Overview
Although it’s often confused with the identically named coastal city in Florida, Panama City, Panama is not a ‘spring break’ beach destination but rather the most cosmopolitan capital in all of Central America. Here, at the intersection of the Americas and the Pacific terminus of the world-famous canal, Panama City is truly open to the world. First impressions of the city are nearly always favorable, especially considering that its chic skyline of soaring steel and glass cuts a graceful arc across the horizon. As one of the up-and-coming financial and trade centers of the world. Today, the downtown business districts are chock full of stylish bars and restaurants, and it’s possible to dine on the majority of the world’s top cuisines. By night, urban dwellers take to the streets in their choicest robes, forming the crux of the capital’s legendary nightlife.
Assuming you can pry yourself away from Panama City’s urban charms, there are a variety of spectacular attractions lying on the outskirts of the capital. No visit to Panama would be complete without a day-trip to the canal, especially if you can time your visit to coincide with a vessel transit. And this is to say nothing of Panama’s stunning natural attractions, which include virgin rainforests and palm-fringed beaches, which lie less than an hour from the heart of the downtown. Although it’s still off the beaten path, save ample time to explore what is arguably one of the most rewarding capital cities in all of Latin America.
Distance Airport
Tocumen International Airport is located 35km (20.5 miles) east of the city center.
Transport Airport
Public TransportPanama City has an extensive network of public buses, though unfortunately it’s confusing and at times daunting if you don’t speak Spanish. As a result, most visitors prefer to take taxis, or even huff it on foot around the city center. However, if you feel like braving the public buses, destinations and prices are posted on the front windshield. Although there are few formal bus stops in the city, do as the locals do and queue up along major routes.Special tickets and passes are not available for visitors, though this isn’t a problem as bus fare is extremely cheap. Public transport generally operates between approximately 0500-2200. It is safer to take a taxi during early morning and late night hours.
Taxis
Taxis can be hailed on the street, though drivers are surprisingly reluctant to pick up passengers and may even protest if your destination won’t result in a high fare. Drivers will almost always leave the meter off in an attempt to charge you more.
Flying Time from UK
Approx travel time from:
London 08Hrs 53Min
Manchester 08Hrs 39Min
Edinburgh 08Hrs 29Min
Glasgow 08Hrs 24Min
Birmingham 08Hrs 43Min
Attractions
Panama Canal
This modern engineering marvel is famous the world over, though nothing can prepare you for the awesome sight of watching hulking vessels traverse any of the canal’s three sets of locks. Most visitors choose to visit the Miraflores Locks, which are located next to a shiny new visitors’ center, an open-air restaurant, a museum and a viewing platform.
Panamá Viejo (Old Panama)
Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, Panamá was the first European city on the Pacific coastline of the America. Although it was plundered and burnt to the ground by Captain Henry Morgan in 1617, the ruins of this once great city make for wonderful independent exploration.
Casco Viejo (Old Compound)
Following the destruction of Panamá, the Spanish moved their city a few kilometers east to a more fortified location. Today, much of this colonial city remains standing, and thanks to rapidly increasing urban renewal, is becoming the center of a reinvigorated arts, dining and nightlife scene.
Parque Natural Metropolitano (Metropolitan Natural Park)
Perched on the northern edge of the city, this natural retreat for urban dwellers is an expansive stretch of primary and secondary rainforest. The park is home to an enormous diversity of wildlife including rare tità monkeys, sloths, deer and more than 200 species of tropical birds.
Isla Taboga (Taboga Island)
#Known as the Island of Flowers, this offshore gem lies just 20km (12 miles) from Panama City, though beachcombers and sun worshippers will find themselves in a different world. Grab a boat from the Causeway, look for pods of whales en route and prepare yourself for a day of lounging about on sun-kissed sands.##Museo del Canal Interoceánico (Intero-Oceanic Canal Museum)##Commonly known as the Panama Canal Museum, this is a great place to stop by before visiting the canal itself. Housed in the original headquarters of the French canal expedition, it’s easy to get a sense here of the trials and tribulations that were overcome in order to complete this engineering marvel.##Museo Antropológico Reina Torres de Araúz (Reina Torres de Araúz Anthropology Museum)##Founded by Panama’s most famous and accomplished anthropologist, this expansive museum aims to educate visitors about the country’s pre-Colombian populations. Exhibits focus on the anthropology and archaeology of each of Panama’s regions, and are highlighted by rare artifacts from around the country.##Museo de la Biodiversidad (Museum of Biodiversity)##Construction is well underway on this Frank Gehry-led project, which is destined to be one of the city’s top highlights. The museum will focus on the incredible biodiversity found within Panama’s ecosystems, and will be housed in a unique building designed by the much acclaimed architect himself.
Shopping
From boutiques by the sea to open-air malls, Panama City Beach shopping options are perfect for a day-long splurge, a quick trip to find that one-of-a-kind souvenir and everything in between!Pier Park in Panama City Beach, is a brightly colored, open-air gem features a combination of national chain stores and local favorites, making it an unsurpassed Florida shopping mall. You can find everything from seashell jewelry and gourmet popcorn to business attire and designer handbags at this Panama City Beach mall.Pier Park’s lineup includes Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, Dillard’s, Target, Hofbrau Beer Garden, Starbucks, Border’s Books & Music and more. Visitors to Pier Park enjoy park-like walkways, spectacular Gulf views and a wealth of year-round activities for all ages - making this a memorable choice among Florida shopping malls. Pier Park also hosts outdoor entertainment and recreation throughout the year.
Another notable spot for Panama City Beach Florida shopping is Grand Panama Beach Resort. Among an eclectic mix of retail shops, restaurants and salons, you’ll find names you already know and love while becoming acquainted with regional and local favorites. With an array of options that span beach souvenirs to distinctive fashions, mouth-watering dishes to extraordinary service, shoppers of all ages and preferences are delighted with the treasures they find in The Village.Other Panama City Beach shopping options include Carillon Beach, Classic souvenir shops with selections of clothes, beach-themed unique items and more line Market Street. You'll find the best Florida shopping center, right here in Panama City Beach.
Fun & Family
Ecotourism
The Gamboa Tropical Rainforest Reserve and the Soberania National Park offer good opportunities for learning about tropical fauna and flora. Birdwatching enthusiasts will not be disappointed in Panama: there are about 950 registered species and the country is considered one of the world’s best birdwatching spots. The Antón Valley (El Valle de Antón), 120km/70 miles west of Panama City, is famous for its orchids and the El NÃspero Botanical Gardens; one activity on offer here is the tree canopy adventure, where participants are fastened into a harness, pulled up to the tree tops and swung from one platform to another in order to enjoy particularly ‘green’ views. Trips to the famous Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island (which houses a renowned tropical research laboratory) are also possible, although appointments need to be made at least one month in advance.
Boat trips
Boat trips on the Panama Canal are one of Panama’s major tourist attractions and there are various types of tours available. Crocodiles, frigate birds and other animals living along the banks and in the surrounding jungle can be observed. Canal tours often aim to provide visitors with a chance to observe one of the many large vessels moving through the canal locks, usually the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks. Executive yacht tours are available.
Watersports
There are some excellent locations for diving and snorkeling in Panama, the best of which include Isla Grande near Portobelo, where there are a number of dive centers offering excursions to the best reefs; the Bocas del Toro archipelago; Taboga Island (20km/12 miles south of Panama City); and the San Blás Islands (off the northeast coast). Whitewater rafting is becoming increasingly popular on the Chiriquà and Chiriquà Viejo rivers (not possible during the rainy season, from April to mid-December). Good sites for surfing include Santa Catalina, Venado and Rio Mar in the Pacific and Isla Grande, Bluf and Careneros in the Atlantic; waves can reach 15ft (4.5 meters).
Fishing
Fish are abundant in the Panamanian waters of the Pacific and the Caribbean. Locations include Piñas Bay, Coiba Island, Contadora Island and Taboga on the Pacific side and the San Blas Islands and the Chiriquà Lagoon off the archipelago of Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean. A number of hotels offer deep-sea fishing expeditions.
Golf
#There are six golf courses on the isthmus. Panamá Country Club, Summit and Fort Amador’s courses are all open to tourists. Guest cards are needed to play the 18-hole course at Coronado Beach Country Club. In addition, Itoroko, the former US golf course, has now opened up.##Horse riding##This is popular in the mountainous Chiriquà province, whose wild landscapes provide a natural habitat for cattle and horses. There are numerous horse-breeding farms, some of which can be visited. Horse trips to the Baru Volcano are also available.
Night Life
A traditional canon blast signals the end of another sunny day in Panama City, but it’s after that shot that “blasts†really begin. From massive dance clubs with theme rooms and humming dance floors to cozy seaside bars and clubs, partygoers find a never-ending array of nightlife options. For live music fans there are a variety of clubs and nightspots that feature local and regional bands that perform everything from rock-n-roll to jazz, island beats to country. If a relaxing evening on the shore is more your speed, plenty of bars and seaside restaurants fit fill the bill. Whether you're looking to unwind after a day of shopping and sightseeing or shake it on the dance floor until dawn, Panama City Beach offers 365 unforgettable evenings. There are so many things to do in Panama City Beach, your after-dark hours will be packed full. Listen to the ceremonial cannon blast daily at dusk at Schooner’s Local Beach Club, listen to the best live music on the beach while chilling with friends at Spinnaker, or dazzle on the dance floor at Club La Vela, the largest nightclub in the U.S. Watch the fishing boats unload as the sun sets outside Captain Anderson’s Restaurant or line dance to live country western at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Panama City Beach entertainment is something to remember. However you enjoy spending your after-dark hours, we'll keep you entertained way past your bedtime with plenty of things to do in Panama City Beach.
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