10 Things to Do in Panama City – Part I

My dear friend Monia, whom you’ve probably met in a large portion of my photographs relocated to Panama from New York City almost a year ago. Talking about the courage to just get up and move across to the other side of the world! If you’ve read my recent Instagram post, you know I left New York City for south Florida exactly three years ago and that the move was not super easy at first. However, what Monika did way surpasses my seemingly brave experience. She left everything behind for her love, determined a start a new life in a place where she did not even speak the language. But she did it and from the beginning I knew she’d do just fine, because that’s just the type of person she is 🙂

Our initial worries of perhaps not being able to see each other as often once she moved to another country were quickly dispelled. Panama is just a short two and a half hours flight from south Florida and we both conveniently live next to major airports. We both also have more time now than we did living the hectic city life and therefore we have actually been able to see each other more than we did when she lived in the US.

Which brings me to this blog post. I have been to Panama City twice since her big move and I am ready to write a little about the place. Of course I made sure to consult Monia on this – she is the one living the Big Panama Life and I’m just a visitor.

I hope you’ll find this valuable if you ever find yourself crossing this part of the world or, if you’re a Floridian, to plan a weekend getaway to this cosmopolitan city.

So here are Top Ten Things to do in Panama City, according to Megan and Monika’s guide:

1. Get up early to watch the fishing boats at sunrise on Cinta Costera by Mercado de Abascos

This by far was one of my favorite mornings in Panama. Of course I am a photography person, which means I am forever in search of the best light. And the best light means The Golden Hour. And The Golden Hour means 5:30AM wake up call for the sunrise. Yes, I know, it seems extremely painful, especially if you are on vacation. But at the same time, this is also an extremely rewarding experience each time. Even if you are not a photographer per se, this is still a beautiful and not to be missed opportunity. Mercado de Abascos is an open fish market on Cinta Costera, a bustling avenue along the coast of Panama. This location is always busy with visitors and locals alike, engaged in either sightseeing or jogging or walking their dogs. However, the early mornings are a lot more peaceful and the best part is you can watch the fishing boats pull into the market and unload their catch. It is such a unique place with the skyline of the city in the far background and the colorful fishing boats in the foreground…You won’t see this juxtaposition of the old and the new in too many places in the world. This was definitely super unique and one of my favorite photos is from that moment precisely. Oh, and if you walk a little further down along the Cinta Costera way, you can watch the sun come up directly from the ocean. Another bonus for waking up so early.

2. Have your morning coffee at Café Unido at the American Trade Hotel

I did not know this, but Panama is actually well known for its coffee plantations. The best coffee comes from the Boquete district in the mountains of Panama. I have not ventured there as of yet, as it is a quite a bit of a drive from Panama City, but this place is definitely on my list. The high elevation, volcanic soil and the moisture rich climate all contribute to cultivation of coffee beans rich in flavor. Few years ago, Panamanian coffee received higher international ratings than coffee from Costa Rica. I can definitely attest to the superb taste of the iced latte I ordered at Café Unido. I drink a lot of coffee and this was by far one of the best cups I have ever tried. Super rich and smooth I could have drank at least three cups in one sitting. Probably would not have been the best idea though, considering my propensity for palpitations. Another plus is Café Unido’s super hip décor with large windows facing the main street directly, perfect for people watching and a floor I could not stop staring at since it’s covered with the most perfect blue mediterranean tile, if you’re into that kind of thing.

3. Visit Museo del Canal Interoceanico de Panama to learn more about       the famous Panama Canal and history of the country

If you’re a history affecionado, this is a perfect place for you. The museum does an excellent job at bearing the testimony to the history of the interoceanic route and the construction of the Panama Canal. There are some permanent as well as temporary exhibitions worth visiting. I admit that I am usually not a big museum-hopping traveler, but some places are simply so strongly intertwined with a place that they should not be missed. This is one of them. And if it’s good enough for a cranky and disinterested pre-pubescent child we had to entertain for one day, it is good enough for you. Enough said.

4. Stop by for lunch at Mahalo

Panama City has a lot of great places to eat. They may not be of the cheapest kind, but they certainly deliver in taste and quality. The food scene is rather international; I am not so sure about more local cuisine to be honest. Monia’s favorite place is a quaint little café tucked in the back of one of the streets of Casco Viejo – the old town. It’s called Mahalo (don’t ask me why), but it’s perfect for those who crave the fresh and simple dining. It also offers a number of vegetarian options which is perfect for me and its prices are fairly reasonable. Don’t forget to order one of the fresh juices and smoothies on the menu and enjoy your meal in a shaded patio surrounded by lots of greenery. Last time we went there, the owner was very excited about a tikki bar they were putting up in the back of the patio. If that doesn’t get your butt over there, I don’t know what will.

5. Stroll the streets of Casco Viejo, visiting all the little galleries and signature shops along the way

Casco Viejo, or The Old Town, is simply the place to be. Quiet and colorful, its streets are lined with cafes like Mahalo and beautiful galleries filled with framed molas on its walls. Stop by and chat with the locals. People are friendly and willing to talk with you. If you’re looking for souvenirs, get them in Casco Viejo. Not the kitschy key chain or refrigerator magnet kind, but the hand woven by local women from the mountain region jewelry boxes kind. For a very reasonable price. I’m looking at mine right now and I totally love it.

Check out Part II next for more things to do in Panama City!