PAN: Panama City Downtown
Panama City, Panama
Here are a few more photos showcasing the beauty and charm of Casco Viejo.
The capital city of Panama is a vibrant metropolis known for its dynamic blend of history and modernity. Located at the Pacific entrance of the renowned Panama Canal that's significantly boosted global trade and the economy, the city was founded on 15 August 1519 by a Spanish conquistador named Pedro Arias Davila.
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PAN: Panama City Downtown <YOU ARE HERE!>
COL: Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lake Tour
COL: El Dorado International Airport
COL: Avianca VIP Lounge @ El Dorado International Airport
TRY: Turkish Airlines TK800 (Business)
TRY: Turkish Airlines TK208 (Economy)
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On our first evening, we took an Uber ride to Casco Viejo (lit. Old Quarter), the historic district of Panama City.
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| Pablo Arosemena was Panama's first presidential designate, i.e. vice president, who eventually became a president. |
At the southeastern tip of Casco Viejo is Plaza de Francia, an area that was once used for military purposes.
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| The plaza commemorates the French role in the construction of the Panama Canal. |
Casco Viejo has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
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| That's the surviving remnant of the original city wall. |
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| Through gentrification, Casco Viejo has become a tourist hotspot with many boutique hotels and eateries. |
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| Do love locks really provide a tangible reminder of the hope and promise that love endures? |
We returned to Casco Viejo during the daylight to visit La Catedral Metropolitana, a major Roman Catholic cathedral in the city.
Here are a few more photos showcasing the beauty and charm of Casco Viejo.
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| Imagine if time travel to the past were possible... |
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| Panama Canal Museum was established in 1997. |
Unfortunately, I lost most of the photos of the modern city area, but one notable building to highlight is F&F Tower, a 52-storey skyscraper that stands out with its distinctive twisted design.
We checked out Multiplaza Panama, a modern shopping mall with more than 200 stores. It's home to Panama's first H&M store. Though not pictured here, we also explored Albrook Mall, an expansive shopping centre that, as of July 2022, was the 25th largest in the world and second largest in the Americas.
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| "O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches~" |
Biomuseo is a striking museum dedicated to the biodiversity and natural history of Panama. We tried our luck visiting on Christmas Day, but as expected, it was closed. Still, I enjoyed admiring the impressive and unique design of the building.
From there, we decided to brave the intense sun and head to Isla Perico, a small island located in the Panama Bay.
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| Pikachu and Melon were taking the break to enjoy the view. |
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| If only I could retire now and spend my time sailing in the open waters~ |
Our impromptu visit to Isla Perico eventually brought us to Sabroso Panama, a vibrant restaurant known for its local dishes.
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| I can imagine the restaurant being packed in the evening with live music. |
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| The restaurant features sitting areas with different themes, capturing the essence of Panama in one place. |
Here's a list of the eateries we visited during our short time in Panama City:
- Café Coca Cola (Creole and Western)
- Lumaca (Spanish and Western)
- Restaurante El Trapiche (Creole and Spanish)
- Sabroso Panama (Creole and Spanish)
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