Panama City is an oft-overlooked destination that has a lot to offer to tourists and travelers. Most of you have heard of the Panama Canal, but Panama City has so much more to offer than this alone.
Follow the two-day guide below and you are guaranteed to have an amazing time in Panama City that you will remember fondly for years to come.
Day 1: Explore the streets of Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is the neighborhood in Panama City that most travelers choose to stay in, and with good reason. Casco Viejo is more than just the historical area of Panama City. It is also a lively part of town full of fun things to do.
Whether you are sipping coffee at one of the many adorable cafes or enjoying the energetic night life that appears after sunset, your time in Casco Viejo is sure to be memorable.
Make sure you head to the water where an outdoor market pops up in Casco Viejo every day. You can buy souvenirs, taste local street food, or simply soak in everything there is to see in the beautiful and picturesque Casco Viejo.
Day 1: Learn about Panama’s past at Panama Viejo
An easy trip from Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo is the true ‘old Panama’. These ruins take up a small section of the city, but they are an incredible site. The half-destroyed stone buildings stand in stark contrast with the modern skyscrapers that define the rest of the Panama City skyline.
You can buy a ticket to the ruins for 4 (PAB 4USD / 3.55 EUR) or a ticket to the ruins and museum for 6 PAB (6 USD / 5.33 EUR). The museum can easily be skipped as it is entirely in Spanish and consist mostly of pictures of the very ruins that are only a few feet away.
There is a lot to see at Panama Viejo and though it may not be the most impressive set of ruins in the world, it is definitely worth the visit and the entrance fee while you are in Panama City.
Day 2: Take a stroll along the Amador Causeway
On your second day in Panama City, you can explore the Amador Causeway. Choose between renting a bike or going for a walk and enjoy this water-side causeway. It’s a popular place for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the sunny Panama weather and capture incredible views of Panama City.
Make the most of your visit to the Amador Causeway by enjoying dinner along the waterline and watching the ships come and go while you dig into dessert.
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Day 2: See massive cargo ships cross the Panama Canal
Of course, your visit to Panama City would not be complete without a visit to the Panama Canal. Over the past few years that city has worked hard to make the Panama Canal a wonderful experience for tourists.
Now you can see the ships cross the intricate system of locks, watch a short film on the history and future if the Panama Canal, and tour a museum that will answer any questions you could possibly think of regarding the canal. Not only is the Panama Canal a great experience, but it is a must for anyone visiting Panama City.
Make your visit to Panama City count!
Many people only see Panama City from the window of a cruise ship while sailing through the Panama Canal. While I understand the appeal of cruising through the Panama Canal, I think these tourists do not realize what they are missing.
Panama City is an incredible city with a rich history and a lot to offer tourists and travelers who visit today. Follow the above itinerary (making sure to leave some time to simply explore) and you will have a Panama City experience you will always remember.
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