Hola! Bienvenido to Panama City!

However, Panama city is more than just another playground for jetsetters. Its rich and colourful history goes back to the sixteenth century when the Spaniards founded Panama, the very first European settlement in the Pacific region. The ruins of these settlements exist even today. Casco Viejo is Panama City's wonderfully preserved seventeenth century colonial district. A well-designed urban renewal plan has given new life to this historic area, which is now becoming a fashionable landmark of the city. It is also the ideal place to begin a Panama City tour and learn about its rich history.

Nightlife in Panama City thrives with bars, restaurants and casinos; the city sleeps late. During the weekends, many places remain open all night. Except for small pubs, the majority of bars also function as Panama City restaurants. It's a well-heeled, sophisticated clientele that patronises these establishments, so do be prepared to step out in style!

There are also a large number of great value Panama City hotels for those who do want to catch some sleep whilst on their Panama City tour. Hotels in Panama City offer excellent value, some providing facilities and amenities well above what might be expected for the cost. You can also use our Panama City map to choose your hotel in Panama City based on its location.

If you can get away from the bright lights, the city outskirts offer a number of tourist attractions. First place must naturally be awarded to the Panama Canal, without which a tour in Panama City is incomplete. No wonder that the Canal has been called the ‘eighth wonder of the world'. Its superb engineering design continues to fascinate even today. This is a day trip, and you'll be amply rewarded if you organise your Panama Canal tour in time to view a vessel transit. Along the Canal's 80 km length, you can take in several other interesting sights. For shutterbugs, there are enough vantage points along the stretch to fill an album with some truly inspired photographs.

Less than an hour from the downtown area, pristine rainforests and palm-lined beaches beckon. When you've had enough of urban bustle, head for these attractions to unwind and be one with Nature.

Give yourself sufficient time to absorb the many facets of this most fascinating capital. While Spanish is the official language, you won't be lost, since English usage is widespread, particularly in the banking and tourism industries. Panama is an ethnic pot pourri. The majority of the population is made of mixed Spanish and Indian descent (mestizo). Others are descendants of Spanish, Chinese, Indian and West Indian peoples. This eclectic blend of cultures has given rise to rich craft traditions as is evident from the colourful, hand made women's costumes known as Mola, Tagua palm nut carvings, woven baskets made by Wounaan and Embera Indians, Cocobolo hardwood carvings and local pottery.

Historically, Panama has always been a shortcut for travellers headed elsewhere. The Spaniards found it useful to take back treasures looted from Peru. During the Gold Rush, prospectors would use it to board a train to California. And of course, even today, the world's cargo ships and cruise liners find the Canal the quickest way to move between oceans. However, those who take the time to explore Panama City will be well rewarded with lively dining and nightlife, and an impressive choice of activities to fill your days and nights. Choose a quality Panama City Hotel, take a locally run Panama City tour and enjoy all the sites this cosmopolitan city has to offer!