Home to much more than the man-made Panama Canal that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean, Panama City offers visitors a completely different Latin American experience. Panama’s bustling capital city is sparkling, with beautiful skyscrapers that sit next to a historical cobblestoned colonial settlement. There’s a bunch to do in Panama City – it’s a wonderful delight of old mixed with the new.

 

Where To Stay
Many backpackers who visit Panama City choose to stay in the historic Casco Viejo area. This area features many hostels, guesthouses, and even a couple of five-star accommodations. Prices on lodging for this area tend to be cheaper than neighboring Panama Viejo with its shiny skyscrapers.
Sparkly Panama Viejo is a great area to stay for travelers looking to experience the newer side of Panama City. Filled with Skyscrapers, name-branded hotels, world-renowned restaurants, and first-class shopping experiences are found in this area of town. During the rainy off-season (May-November), great bargains can be found at accommodations throughout Panama City.

 

What To Do

• Casco Viejo
  Casco Viejo, or sometimes referred to as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe, is the gorgeous historical district of Panama City. Founded in 1673 after the original Panama City was looted and set to fire, this area is a bursting with charming colonial buildings.
• Catedral Metropolitan
  The Catedral Metropolitan or Sacred Heart Cathedral, is a church located in Casco Viejo. Construction on this gorgeous structure began in 1688, but it was not consecrated until 1796.

• Plaza de Francia
  Located in Casco Viejo, the Plaza de Francia (or French Plaza) once served as the city’s original town square.
• Palacio Bolivar
  Once a palace housing royalty, it now serves as Panama’s Foreign Ministry office and museum. It is located in Casco Viejo on the Plaza Bolivar.
• Iglesia del Carmen
  This beautiful Gothic architecture church is located in the heart of Panama City. It’s a wonderful surprise nestled in between the city’s massive skyscrapers.

• The Panama Canal
  Cutting across the Isthmus of Panama, the Panama Canal plays a crucial part in international maritime trade. The Canal is 77 kilometers (48 miles) long and connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean. It opened in 1914 and is truly a man-made wonder of the world.

• Bridge of the Americas
  Opened in 1962, the Bridge of the Americas is a road bridge into Panama, which spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.
• Monkey Island
  Take a boat trip away from the city to a small island inhabited by numerous different types of tropical monkeys. Beware – if you have any form of food with you they will smell it even if it is wrapped up.
• Playa Veracruz
  Playa Veracruz is Panama City’s stunning beach escape. Fine sand, turquoise waters, and relaxation define this area.
• Panaviera (or any rooftop bar)
  Panaviera is located on the top floor of one of Panama’s tallest buildings. Sunsets from this vantage point are unreal (plus, the cocktails were super tasty). If Panaviera isn’t your thing, hit up another one of the many rooftop bars in the new or old city.

• Casinos
  If gambling is something you enjoy, Panama is a tropical destination featuring many casinos. Even if gambling isn’t your thing, scoping out the glitz and glamour while people-watching is a great way to pass time.