Panama City is a vibrant city with an exciting culture, rich history, and jaw-dropping panoramic views. There are many things to see in Panama City, so it can be difficult to know where to start your journey. That’s why we have compiled this list of the best places to visit when you’re exploring Panama City!
Why Panama City?
Panama City is the capital of Panama and its largest city. It’s a major commercial center, as well as a cultural and financial hub for Central America. The city is known for its mix of cultures, including Spanish, Caribbean, and American influences. Panama City is home to fantastic cuisine and entertainment activities. You’ll also discover a lot of music and art all over the city. This unique blend makes for an interesting and exciting destination to explore.
Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is the most popular place to visit in Panama City. After the abandonment of the colony’s original site, it was set on fire by Governor Don Juan Pérez de Guzmán in 1671. He did so in order to protect Panama from pirate attacks. It was gentrified in the late 20th century, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has withstood numerous attacks and calamities throughout history. You may still visit the city’s ancient quarter today, where you can stroll around the terracotta roofs, café-bars, and bell towers.
The Biomuseo
The Biomuseo is located on Amador Causeway – one of our favorite Panama city attractions. It’s an interactive museum that takes you on a journey of human and natural history, as well as Panama culture!
The unique and colorful geometrical edifice was created by renowned architect Frank Gehry. He is the mastermind behind world-renowned structures such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris. When you visit The Biomuseo, you’ll be able to view Gehry’s first design in Latin America.
The Bridge of the Americas
The Bridge of the Americas spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal at Balboa, Panama. Its construction lasted from 1959 to 1962 and the United States paid $20 million for it. The bridge was a critical component of the Pan-American Highway from its completion in 1962 until the opening of the Centennial Bridge in 2004. The Bridge of the Americas greatly increases traffic capacity across the Canal.
So if you’re looking for panorama views over Panama City – make sure to stop by The Bridge of the Americas. This bridge is part of one of our favorite Panama activities: crossing from North America into South America!
Cerro Ancon
Located right next to Balboa Park, Cerro Ancón offers panoramic Panama travel photos that are difficult to find anywhere else in Panama City. The Ancon Hill, also known as Cerro Ancon, is a 199-meter high hill that overlooks Panama City and is the highest point in town. The Ancón Mountain Range was used for the Panama Canal administration in Panama by the United States. It was returned to Panama in 1977. The region is largely unspoilt and is now a conservation preserve.
The summit of the hill can be reached by a 30-minute hike. On top of this hill, you can also see Fort San Lorenzo de Bóveda. This is where Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa was murdered in 1519.
El Tornillo
Panama today has one of the most distinctive skylines in Latin America. The Revolution Tower (F&F tower), also known as “Tornillo” (the screw in Spanish) is one of Panama’s most well-known landmarks. The 47 floors of the F&W building spiral 243 meters into the air and are visible throughout the city. You can find it on Calle 50, in Panama City’s busy financial district.
Where to stay in Panama City?
The best areas to stay in Panama City with easy access to explore the beauty of it would be the following five neighbourhoods:
- Casco Viejo
- Bella Vista
- Marbella
- El Cangrejo
- Obarrio
Conclusion
Panama City is a beautiful place with so much to offer. We hope you enjoyed our list of the best places in the city and if we missed anything, please let us know! Have you been before? What did you think was your favorite place or experience? Let’s talk about it below in the comments section.
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