Panama City activities, attractions and sightseeing reviews - Recommended things to do and see in Panama City

Panama City Things to See and Do

The bulk of Panama City attractions lie within the Casco Viejo area. A walking tour of the neighborhood, taking in just about everything of interest, will take around three hours. Another essential activity is to see the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. Biking along the Amador is another popular activity, and if you just can't get enough ruins take a trip to the ruins of Panama Viejo.

By Mike Karanicolas

Michael Karanicolas is a writer, traveler, photographer, and roving buccaneer. His legendary exploits include running with the bulls in Pamplona,...

Created: 19 Jul 2008

Updated: 19 Jul 2008

Miraflores Locks

This is the best place to find out about the Canal and watch it in action. About 14km out of the city, this newly created visitors centre and museum sits right on the edge of the double lock that takes boats down the final step to the Pacific Ocean or the first step to the Atlantic. Inside there...

Types: Museum
Location: Panama City, Panama

Presidential Palace

Nicknamed "Palacio de las Grazas" after the African herons that stalk its grounds, this modest but beautiful building is the office of Panama's president. The street is quite heavily guarded, so expect to be searched if you've got a backpack. A Moorish interior patio and a tranquil...

Types: Historical Building
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis

This cathedral was one of the original structures from Casco Viejo. It was ravaged by fire in 1737 and again in 1756. The cathedral was restored in 1998, and is now one of the most striking churches in...

Types: Historical Building
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Teatro Nacional

Fronted with busts of famous writers, this cultural center hosts operas, plays, ballets and performances of all types. The building is about 100 years old, and is decorated with frescoes by Roberto Lewis, Panama's greatest painter. It's a beautiful place, and worth checking out. Entrance costs...

Types: Historical Building
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

Plaza Bolívar

Away from the bustle of Lima’s downtown lies the green park of Plaza Bolívar, flanked by three of Lima’s more interesting museums. Travel back 8,000 years as you peruse the Pre-Columbian artifacts at the yellow painted monolith, the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Arqueología e Historia del...

Types: City Plaza
Location: Casco Viejo , Panama City, Panama

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