Ciudad De Panama Sights and Landmarks Guide, Panama

Ciudad de Panama is the largest city and the capital of Panama. The city is nowadays a flourishing metropolis, with its skyscrapers and towers. Ciudad de Panama, despite its modern appearance, has a long and rich history. This former Spanish colony is one of the most multicultural places in the world. People from many different countries have chosen Ciudad de Panama to be their home, and all the ethnicities have contributed to the creation of the cultural melting pot that the city is today.

Ciudad de Panama was the 2003 American Capital of Culture, and rightly so. Regardless whether you are looking for a good time, or if you’re more interested in learning about different societies or cultures, Ciudad de Panama is the perfect holiday destination. This Ciudad de Panama Sights Guide will drill you through the must-sees of this city.

Ciudad de Panama Sights - Architecture and Historical Sites

Just like Cartagena and Colon, Panama’s other important tourist destinations, the historic quarter in Ciudad de Panama is one of the main attractions. Casco Viejo, or the Old City, is the historical core of the city. The old quarter is a perfectly preserved example of Spanish colonial architecture, blended with French elements such as balconies and archways, the heirloom of the French who attempted to build the Panama Canal. The churches scattered around the many plazas are all very beautiful and are usually open for visits. Some of the notable plazas in Casco Viejo are Plaza Bolivar, Plaza de la Independencia and Plaza Francia. Some of the most scenic walks in the city are in the Casco Viejo. The old quarter is actually a peninsula, half-surrounded by the sea. Although not all of the beautiful colonial buildings have been renovated yet, it is a real pleasure to take a walk through Casco Viejo’s cobbled streets and imagine the past magnificence of the quarter.

Ciudad de Panama Sights - Museums

Ciudad de Panama has enough museums to keep anyone entertained for days. Since colonial art and architecture is one of the city’s greatest assets, it’s only natural that there’s a museum dedicated to aspects of Spanish colonialism.

Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial houses an extensive collection of religious art, some of which dates back to the 16th century. For a taste of pre-colonial history, visit Mi Pueblito, a life-sized village replica where you can watch traditional dances and buy handicrafts.

After visiting a museum dedicated to pre-Columbian villages, you could also visit a museum of pre-Colombian art. Museo Antropologico Reina Torres de Arauz pays homage to the city’s heritage, and has a large display of pre-Colombian artifacts.

If you are interested in marine life, this Ciudad de Panama Sights Guide recommends that you visit Centro de Exhibitiones Marinas, which hosts an extensive marine exhibition, aquariums and a nature trail. The centre also houses an interesting display of nautical illustrations.