Panama Hotels

From 16th and 17th century pirates to 20th century military dictators, Panama’s turbulent past now seems to be behind it. It still pays to keep an eye on your valuables in Panama City, but that’s true anywhere. So relax and take in the culture of one the world’s newest tourist destinations.

Panama’s Top 10

Panama History

• Casco Viejo - An old harbour built in the late 1600s that is being carefully restored.
• Viejo Ruins - Visit the ruins of what was once the centre of power.
• Panama Canal Murals - The murals show the story of the construction of the Panama Canal represented through four different murals.
• Plaza De Francia - This square contains stone tablets that depict the French involvement in the building of the Panama Canal.
• Plaza de la Independencia - The spot where Panama declared its independence in 1903 from Colombia.

Panama Art & Culture

• Centro de Exhibiciones Marinas - A marine centre run by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
• Bahai House of Worship - White-domed spiritual building that is a place of worship in Panama.
• Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial - This art museum contain religious artefacts from the Colonial era that date back to the 16th century.
• Mi Pueblito - A museum that features life-sized replicas of the many rural villages along the peninsula.
• Teatro Nacional - The ornate theatre is the spot for performances or to simply enjoy the beautiful gold and red decorations.

Panama Shopping

• Reprosa - Purchase replicas of golden burial objects, as well as other gold pendants and figurines.
• Fuerte Amador Resort & Marina - This is a two-story shopping centre in Panama.
• Joyeria La Huaca - One of the best jewellery stores in the city, located in front of the Hotel Riande Continental.
• Mercado de Buhonerias y Artesanias - Open-air market with an abundance of handicrafts.
• EL Dorado Mall - A new mall that contains many shops, restaurants and a cinema.

Gay & Lesbian Panama

• BLG - One of the most popular gay bars in the city offers dancing from Thursday to Saturday.
• Glam - Largest gay dance club in the city of Panama, it offers all-night dancing and regular drag shows.
• Lips - Features dancing on Friday and Saturdays and drag shows from Sunday through to Thursday.
• GLBT International Film Festival - Yearly festival occurring in October put on by the GLBT.
• Sauna’s Men - A gay spa and sauna that is located right in front of the Crowne Plaza.

Panama Events

Classical music gets a modern makeover at the Alfredo de Saint Malo Music Festival in May and June.

September’s Panama Jazz Festival is a series of concerts featuring local and international artists. You probably won’t even realise its focus is education.

Brush up on your Spanish for the Annual Icaro Central American Film and Video Festival, screening free films by talented locals in November.

December’s Annual Panama City Marathon has been running (boom-tish!) since the 1970s, taking avid joggers on a tour around the Gulf of Panama Coastline.

The costumes and music of Las Tinajas are too good to only celebrate once a year – so this ceremony takes place in Bella Vista every day except Sunday.

Getting Around

• Tocumen International Airport is 32km (20 miles) east of Panama City. Taxis run into the city on fixed rates.
• Even in the city, taxis are the preferred mode of transport for most visitors. It’s best to ask your hotel to book one for you.
• Panama’s interweaving streets are not easy to navigate, but travelling on foot is really the only way to see the Casco Viejo.

When To Go

• Mid-December to mid-April is the peak tourist season, where prices inflate along with visitors.
• The best months for rafting are May to December as the rivers are at their highest.
• December through April is the best time to visit if diving ranks high on your itinerary.

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