Panama City is one of the most unique cities in the world. Being on the Panama Canal and at a crossroads between North and South America, this city has lots to see & do. From my Panama Canal Cruise, I started from the Caribbean and ended with a couple days in Panama City. Additionally, my cousin is a local and gave me a wonderful tour. So, read on to learn about tips on Panama City attractions.
Related: Historic & Epic Panama Canal Cruise Highlights
Top Panama Canal Attractions
Panama Canal Tour or Miraflores Locks
The lifeforce behind this city is its famous 50 miles long Panama Canal. From Panama City there are a couple ways to experience it. Firstly, the company, Panama Canal Tours offers a 10- hour group journey on a boat through the entire canal. Afterwards, they offer a bus ride back to Panama City from the Caribbean port, Colon. Also, the Miraflores Locks are just a 30-minute drive from Panama City with a Visitors Center and 3 tiers of viewing platforms to observe the ships going through the locks.
Bridge of Americas
This steel arch bridge crosses the Panama Canal, connecting South and Central America. It spans the Pacific entrance of the canal, giving 201 feet clearance for ships and, it’s also an important landmark of the Pan-American Highway.
Ancon Hill
This lush green mountain is a conspicuous landmark at 654 ft high in Panama City with the Panamanian Flag at the top. Cars are not allowed on its roads. Therefore, it offers a nice retreat for hiking and panoramic views. I got some awesome photos of the city’s 50+ skyscrapers and harbor. Additionally, I saw monumental landmarks, for example, entrance to the Panama Canal and Bridge of Americas.
Modern Skyline – 50+ Skyscrapers
The modern buildings along the waterfront stretch from Bella Vista to the Punta Pacifica neighborhoods are stunning. There are, overall, 50+ skyscrapers above 500 ft, all built after 2000. Also, most of the city’s high-rises are condos for its nearly 1 million residents. The most prominent building amidst the skyscrapers is the Revolution Tower, twisting 360-degrees. This glass skyscraper reaches 797 ft (236 m), and locals call it the “Corkscrew.” Even more, it won the Emporis Skyscraper Award in 2011.
Panama Viejo and Casco Viejo
Built by Conquistadors in 1519, Panama Viejo, was the first European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the New World. Now, there is a famous archeological site from the old settlement, also including the Panama Cathedral Ruins. Furthermore, the original site became abandoned in 1671 after Henry Morgan’s pirates attacked, pushing the residents down the coast. Later, the second settlement became known as Casco Viejo (Old Town). Both Casco Viejo and Panama Viejo are World Heritage Sites. Casco Viejo is a district bustling with popular attractions, for example, markets, cafes, hotels and coffee shops.
Biomuseo – Biodiversity Museum
The colorful Biomuseo is located on Amador Causeway and mouth of the Panama Canal. The famous architect, Frank Gehry designed and built the museum in 2014. Overall, its eight galleries depict the origins of the Panamanian isthmus and its contribution to the planet’s biodiversity.
Metropolitan Natural Park
Metropolitan Natural Park is the lungs of Panama City. It is the only wildlife refuge in the city amidst a jungle. Additionally, it includes numerous bird species, toucans, sloths, a lookout and many trails.
Altos de Campana National Park
Just 31 m (50 km) from Panama City is Panama’s oldest national park. Altos de Campana National Park offers varied landscapes and ecosystems. For example, the park’s most developed trail, Sendero La Cruz winds through humid tropical and premontane forests. Furthermore, Cerro Campana is the park’s highest peak at 2,789 ft (850 m) high, with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean. Also, lava fields and igneous rock scatter in the park from a volcanic eruption 200,000 years ago.
Additionally, the park is a wonderful place for Birdwatchers and unique mammals, with about 267 birds, plus the ones that migrate through this habitat. The park is home to threatened species, for example, the violet-bellied hummingbird and bronze-tailed plumeleteer. The park’s 39 mammal species include the sloth, Tamarin monkeys and the coati. Also, noteworthy here is the golden frog, unfortunately very close to extinction.
Overall, Top Panama City Attractions
Panama City is a wonderful destination with a full spectrum of attractions. Along with the modern manmade marvels of the Panama Canal and skyscrapers, it’s unique geography is also a Biodiversity Hotspot. Therefore, Panama City offers something for everyone to experience nature, culture and innovation.
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