As a major port of international business and trade you’ll find there is quite a few things to do in Panama City.
Having spent two months through the Central American country side, avoiding dangerous cities like Guatemala City (Guatemala), Tegucigalpa (Honduras), Managua (Nicaragua), Belize City (Belize) it was a pleasant surprise to arrive in Panama City, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
A short time is a good time in Panama’s capital, most people use it as a pass-through point to head either south into Colombia or north into Costa Rica. For some it’s a great place to party. Whatever your reason to visit, a few days is all you need.
What to do?
Panama Canal
By far the most famous and well known tourist attraction in Panama is the Panama Canal. The canal is a two kilometre palm-tree lined causeway which connects four small islands to the mainland. A great place to come to see dramatic views of the old city and modern skyline.
Casco Viejo
The old part of the city filled with beautiful old buildings. This character and history has helped Panama City become a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Shopping
Tax tree shopping and all the mainstream stores you’d find in the developed world. While not many people come to this region to shop, it definitely is handy to have a stop over in a civilised city with access to replace broken phone chargers, lap top cables and buy a new camera before continuing your journey back into the uncivilised world.
Walk the city
Walk along the Av Balboa and take in the gorgeous views of the city.
Take a few days to explore the San Blas Islands
Sailing and boat trips through the San Blas either start or end here in Panama City. Read about my time in the San Blas here.