Sightseeing OverviewAlthough the capital serves as the
gateway to Panama’s
spectacular natural attractions, it’s worth spending a few days in Panama City.
Most foreigners are very familiar with the
canal, but few realise that the capital is bordered by
virgin rainforest, and located in close proximity to stunning stretches of
white-sand beaches. And of course, this is to say nothing of the city’s
historic district of
colonial promenades, or its modern banking district of
soaring skyscrapers.
No trip to Panama
would be complete without visiting its
world famous canal, which is located on the
western edge of the city.
On the eastern outskirts of the capital are the ruins of
Panamá Viejo, the original 16th-century Spanish settlement that was destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan. In 1671, the city was moved to present day
Casco Viejo, which remains the capital’s most
enchanting district.
On the northern edge of the city lies
Parque Natural Metropolitano, a stunning stretch of tropical rainforest home to several
hiking trails. A quick boat-ride south of the city brings you to
Isla Taboga, a sun-drenched island of lazy palms and sparkling sand.
Panama City is also home to several
noteworthy museums including the
Museo del Canal Interoceánico,
Museo Antropológico Reina Torres de Araúz and the
Museo de la Biodiversidad. Tourist InformationIPATVía Israel
Tel: 226 7000
Website:
www.panamainfo.com PassesThere are currently no sightseeing passes in Panama City.
Key Attractions:Panama Canal
This modern engineering marvel is famous the world over, though nothing can prepare you for the awesome sight of watching hulking vessels traverse any of the canal’s three sets of locks. Most visitors choose to visit the Miraflores Locks, which are located next to a shiny new visitors’ center, an open-air restaurant, a museum and a viewing platform.
Tel: 257 1433.
Website:
www.pancanal.com Admission charge.
Panamá Viejo (Old Panama)
Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, Panamá was the first European city on the Pacific coastline of the Americas. Although it was plundered and burnt to the ground by Captain Henry Morgan in 1617, the ruins of this once great city make for wonderful independent exploration.
Casco Viejo (Old Compound)
Following the destruction of Panamá, the Spanish moved their city a few kilometers east to a more fortified location. Today, much of this colonial city remains standing, and thanks to rapidly increasing urban renewal, is becoming the center of a reinvigorated arts, dining and nightlife scene.
Parque Natural Metropolitano (Metropolitan Natural Park)
Perched on the northern edge of the city, this natural retreat for urban dwellers is an expansive stretch of primary and secondary rainforest. The park is home to an enormous diversity of wildlife including rare tití monkeys, sloths, deer and more than 200 species of tropical birds.
Tel: 232 5516.
Website:
www.parquemetropolitano.org Admission charge.
Isla Taboga (Taboga Island)
Known as the Island of Flowers, this offshore gem lies just 20km (12 miles) from Panama City, though beachcombers and sun worshippers will find themselves in a different world. Grab a boat from the Causeway, look for pods of whales en route and prepare yourself for a day of lounging about on sun-kissed sands.
Website:
www.taboga.panamanow.comFree admission.
Further Distractions:Museo del Canal Interoceánico (Intero-Oceanic Canal Museum)
Commonly known as the Panama Canal Museum, this is a great place to stop by before visiting the canal itself. Housed in the original headquarters of the French canal expedition, it’s easy to get a sense here of the trials and tribulations that were overcome in order to complete this engineering marvel.
Avenida Central
Tel: 211 1995.
Website:
www.museodelcanal.com Museo Antropológico Reina Torres de Araúz (Reina Torres de Araúz Anthropology Museum)
Founded by Panama’s most famous and accomplished anthropologist, this expansive museum aims to educate visitors about the country’s pre-Colombian populations. Exhibits focus on the anthropology and archaeology of each of Panama’s regions, and are highlighted by rare artifacts from around the country.
Plaza Cinco de Mayo
Tel: 212 3079.
Museo de la Biodiversidad (Museum of Biodiversity)
Construction is well underway on this Frank Gehry-led project, which is destined to be one of the city’s top highlights. The museum will focus on the incredible biodiversity found within Panama’s ecosystems, and will be housed in a unique building designed by the much acclaimed architect himself.
The Causeway
Website:
www.biomuseopanama.org
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
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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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