in Panama City is to join them in dancing the salsa or merengue.

The best places to do this are Casco Viejo, Uruguay Street, the financial area and El Cangrejo. If you prefer to combine a good cocktail (try the famous “Ponche Panameño”) with a view, go to the Hard Rock Hotel or the 360 RoofTop.