Last week, I shared with you the things you need to know before traveling to Panama . As I mentioned, I had the chance to travel to Panama last March as part of a wonderful collaboration with Voyages à Rabais (I'm one of the bloggers who won two trips and I also run the blog JessicaPrdnc.com and the Instagram accounts @JessicaPrdnc and @TouteDansMesFesses ).
Now that I've given you some general information about the beautiful country of Panama, I thought I'd make you even more eager to visit by showing you how many beautiful things there are to see in Panama City!
Here are 9 activities to add to your list when you visit Panama City:
The Panama Canal is the country's iconic tourist attraction. It's a lock-based maritime canal connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and it's impressive for several reasons. It took over 100 years to build the 77-km-long canal you can see in the photo above. It consists of two parallel lanes that allow the passage of ships up to 366 meters long and 49 meters wide, and every year, this canal brings in over a billion dollars to the country... you'll want to see it!
You can visit the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal to learn more about its history and how it works, but above all, to see this magnificent masterpiece!
Casco Viejo is Panama's colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I highly recommend visiting Panama City's historic center with a guided tour: they're very well organized, and you'll leave with a wealth of relevant information. Panama City is brimming with history and magnificent places: cathedrals, museums, restaurants, jazz clubs, and more. On the pedestrian streets, modern boutiques stand alongside historic buildings, and it's a truly beautiful sight!
What's a trip without a little shopping spree? In Panama City, you'll find Albrook Mall, the largest shopping center in Latin America. With over 400 stores, it's easy to get lost! You can find everything: luxury boutiques, a movie theater, restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, clothing stores, electronics stores, and even a children's play area. Trust me, it's a welcome change from DIX30 or Carrefour Laval!
The best places to shop for souvenirs are still the local markets. And the Mercado Artesanias de 5 de Mayo (artisans' market) in Panama City is a must-see if you're visiting! It's well hidden and not very touristy (so the prices are very good). You're sure to find some great treasures there, and it's the perfect opportunity to discover Panamanian art!
If you're going to explore Casco Viejo, you should also visit Panama Viejo. This is the remaining part of Panama's old town, located on the outskirts of the modern city. There you can discover several impressive religious monuments that are well worth seeing.
Panama City boasts a long waterfront park where you can run, cycle, do yoga, play basketball or tennis, or simply stroll or relax on a bench. The view is breathtaking, and although it's a very touristy activity, it's definitely worth doing!
As I mentioned in my article on things to know before traveling to Panama , Panamanians love to party. So, experiencing the nightlife of Panama City is a must! There are several nightclubs and bars in Casco Viejo, but you can also check out the hotel clubs.
I had the pleasure of staying at the Hard Rock Hotel in Panama City , and the hotel is simply magnificent. My favorite spot in the hotel (aside from the amazing pool) is without a doubt the rooftop lounge on the 62nd floor. The view is breathtaking, and if I were you, I would definitely go there for a drink and admire the spectacular view of the city from the luxurious outdoor lounges offering a breathtaking 360° panoramic view!
Unfortunately, I didn't have time to visit the Biomuseo in Panama City, but I highly recommend it. This museum showcases the entire cultural and natural history of Panama, emphasizing the role of humans in the 21st century. Its galleries tell the story of how the rise of the Isthmus of Panama changed the world. The building itself, designed by internationally renowned Canadian architect Frank Gehry, is extraordinary. A must-see!
Basically, if you think you'll get bored in Panama City , think again. There are tons of things to do, and you'll leave with your head full of memories and your heart full of joy!
For more ideas on activities to do in Panama, I invite you to consult this descriptive sheet on the Voyages à Rabais website!
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