Panama City – One city, two faces
- ILLUSTRATION CRISTÓBAL SCHMAL
The Pacific Ocean, tropical rainforest, a world-famous canal – water is the defining element in Panama City. But both on land and at high elevations, the Central American metropolis is rich in attractions, too. We reveal both sides of the city!
Watch ships …
… sail past while dining at the Miraflores, one of the city’s best restaurants. It took its name from the nearby Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal.
Anchors aweigh!
Tired of just watching? Then hop on board a boat yourself. On the four-hour trip to Gatún Lake and back, the boat passes through two locks.
Surfer’s dream
Panama sometimes looks like Miami or Los Angeles – especially on its own Malibu beach. Here, too, the name is synonymous with big waves and excellent surfing.
Fresh catch
The gigantic Mercado de Mariscos market is the best place to buy fresh fish in Panama and also to sample ceviche, a local raw fish specialty.
Island Paradise
Isla Taboga is an ideal getaway for stressed-out city folks. On the weekends, it gets a little raucous due to the many jet skis and speedboats on the water.
Walk on water
This is very simple, here. Joggers and skaters love the 1.8 kilometers of level roadway on Amador Dam, which connects the city with several different islands.
Ancient Walls
Splendid Spanish colonial-style architecture dominates the 17th-century city center. Even older: the ruins of Old Panama, which was destroyed by pirates in 1671.
Heady experience
Sip a cocktail and survey Panama City’s spectacular skyline from The Bits, located on the 62nd floor of a skyscraper. It’s Panama’s “top” bar.
Golf in the city
The weather here is always warm, the grass is always green. No wonder Panama is famous for its golfing. The Summit Golf Club is a favorite among golfers.
Fly through the tree tops
The rainforest is right outside the city gates, and exploring on foot is nice, of course, but ziplining in Valle de Antón is more exciting by far.