Panama City is an very unique international city. It was founded in 1519. Called «crossroads of the world». Panama City is the capital city of the Republic of Panama, Central America; it’s a vital city with a population of about 708,000, a rich history, great beaches, busy nightlife and business center of the Americas. Panama City extension is 2,011.9 Km2.
It’s an important hub for international banking and commerce with more than 80 banks. The american dollar is the currency in Panama but the official name is Balboa.
The word Panama means «abundance of fish». The Panamanians are very happy, working and humble people with a vocation of service for the tourist.
Panama has two seasons, the rainy season from May to December and the dry season from January to April. The temperature in Panama City ranges from 21 °C (70 °F) to 35 °C (95 °F).
Panama has been in the top 5 places for retirement in the world for the last 8 years in a row.
Panama offers three cities in one; the Ruins of Panama La Vieja, The Casco Antiguo (the Old Quarters) and the modern Panama City.
The Ruins of Panama La Vieja
This was the first city of the Isthmus destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan on 1671 on his search for gold and silver coming from Peru. The city was the transit point to Spain. The ruins of Panama La Vieja still remain and are a popular attraction to visit.
Casco Antiguo
Casco Antiguo was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1998. Casco Antiguo was founded in 1673 after moving from Panama La Vieja, in order to protect from the constant attacks form pirates, specially the famous pirate Henry Morgan. Casco Antiguo has different architectural heritage, like french, spanish colonial, art deco, caribbean and republican. It is the second most visited attraction in Panama City, after the Panama Canal Visitor’s Center.
If you like shopping, Panama is the right place to do it. You’ll find the traditional stores in main streets, strip malls and big new malls. There are 5 malls in Panama City:
Multiplaza Pacific Mall, A state-of-the-art mall in an exclusive neighborhood.
Albrook Mall, the biggest mall in Panama City, with numerous outlet stores.
Multicentro Mall, An exclusive mall in process of modernization.
Los Pueblos Mall, It’s an outdoor mall and it was the favorite one for most of the panamanians for a long time.
El Dorado Mall, The first mall in town.
Panama City has an intense nightlife. You will find casinos, bars, night clubs, restaurants, cafes, and floorshows almost everywhere. Panama offers different options for those who want to have a great time.
