Panama City

Panama City is a dynamic metropolis and the cultural, financial, and political heartbeat of the country.

Famously, it is the only capital city in the world with a tropical rainforest within its limits, boasting a stunning modern skyline, and a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is a fascinating study in contrast, with three distinct faces for visitors to explore:

1. The Engineering Marvel: The Panama Canal

A visit to the capital is incomplete without witnessing the Panama Canal, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World.”

• Miraflores Locks Visitor Center: This is the best place to appreciate the sheer scale of this engineering feat. From the observation decks, you can watch massive container ships as they are raised or lowered between the Pacific Ocean and the canal’s interior lakes. The center also features an interactive museum detailing the canal's history and impact on global trade.

2. The Historic Heart: Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo)

The UNESCO-listed historic quarter is a captivating labyrinth of cobblestone streets, colonial plazas, and beautifully restored buildings, dating back to 1673.

• Architecture & Ambiance: Stroll past pastel-colored mansions, grand churches (like the Metropolitan Cathedral), and the legendary Altar de Oro (Golden Altar) at the Iglesia de San José. The area is a blend of architectural styles—Spanish, French, and Neoclassical—where restored elegance meets charming, romantic decay.
• Dining & Nightlife: Casco Viejo is Panama City's premier destination for fine dining, chic boutique hotels, and vibrant rooftop bars. Enjoy a drink at sunset with a panoramic view of the modern city's skyline.
• Panamá Viejo: A separate UNESCO site nearby, you can explore the ruins of the original city, which was sacked by pirates in 1671, offering a dramatic look at the nation's turbulent past.

3. The Modern City & Nature Oasis

The modern districts are defined by a breathtaking skyline of shimmering high-rises, rivaling cities across the globe.

• Avenida Balboa & Cinta Costera: This expansive coastal boulevard offers miles of walking and cycling paths along the waterfront, perfect for jogging, people-watching, and taking in the spectacular juxtaposition of glass towers and the Pacific Ocean.
• Amador Causeway: Built with rock extracted during the construction of the Canal, this causeway connects four small islands and offers exceptional views of the city skyline and the Bridge of the Americas. It’s home to the colorful Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry.
• Metropolitan Natural Park: Just a short drive from downtown, you can hike through this lush tropical rainforest and spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, and other wildlife, proving that nature is never far from the city's pulse.