Panama City (Spanish: Ciudad de Panamá) is the capital of the country. With 800,000 inhabitants (including the suburbs, the number is even around 1.5 million inhabitants), the city is also the largest metropolis in the country. The modern city is connected by the Panama Canal and
the many banks are the economic center of the country. We can't say it any other way, but this city simply blew us away. The modern skyline with the view of the sea, the dilapidated old town Casco-Viejo , which has a wonderful charm, as well as the rainforest around the city, make Panama City simply unique.
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HIGHLIGHTS and MUST DO’S
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is probably number one for most people. When we told our friends and acquaintances that we were going to Panama, the most common reaction was either Janosch's quote "Oh, how beautiful Panama is" or "What do you want in Panama? There's the Panama Canal, what else?"
At approximately 82 km, the Panama Canal is the longest man-made waterway in the world and connects the Atlantic with the Pacific.
The best view of the canal is from the Miraflores Locks, which are half an hour outside of Panama City. We took a look at the canal from the Calzada de Amador. The most popular way to explore the Panama Canal is by taking a canal cruise.
Amador Shoe
The Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador) is a 6 km long causeway that is located at the southern entrance to the Panama Canal and connects 4 small islands ( Isla Naos, Perico, Culebra and Flamenco ) to the mainland. There are several restaurants, small shops and bike rentals along the causeway. The road is very popular with both tourists and locals. You can cycle, inline skate, jog, walk or just stroll. We actually ended up there by chance because there is a pier for the crossing to Isla Taboga .
After that we went back twice because we liked it so much. There is a children's playground, a go-kart track and in the evening a fair with lots of food stalls.
Old Town
Casco Viejo (Spanish for old town) or also called San Felipe is definitely a MUST DO on every trip to Panama . The historic old town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While you stroll through the old town with an ice cream, you can explore the small alleys and streets of the district. Behind every corner you will find impressive colonial buildings, some of which have been completely restored or are still in their original state. Then you will see crumbling facades and dilapidated buildings that still have their charm. The locals sit sociably outside the door and discuss things, relax in the sun or do various activities.
There are many cafes, restaurants, street artists that highlight the charm of the old town.
TIP:
From the Plaza de Francia at the southern end of Casco Viejo you have a great view of the Panama City skyline .
Metropolitan Natural Park
The Metropolitan Natural Park is the only nature reserve within the city and offers a beautiful view of Panama City. The park is located more on the city limits. Although it is so close to Panama City, it is home to a variety of animals such as various species of birds, butterflies and, with a bit of luck, you can see monkeys and sloths. The hiking trails are very well developed, but definitely not doable with a stroller. At the beginning the road is paved, but after that you have to climb a few steps.
TIP: You should go to the park early in the morning, then it is not so hot and you really have the chance to see monkeys and sloths. Unfortunately, we didn't get there until around 2 p.m., which was much too late to see any monkeys or sloths. I guess that's what you call -PERSONAL BAD LUCK-
The park costs $4 per person to enter and you can hike 3 different routes. In our opinion, the entrance fee is very fair and definitely worth it. We took the smallest route because of the children and I have to say, it worked really well. Mia and Raphael walked the entire route alone . There is a children's playground at the entrance. After our hike, the children still had enough energy to play there :-)
Taboga Island
Isla Taboga is the little island getaway for Panama City locals. It only takes 20 minutes by ferry to get to the island, which is 15 km away. The cost for a round trip is $24 per person for adults and $14 per person for children. The crossing can be booked online at https://tabogaexpress.com/book-now / book. We bought a ticket on site, but this meant that we "only" got leftover seats. So we left at 11:00 a.m. and had to return at 2:00 p.m. That's why I recommend booking online in advance, so you can choose the times yourself.
Isla Taboga is actually a pretty sleepy and authentic place. We have seen much nicer islands, but we think that makes this place very authentic. It hasn't been spruced up for tourists, which is what makes the island charming. There are a few restaurants, snack bars and cocktail bars. Otherwise, you'll find a few shops where you can buy everything you need for a day at the beach. You can also reserve sun loungers and parasols. All in all, Isla Taboga is a nice island for us, not far from the city, where you can relax for a few hours and the kids can build their sandcastles.
TIP: Avoid going to the island on weekends, as many locals come to the island and it can get very crowded.
CONCLUSION
Panama City stole our hearts. We are so enthusiastic about this metropolis that we will definitely come back. As already mentioned above, this mixture of modernity, nature and jungle, as well as the sea, is a unique mix. We were actually very surprised by the prices, as we did not expect the prices to be so similar to ours. However, this was not only the case in the city, but in all the places in Panama that we visited.
See you soon Panama City, we will see you soon
You can find all information about our complete itinerary here:
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