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Cruises: City Tours: The best introduction to Panama City is to take a city tour with a tour operator. City tours usually include the "three Panama Cities" and a visit to Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal where you will see ships passing through the locks of Panama Canal. Panama Viejo, Casco Viejo & Historical Tours: Panama has one of Latin America's richest histories, with impressive pre-Colonial Indian cultures, as the crossroads of the Spanish empire, the prime target of history's most famous pirates and the site of one of man's greatest accomplishments- The Panama Canal. Most city tours include quick visits to the Panama City's main historical attractions. If you are a history buff or just enjoy historical tours it is worthwhile to hire a tour operator to give you an extended historical tour of the Panama City's historical sites in Panama Vieja (the original Panama City) and colonial Casco Viejo ( Old City) sector. Panama Viejo was the gateway city for the Spanish conquest of Latin America, once a thriving city of 10,000. Today's extensive ruins are the result of battles with the English pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. There is a excellent new museum near the site, but go with someone who speaks Spanish, because the exhibits are mostly in Spánish. Casco Viejo is the Spanish colonial city established in 1671 after the downfall of Panama Vieja and until the 20th century was Panama City. Perched on a piece of land that juts out into Panama Bay, the numerous fascinating sites reflect Panama's history as it intertwined with Spain, France and the United States. A proper tour never fails to delight history buffs. But again, it is worthwhile to hire a tour guide to regale you with the fascinating stories, not to mention take you around since there are few sign posts and nothing in English. Highlights include the 17th century churchs including the Church of the Golden Altar, the ruins of 17th century convents and residences, original dungeons, a French monument to the 22,000 who died building the Panama Canal and the Panama Canal Museum in an elegant, restored building that once housed the headquarters of the French company that attempted to build a sea level canal. Amador Causeway: With its spectacular views of Panama City's skyline and of the Panama Canal the Amador Causeway is a must-see. The one mile causeway was created the Americans by connecting four small islands with rocks excavated from the Panama Canal and served as a breakwater to the Pacific Coast entrance to the Panama Canal. Today, these small islands, swept by pleasant sea breezes host fine restaurants, scenic bicycle and walking paths (bicycles for rent at $2 a hour), a Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research aquarium, souvenir and specialty shops, a cruise port and a yacht marina. A good way to enjoy the Causeway is to dine at one of its many restaurants, most of which have ocean or Canal views. At Cafe Barko, which specializes in seafood and sushi, you'll enjoy views of Panama City's skyline and the Panama Canala. At TGIF's restaurant at the Country Inn and Suites, you view have the best view of the Panama Canal complete with ships passing under the majestic Bridge of the Americas. Nightlife: Few peoples rival the fun loving nature
of Panamanians! Partying is a national pastime and reflected in
a wide selection of nightclubs, discos and casinos...something for
everybody.The action all takes place in three sectors of the city:
the business district, Casco Viejo and the Amador Causeway. Where to find them: You can find a large selection of traditional souvenirs at a Gran Morrison variety store near your hotel. Another popular place is the big Balboa Artisans Market, in the former American Canal Zone you can take a taxi. Las Tinajas restaurant with folkloric dance 3 nights a week, also has a artisans shop. For a special jewelry gift: Visit the famous Reprosa jewelry store in the Business District. Reprosa has jewelry collections that include authentic reproductions of Pre-Columbian Indian art, reproductions of Spanish colonial jewerly and collections inspired by Panama's flor and fauna. There is a gift for every budget. ( Tel:269-0457) Metropolitan Park-Ecological Tours: Panama City's Metropolitan Park is the only rainforest within the city limits of a modern metropolis. Treat yourself to a rainforest trek just minutes from your hotel. Tour operators offer guided nature tours of the park. Dine Out- A Great Restaurant Scene: As an international crossroads, Panama City has It's one of the best restaurant scenes anywhere with a great variety of cuisines at affordable prices. . Most restaurants are located in the business district, historic Casco Viejo sector or the Amador Causeway. If you are interested in trying Panamanian food, you can find gourmet Panamanian cuisine at Barandas at the Bristol Hotel and typical Panamanian food at Tinajas and Trapiche restaurants. Tinajas has folkloric dance shows in the evenings. Learn Spanish-Classes and Homestay Programs: Panama
City has two excellent Spanish Casinos: In Panama City there are casinos in the Caesar Park, Continental and El Panama Hotels. Outside Panama City, the city of Colon on the Atlantic side has a casino in the Panama Canal Melia Hotel and in David the gateway city of West Panama, there's one in the Gran Nacional Hotel. Great things to Do Right Near Panama City: There
are many fun and interesting things to do just outside Panama City
including a golf course 30 minutes away, and day trips to Indian
villages and the Caribbean. |
across
Panama from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. Visit and find
out why some say it’s the greatest engineering achievement
for human kind! Seeing the Panama Canal is a must-do. You can get
to the Canal in just 40 minutes from your downtown hotel. The place
to see it is called Miraflores Locks. You can view ships coming
through the locks for free. The Miraflores Visitor Center is a state-of-the-art
museum with excellent interactive exhibits of the Canal's history,
people and ecosystem. Admission is $10. For combination dining-Canal
experience dine at the Visitor Center restaurant and enjoy watching
ships pass through the locks as you dine and other superb Canal-side
views.
language
schools that offer group classes, private lessons and homestay at
reasonable prices.