Panama
City – place of contrast and capital of Panama
Well known
for the Panama Canal, the country of Panama is becoming an increasingly
popular holiday destination and its capital, Panama City, is no exception.
The city, located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, was founded
almost five centuries ago. Its historic old town, or Casco Viejo, with
the baroque façades of the past, is a fascinating visit.
In
perfect contrast, the newer area around Punta Paitilla is all about the
21st century, with its waterfront lined with modern skyscrapers and world-class
hotels, perfect for a holiday
stay in Panama.
A
multi-cultural destination, Panama
City is a melting pot of different cultures, races and religions from
all over the world, and evidence of this can be seen in all areas of the
city, whether exploring the modern streets of Punta Paitilla, or the quaint,
balconied streets of Casco Viejo.
In
contrast, the boulevards of Balboa are lined with lush, tropical vegetation,
invoking a spirit similar to early 20th century American architecture.
Heading down the Calzada de Amador, or causeway, the islands offer an area
full of bustling restaurants and bars, surrounding a modern marina. In
all areas of Panama City, the range of restaurants, shops and markets offer
retail therapy, endless fascination and a lively nightlife scene to suit
all tastes.
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Photo:
Panama City - Casco Viejo by jasperdo
/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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Green
areas of Panama City
When in
Panama City, you are never far from nature with the city’s various green
zones, along with the protected forests on Ancón Hill and the Metropolitan
Park (Parque Nacional Metropolitano). The park could take up a morning
all on its own, enjoying a stroll in the rain forest and visiting the local
toucans and parrots, or watching the pelicans diving into the ocean at
the water’s edge. Visitors can enjoy fascinating views of the modern area
of the city from the heart of nature.
To
the northwest of the city, the national parks of Soberanía and Camino
de Cruces offer nature in all its tropical best, ideal for a hiking adventure.
While
Panama City is fascinating in itself,
it is also the ideal base for various day trips to the surrounding areas,
including the beaches and coral reefs of Portobelo, with its colonial fortresses
on view. Enjoy boat tours on the Panama Canal or a ride on the Panama Canal
Railway. Heading out to Isla Contadora or Isla Taboga on a boat is the
perfect way to enjoy the fresh sea air, or alternatively a hike in the
rain-forest reserves close to town takes you right back into nature, with
colourful wildlife and birds on view.
Panama
as a nation is still developing, and as a visitor to Panama City, you will
find the town itself to be reasonably safe, especially when downtown, around
the busy bars and restaurants. However, it is recommended that care be
taken when walking around the city alone, especially at night, as, like
many big cities, there is the risk of crime.
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Panama
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