Information for Travelers
Panama City, the modern capital of Panama, sits on the Pacific Ocean and the man-made Panama Canal.
Panama City offers all the comfort and glamor of a modern city, but it has also done an excellent job of preserving its historic areas and attractions.
Gleaming towers, a world-class airport and fast-moving expressways contrast sharply with the slower pace of the historic center.
While it takes more imagination to visualize what used to be here, a visit to the site is still worth it.
Other key highlights can be found around Panama City, including one of Panama's most famous sites, the Panama Canal.
A visit to Panama City is not complete without seeing the famous Panama Canal.
Depending on your level of interest and the time available, you can take a canal boat tour or view the locks from a land-based observation deck.
Also outside the city limits, but within easy reach, are some lovely natural areas, perfect for wildlife watching or hiking trails.
At night, after the heat of the day begins to subside, this area of Panama City comes alive with people.
Step out into the sultry night air and enjoy dinner under the lights of an ancient ruin and enjoy some nightlife.
When strolling through the old town, you're likely to end up at Plaza de la Independencia.
Also called Plaza Mayor or Plaza de la Catedral, the park celebrates Panama declaring independence from Colombia in November 1903.
For souvenir shopping, Paseo de las Bovedas or Estaban Huertas, popularly known as Lovers Lane, is a good place to start.
Located at the southern end of Casco Viejo, this walkway along the former seawall is lined with numerous tables of vendors selling interesting items, from license plates to indigenous artwork and crafts.
Culture
The Museo de Sitio Panama Viejo is a perfect place to start your visit, where you can see a model of the ruins to get a perspective of what was once there.
Many of the city's main tourist attractions are located in Casco Viejo, the Old Town designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Casco Viejo, the cobbled old town, is known for its colonial attractions, including the neoclassical presidential palace and bougainvillea-lined squares lined with cafes and bars.
Its narrow streets lined with ancient architecture offer a glimpse into the past, offering amenities such as restaurants, hotels and shops.
Casco Viejo is not to be confused with the original town of Panama Viejo, an area with some remaining ruins, most of which have not been restored.
From the Miraflores locks you can watch ships in the Panama Canal, an important maritime route that connects the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Read about Panama City in Wikipedia
Current time in Panama City Panama with seconds according to the official atomic clock.
