Top Things to See
 There is no shortage of things to see in Panama with the city offering an eclectic mix of historic, modern and natural sights. The Old City or Casco Viejo is the city’s showpiece; offering a large selection of historically interesting architecture, many buildings being worthy of a mention in their own right. A plethora of museums are on hand while unspoilt nature at its finest can be found at the Metropolitan Park.
 Amador Causeway
This mile-long structure, which was built by the Americans, connects four small islands on which visitors will find excellent outdoor activity conditions as well as a variety of fine restaurants. The greatest appeal of the causeway, which is considered one of the city’s greatest attractions, is the magnificent view of the Panama Canal and the city’s skyline; both of which can be appreciated at one of the island’s restaurants while you enjoy a tasty Panamanian lunch or dinner.
 El Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is what originally comprised the city of Panama and is now considered its historic quarter. It’s an incredibly picturesque place with some fantastic architectural sights which includes churches, old residences and public buildings, many of which now are in ruins. A walk around this old quarter gives visitors a true sense of the identity of Panama and its citizens. Among the highlights of the area is the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theatre (El Teatro Nacional), the Church of San Fransisco (La Iglesia de San Francisco), Bolivar College and the Hotel Colonial.
 Panama Canal
Hailed as one of the planet’s most significant manmade waterways, the Panama Canal is an awesome wonder of modern engineering that stretches from Panama City as far as Colón, linking the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts and spanning a whopping 80kms. Trips on the canal are available from Balboa in the suburbs of Panama City, taking visitors on a five-hour tour of its locks before and through on to Miraflores Lake.
 Panama City Metropolitan Park
Some may consider it extraordinary that a tropical rainforest could be located so close to the centre of a city but sure enough, Panama City’s Metropolitan Park is located just minutes from the downtown area. Visitors making the effort to venture into the park’s inner sanctuaries will find a variety of interesting animal and bird specimens for viewing such as sloths, Titi monkeys, parakeets and toucans.
 Religious Colonial Art Museum
Panama City’s Religious Colonial Art Museum is perhaps the highlight of its cultural establishments, offering an impressive collection of religiously-themed paintings as well as some three dimensional pieces. Paintings appear on cloth and leather among other media while a series of carving made in poly-chrome and originating from Latin America and some bone and silver artefacts are among the more interesting solid pieces on display. The museum is housed in the Church of Santo Domingo, which is an interesting building in itself, offering some fine 18th century architecture and some splendid interior décor and furnishings including a magnificent gold altar. The interior patio and cloister are also worthy of note.
Top Things to Do
 Hit the Beach. With some beautiful coastline within a stones throw of Panama City, you’d be foolish not to dedicate at least one day of your trip to some beach activity. Panama City’s beaches offer the opportunity for sun lazy sun-soaked days or equally for time spent engaging in activities such as beach volleyball or Frisbee. Naturally, a wealth of water sports is on offer for those inclined, with scuba diving, surfing, jet skiing and sailing among the options.
 Go shopping in Avenue Central Marketplace. Your most authentic Panamanian shopping experience is likely to be had on Avenue Central (Avenida Central); a street which for a large part, is entirely pedestrianised. Here you’ll find locally made and typically Panamanian goods, alongside grocery items, electronics, clothing and jewellery. Shops playing salsa music provide a soundtrack for the locals who are busy going about their affairs, oblivious to the tourists until the possibility of a sale arises.
 Ride the historic Panama Canal Railway. Hailed as the world's first transcontinental railway, the Panama Canal Railway was opened officially in 1855, having been built to assist gold diggers in their quest during the famous Gold Rush of 1949. A trip on the railway can take you from Panama City to Colon via the Isthmus that runs between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The journey typically lasts 90 minutes and provides scenic views of both the Panama Canal and the region’s lush tropical scenery.
 Take a ride on the Panama Canal. No holiday to Panama City would be complete without a trip down the Panama Canal, one of the world’s largest artificial waterways. Trips can vary quite significantly in duration and agenda with some taking in only a small part of the canal and the attractions that sit on its banks, while others cover its entire length and allow visitors to see all of the city’s most popular sights. The shorter trips are most frequent with boats leaving daily while the lengthier trips leave as infrequently as once a month only.
 Visit the island of Taboga. Travel to the suburb of Balboa located between Ancón Hill and the Canal quays and you can access a boat that will take you on a one-hour ferry ride before docking at the island of Taboga. The island is a popular tourist destination and offers some wonderful beaches as well as a developed visitor infrastructure providing some excellent restaurants and no shortage of hotels for those who would like to make an overnight stop or stay the weekend or longer perhaps.
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