10 Reasons Why Panama City Is the Most Cosmopolitan in Central America
Panama City is the perfect tropical getaway and a vibrant metropolis where worlds coexist. It’s an immigration and trade hub with a mix of cultures, customs, and lifestyles.
Panama City is full of taxis, casinos, clubs, construction sites, and more. It’s also close to stunning beaches and biodiverse jungles. Strolling through Casco Viejo’s cobblestone streets takes you back in time.
Keep reading to discover why Panama City is the most cosmopolitan place to visit in Central America!
10 Reasons to Visit Cosmopolitan Panama City
Let’s dive into all Panama City has to offer! First, here are some of the best Panama City hotels.
See also: Practical and Inspirational Guide To Visiting Panama
1. It Was the First European Settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas
Because Panama City was the first European settlement (founded in 1519), Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Panamá (Panama City) has a major European influence.
Laid out as a rectilinear grid, it marked the transference of the European planned town style. Panama City’s architecture is an interesting mix of French, Spanish, and American. Thanks to the European influence in Panama City, it has bloomed into a booming cosmopolitan city that attracts about 4.5 million visitors per year.
2. It’s Full of High-Rise Condos, Offices, and Hotels
This is one of the main reasons Panama City is considered Central America’s most cosmopolitan city. It has dense clusters of high-rise condominiums, high-end restaurants, offices, and hotel towers that line Punta Paitilla and Balboa Avenue.
Travelers are drawn by a stable economy dominated by the US dollar currency. It has vast shopping to choose from and modern buildings. What’s more, it offers the opportunity to explore nature on a pristine beach or in the rainforest. Panama City has a bit of everything, making it an ideal travel destination!
3. It Features Ruins and Museums
El Casco Antiguo in Panama City is full of ancient ruins and excellent museums. Experience the charming, historical, and vibrant neighborhood in Panama City to get a taste of the older part of town. This UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site dates back to 1673. It has picturesque plazas where visitors enjoy delicious cuisine.
Other places to check out are:
- Ruins of Old Panama
- Inter-oceanic Canal Museum
- Reina Torres de Arauz Anthropological Museum
4. It Has Historic Churches, Jazz Clubs, and Handcrafted Ice Cream
What’s so cool about Panama City is that it’s not only a developed city but you can also find old jazz clubs, historic churches, unique restaurants, and handcrafted ice cream shops.
Take a day trip from Panama City to the Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks, an indigenous community with world-class bird-watching areas. It’s fun to take a charter boat to Pearl Island, a stunning private island that honors the nature and heritage of Panama.
Hand-picked for you: 15 Traditional Panamanian Foods
5. The City Is Easy to Access
Tocumen International Airport is 15 miles (40 minutes) northeast of Panama City. It’s a major travel hub, given its ideal location for connecting flights between North and South America.
The smaller Albrook Airport is located 15 minutes from Panama City’s downtown. Connect to more than a dozen destinations from this airport on a short flight to check out fabulous destinations across Panama.
See also: 100+ Airport Words and Conversations in Spanish
6. The Panama Canal Changed Panama City’s Economy
The Panama Canal has played a major role in Panama City’s development. Because it revolutionized international trade, it is an asset for Panama. Thanks to this mesmerizing landmark, Panama’s economy boomed, making it the cosmopolitan city it is today.
One of the best things to do in Panama City is experiencing the Panama Canal for yourself. Visit one of its observation facilities or take a tourist boat near the waters of the Panama Canal.
7. Panama City Has a Rich Tradition in the Culinary Arts
Like many cities in Latin America, Panama City is rich in culinary arts. Corn-based dishes, fresh seafood, and shellfish are Panamanian specialties. Because Panama City is so close to the ocean, it boasts a vast array of fresh fish. And because it’s a tropical country, you also have access to fresh fruit and vegetables.
If you have a sweet tooth, hojaldras are Panamanian doughnuts—deep-fried dough covered with sugar or caramel on top. Other Panamanian staples are fresh tortillas, corvina (fried fish), and tamales. They also use yucca and plátanos (plantains) in many of their dishes.
8. Panama City Has Premier Shopping and Entertainment
Pier Park is one of the top shopping and entertainment centers found in Panama City. It has over 120 stores and loads of dining options.
Several entertainment venues exist in Panama City such as an IMAX movie theater, live music, and laser tag.
9. Panama City Has Stunning Beaches
If you’re looking for peaceful and secluded beaches, Panama City has a lot to offer. Rosemary Beach, Playa Isla Iguana, Carillon Beach, and Panama City Beach are some of the best Panamanian beaches to choose from.
The city is dedicated to preserving the gorgeous dunes, crystal clear water, and indigenous plants. It resulted in stunning untouched beaches with accessible boardwalks. Visit with the whole family, collect seashells, and walk around in the powdery sand.
10. Biodiversity in Panama City Makes It Richer
The BioMuseum is the world’s first biodiversity museum. The Metropolitan Natural Park is another national park in Panama City that focuses on biodiversity and nature. Explore these landmarks on your own or hire a tour guide and learn about its environmental education center.
Hike to the top of Cerro Mono Titi to enjoy stunning panoramic views of Panama City, including the port of Balboa, the canal, and more parks.
Travel to Panama City and Practice Your Spanish
Panama city is full of wonder, music, history, culture, and amazing food. There’s nothing better than having an immersive experience in a Hispanic country like Panama. Are you ready to make unforgettable memories in Panama City?
If you’re looking for immersion in Spanish before you go, check out How to Learn Spanish in 6 Months and Spanish Classes Online: Why You Want Immersion Style.
In the United States alone, there are approximately 53 million people who speak Spanish. The US is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. According to CNN, there are 41 million native Spanish speakers in the US who speak Spanish in their homes. By learning Spanish, you’ll have more job opportunities and will be ready to communicate easily at home or when you travel.
Sign up for a free trial class before your trip to Panama City. Learning Spanish improves your comprehension skills and enhances your vacation experience. Check out our flexible programs and affordable prices!
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