Historic buildings in Casco Viejo, Panama City
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the difference between a full and partial Panama Canal transit?
A full transit crosses the entire canal ocean-to-ocean, typically between Florida and California; a partial transit enters the locks, crosses Gatun Lake, then returns the same way, round-trip from Florida.
Where is the Fuerte Amador cruise terminal?
Fuerte Amador sits on the Amador Causeway at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, about 5 miles (a 25-30 minute drive) from downtown Panama City and Casco Viejo.
When is the best time to cruise from Panama City?
December through April is Panama's dry season and the peak time to cruise, offering the most reliable weather for exploring Casco Viejo and canal excursions.
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