Rainbow colored Casco Viejo, Panama
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20 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN PANAMA CITY

Panama City, Panamá, might be a relatively small city by international standards, but there are plenty of fabulous things packed into this little metropolis. With rooftop bars, rainforest flora and fauna and the most famous canal on the planet, you won’t be at a loss for things to do in PTY.

1. VISIT THE CANAL

This modern-day engineering marvel should be on every visitor’s to do list. It is not only fascinating, it is unquestionably one of the most strategic points in the world. You’ll be amazed at the precision with which gigantic ships pass through with just enough space on either side, moving goods from one ocean to another. The IMAX movie, narrated by Morgan Freeman, beautifully combines the history of Panamá with the building and evolution of the canal over time. Check the www.visitcanaldepanama.com for updated ship schedules.

Ship passing through the Panama Canal.
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2. TAKE A WALKING TOUR OF CASCO VIEJO

This is a fantastic way to not only orient yourself to the city, but also to learn about the city’s rich history. I’ve had great experiences with www.guruwalk.com. The free walking tour hits all the highlights: churches, neighborhoods, architectural styles and shops along the way.

Beautifully bright houses of Casco Antiguo.
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3. SPOT A SLOTH

There’s more than one place around town to spot a sloth: Cerro Ancon or Parque Natural Metropolitano are good places to start. However, if you want an almost guaranteed sighting, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute at Punta Culebra on Amador Causeway is my go-to. Take a short walk out back toward the shoreline where you can almost always sight both two and three-toed sloths hanging out in the treetops.

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4.SUNSET DRINKS ON A ROOFTOP

PTY’s panorama is stellar. With sweeping views of the Pacific, glittering skyscrapers and mountainous islands, a sunset and a tropical drink from a local rooftop bar is a must for visitors and locals alike. Some popular spots are: Panaviera, Poin, and Sama Sky Lounge.

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5. MONKEY ISLAND

Panama City, Panamá, is not just a metropolis, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Just a stone’s throw away from downtown, traveler’s can venture out into the waters of Lake Gatún in search of three of Panama’s monkey species: Geoffroy’s Tamarin, Howler Monkeys and White-faced Capuchins. While some monkeys were stranded here during the flooding of the lake to form the canal, others were placed here as rescues from less than satisfactory life as a pet.

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BOOK YOUR TOUR TO MONKEY ISLAND:


6. CHECK OUT THE URBAN ZIPLINE AT POIN

If you are an adrenaline junkie, this one is for you. The Poin zipline is a truly epic way to experience PTY. Day or night, daredevils can trip across the sky while taking in the skyline and ocean views. Calm your nerves with a delicious cocktail afterward.

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7. EAT AT A FONDA

Fondas are a staple of Panamanian life. These eateries come in various forms: from outdoor dining counter to a family restaurant feel. You’ll find the most authentic Panamanian cuisine here. Order sancocho, ropa vieja fried chicken or fish with a hearty serving of rice, porotos and patacones with a yummy chicha to wash it all down for around $5.

Panamanian food
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8. CLIMB CERRO ANCÓN

Well within the city limits, Cerro Ancon is an sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Grab an Uber to Quarry Heights or Mi Pueblito to start the climb to the top of the highest point in all of PTY. Along the way, keep your eyes and ears open for monkeys, toucans and sloths moving through the tree tops. Check out all three views from the summit: city, causeway and canal. They never disappoint.

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9.GRAB A MOJITO AT PEDRO MANDINGA

Panamá proudly produces some really delicious artisanal rum made from raspadura or unrefined cane sugar. My favorite bar for excellent, tropical vibes and delicious drinks is Pedro Mandinga. The ambience is on point and the drinks are so yummy. Go for happy hour Monday through Friday for a deep discount starting at 4pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12-6.

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10. HIT THE CLUB SCENE

Panama City’s nightlife offers endless opportunities to get out and take in the spectacular views and lovely, warm weather. With numerous rooftop bars like Tántalo, Selina and Casa Casco, you will not be at a loss for places to party.

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11. EAT AT CAFE COCA COLA

This is Panama City’s oldest cafe dating back to 1875, when it opened as “Nueve Puertas,” named for its nine doors. Later, in 1906, the Coca Cola Company opened a bottling plant in Panamá to satisfy the thirst of canal workers. The cafe received special permission to use the Coca Cola name. Over the course of its history, the cafe has seen many famous visitors: Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, Juan and Eva Perón and Julio Iglesias just to name a few. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch all day.

Cafe Coca Cola
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12. VISIT A TROPICAL BEACH

Panamá has some stunning beaches with miles of beautiful coastline and more than 1,000 islands to visit. It just takes a little planning to get there. Whether you choose the Pacific side or the Atlantic side, a beach day is a must in my book . Schedule an excursion during your stay to one of many beautiful spots like: Islas San Blas, Isla Mogo Mogo or Isla Contadora.

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13. DISCOVER THE REAL PANAMÁ ON A TOUR OF EL CHORILLO

To get the entire picture of Panamá, you need to step outside of touristy Casco Viejo. Panamá has a rich and somewhat complicated history and El Chorillo is, in a way, the epicenter of some of Panama’s most important, recent events. Home to some of Panamá’s most famous–or infamous sons–with greats like boxer Roberto Durán and not-so-greats like deposed dictator Manuel Noriega. I highly recommend a guided tour with Victor Peretz of localinpty to uncover the history of this fascinating neighborhood.

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14. GRAB A CEVICHE AT MERCADO DE MARISCOS

Mercado de Mariscos” or the Seafood Market is a must-do if you like seafood. Every day, the stalls are restocked with the freshest catch of shellfish and fish at rock bottom prices. Outside, the market is usually packed with diners who come to sample local dishes at one of the many restaurants operating out of the market. Offering everything from ceviche to the entire fish, you will not go hungry.

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15. MEET THE LOCALS

Panamá is home to a diverse population with the majority of its citizens being “mestizo,” a blend of Spanish, African and indigenous roots. Panamá has six semi-autonomous indigenous comarcas that help keep alive the unique traditions of natives like the Emberá-Wounaan of Chagres National Park and Guna of Islas San Blas. Meeting these special locals is such an amazing way to immerse yourself in the cultures that make Panamá that much more beautiful.

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BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE


16. VISIT THE MOLA MUSEUM

The Mola Museum is actually my favorite museum in Panamá. It is such an cool look at the Guna culture and the manifestation of their beliefs through art. The museum is located in Casco Viejo and is free to visitors with the average visit being about 30 minutes.

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17. SAMPLE THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE COFFEE

Panamá’s mountain climate in Boquete is the perfect place for cultivating the most expensive coffee variety in the world, Geisha. There are numerous cafes around town where you can sample this brew that averages around $4,150 per pound. Grab a cup for around $10 at: Café Unido, Sisu or Tiempos Specialty Coffee. You can also get a closer look at Panama’s coffee culture with a visit to the Geisha Experience Panamá in Casco Viejo.

coffee, coffee grains, cup of coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee-2374466.jpg
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18. CATCH THE SALSA SHOW AT EL TROPICANA

This is a good time if you are a salsa lover or if you love a good show with plenty of gorgeous, talented people. The salsa show at Star Bay Casino at the Hilton Hotel, on Avenida Balboa, is a Friday and Saturday night treat that attracts locals as well as visitors that want to check it out. The performance usually starts around 10pm and showcases a lineup of pop and Latin hits that get the crowd moving in their seats. Between sets, hit the dance floor.

Salsa cabaret at the Star Bay Hilton Casino Panama City Panama
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19. PANAMA VIEJO

This is where it all began. Panamá Viejo is the original site of Ciudad de Panamá a few kilometers up the road from present day Casco Viejo. The ruins set among the modern buildings are a great photo op and the account of Captain Henry Morgan’s arrival tells a fascinating story that complete the historical picture of this Spanish colonial settlement. The onsite museum boasts pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial artifacts that make it worth the trip.

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20. BIOMUSEO

Last, but certainly not least, a visit to the brightly colored Biomuseo on the Amador Causeway is a great way to take a step back in time where the geological, biological and historical timeline of the isthmus come alive. Learn about Panamá’s volcanic beginnings as mountains rising out of the ocean, ultimately creating the land bridge connecting the Americas. The museum and grounds are lovely and Amador is a treat in itself with its restaurants, cycling and water sports.

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Panama City is a destination that truly has it all: rich history, cultural experiences, modern attractions and natural wonders. This vibrant city offers an incredible mix of activities that will create memories to last a lifetime. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Panama City will surprise and delight you at every turn!

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