Mention Panama, and the first thing that comes to mind for most travelers is the country’s the famous canal. So it’s no surprise that most travelers visit this at some point during their stay in Panama.
And while no trip to Panama City is complete without viewing the famous canal, a guided tour through the canal can take a minimum of about 5 hours. If you’re short on time, opt instead to view the canal from the Miraflores Locks, the easiest to access and most impressive section of the Panama Canal.
Then round out your quintessential day in Panama City with lunch in the historic Casco Viejo district followed by a bike ride on the Amador Causeway.
Visiting the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
Take a taxi from the BlueBay City hotel to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. Here you can look down on the boat traffic going through the locks system below. Head up to the observation decks, where you can clearly watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit.
Wander through the four exhibition halls, organized by theme, where you can learn through interactive displays about the history of the Panama Canal, it’s impact on international trade, the engineering behind the canal’s operation and its close relationship with nature.
Head Over to Casco Viejo for Lunch
The Casco Viejo historic district of Panama City is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area was first settled in 1673, after the original Panama City was attached and almost completely destroyed by pirates.
Today, as you stroll along Casco Viejo’s cobbled streets, you’ll notice how the restoration of Casco Viejo is still a work in progress. Beautifully restored buildings stand next to crumbling buildings, abandoned houses and boarded-up ruins.
But with this gentrification and restoration has also come a wealth of new restaurants. From expensive international restaurants, to casual tapas, pizza and Panamanian cafes, you’ll be sure to find a charming place for a mid-day meal here.
Hop On a Bike on the Amador Causeway
Dazzling views of Panama City’s skyline and of the Panama Canal make the Amador Causeway a scenic place to spend an afternoon in the open air. This bridge connects four small islands and was built using rocks excavated from the Panama Canal.
The Amador Causeway also acts as a breakwater to the entrance of the Canal. Enjoy the cool ocean breezes here, and rest under the shade of the palm trees or consider renting a bicycle, available for $5 to $10 per hour. These bikes come with a shade overhead and plenty of room for 2 people to sit on a bench seat.
If you only have a few hours available to tour Panama City Panama, these three stops will give you an excellent feel for the city, a chance to see the highlights and experience the history that makes this one of Central America’s best cities.
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