Also in the Old City lies the President's Palace of the Herons and the National Theatre of Panama, currently this area is under heavy remodellation. The City is currently made up of 4 sections: Old Panama, Colonial Panama (El Casco Viejo) and the modern sections.

For around 90 years the growth of Panama City was restricted by the Canal Zone under US control and the narrow strip of land between the sea. However since this 'Canal Zone' was handed back to Panama there has been large growth in new suburbs where the restricted area used to be. Modern Panama which consists of the tall sky scrapers is often referred to as 'mini Miami' and stretches for as far as the eye can see.

Due to Panama City's closeness to the Canal and the symbol that the Canal had of joining 2 Oceans the city earned the nick name 'The Cross Roads of the World'. One of the great things about Panama City is the variety of different cultures that exit due to the Canal and the trade that it brought with it. You have the French who first tried to build the canal, the Chinese, Spanish, American's, African's and a whole other variety of cultures all mixed into one. All throughout Panama you will find different cultures in Restaurants and Bars which is why Panama City is such an attractive city to visit and live. It is said that Panama City has the vitality of San Francisco, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and Hong Kong.

The word Panama means 'an abundance of fish' in the native language and this can be seen in any restaurant in Panama with fish from both sides of the Ocean being on the menu. Having the culture and diversity in people has opened doors to some of Central America's and the world's best restaurants.

Panama is a great place for a bargain as well and is often referred to as a 'bargainers' paradise' due to the huge free trade zones. One thing that is a must is the Wharf Side market at Salsipuedes, where produce and fishing boats jostle for space to sell their bounty.

However one of the things that made Panama the financial and tourist Mecca that it is today is of course the 7th wonder of the modern world, the Panama Canal. The Canal is often seen as a Jungle river rather the engineering and mechanical feat that it is and was. A great way to see the canal is of course on one of the many transits of the canal that happen most weekends.

What is there to do in Panama City?

Well, as you have heard Panama City is the Mecca for shoppers and offers guests of the city access to some of Central Americas best and biggest shopping centers. One of the great things about Panama is the great diversity of goods on sale because of the cultures that exist. You can visit some of the Tax Free areas over on the causeway or take a trip to the Free Trade area in Colon. One of the must see's is of course the Canal and make sure you visit the locks at Miraflores. Whatever you do you will never be bored!!

Nightlife: If you are looking for some swanky bars or to step into some Salsa shoes then Panama is a great place to be. The restaurants offer cuisine from all over the world, as you would expect from a cosmopolitan city. There are Casino's, discotheques and a wide variety of shows. Some of Panama's finest cuisine can be found in the Casco Viejo in the old French section.

Tour the City: Panama City has so much to offer a visitor and why not take a 2and half hour tour of the city where you will visit such places as the ruins of Old Panama, Colonial Panama (El Casco Viejo) and the modern sections.

Canal Tour: Visit the Miraflores locks and watch as super liners transit the canal, see the locks in working motion and visit the museum. If you are keen to transit the canal yourself the why not think of taking a full are partial transit of the wonder!!!

Folklore Dinner: Have a wonderful evening as you dine to authentic Panamanian Dancing in authentic costume. Maybe you will have the chance to try it yourself!!

The People: One of the great things that make Panama and Panama City so culturally vibrant is the melting pot of cultures. Due to the building of the canal many people from countries far and wide traveled to Panama and settled after the Canal's construction. While there being a variety of people in Panama, each person has kept their own culture allowing a variety of distinct parts of Panama to blossom.

For more information on what to do in Panama refer to the Panama Tours Section.

If you would like to know more about Panama City and what there is to do and where to stay please feel free to contact us by e-mail or call us on 0207 193 3930.

Suggested hotels in Panama City: The Bristol, Intercontinental Miramar and Caesars Park.