An aerial view of the coast of Panama City, Panama
DRENCHED IN HISTORY, REMARKABLY MODERN

Cruise to Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama

Panama City is the spirited capital of Panama, a center of business and culture and a doorway to the Panama Canal, one of the world's most famous man-made marvels. If you're looking for colonial charm and great food during your cruise to Panama City, head to Casco Viejo, the hippest and most lively part of Panama City and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For an edgy feel of the city, stroll amongst the skyscrapers that house cool small hotels, chic bars and some of the best shopping areas in Panama. Don't leave Panama without experiencing the wonders of the Teatro Nacional, the BioMuseo (a biodiversity museum) and Plaza de Francia, home to famous landmarks and amazing sights.
National Language Spanish
Currency Accepted Panamanian Balboa (PAB), U.S. Dollar (USD)

THINGS TO DO in Panama City

Historic buildings in Casco Viejo, Panama City

The SoHo of South America

Historic buildings in Casco Viejo, Panama City

Historic buildings in Casco Viejo, Panama City

The SoHo of South America

Take a step back in time in Casco Viejo, the historic side of Panama City, where you can bask in the sweeping vistas of the city's skyscrapers while exploring ancient churches like Iglesia de Santo Domingo, grab a bite from the sea at El Mercado de Mariscos or take a stroll in a leafy plaza like Plaza Herrera.

The entrance to the National Theater of Panama

It's Showtime

The entrance to the National Theater of Panama

The entrance to the National Theater of Panama

It's Showtime

Found by the waterfront promenade, the lavish and ornate Teatro Nacional features burgundy carpeting, a gold facade and brass fixtures, as well as a mural by local artist Roberto Lewis. Sit in one of the many gilded balconies under an exquisite crystal chandelier and enjoy a world-class performance during your vacation.

Lush vegetation at Parque Natural Metropolitano in Panama City, Panama
Lush vegetation at Parque Natural Metropolitano in Panama City, Panama

Your City Oasis Awaits

Head to the middle of the city to explore Parque Natural Metropolitano, a jungle oasis with hiking trails, expansive views, and roaming mammals and reptiles. Cruise to Panama City to trek the Titi Monkey Trail to catch a breathtaking view of the city and the canal from a 150-meter-high lookout. You may even be able to spot titi monkeys, sloths, deer, iguanas and tortoises along the way.

A bowl of traditional Sancocho soup in Panama
A bowl of traditional Sancocho soup in Panama

LOCAL CUISINE

Panamanian food is best enjoyed in a typical fonda, the small and affordable diners found all over the city. Feast on a bowl of sancocho (meat and vegetable stew), patacones (plantain patties) or arroz con gandules (pigeon pea rice) to taste what makes Panama City so special.

An assortment of embera baskets in Panama
An assortment of embera baskets in Panama

SHOPPING

You can shop just about anywhere when you visit Panama City, but you'll find the best specialty stores in Casco Viejo. With your Panama City cruise, head to El Farol for a wide range of traditional Panama hats, to Reprosa for local art and jewelry, or to La Ronda for Embera baskets made in the Darien forest.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Try to book your tours in advance to get the best tour guides for your expeditions. If you encounter non-experts asking to guide you, firmly say "no."
2 Don't worry about exchanging currency. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and the conversion will cost you nothing.
3 Before you get in a cab, negotiate your fee. Many taxis don't carry a meter.

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