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A practical guide to

Panama City, Panama

Where the Skyline Meets the Rainforest

Panama City, Panama is a place of sharp contrasts. On one side, you have a massive skyline of glass skyscrapers facing the Pacific Ocean. On the very same coastline, you can find a protected tropical rainforest right inside the city limits. It is a busy, modern capital that somehow manages to keep its natural surroundings intact, making it a unique stop for anyone traveling through Central America.

Panama Viejo
Panama Viejo Tower

To understand Panama City, it helps to see it as three different cities built over time. First, there are the ruins of Panamá Viejo, the original 16th-century settlement that was destroyed by pirates. Then, there is the colonial historic district in Casco Viejo, which was built to replace it. Finally, you have the modern financial district filled with high-rises. It is also worth mentioning that the city is recognized by UNESCO for its food scene, so the local restaurants are a major part of the experience.

Walking Through the History of Casco viejo

Walking Through the History of Casco viejo
If you want to find the historic heart of the area, you need to spend a day in Casco viejo. Also known as the historic quarter, this neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with brick streets and restored colonial buildings. Walking through it feels completely different from the rest of the city, with its blend of Spanish and French architecture mixed with colorful street art done by local artists.

The neighborhood is organized around four main public squares, each with its own history. Plaza de la Independencia sits at the center, surrounded by the main cathedral and the Panama Canal Museum. Plaza de Francia sits right on the water and honors the French workers who started the canal. Then you have Plaza Bolívar and Plaza Herrera, which are surrounded by outdoor cafes and small hotels where people gather to hang out.

Pro Tip

The best time to walk through Casco viejo is early in the morning. The humidity drops a bit, the streets are quiet, and you can take photos of the architecture before the midday heat kicks in.

There are a few specific spots in the old quarter you shouldn’t miss. One is the Church of Saint Joseph, famous for its large golden altar that survived 17th-century pirate attacks. Another great stop is the Mola Museum (MUMO), which is free to enter. It showcases the traditional textile art made by the Guna indigenous people, giving you a look into the country’s deep cultural roots.

In the afternoon, the historic district is a great place to try Panama’s famous Geisha coffee at a local cafe. When the sun goes down, the vibe shifts completely. The neighborhood is known for its rooftop bars, where you can grab a drink and look across the bay at the modern Panama City skyline lit up at night.

360° View

Plaza de Francia

Exploring the Canal and the Coast

Of course, you cannot visit Panama City, Panama without seeing the Panama Canal. A quick trip to the Miraflores Locks gets you close to the massive ships passing through. The visitor center has a museum that explains how the lock system works and covers the massive human effort it took to build this shortcut between the oceans.

Right down the road from the canal is the Amador Causeway. This is a six-kilometer road that extends into the ocean, built using the rock dug out during the canal’s construction. It connects four small islands and is a popular spot for locals to ride bikes, skate, or walk along the water while enjoying the breeze from the Pacific.

Read more about Panama Canal.
Recommended

Tours including Panama Canal and Casco Viejo

Finding Nature Inside the City

For a break from the concrete, you can hike the trails at the Metropolitan Natural Park. It is an actual jungle inside the city where you can see sloths, monkeys, and native birds. The trails give you a strange but cool view where you can see green tree canopies in the foreground and tall skyscrapers in the distance.

If you want a great view of the whole layout, walk up Ancon Hill. It is a steady, paved walk to the top, right under a massive Panamanian flag. From the summit, you can see the canal, the historic streets of Casco viejo, and the modern skyscrapers all at once.

If you’d like to do some birdwatching in Panama City, these two are good options but Metropolitan Park is most recommended.  Remember there are some rules to access Panama’s National Parks.

In the end, Panama City, Panama gives you a mix of things you don’t usually find in one place. It is easy to navigate, full of history, and heavily connected to nature. Whether you are here for the history in the old town or the engineering of the canal, it is a city that leaves a lasting impression.