First time visitors to Panama City

Traveler · 12-14-2006

Hi! What in your opinion is a -must see- for people visiting Panama City for the first time? Attractions, shopping, restaurants, etc.

Laura · 12-17-2006

A short walk (about 1.5 hours) at Parque Metropolitano is a 100% "must see". You'll have an amazing view of Panama City in it's entirety and see monkeys on the trees.

Laura

PanamaPat · 08-25-2007

Quote:

Hi! What in your opinion is a -must see- for people visiting Panama City for the first time? Attractions, shopping, restaurants, etc.

Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks)
Parque Metropolitano (rainforest walk, 2-3 hours)
Casco Viejo (Old City Center)
Colon Free Zone (go there by train)
Shopping or Real Estate tour (depending on your interests)
El Valle de Anton (handicrafts market, waterfalls, hot springs)

panamapal · 08-25-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanamaPat

Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks)
Parque Metropolitano (rainforest walk, 2-3 hours)
Casco Viejo (Old City Center)
Colon Free Zone (go there by train)
Shopping or Real Estate tour (depending on your interests)
El Valle de Anton (handicrafts market, waterfalls, hot springs)

Great list, PanamaPat. I like the Panama Canal most of all.

MRWOOHOO · 10-04-2007

Very good list, Avenida Central is an interesting shopping area although do it during the day, watch out for pickpockets. You can find allot of really nice native handi-crafts if you look hard enough. I would recommend having somebody drive you around the first day and show you the city. I just saw that dollar-rent-a-car will get you a chauffer for $40/day. The others probably do it to I would imagine. If you want bars, clubs, decent and inexpensive restaurants I would recommend Calle Uruguay. Great nite life in this area plus there is a police station right there as well, secure feeling but not imposing.

panman · 10-05-2007

That's a good idea, MRWOOHOO. Getting a chauffer will make sure you know where you're going. You might be able to ask the chauffer if you have any questions about the area too.

killian · 10-11-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laura

A short walk (about 1.5 hours) at Parque Metropolitano is a 100% "must see". You'll have an amazing view of Panama City in it's entirety and see monkeys on the trees.

Laura

I checked my local travel agency and there is a sightseeing on the first day, must be the same thing you've said

MonAmb · 10-12-2007

I think that Panama City surprises first-time visitors. When they cruise into Panama Bay or drive down Corredor Sur from the airport, they’re stunned to see all the modern, closely packed towers rising out of the ocean. I have a relative that visits Panama every year to see friends that he has over there. They love it, they are addicted to Panama! They visit for months at a time, once, they stayed for 4 months they were that addicted! I think it is definitely a place to visit.

expatplayer · 10-12-2007

Do you think they expect it to be undeveloped?

Lalaguayaba · 10-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by expatplayer

Do you think they expect it to be undeveloped?

Judging from some of the posts on this site from ppl who haven't been there, and aren't familiar with overseas travel--yes, they do expect it to be underdeveloped. Worries about random diseases, the water, electricity, etc. obviously outline the fact that Panama is not in the tropical travel top ten.

Cheers.

MRWOOHOO · 10-13-2007

As far as Latin America goes it is pretty safe and I felt pretty comfortable.

titaniumhijau · 10-14-2007

Even i'm not come yet to Panama. But i believe one day i will reach to this country. I hope i can do that. Must be about business matter. Maybe i will walk at some place or at town when i come to this country. I will try to drink some good juice and eat their food first..

MRWOOHOO · 10-16-2007

Panama is a truly unique country, the best description I have heard is "Panama is a third world country with first world amenities." I personally found it to have a sense of freedom that I have been looking for. Panama City is truly an international city, not only is it the real link in many ways between S.America and N.America as well as connecting the east and west in regards to the canal. It's importance will only increase.

panamapal · 10-16-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by titaniumhijau

Even i'm not come yet to Panama. But i believe one day i will reach to this country. I hope i can do that. Must be about business matter. Maybe i will walk at some place or at town when i come to this country. I will try to drink some good juice and eat their food first..

What's keeping you?

It can be costly to travel and vacation. It can also be hard to get the time off from work. If you can, though, I recommend it.

waynoga · 10-16-2007

I know I'm going to feel really dumb when I get the answer to this question, but I can't figure out to post a new thread on this forum. Can anybody help?

Wayno

Lalaguayaba · 10-16-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by waynoga

I know I'm going to feel really dumb when I get the answer to this question, but I can't figure out to post a new thread on this forum. Can anybody help?

Wayno

Just go the forum that you want to post in, and there is a little blue button on the left above the title, about mid-screen. Click it, and start your thread.
In the future, please post basic usage questions like this to the mods, or the help page, please.

Cheers.

lee · 10-16-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

"Panama is a third world country with first world amenities."

That's a great quote. I'll be using it freely from now on.

MRWOOHOO · 10-16-2007

Best description I heard, feel free

0lgi · 10-21-2007

I would really love to visit Panama. Anybody knows what may be the cost please for a ticket from Europe ? (Airplane Ticket of course

) and also do we need a visa in order to enter (I'm from Albania)

Lalaguayaba · 11-05-2007

That's what all the travel sites are for: Cheap Flights, Airline Tickets, Cheap Airfare & Discount Travel Deals - Kayak.com, Expedia Travel: Cheap Airfare, Hotels, Car Rental, Vacations & Cruises, Travel: Airfares, hotels, vacations, cruises, car rentals and more at Travelocity.com

And check here for whether or not you need and entry visa:
http://www.migracion.gob.pa/eng/serv...?cont=paisvisa

Cheers.

MRWOOHOO · 12-01-2007

I will be in Panama in Jan 08', if any new folks to Panama that are looking to meet somebody that is from the US and already has had some experience with Panama and you are willing to buy me lunch feel free to send me a message.

Salute