If you’re living, studying, working, or retiring in Panama, there is bound to be a time when your friends and family are going to want to visit you. Believe it or not, though, this can be a daunting task, and feel like a lot of pressure to make everyone happy, especially if they have different tastes than you. Don’t fear; Panama has lots to do, for every type of person (family or friends) regardless of age or budget.
Here are 5 easy ways to please your crowd when they visit Panama that will have them singing your praises (and those of your new country of residence).
Take a stroll to the Mercado de Mariscos (fish market) on the Cinta Costera.
One of the most fun, unique, and cultural experiences you can do in Panama City is to visit the Mercado de Mariscos (fish market). The market is located at the southern end of Panama’s coastal belt park (Cinta Costera), and is a vibrantly large area to buy fish. Even if you’re not in the mood to buy, you can do some great people watching, and take some colorful photos of local people, boats, sea life, etc. There’s music blasting from every angle, and you can even get a heaping cup of ceviche for less than $3. Plus, you can walk there from most parts of the city using the beautiful, pedestrian only, Cinta Costera park.
Take a day trip to El Valle de Anton
Escape from the hustle, bustle, and heat of Panama City with a day trip to one of Panama’s most picturesque towns. El Valle de Aton town is known for its natural beauty, cool temperatures, local markets, and nature walks. You can get there by bus, taxi, or rent a car and head on up. It’s about 2 hours drive from the city, so is easy to do in just one day, or a weekend if you like.
Go to an all-inclusive beach resort
Panama is full of all-inclusives, and they’re extremely popular amongst locals, expats, and visitors. These make great small (or large) beach trips for family and friends who want to indulge in the full tropical resort experience. Most resorts make it easy to plan ahead, with transportation options to and from the city and airports, as well as one fee for lodging, food, and drinks. They vary in price and demographic targets, which means you have more options to help find the perfect fit for your and your crowd.
Dine and dance in Casco Viejo, Panama’s “old city.”
Casco is the #1 tourist destination in Panama City, and is a can’t-miss stop for anyone visiting, of any age. It’s a small neighborhood with lots to see, and while it’s a great walk and hang during the daytime, at night it really revs up. Casco has many of the city’s top restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, and cafes, and a weekend night in Casco is second to none, for tourists and permanent residents alike.
Have a shopping day!
In Panama City, there are thousands of shopping options right at your fingertips, for practically anything under the sun. Panama has a variety of mega malls that cater to all tastes, with any international brand you can imagine. Plus, due to favorable trade agreements, low taxes, and the US dollar, shopping in Panama is very affordable, and more competitively priced than practically any other place in Latin America. You can even have many stores ship your purchases back to your home country, making it easy for visitors who want to do big shopping, without bringing everything along with them for the entirety of their trip.
