Panama City Overview

The capital city of the Central American country of Panama, Panama City is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal and is a destination that some 708,738 call home. Famous as a banking centre and for its wealth of cultural and historic attractions, the city is popular with tourists, especially of North American origin since it can be reached so easily from Canadian and US soils. more...

Panama City Activities

Panama City has no shortage of places to empty your wallet or max out your credit card, be it on souvenirs or designers clothing. A variety of malls are on hand offering local retailers and those of international status also. Los Pueblos is perhaps the best place to visit in terms of variety available, offering everything from department stores, to grocery retailers plus a movie theatre, a casino and a branch of the American chain eatery TGI Fridays. For a slightly cheaper and less up-market range of products, head for San Miguelito, it's a taxi ride away from downtown but well worth a visit. For a typical busy Panamanian high street, try Avenida Central, where you'll find a varied selection of retail outlets. more...

Panama City Events and Festivals

Panama Jazz Festival: Lovers of this popular musical genre from Panama City and the rest of the country converge at a selection of venues to appreciate performances by national and international artists. The festival generally runs for six days. more...

Panama City Sightseeing

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. more...

Panama City Transport

Buses comprise Panama City's public transportation and services are, on the whole, both cheap and efficient. The Albrook Bus Terminal, situated just outside of the city centre, is the destination to and from which all services arrive and depart. From Allbrook, it's possible to get a bus to just about anywhere in the country. Taxis are widely available in Panama City however visitors should insist that the meter is used and it may be wise to ask for an estimate of cost prior to undertaking your journey. more...

Panama City Travel Tips

There are no restrictions on the import and export of either foreign or local currency. Visitors however carrying amounts of over US$10,000 into or out of the country must make a declaration to immigration. Duty free allowances permit visitors to take 500 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco and three litres of alcoholic beverage into or out of the country. more...