 Ruins at Panama Viejo, Panama City. Photo by Gilberto Alemancia | Panamá Viejo Visitor CenterDaily; not Mon
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The remnants of Panama City's first Spanish settlement, Panamá Viejo, date back to 1519. Burnt down in 1691 by the pirate Henry Morgan, the charred remains and fascinating visitor centre appeal to more than just history buffs.
 Baroque Altar at Iglesia San José, Panama City. Courtesy of the Panamanian Institute of Tourism, Panama City | Iglesia de San JoséDaily
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The Iglesia de San José church in the Casco Antiguo is remarkable for its Baroque golden altar. It was supposedly painted black and hidden by a priest to save it from the pirate Henry Morgan when he raided Panamá Viejo.
 Miraflores Visitor Center, Panama City. Photo by Gilberto Alemancia | Miraflores Visitor CenterDaily
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The Miraflores Visitor Center at Miraflores Locks is a tribute to the Panama Canal, one of the world's major engineering marvels. Interactive displays and historical documents keep all ages busy for at least a couple hours at this fascinating museum.
For an adventure in the heart of Panama City, sign up for Ancon Expeditions' Canopy Crane Ride. Above the canopy of the Natural Metropolitan Park - the world's only urban rainforest park - visitors can spot sloths, birds and capuchin monkeys.
 Cerro Ancón, Panama City. Photo by Allan Hawkins V | Cerro AncónDaily
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At 650 feet, Cerro Ancón is the highest peak in Panama City and provides a great look-out point with 360-degree views of the city. There are also excellent nature walks, bird-watching and opportunities for spotting wildlife.
 National Handicrafts Market, Panama City. Photo by Gilberto Alemancia | National Handicrafts MarketDaily
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Panamá Viejo's National Handicrafts Market sells molas (textile art), tajua carvings, woven baskets and jewellery made and sold mostly by indigenous groups such as the Kuna, Emberá and Ngobe. It's easy to spend several hours bargaining and browsing here.
 Gold Pendants from La Reprosa, Panama City. Courtesy of REPROSA, Treasures of Panama | La ReprosaDaily
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La Reprosa in Casco Antiguo sells top-notch reproductions of pre-Columbian Panamanian jewellery and artefacts, as well as paintings and art by Panamanian artists. For visitors looking for high-quality souvenirs, there's no better spot to shop. There's another branch in Obarrio.
Mall Multiplaza Pacific
Daily| Hours: | Mon-Sat 10am-8pm; Sun 11am-7pm; varies store to store |
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Mall Multiplaza Pacific is said to be Panama City's most impressive mall, and is conveniently located near the city centre. Here, you'll find international designers such as Armani but, for smaller budgets, there's also a decent selection of mid-range boutiques.
 S'cena, Panama City. Courtesy of Bar Platea | S'cenaDaily
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For a high-end dining experience, Casco Antiguo's S'cena is a good bet. The restaurant offers understated elegance, excellent service, and some of the best seafood and beef dishes in a renovated colonial building in Panama City. For dessert, there's delicious banana cream pie. Platea, its sister club downstairs, is great for live music and dancing.
 Miraflores Restaurant, Panama City. Photo by Gilberto Alemancia | Miraflores RestaurantDaily
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Overlooking the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal, the Miraflores Restaurant is popular not only for its excellent cuisine, but for its up-close views of massive cargo ships transiting the Canal. Lunch is the busiest time and advance reservations are necessary. Diners should try for a table near the railing for the best views.
Market
Daily| Hours: | Mon-Wed 12pm-2.30pm & 6.30pm-11pm; Thu & Fri 11am-11pm; Sat & Sun 10.30am-11pm |
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Market is one of Panama City's newest and hippest restaurants, and this smart, contemporary spot serves some of the best burgers and steaks in the city's Bella Vista area. Always popular, the Sunday brunch is said to be so good that one of Panama's vice-presidents allegedly has a permanent table reserved.
Madame Chang
Daily| Hours: | Daily 12pm-3pm & 6pm-11pm |
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There are lots of Chinese restaurants in Panama City, but Madame Chang in the El Cangrejo district is far above the majority of the pack. The exquisite Peking duck keeps regulars coming back time and time again, as does the elegant ambience. It's safe to be adventurous - everything on the menu is delicious.
Mi Ranchito
Daily| Hours: | Daily 11.30am-11pm |
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A perennial favourite, Mi Ranchito is always bustling, thanks to the phenomenal views of the Panama City skyline from its prime location on the Amador Causeway. The sea bass in garlic sauce and the coconut rice are recommended, or hungry diners can order the huge combinación appetiser plate, featuring fried plantain, yucca and empanadas.
 Mercado de Mariscos Restaurant, Panama City. Courtesy of Cooking Diva | Mercado de Mariscos RestaurantDaily
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Seafood doesn't get better than this. Housed above the Mercado de Mariscos, Panama City's fish market in Calidonia, it serves specialities such as grilled octopus, ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon juice), squid, and seafood soup. There's nothing fancy about the Mercado de Mariscos Restaurant, but it's impossible to find anything fresher.
Istmo Brew Pub
Daily| Link: |
The Istmo Brew Pub, Panama City's original English-style pub, is hard to beat for a relaxed beer. The ambience of this bar in El Cangrejo is laid-back and, best of all, visitors don't have to change their sightseeing clothes.
 Radisson Decapolis Sushi Bar and Lounge, Panama City. Courtesy of Radisson Decapolis | Radisson Decapolis Sushi Bar and LoungeDaily
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The trendy Radisson Decapolis Sushi Bar and Lounge in Marbella attracts the city's movers and shakers along with an international crowd. Cocktails are served by the pool bar, and DJs play after 11pm. Naturally, this hotel bar also serves sushi.
 Dancing at Las Tinajas, Panama City. Photo by Amy Walkup | Las TinajasDaily; not Sun
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Las Tinajas, in Bella Vista, hosts Panama City's best dinnertime show with live music and dancing. Guests can enjoy folkloric song and dance performances such as cumbias, the saracunde and tamborito. There are live shows at 9pm Tuesday to Saturday.
 Bar Platea, Panama City. Courtesy of Bar Platea | Bar PlateaDaily; not Sun
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Despite its name, the Casco Antiguo's Bar Platea can more aptly be called a live music venue than a bar. Catering to a crowd of 20-40 somethings, there's live music Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, generally featuring jazz or salsa bands.
Moods
Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat only| Link: |
Catering to a slightly older, party-loving, clientele, Moods has no entry fee on weeknights, so it's always hopping. Visitors to this Bella Vista club should dress up and be ready to show off their salsa and reggae moves.
 Biking the Amador Causeway, Panama City. Courtesy of Rasha Bitar | Amador Causeway cyclingDaily
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There's no better way to see the Amador Causeway than to cycle alongside the Pacific. Visitors can rent bikes in Andandor, then enjoy the constant ocean breeze and laid-back family-orientated atmosphere that characterises Panama City's most famous waterfront promenade.
Panama City International Marathon
4 Dec 2011 (annual)| Hours: | Start 5am |
| Link: | Panama City International Marathon Website |
Sporty types have been taking part in the annual Panama City International Marathon for over 30 years. The course hugs the Gulf of Panama coastline and then turns back on itself. Runners compete for prizes of up to US$55,000.
 Icaro Central American Film & Video Festival. Courtesy of the Icaro Central American Film & Video Festival | Icaro Central American Film & Video FestivalNov 2011 (annual)
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Hopping between Central America's capitals, the roving Icaro Central American Film & Video Festival shines the spotlight on the region's cinematic talent. The free films are screened at the Alhambra Vía España Cinema during the festival's sojourn in Panama City.
 David Sanchez at the Panama Jazz Festival, Panama City. Photo by Tatiana Salazar | Panama Jazz Festival16 - 21 Jan 2012 (annual)
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Notable Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez invites international and local jazz artists to perform in the Panama Jazz Festival every year. Concerts take place in the National Theatre, Plaza de la Catedral and other venues in Panama City.
 Panama National Symphony Orchestra at the Alfredo de Saint Malo Music Festival, Panama. Courtesy of the Alfredo de Saint Malo Music Festival | Alfredo de Saint Malo Music FestivalMay - Jun 2012 (annual)
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Panama City basks in classical music at the annual Alfredo de Saint Malo Music Festival. The National Theatre of Panama and the Museum of Contemporary Art are just two of the venues that stage concerts by national and international musicians.
The Panama National Symphony Orchestra, the Baylor Piano Trio and the Youth Orchestra of the Americas are some of the regular performers at the Alfredo de Saint Malo Music Festival.
Alfredo de Saint Malo was a notable Panamanian violinist who played with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra during his career. He also performed privately for Mussolini, President Roosevelt and Pope Pius XI, who blessed his Stradivarius.
Alfredo de Saint Malo was a notable Panamanian violinist who played with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra during his career. He also performed privately for Mussolini, President Roosevelt and Pope Pius XI, who blessed his Stradivarius.
Icaro Central American Film & Video Festival
Sep - Oct 2012 (annual)| Hours: | Daily all day & evening |
| Telephone: | +502 2367 3162 |
| Address: | Free |
| Link: | Icaro Central American Film & Video Festival Website |
Hopping between Central America's capitals, the Icaro Central American Film & Video Festival shines the spotlight on the region's cinematic talent. Free films are screened at the Cinépolis Multiplaza cinemas during the festival's sojourn in Panama City.
Guru Clubbing Cult
Thu, Fri, and Sat only| Link: |
Guru Clubbing Cult in Panama City's Bella Vista neighbourhood provides an exclusive modern nightclub experience. The city's glitzy party people sip a cocktail or two before shaking their stuff on the dancefloor to the latest tunes from international DJs.
Club Velvet
Thu, Fri, Sat, and Sun only| Link: |
International DJs spin electronic and trance tunes to a groomed crowd on the packed dance floor at Club Velvet in Panama City's Marbella district. Music videos flash on screens and clubbers relax on sofas. The steamy reggaeton nights are fun.
Pure Lounge & Terrace
Daily; not Mon or Sun| Link: |
Tourists and locals in the latest slinky dresses and designer shirts sip cocktails within Pure Lounge & Terrace's elegant white walls. Cool off on the leafy patio or bag a white sofa to hear progressive house spun by international DJs.