Panama City: Somewhere Between Miami and Havana

Initially our plan was to spend more days in Panama and later cross the border to Costa Rica, after a trail called Los Quetzales. But then we realized that we didn't have enough time for that trip. It would involve more days and lots of effort (me carrying a backpack for a 8h trail...).

Flying over Caribbean Sea

Instead, we decided to spend 24h in Panama City and get a flight to San Jose (Costa Rica). 

We arrived to Panama City at 2pm. We rushed through the immigration and then to the bus stop. Cabs don't have meter and you have to negotiate the fare which I really dislike, it's a waste of time and cab drivers are tricky.

Panama City airport

Getting to Panama City from Tocumen International Airport by public transportation

The first thing to know is that there are two airports in Panama City. The largest is actually in Tocumen, a suburb. When you exit the terminal you should turn right and follow the terminal building to the end. You'll see a small passage between a building and a wall. Go through it. On the other side there is a covered walkaway that you just need to follow to the main road. As you get to the main road you will see a bus stop but that's for buses coming from Panama City, so you need to cross the busy road. Don't worry about not having a metro bus pass. Many buses come here and we actually got one where you could pay in cash (big white bus but not oficial metro bus). If you get an oficial metro bus you would need a pass. You can ask a local to pay for you and give them the fare, and maybe a bit more to thank them. The bus you want to take must say "Carretera Sur/Aldbrook". "Carretera Sur" is the main highway and means the bus runs direct to multicentro mall around calle 50 East.

Unofficial bus

If you are carrying a trolley or wearing fancy clothing, it's best to take a cab. I guess it's not dangerous but you'll get lots of unwanted attention. 

Unofficial bus

We booked our room through Tripadvisor. It was one of the top accommodations in Panama City, a local, simple but clean midrange hotel. It was conveniently located in a quiet neighborhood and 5 minutes walking to Iglesia del Carmen metro station.

Metro is brand new, very cheap ($0.35 each way) and safe. We saw police officers everywhere.

You can get the metrobus card on the metro station. There are some vending machines where you can get the card and charge it. 

Fried fish with yucca fries

After we dropped off our bags in the hotel we immediately took the metro to Mercado de Mariscos. It's a restaurant located on the top of the fish market. There are other similar restaurants around it but they look more touristic. 

We learned about this place in travel and foodie blogs. It didn't disappoint. We had a delicious whole fried fish and some ceviche.

Skyline

This area has a great view to Panama City skyline. The modern downtown reminds me of Miami a lot. 

Casco Viejo

Then we walked towards Casco Viejo, a charming historic neighborhood that seems very similar to Havana's descriptions and pics. That's why I call Panama City a mix of Miami and Havana. 

Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is a must see. Most part of the old colonial houses are under renovation. And they are doing a great job. They are trying to keep all the character and charm.

Casco Viejo

Panama City impressed me. It's an awesome and very interesting city. It's very diverse and mixed. Public transportation was a great way to learn more about it. We were side by side with indigenous and people with very diverse ascendents. 

Handicrafts 

I want to go back soon to explore more of Panama.