Location: Panama City
Top Things to do in Panama City
What to do and see in Panama City, Panama Province: The Best Historic Sites
A diverse multicultural city of almost 1.3 million, Panama City offers a lot more than an up-close view of the Canal. Shantytowns slink up alongside shiny high-rise condos. The Old City is an atmospheric labyrinth of churches, plazas and palaces. Fifteen miles from downtown Panama City, Soberania National Park is an excellent destination for hiking and birding. For a fascinating look at the canal, take a taxi or local bus to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center and look down on the traffic below.
Restaurants in Panama City
1. Capilla San Jose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 664 reviews
Built soon after the first Spanish settlement in the 16th century, this small church features the famous Golden Altar (Altar de Oro), which is made entirely of pure gold.
Reviewed By ebert2013
We enjoyed walking through the church in Old Town. The alter is amazing, covered in gold leaf. The only thing I found odd was that the “prayer candles” were electric! I guess it makes sense when you don’t have someone to monitor an open flame in an old wood church. It was a quiet, cool, contemplative place to visit.
2. Plaza Mayor
3. Panama Viejo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 752 reviews
Reviewed By LesL989 - St. Petersburg, United States
From squares to churches to cool bars and restaurants, the old city has it all along with spectacular views of the Panama City skyline. Don't miss it.
4. Plaza de Francia
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 628 reviews
Called the “French Plaza” in English, this pleasant spot offers great views and a leisurely spot in which to purchase and savor raspados (fruity snow cones) on hot, humid days. Housed in this plaza is the elegant Instituto Nacional de Cultura (National Institute of Culture), which was among the sites used for “Quantum of Solace,” a 2008 James Bond film that supposedly took place in Bolivia and Haiti but was filmed in Panama. Formerly the Supreme Court building, the Instituto now houses a small theater and hosts cultural events.
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
This is a very nice and moving monument-memorial to the French, to their efforts and lives lost in order to build the canal first. In the middle of semi circular arches (with in Spanish marble inscripted plaques) rises an obelisk with a rooster on top. Nice views of modern PC around.
