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Panamax · 03-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by panamaoffshorelegal

All in all, Panama City itself isn't really much of an attraction in my opinion. Casco Viejo is nice (during the daytime) and the Panama Canal is interesting for a one time tour but the city is sorely lacking in cool places to just hang out.

There is a nice park in Punta Paitilla by the ocean that can be a relaxing diversion. I find Panama's charm is best on display outside the city in places like Bocas Del Toro and Isla Grande. Isla Coiba and Isla Contadorra are also awesome to visit.

I have lived in Panama now for over 1.5 years and I have never felt any danger... but I also live in a relatively nice neighborhood in the downtown / Avenida Balboa area.

What people would or would not like about Panama, or any other place for that matter, is largely dependent upon the personal taste of the individual. Those who have a preference for nature and the outdoors will share your views. Those - like myself - who prefer the urban energy of cities will find Panama City stimulating and charming. There are lots of cool places to hang-out in Panama City.

In Casco Viejo, there are plazas, Bolivar, Centenario, Francia and the Las Bovedas seawall prominade, where one can enjoy sweeping views of the bay, causeway and the spectacular skyline. In Santa Ana/Calidonia one can stroll and people-watch at the pedestrianized shopping strip and rest at Plaza 5 de Mayo. In El Cangrejo one can stroll the commercial center of Via España; gamble at the El Panama Hotel casino, or hang-out at Plaza Concordia. The El Dorado Shopping center and area is also a fun place to hang-out. If you enjoy night life there are cabarets, discotheques and clubs all over town, particularly on Calle Uruguay.

The point is, anyone who likes city life would enjoy Panama City. Granted it's not in the same league with Las Vegas or New York City, but if I may quote The Rough Guide's Central America, "Few cities in Latin America can match the diversity, cosmopolitanism and sheer energy of Panama City.".