Panamá City
With its location alongside one of the world’s busiest transportation corridors, Panamá City is a lovely, modern city serving international business and a thriving tourism culture. Alongside towering skyscrapers, casinos and malls boasting designer boutiques lies San Felipe, the city’s cobblestoned historic center known for its nightlife, rooftop bars and fine restaurants representing the range of global cuisine.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
The largest and busiest airport in Central America, Tocumen International Airport lies about 14 miles northeast of the city — about 30 minutes by car. Rentals, taxis and rideshares Uber and Cabify are available, with public transport provided by bus, which requires the use of a Metro card. There are two metro lines, but these are used mostly by residents and not tourists. Casco Viejo, the city’s historic center, proves very pedestrian-friendly.
LODGING American Trade Hotel
This stylish old city hotel housed in a restored 1917 building offers meeting and event space along with luxury boutique accommodations and all the modern amenities. Enjoy the rooftop pool, restaurant, café and live jazz music at Danilo’s Jazz Club.
Plaza Herrera, Casco Viejo, Panamá City, Panamá, tel 507 211 2000 americantrade hotel.com
JW Marriott Panama
Located in a 70-story waterfront tower on Panamá Bay, the property boasts fine-dining options, access to the Ocean Sun Casino and a 67th-floor infinity pool with stunning views. Calle Punta Colón, Punta Pacifica, Panamá City, Panamá, tel 507 215 8800 marriott.com
Selina Casco Viejo Panamá City
This trendy lifestyle boutique hotel in the heart of the action offers co-work space; a rooftop terrace with swimming pool, views, craft brews and cocktails; and social events from live salsa music to Dj-hosted dancing and more. Avenida B – Calle 12, Panamá City, Panamá, tel 507 652 416 30 selina.com
DINING Capital Bistró Panamá
Serving elegant fusion cuisine with casual style, Capital Bistró boasts fantastic city skyline views on the water in Casco Viejo.
Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Panamá City, Panamá, tel 507 6270 8103 capitalbistropanama.com
Maito Restaurante
One of the 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America, Maito blends Panamanian influences and sustainable products sourced from indigenous communities to create unique local cuisine.
Calle 50, Panamá City, Panamá, tel 507 391 4657 maitopanama.com
Salvaje Restaurante y Rooftop
This multifloor restaurant invites adventurous palates to savor its gourmet Japanese cuisine with a twist. Begin or finish your meal with cocktails on the top-floor terrace with cityscape and water views. Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Esquina Calle 11, Casco Viejo, Panamá City, Panamá, tel 507 6305 3634
ATTRACTIONS Biomuseo
Panamá boasts more bird and tree species than all of North America, so a visit to the striking Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo offers the chance to understand its unique flora and fauna. The eight indoor galleries house an aquarium and exhibits on the geology, animals and human history of the area.
Outdoor spaces include gardens exploring crops, biodiversity and evolution and provide views of ships passing under the Bridge of the Americas and through the Canal.
Calzada de Amador 136, Panamá City, Panamá, tel 507 830 6700 biomuseo.org/en
Metropolitan Natural Park
The only tropical forest serving as a public park in a metropolitan area, this 573-acre park is home to an astonishing number of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species. Guided tours are available, or you can hike one of five trails on your own. Climb to the top of Cerro Cidro for expansive views of the city, and stop by the butterfly house to see its 30 different resident species. tel 507 232 5516
Panama Canal
The Miraflores Visitor Center provides an excellent way to view and experience the workings of the Canal. The interactive museum’s viewing deck lets you watch the operation of the locks. For a more complete history of the Canal, visit the Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo. To get the full experience, take a full or partial transit cruise to view the locks from the water — and other sights as well — on a day cruise/tour.
Museum: Plaza Catedral, Casco Viejo, Panamá City, Panamá, tel 507 211 1649 museodelcanal.com Visitor Center: tel 507 276 8325 visitcanalde panama.com