Quote:
Originally Posted by Panamax
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 Espaņa; 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.".
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Well I come from living in Toronto and Montreal in Canada and I enjoy the city lifestyle as much as anyone.
I am not going to butter up Panama City and say that it is world class when it simply isn't.
Raw sewage drains into the Ocean right in the best part of the city making it stink to high heavens. Driving is a nightmare at best... public transit virtually non existent except for some pollution spewing school buses that were obviously bought on the cheap from North America and re-painted.
Panama City has charm and some great eating... clubs are a fun time but day in day out getting around Panama City is a chore even as a pedestrian not driving.