Panama City

Not only one of the world's most important shipping connections, but also the very reason for which the modern country of Panama was created, the canal is probably the single most iconic thing to visit in Panama. There are different ways to explore the canal: the easiest but pricey way from Panama City is to visit the Miraflores Visitor Center/Miraflores Locks. In addition, it is also possible to book a luxury train ride along the canal, or a boat ride on the canal.

The most visited place along the canal is the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Miraflores Locks. It consists of an air-conditioned museum, a movie theater, an expensive restaurant, a gift shop, and a viewing platform from where you can watch the ships pass through the locks. The Miraflores Locks are located along the old canal with its more than a hundred-year-old locks. It's still interesting to watch the ships, but if you want to see the new, expanded canal with the new locks and much bigger ships, you'd have to go to the Agua Clara Visitor Center in Colon (Panama), on the Caribbean side of the canal. Also, while it is nice to watch the ships from the viewing platform. The 3D movie with Morgan Freeman was excellent (2023). Panama Canal in 3D "A Land Divided a World United". The entire exhibition is 4 small rooms. If you decide to come here, make sure you'll see some ships during your visit; check the visitor center's website to see at which times the ships pass through the locks.

Casco Viejo is the historic part of town, where you will find many colonial style government buildings, cathedrals and museums including a Canal Museum or a small Panama History Museum. It is under massive renovation, with crumbling shacks next to beautifully restored colonial buildings. You can find in-expensive walking tour guides if you look. There are a number of accommodation options in Casco ranging from hostel pricing up to very expensive colonial suites. The area hosts a large number of eclectic events ranging from operas and musicals at the national theatre to block parties and fashion catwalks in the open plazas. Casco Viejo also offers some of the finest dining options in Panama City. Getting here from the airport by Metro bus, you can get off at 5 de Mayo stop (popular stop under a highway) then walk about 15-20 min heading south towards the water on Avenida Central, a pedestrian mall with many shops and markets, which leads directly to the old town. Together with the archaeological site of Panamá Viejo, the Casco Viejo is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. They are both listed a second time as part of the site The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá.

The archaeological site of the ruins of the original city of Panama that was sacked by the pirate Henry Morgan in the 1600s. The city was later moved to Casco Viejo. Today Panama Viejo is home to one of Panama's national parks with the buildings left in unrestored states. It is well worth the visit but read the safety warnings and ask park employees about where it is safe to visit as the park is surrounded outside by one of the city's dangerous areas. Together with the old town Casco Viejo, the site of Panamá Viejo is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. They are both listed a second time as part of the site The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá.

The Amador Causeway connects four little islands (Naos, Culebra, Perico and Flamenco) to the mainland. From the causeway, there is a lovely view of Panama City, the Puente de las Americas, and the numerous islands far in Panama Bay. Many Panamanians like to spend their weekends jogging, riding a bicycle or roller-blading down the causeway, or having a meal or drinks in one of the many restaurants and bars on the islands. Bikes are available to rent in many different varieties including recumbents and multi-person bicycles, starting at about $3.50 per hour. From the causeway you can also arrange day trips by ferry to one of the surrounding islands with boats leaving early in the morning.

This nature center run by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is located on Culebra Island. It has a few fish tanks with Pacific, Caribbean, and freshwater sea life, a small pool with a sea turtle and a few little sharks, and a tank where children can touch starfish and other sea creatures. There is also a little forest where a family of sloths lives.