Welcome to Panama City—where ancient history collides with a sleek, modern skyline, and adventure is waiting around every corner! From tropical escapes to gourmet dining, Panama’s capital city has it all. Today, I’m counting down the 10 must-know things about Panama City that will have you feeling like a local, whether you’re planning to visit or you’re ready to make the big move!
#10 – Multiplaza Mall: Shop ‘Til You Drop
If you love shopping, you’re going to love Multiplaza Mall. This is where Panama City’s fashionistas go to get their fix, and it’s packed with designer brands, local boutiques, and some pretty fantastic restaurants. You can easily spend an entire day here and still feel like you missed something. And yes, they have air conditioning, which is a big plus on hot days in this tropical city!
#9 – Panama Viejo: Where It All Began
Panama Viejo is the ORIGINAL Panama City. Founded in 1519, this historic site is where it all started—until the pirate Henry Morgan burned it down in 1671 as part of his quest to plunder the wealth of the Spanish Empire. You see, at that time, Panama City was a critical part of Spain’s trade route and it served as the primary transfer point for silver and gold before it was shipped to Spain. Today, you can walk through the ruins of the old city, climb the tower, and imagine what life was like in Panama’s early days. It’s a history lesson with a view!
#8 – The Cinta Costera: Panama’s Front Row Seat
For the best views of the skyline and the Pacific, head to Cinta Costera. This long coastal park is perfect for a morning jog, a sunset stroll, or just people-watching. You can even rent a bike or hop on a scooter to take in the whole scene. It’s where the city comes to play, so grab some ceviche from a nearby stand and enjoy the show!
#7 – The Biomuseo: A Splash of Color and Culture
Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo is hard to miss with its bright, colorful structure. But it’s what’s inside that really matters—this museum tells the fascinating story of Panama’s biodiversity and how this tiny isthmus changed the world. It’s fun, educational, and a great place to cool off during the heat of the day.
By the way, I REALLY want to interview Frank Gehry for The Panama Podcast, especially because he’s married to a Panamanian. If anyone knows how to get in contact with him directly, please leave me a comment below.
#6 – Mercado de Mariscos: Seafood Lovers’ Paradise
Calling all seafood lovers! The Mercado de Mariscos, or seafood market, is where you’ll find the freshest catch of the day. From shrimp to octopus to the best ceviche in town, this market is a foodie’s dream. It’s also where locals stock up on fresh fish, and the energy here is electric. Just be prepared for a little hustle and bustle—it’s all part of the experience!"
#5 – Ancon Hill: The Best Views in Town
"For a bird’s eye view of Panama City, Ancon Hill is the place to be. This 650-foot-tall hill is covered in lush rainforest and is home to sloths, toucans, and more. After a short hike to the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the city, the canal, and the surrounding jungle. It’s a peaceful retreat from the hustle of city life—and perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots!"
#4 – Amador Causeway: Gateway to the Islands
"If you want to feel the sea breeze and get out of the city, head to the Amador Causeway. This long road connects Panama City to three small islands and offers stunning views of the ocean, the skyline, and ships waiting to enter the Panama Canal. It’s also lined with great restaurants, perfect for enjoying a meal while watching the sun go down."
#3 – The Panama Canal: The Engineering Marvel
We can’t talk about Panama City without mentioning the Panama Canal. Sure, it’s a tourist hotspot, but it’s also an impressive feat of engineering that changed global trade forever. Watching those massive ships squeeze through the locks is a sight you won’t forget. Here’s a Fun fact: Did you know it takes about 8 to 10 hours for a ship to pass through the entire canal?
#2 – Casco Viejo: The Historic Heart
After Pirate Henry Morgan burned down Panama Vieja, the Spanish authorities moved Panama City to what’s now Casco Viejo. As it sits along the coast, it was a more defensible location. Now, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a beautiful maze of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming plazas. It’s like stepping back in time … except with rooftop bars and some of the city’s best restaurants. Whether you’re exploring its history or sipping a cocktail with views of the modern skyline, Casco Viejo is the beating heart of Panama City.
#1 – The Vibe: A City Like No Other
Panama City is a place where old meets new…where the skyscrapers are as impressive as the jungle surrounding them…and where the energy is contagious. Whether you’re here for the nightlife, the culture, the food, or just the sunshine, Panama City is truly one of a kind. It’s no wonder expats from all over the world are flocking here to call it home!
Closing
That’s a wrap on our countdown of the top 10 things you need to know about Panama City! Whether you’re planning a visit or thinking of making the big move, this city has something for everyone. Don’t forget to share this video with anyone who needs a little Panama inspiration.
Until next time—happy exploring.
See you in Panama.
#10 – Multiplaza Mall: Shop ‘Til You Drop
If you love shopping, you’re going to love Multiplaza Mall. This is where Panama City’s fashionistas go to get their fix, and it’s packed with designer brands, local boutiques, and some pretty fantastic restaurants. You can easily spend an entire day here and still feel like you missed something. And yes, they have air conditioning, which is a big plus on hot days in this tropical city!
#9 – Panama Viejo: Where It All Began
Panama Viejo is the ORIGINAL Panama City. Founded in 1519, this historic site is where it all started—until the pirate Henry Morgan burned it down in 1671 as part of his quest to plunder the wealth of the Spanish Empire. You see, at that time, Panama City was a critical part of Spain’s trade route and it served as the primary transfer point for silver and gold before it was shipped to Spain. Today, you can walk through the ruins of the old city, climb the tower, and imagine what life was like in Panama’s early days. It’s a history lesson with a view!
#8 – The Cinta Costera: Panama’s Front Row Seat
For the best views of the skyline and the Pacific, head to Cinta Costera. This long coastal park is perfect for a morning jog, a sunset stroll, or just people-watching. You can even rent a bike or hop on a scooter to take in the whole scene. It’s where the city comes to play, so grab some ceviche from a nearby stand and enjoy the show!
#7 – The Biomuseo: A Splash of Color and Culture
Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo is hard to miss with its bright, colorful structure. But it’s what’s inside that really matters—this museum tells the fascinating story of Panama’s biodiversity and how this tiny isthmus changed the world. It’s fun, educational, and a great place to cool off during the heat of the day.
By the way, I REALLY want to interview Frank Gehry for The Panama Podcast, especially because he’s married to a Panamanian. If anyone knows how to get in contact with him directly, please leave me a comment below.
#6 – Mercado de Mariscos: Seafood Lovers’ Paradise
Calling all seafood lovers! The Mercado de Mariscos, or seafood market, is where you’ll find the freshest catch of the day. From shrimp to octopus to the best ceviche in town, this market is a foodie’s dream. It’s also where locals stock up on fresh fish, and the energy here is electric. Just be prepared for a little hustle and bustle—it’s all part of the experience!"
#5 – Ancon Hill: The Best Views in Town
"For a bird’s eye view of Panama City, Ancon Hill is the place to be. This 650-foot-tall hill is covered in lush rainforest and is home to sloths, toucans, and more. After a short hike to the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the city, the canal, and the surrounding jungle. It’s a peaceful retreat from the hustle of city life—and perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots!"
#4 – Amador Causeway: Gateway to the Islands
"If you want to feel the sea breeze and get out of the city, head to the Amador Causeway. This long road connects Panama City to three small islands and offers stunning views of the ocean, the skyline, and ships waiting to enter the Panama Canal. It’s also lined with great restaurants, perfect for enjoying a meal while watching the sun go down."
#3 – The Panama Canal: The Engineering Marvel
We can’t talk about Panama City without mentioning the Panama Canal. Sure, it’s a tourist hotspot, but it’s also an impressive feat of engineering that changed global trade forever. Watching those massive ships squeeze through the locks is a sight you won’t forget. Here’s a Fun fact: Did you know it takes about 8 to 10 hours for a ship to pass through the entire canal?
#2 – Casco Viejo: The Historic Heart
After Pirate Henry Morgan burned down Panama Vieja, the Spanish authorities moved Panama City to what’s now Casco Viejo. As it sits along the coast, it was a more defensible location. Now, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a beautiful maze of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming plazas. It’s like stepping back in time … except with rooftop bars and some of the city’s best restaurants. Whether you’re exploring its history or sipping a cocktail with views of the modern skyline, Casco Viejo is the beating heart of Panama City.
#1 – The Vibe: A City Like No Other
Panama City is a place where old meets new…where the skyscrapers are as impressive as the jungle surrounding them…and where the energy is contagious. Whether you’re here for the nightlife, the culture, the food, or just the sunshine, Panama City is truly one of a kind. It’s no wonder expats from all over the world are flocking here to call it home!
Closing
That’s a wrap on our countdown of the top 10 things you need to know about Panama City! Whether you’re planning a visit or thinking of making the big move, this city has something for everyone. Don’t forget to share this video with anyone who needs a little Panama inspiration.
Until next time—happy exploring.
See you in Panama.
RSS Feed