Top 10 Places to Visit in Panama City

Nguyen Kieu Trang 9 0 Error

Nicknamed the Miami of the South, Panama City, the capital city of Panama, features an ever-growing skyline of highrise buildings situated in a tropical ... read more...

  1. La Catedral Metropolitana, also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral, is a famous monument in Panama City, Panama. The cathedral is a symbol of the country's rich history and culture, and it is one of the most popular tourism sites in the city. The construction of La Catedral Metropolitana started in 1688 and was finished in 1796. The cathedral has experienced several renovations and restorations over the years, but its initial architecture and design have been maintained. With its elaborate carvings and ornate embellishments, the cathedral's façade is a stunning illustration of Spanish imperial architecture.


    The cathedral's interior, which features lofty ceilings, stained-glass windows, and lovely artwork, is equally remarkable. The altar in the church is a magnificent work of baroque art, with fine carvings and gold foil embellishments. Several chapels, each with its own distinctive artwork and architecture, are also housed in the church.


    La Catedral Metropolitana is a significant cultural hub in Panama as well as a place of worship. Throughout its existence, it has been the site of various occasions and ceremonies, including the coronation of several Panamanian presidents. The cathedral is still a well-liked tourism attraction today, drawing both residents and visitors. It is accessible to tourists every day, and those who want to learn more about its importance and past can take guided walks.


    Google Rating: 4.8/5
    Phone: +507 228-3295
    Opening Hours: Mon to Fri - 7:00 to 12:00 & 14:00 to 17:00, Sat - 7:00 to 12:00, Sun - 7:00 to 13:00
    Address: 7-53, Av. B, Panama City, Panama

    Image by DEZALB via pixabay.com
    Image by DEZALB via pixabay.com
    Image by Guido Pérez via unsplash.com
    Image by Guido Pérez via unsplash.com

  2. Ancon Hill is a famous landmark in Panama City, providing breathtaking views of the neighboring region. This hill, located in the center of Panama City, climbs to a height of 654 feet above sea level and is open to visitors all year. This famous hill has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, wildlife, or simply savoring breathtaking views.


    The history of Ancon Hill dates back to the early 20th century when it was used as a strategic location for military purposes. During the Panama Canal construction, the US Army built a military station on the hill. The hill is now a protected natural region with a wide variety of flora and wildlife.


    Visitors to Ancon Hill can take a leisurely hike up the hill, which takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. They can take in the lush vegetation and wildlife that surrounds them along the route. The hill's top provides 360-degree vistas of the city, including the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean. Ancon Hill is also home to a number of significant historical landmarks, such as the Old Quarry Heights Military Reservation and the Panama Canal Administration Building. These sites provide insight into Panama's past and its connection with the United States.


    In addition to its natural beauty and historical significance, Ancon Hill is also an important conservation area. Several vulnerable species, including the Geoffroy's tamarin and the white-tailed deer, can be found on the slope. The preservation of the region's ecological equilibrium depends on the safety of these animals.


    Google Rating: 4.7/5
    Phone: +507 264-7477
    Opening Hours: Daily
    Location: Panama City, Panama

    Image by Franklin Canelon via unsplash.com
    Image by Franklin Canelon via unsplash.com
    Video by Panama drone via youtube.com
  3. The Miraflores Locks in Panama are one of the most impressive engineering feats in the world. It is a well-known tourist destination that draws people from all over the globe to witness this incredible feat of human ingenuity. Located on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal, they are an essential part of the waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The locks were built between 1904 and 1914 and have been in operation ever since.

    There are two chambers in the Miraflores Locks, and they are each 110 feet broad and 1,000 feet long. Ships are raised up to 54 feet above sea level using these chambers so they can travel through the waterway and continue their trip. The locks are operated by a complex system of gates, valves, and pumps that are controlled by a team of highly skilled engineers.

    Visitors to Miraflores Locks can watch ships passing through the locks from an observation deck just a few steps away. This is a genuinely breathtaking experience, as you can see the massive ships being raised and lowered as they travel through the waterway. The viewing platform also features a museum that provides information about the history and operation of the Panama Canal. The Miraflores Locks are not only an engineering wonder, but also an essential fiscal resource for Panama. The canal produces billions of dollars in revenue each year and serves as a crucial link in worldwide commerce.


    Google Rating: 4.7/5

    Phone:+507 276-8449

    Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 to 17:15

    Address: XCW5+P74, Panama City, Panama

    Image by Alex Person via unsplash.com
    Image by Alex Person via unsplash.com
    Image by Brian Tromp via unsplash.com
    Image by Brian Tromp via unsplash.com
  4. The Parque Nacional Soberania, situated in the center of Panama, is a natural wonder that draws both visitors and residents. It encompasses approximately 55,000 hectares, including the Panama Canal watershed, and serves as a natural home for a variety of exotic animal and plant species. With over 525 species spotted within its limits, the park is well-known for its diverse birdlife. The most well-known is the Harpy Eagle, national bird of Panama. It is an uncommon and severely threatened species, and the park is one of the few locations on the planet where it can be seen.


    The park is also renowned for its vast path system, which makes it a great place for trekking and other outdoor activities. Over 10 kilometers long and with several observation spots, the Pipeline Road is a demanding but gratifying hike for hikers. This amazing path makes its way deep into the park, traversing lush woods and a variety of habitats.


    Along with its natural beauty, Parque Nacional Soberania is also significant from a historical and cultural point of view. The park contains a number of noteworthy monuments and was utilized by the US troops while the Panama Canal was being built. The Panama Canal Overlook, which provides breathtaking vistas of the Panama Canal and the nearby area, is the most well-known of these.


    Because of its diverse fauna, trekking paths, and historical and cultural importance, Parque Nacional Soberania is a special and important asset to Panama. It demonstrates the nation's dedication to protecting its natural legacy and ensuring that it is available to both residents and visitors.


    Google Rating: 4.6/5

    Phone: +507 232-4192

    Opening Hours: Daily - 8:30 to 16:30

    Address: 38FR+P38, Las Cumbres, Panama City, Panama

    Video by Ciudadano del Mundo via youtube.com
    Video by Adriano Maure via youtube com
  5. The Metropolitan National Park is a 232-hectare forest located in Panama City. It is the only tropical forest protected region in Central America that is situated inside a metropolis. As of July 5th, 1985, the Park is legally protected. This location is ideal for those who love the outdoors because it has many walking paths that allow you to take in the park's incredible variety of flora and wildlife.


    Some of the tree species that you can appreciate in the Metropolitan National Park are the wild cashew, luehea semannii, gumbo-limbo, guanacaste, and yellow mombin, amongst others. Some of the birds nesting here include the broad-winged hawk, the orange-chinned parakeet, the dusky antbird, and the blue-grey tanager, and some of the mammals living in this beautiful spot are the brown-throated sloth, geoffroy's tamarin (also known as the Panamanian), the white-nosed coati, the Central American agouti, and four species of bat.


    For both wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers, the Park provides a distinctive experience. In order to investigate the canopy of this tropical forest, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama put up a canopy crane. You can request to board this crane and get a closer look at the forest's highest point. You can see about 180,000 cubic meters of forest and one of the finest vistas of Panama City thanks to the crane's approximate 35-meter height and 40-meter operating radius.


    This must be reserved in advance, and it is only accessible for 5 persons at a time (four plus one guide). This is given on a case-by-case basis based on the day, hour, and group number, but the average price is USD 100 per person and includes a 50-minute trip on the crane and a two-hour guided tour of the park paths. Tour operators may also make various price proposals to you.


    Google Rating: 4.6/5
    Phone: +507 232-5516
    Opening Hours: Mon to Sun - 7:00 to 16:00
    Address: Avenue Juan Pablo II final, Panama City, Panama

    Video by Journey with Jen & Drew via youtube.com
    Video by Life with David via youtube.com
  6. After many years of development, the Biomuseo finally opened its doors in 2014. Its primary goal is to investigate the natural history of Panama and how its emergence has affected the rest of the world. The Biomuseo is situated on the Calzada de Amador, a notable location at the Pacific Ocean's Panama Canal entry. The museum is the first building designed by famous architect Frank Gehry in tropical and Latin America.


    Biomuseo is worth visiting for its innovative exterior architecture alone. The structure was created to illustrate how the Isthmus of Panama emerged from the ocean, connecting two continents, separating a vast ocean, and permanently changing the biodiversity of the planet forever. The 4000-square-meter museum houses eight permanent display galleries built by Bruce Mau Design. In addition to the major spaces, the museum has a public atrium, a place for temporary displays, a store, a cafeteria, and numerous outdoor shows set in a botanical garden. The permanent display is a fusion of art and science that will make tourists feel as if they are in the presence of an incredible phenomenon.


    Biomuseo's working hours are extremely limited, and you can only visit it on Saturdays and Sundays between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. The silhouette of the contemporary city, Casco Antiguo, Cerro Ancón, and Puente de las Américas are all plainly visible from the Biomuseo. While the former Canal Zone was in operation, only Panamanians were permitted in the region.


    Google Rating: 4.6/5
    Website: https://biomuseo.org/en/
    Phone: +507 215-2935
    Opening Hours: Sat to Sun - 13:00 to 17:00
    Address: Amador Causeway 136, Panama City, Panama

    Image by Amarilis Urriola Keiser via pexels.com
    Image by Amarilis Urriola Keiser via pexels.com
    Video by ANTONIO J ALVAREZ via youtube.com
  7. Panama Viejo, also known as Panama la Vieja, is the ruin of the original settlement of Panama City. Originally called Castilla del Oro, it was established on August 15th, 1510 by Pedro Ariad de Vila of Spain. This colony is important because it was the first one established by Europeans on the Pacific Ocean. It served as a halt for the export of gold and silver from Peru on the journey back to Spain. If you want to fully grasp the past of Panama City, you must see it when you are there.


    Today, Panama Viejo is a busy archaeological site in the Panama City outskirts, in an impoverished residential area. The city grew up around it, and some of the old city remnants are buried. What is above ground has been exposed to the weather for hundreds of years. You can visit Panama Viejo to see the ruins remaining. The bell tower, as well as the outline of the church and some of the structures surrounding Plaza Mayor, have all been rebuilt. Buildings that are now in rubble can still be walked through. You can even ascend the bell tower to see the views of the destroyed city and the fascinating contrast between it and the contemporary city behind it.


    Beautiful, contemporary, and relatively new is the Panama Viejo Museum. It is a decent size and takes you through daily living in the heyday of the first Panama City colony. You can learn a about the people and past of this place as well as view a ton of artifacts there.


    Google Rating: 4.6/5

    Website: https://www.patronatopanamaviejo.org/

    Phone: +507 226-8915

    Opening Hours: Tue to Sun - 8:30 to 16:30

    Address: 2G47+MWJ, Vía Cincuentenario, Panama City, Panama

    Image by lapping via pixabay.com
    Image by lapping via pixabay.com
    Image by photosforyou via pixabay.com
    Image by photosforyou via pixabay.com
  8. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Panama is a must-visit for art lovers. The modern building houses a vast collection of contemporary art that showcases the artistic beauty of Panama. It aims to promote contemporary art and culture in the country. The museum exhibits works by local and foreign artists in a range of media.


    There are approximately 650 pieces of art in the museum's inventory. There are paintings, drawings, sculpture, photographs, installations, and video works among the works on display. These pieces are by well-known Central and South American painters such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros.


    The museum's architectural design is also noteworthy. It is a work of architecture that perfectly exemplifies contemporary design principles. Frank Gehry, a well-known builder who is famous for his avant-garde designs, created it. A number of angled metal panels that make up the museum's exterior combine to produce a stunning visual effect that resembles a massive sculpture. The museum's display areas are distributed across three levels and include a variety of exhibition rooms, auditoriums, galleries, and office spaces.


    A large central staircase creates a dramatic entrance, while a rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of the city. The interior of the Museum of Contemporary Art is distinguished by vast open areas and natural light, resulting in a seamless and immersive experience for guests. The museum's design is not only aesthetically appealing but also highly useful, with abundant space for exhibiting modern art and a stage for artists to present their work in a stunning setting.


    Google Rating: 4.5/5

    Wesbsite: https://macpanama.org/

    Phone: +507 262-3380

    Opening Hours: Tue to Sun - 10:00 to 17:00

    Address: C. San Blas, Panama City, Panama

    Image by ZU photography via unsplash.com
    Image by ZU photography via unsplash.com
    Image by Toa Heftiba via unsplash.com
    Image by Toa Heftiba via unsplash.com
  9. For anyone seeking a retail and leisure experience in Panama City, Albrook Mall is a must-visit location. It is one of the largest shopping centers in Panama City, offering an extensive range of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall, which is close to the Albrook area, is reachable by both vehicle and public transit. Over 700 shops can be found in the mall, including international chains like Nike, Adidas, and Zara as well as local shops offering trinkets and handcrafted goods. Everything from apparel and accessories to technology and household products is available to shoppers.


    Albrook Mall provides a variety of eating choices, from quick cuisine to formal dining, in addition to retail space. Numerous cuisines are offered in the dining hall, including Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and Panamanian. The center also has a number of sit-down eateries that provide a fancier eating experience.


    A movie theater, arcade, and bowling facility are among the entertainment choices at Albrook Mall. The cinema shows both English and Spanish versions of the newest hit movies. Families with kids love the arcade and bowling center because they provide an exciting and engaging experience.


    Throughout the year, Albrook Mall also hosts a number of unique occasions, such as fashion displays, concerts, and holiday celebrations. These activities are wonderful opportunities to learn about Panamanian culture and interact with the neighborhood.


    Google Rating: 4.5/5
    Website: https://www.albrookmall.com/
    Phone: +507 303-6255
    Opening Hours: Mon to Sat - 10:00 to 20:00, Sun - 10:00 to 19:00
    Address: Marginal, Avenida Roosevelt, Panama City, Panama

    Image by Albrook Mall via albrookmall.com
    Image by Albrook Mall via albrookmall.com
    Video by FOGONIX via youtube.com
  10. The Bridge of the Americas is a prominent symbol of Panama and is considered as one of the most important landmarks of the country. It spans the Panama Canal and connects North and South America, making it an important transportation route for both trade and tourism. The construction of the bridge started in 1959 and was completed in 1962. It was designed by the American engineer Sverdrup & Parcel and built by the United States at a cost of over $20 million.


    The Bridge of the Americas is a cable-stayed bridge that is 5,425 feet long and stands 384 feet tall at its highest point. The bridge is supported by two towers, each of which is over 300 feet tall. It is painted in the colors of the Panamanian flag, and is lit up at night. Millions of tourists visit the bridge each year attracted by its stunning design, which has made it a recognized emblem of Panama.


    While traversing the bridge, visitors can take in expansive views of the city and the waterway. Additionally, it is a well-liked location for getting pictures of the waterway or watching ships passing through the locks. The Bridge of the Americas is a symbol of the connection between the two continents, and is a reminder of the importance of the Panama Canal. It is a reminder of the history of the region, and of the importance of the canal to the economy of Panama.


    Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
    Opening Hours: Daily
    Location: Puente de las Américas, Panama City, Panama

    Image by Ruben Castillo via unsplash.com
    Image by Ruben Castillo via unsplash.com
    Video by The Lone Explorer via youtube.com




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