Although it’s often confused with the identically named coastal city in Florida, Panama City, Panama is not a ‘spring break’ beach destination but rather the most
cosmopolitan capital in all of Central America. Here, at the intersection of the Americas and the Pacific terminus of the
world-famous canal, Panama City is truly open to the world.
First impressions of the city are nearly always favorable, especially considering that its
chic skyline of soaring steel and glass cuts a graceful arc across the horizon. As one of the
up-and-coming financial and
trade centers of the world, Panama
City is experiencing an
unprecedented boom.
Today, the downtown business districts are chock full of
stylish bars and
restaurants, and it’s possible to dine on the majority of the
world’s top cuisines. By night, urban dwellers take to the streets in their choicest robes, forming the crux of the capital’s
legendary nightlife.
Of course, Panama City is much more than a modern playground for the well-to-do, especially considering the
incredible history of the capital. Founded in the 16th century by the Spanish, Panamá was the
first European settlement on the Pacific, and its
atmospheric ruins can still be explored today.
Founded in the 17th century, the colonial district of
Casco Viejo remains well-preserved, and is emerging as one of the city’s most
fashionable districts thanks to an intensive campaign of urban renewal.
Assuming you can pry yourself away from Panama City’s urban charms, there are a variety of
spectacular attractions lying on the outskirts of the capital. No visit to Panama would be complete without a day-trip to the
canal, especially if you can time your visit to coincide with a
vessel transit.
And this is to say nothing of Panama’s stunning natural attractions, which include
virgin rainforests and
palm-fringed beaches, which lie less than an hour from the heart of the downtown.
Although it’s still
off the beaten path, save ample time to explore what is arguably one of the
most rewarding capital cities in all of Latin America.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Panama Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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