8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Panama City, the City Famous for the Panama Canal

Most people have heard about the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal in their history classes. The Panama Canal is located in Panama City, the capital of Panama, a country in Central America.
Recently, the "Panama Papers" were widely reported in the news, and many people probably remember the city being mentioned in connection with that event as well. Panama City is the stage for these business dealings, and it also has a historical side, represented by the Panama Canal. This city, with its dual identity, holds many attractions for tourists.
In this article, we’ll introduce the must-see spots for sightseeing in Panama City, a place that is not often discussed as a tourist destination in Central America.

1. Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Panama City. It was built at the narrowest point of the Isthmus of Panama, which connects North and South America. The canal, linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, was opened in 1914.
There are three main ways to tour the Panama Canal:
First, you can participate in a Panama Canal cruise. Every Saturday, a sightseeing boat departs from Balboa Port in Panama City, heading toward the Miraflores Locks and entering the canal. The cruise then proceeds to Miraflores Lake and moves on to the next lock.
The second option is to visit the Miraflores Locks directly to watch the ships passing through the Panama Canal.
Lastly, you can ride the Panama Canal Railway, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the canal from the train.
Which tour fits your schedule? Be sure to visit the Panama Canal when you are in Panama City!

2. Panama Canal Museum

If you’re planning to visit the Panama Canal, be sure to include a stop at the Panama Canal Museum before or after your trip. Located next to the Panama Government Building, the museum is in the historical district known as Casco Viejo and faces Independence Square.
Inside the museum, you'll find many exhibits detailing the construction of the Panama Canal as well as its current role. Although the explanations are primarily in Spanish, there is an audio guide available in English.
You can also watch videos about the canal’s construction, scenes from the Panama Canal cruise, and the ceremony of its handover from the United States to Panama.
A visit to the Panama Canal Museum will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the canal.

3. Panama Viejo

After the Panama Canal, another essential tourist spot is Panama Viejo, along with the old town of Casco Viejo. Panama Viejo is the ruins of the first colonial city established by the Spanish in 1519, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
All treasures looted from empires like the Inca on the Pacific side passed through here, across the Isthmus of Panama, and on to ports along the Atlantic coast before being transported to Spain. As a result, the city prospered greatly, but it was left in ruins after a pirate invasion in 1671.
The Spanish abandoned the reconstruction of the city and built a new one in the area now known as Casco Viejo.
Although Panama Viejo was neglected for a long time, it has since been restored and is now a park of ruins. You can also climb the Panama Viejo Tower, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view. This is a must-visit tourist spot for those interested in learning about the history of the area.

4. Cathedral

If you visit Panama City for sightseeing, Casco Viejo is a place you must see, and at its heart lies Independence Square. One of the landmarks facing this square is the Cathedral, a symbol of the old city.
The current Cathedral, which took over 100 years to build (from 1688 to 1794), has a beautifully adorned façade. Three bells were transferred here from the old Cathedral in Panama Viejo, which was destroyed by the British pirate Henry Morgan.
Casco Viejo, where the Cathedral is located, features many colorful buildings that still preserve the colonial-style streets from the Spanish colonial era. It is also a popular spot for tourists to take pictures.
When visiting Panama City, make sure to enjoy a leisurely walk around Casco Viejo.

5. Church of San Jose

The Church of San Jose is famous for its golden altar. Located about a 3-minute walk from Independence Square in the heart of Casco Viejo, the old town of Panama City.
In 1671, Panama City was attacked by the British pirate Henry Morgan, and buildings in the old center of Panama Viejo were completely destroyed, with treasures such as gold and silver looted. However, the golden altar of the Church of San Jose was miraculously spared as it was hidden under a layer of plaster, preventing it from being stolen. This historical golden altar is a must-see spot for anyone visiting Panama City!
However, it’s important to note that the Casco Viejo district is not as safe as the new city area. It’s best to avoid walking around at night, and even during the day, it’s recommended to visit with a group if possible.

6. Plaza de Francia (French Square)

Another important tourist destination in Panama City is Plaza de Francia. Located in the southeastern part of the Casco Viejo district, it is a beautiful square named after the adjacent French Embassy.
The square features statues commemorating Frenchman Ferdinand de Lesseps, who first attempted to build the Panama Canal, as well as Cuban doctors who helped save workers from diseases like malaria during the canal’s construction. It’s a historically significant place for Panama.
From the promenade along the square, you can also enjoy beautiful night views of the new city's skyline of Panama City, making it a popular spot for both tourists on dates and those appreciating the scenery.
However, like many areas in Panama City, there is an element of danger after dark, so be cautious and stay safe.

7. Balboa Station

Balboa Station is another recommended tourist spot in Panama City. It was once a railway station for trains that ran along the Panama Canal, but it is now a shopping mall.
There are historical relics from the canal’s construction period, including a steam-powered crane and freight cars that transported soil and materials, all displayed in a spacious garden and parking lot area. It’s an especially appealing destination for railway enthusiasts.
You can reach Balboa Station by taxi or bus from the city center of Panama City.

8. Panama City New Town

To experience modern Panama, you should visit the New Town of Panama City.
In contrast to the colonial streets of the old town, the New Town is filled with skyscrapers, resembling cities like New York, Singapore, or Hong Kong. It is home to international banks, luxury hotels, and attracts businesspeople from around the world.
Unlike the old town, the safety in the New Town is much better, making it a more secure area to visit. Although it’s not a typical tourist destination, the New Town is a must-see area to understand the modern face of Panama City.

Summary

When thinking of Panama, the Panama Canal is undoubtedly the first thing that comes to mind. If you’re visiting, be sure to also explore Panama Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the historical district of Casco Viejo. These places are rich with historical assets that provide a deeper understanding of the country’s history.
When you arrive at Panama's airport, you will immediately feel the country’s development—it’s more vibrant than you might expect! Perhaps this is due to its role as a financial center. Be sure to visit the New Town to witness its modern side as well.
Panama City, with its two faces, is definitely a place worth visiting at least once.

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8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Panama City, the City Famous for the Panama Canal