Panama City, Panama in 10 hours?

Question

I have a 13 hour wait in between connecting flights in Panama City, Panama. Any suggestions for squeezing in a little sightseeing? Is it possible to do much during this block of time?

Answer 1

Or, you could go shopping at Los Pueblos, it is 15 minutes from the airport and very cheap.

Answer 2

Staying within the city, which is what I would suggest with the allotted amount of time you have; I would suggest three places.  The first in your line for travel from the airport would be Panama Viejo (old Panama).  It is where the first colonization of Panama took place by the Spanish.  Lots of ruins, artisan market and a museum.  Second I would go across the city (you'll be able to see the many new high rises being built and get a feeling to the hustle of the city proper) and see Casco Viejo (old helmet) it has a very strong French influence, always reminds me of New Orleans with its narrow cobblestone streets and balconied buildings, beside being where the Presidential Palace, National Theater, etc is located.  The final place to run over to is the Mira Flores lock on the Panama Canal.  It is the first set of locks leaving the Pacific side of the country.  They is an observation platform with loud speaker giving information about the interesting fact of the canal, a souvenir shop, a film of the history of the canal as well as a museum, restaurant, and snack stand.   This will be more than enough ways to spend your hours.  In a nutshell this is pretty much the standard 'city tour' the tourist takes.

Answer 3

Yes..Get outta the airport and go..Hire a taxi..They are cheap...Have them drive you to anything on the beach..The ruins of Panama are aw some and downtown..Lots of shops and restaurants and plenty to look at.Veijo....Old Panama.Ofcourse you would cheat yourself if you did'nt see the Miraflores Locks,As you travel you'll see so many of the high rises and roll the window down smell and listen ...It's all Panama.Keep your driver the whole time.They are proud of their country.Don't leave the City as you don't know if you'll be delayed getting back. It's an aw some place ,my hubby is from there so we enjoy it as often as we can.

Don't forget they use US dollars .So the money is worth more there..Don't be taken in. Enjoy..................................

Answer 4

I agree with Rivkarut but I would go to Miraflores Locks first because traffic in Panama City is awful and you don't want to miss the Canal.  Check at www.pancanal.com for the locks schedule.  Most times, there is no transit between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.

From the Locks you can go to the Casco Viejo for lunch.  If time allows, you can stop in Old Panama, otherwise take the "Corredor Sur" and rush to the airport.

Good Luck!!

Answer 5

You can go the beach on the atlantic and then hop over to the one on the pacific side.  How cool is that?!! All in one day.