Central America’s most cosmopolitan capital, Panama Metropolis has one thing for everybody, from world-class museums to modern rooftop bars, fascinating historical past to phenomenal viewpoints, with wildlife-filled forests and elegant seashores proper on the doorstep.
Whilst you might get extra bang in your buck elsewhere within the area, there are nonetheless free (and nearly free) issues to see and do that can make your keep unforgettable – with out breaking the financial institution.
Wander the cobbled streets of Casco Viejo
They are saying one of the best issues in life are free, and that goes for exploring colonial Casco Viejo, the jewel in Panama Metropolis’s crown. As soon as a no-go zone, this Unesco World Heritage web site has morphed into town’s hippest ‘hood, with fairly plazas and restored pastel-colored mansions full of museums, eating places and bars – no map required.
Slip into the shade of the world’s ornate, incense-scented church buildings. The Iglesia de San José is famed for its glittering golden altar, whereas the Metropolitan Cathedral that dominates Plaza de la Independencia attracts guests for its gorgeous stained-glass home windows. And for sundowners with a view, head to completely happy hour at Tántalo’s rooftop bar.
Hike Ancon Hill for stellar metropolis views
Cerro Ancon dominates the skyline, with its huge Panama flag fluttering within the breeze, so be part of the joggers and cyclists and hike to the highest of town’s highest level to absorb the 360-degree views. The highway is paved, and the incline is steep however gradual and will take round 30 to 40 minutes.
As you climb by the rainforest, you’ll get tantalizing glimpses of the cityscape whilst you look out for snoozing sloths and chattering toucans excessive within the cover – the sooner you go the higher. On the summit, sheltered viewpoints absorb glowing skyscrapers and Casco Viejo’s tiled rooftops.
Stroll alongside the Cinta Costera
Slap on the sunscreen, put in your Panama hat and set off alongside the Cinta Costera. This widespread waterfront walkway runs parallel to Avenida Balboa (which closes for the ciclovía on Sunday mornings), linking the glass-and-steel towers of Punta Paitilla to the cobbled streets of Casco Viejo.
There’s inexperienced area aplenty, so choose a bench and bask in some people-watching, from the curler ladies to raspado (shaved ice) distributors, the skate boarders sharpening their tips to some energetic seashore volleyball. And don’t miss town’s numero uno photograph cease, the rainbow-colored Panama signal.
Cease on the Mercado de Mariscos to see pelicans hovering for a free seafood lunch because the fishing boats unload. For lower than $5, you’ll be able to deal with your self to a cup of tangy ceviche and an ice-cold beer from one of many outside stands.
Take a seashore day
Panama Metropolis is only a pebble’s throw from some gorgeous seashores. Pack a picnic, and for the worth of a ferry or bus ticket, you’ll quickly have your toes within the sand underneath a swaying palm.
Volcanic Taboga Island – the historic Island of Flowers – is only a 30-minute ferry hop (US$24 return) from the Amador Causeway. Playa Restinga is among the hottest seashores, with a thin spit of sand connecting it to tiny Isla El Morro. Go to throughout the week to keep away from the crush of city escapees.
Playa Gorgona is probably not the Pacific coast’s prettiest seashore, however it may be reached by bus in slightly below two hours. On the Albrook Bus Terminal, hop on a bus (round $4) to San Carlos, then get off on the Gorgona exit, and the seashore is inside strolling distance.
Stroll – or cycle – across the Amador Causeway
Created from rocks unearthed throughout the Panama Canal’s development, the causeway was designed as a Pacific breakwater, and a hyperlink to the three small islands of Naos, Perico and Flamenco. Now, this seafront promenade has been reinvented, with cycle paths, paddleboarding and wood-fired pizza joints.
At 6km (3.7 miles) it’s walkable – the ocean breeze cools issues down – however finest explored by bike; Bicicletas Moses does leases from $2.80 an hour. The assertion structure and colourful angles of the Frank Gehry–designed BioMuseo are unimaginable to overlook, and don’t neglect to cease and take within the views.
See the well-known Panama Canal for the worth of a cab
If you happen to don’t need to splash the money on a canal transit or a visit to the Miraflores Locks Customer Centre, there are locations the place you may get a take a look at this legendary waterway – dubbed one of many “seven wonders of the fashionable world” – for much less.
From the Amador Causeway, you’ll be able to watch ships enter the canal and sail beneath the Bridge of the Americas. Or, for a way of its sheer scale and a chook’s-eye view of the freighters, supertankers and cruise ships on the canal, get an Uber to the western finish of the bridge and look down.
One thing for artwork lovers
If you happen to’re searching for a free artwork repair, head to the Museo de la Mola (MUMO) in Casco Viejo. This five-room museum celebrates the mola – vibrant textile artwork, handcrafted by indigenous Guna girls from the San Blas Archipelago. With nearly 200 examples on show, you’ll be able to uncover the mola’s evolution, the way it’s made, and the that means behind the geometric designs.
In Ancón, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (aka MAC Panama) is a showcase for Panamanian and Latin American artwork, with a roster of non permanent exhibitions. Admission is free however donations are all the time welcome; test the calendar totally free and wallet-friendly night occasions.
Close by, the diminutive Museo Afro-Antilleano, which pays tribute to the 1000’s of West Indians who made up the vast majority of the canal’s overseas labor power, is definitely worth the $1 admission.
Take a look at Panama Metropolis’s park life
There’s no scarcity of inexperienced areas the place you’ll be able to escape the city hubbub. Smack in the course of the metropolis, the expansive Parque Recreativo Omar is dwelling to a jogging path, outside gyms, kids’s play areas and a fruit-and-vegetable market. Look out totally free open-air live shows and artwork exhibitions in summertime.
The sprawling Parque Pure Metropolitano comes with a price ticket of $5, however for that, you get 5 well-marked trails by wild jungle, the place tropical foliage teems with wildlife, together with monkeys and sloths. And there are showstopping metropolis views from the mirador.
Sway to the rhythms of jazz
You don’t should be a jazz aficionado to benefit from the annual Panama Jazz Festival. One of many nation’s greatest musical occasions, it attracts rising numbers of music followers from across the globe for its equally worldwide line-up, together with legendary locals like Rubén Blades.
Ticketed occasions are unfold throughout theaters over per week in mid-January, however there’s no cost for open-air live shows. The spectacular – and free – finale takes place within the Plaza de la Independencia, within the coronary heart of Casco Viejo.
Window-shop ‘til you drop at a mega mall
If it’s essential to take a time-out from the warmth or shelter from a heavy downpour, you’ll be able to all the time dip into one of many metropolis’s many mega malls.
On the Multiplaza Mall, alongside the designer shops, there are round 50 eating places, cafés and outside lounges to go well with all budgets. If you happen to’re touring with youngsters, the extra wallet-friendly Albrook Mall has lots to entertain them, together with a carousel and enjoyable workshops. And Wednesdays imply half-price tickets on the malls’ film theaters.
