Panama City is a mash of old and new, rundown and pristine, modern and old world. If you’re planning a trip to Central America, it’s definitely somewhere you want to have on your list. Here’s SDTC’s complete guide to Panama City.

Stay

Hands down one of the best hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in is American Trade Hotel. From the same geniuses that brought you the Ace Hotel in New York comes a gorgeous and warm art deco hotel that will leave you wanting to stay forever. Impeccable service and the rooftop pool is the perfect place for morning yoga practice.

The hotel is adjacent to a charming 50 seat jazz bar called Danilo’s. Sip on a Sazerac while taking in jazz.

If American Trade Hotel is not in the budget go for Magnolia Inn or La Luna Castle Hostel also located in Casco Viejo.

Get Cultured

Three years ago Panama launched their own version of TIFF—the International Film Festival of Panama (IFFP). If you’re lucky enough to travel to Panama City in April, this is a must do. Catch a world premiere at the Teatro National—a stunning old theatre in Casco Viejo—the old part of town declared a UNESCO world heritage site and the cultural centre of the city.

Walk the streets of Casco Viejo. Admire the architecture, the cafes, the quiet streets and Plazas.

Set to open any day, the Frank Gehry-designed BioMuseo (Biodversity Museum) is a site to behold.

Party

La Buat is the place for oceanside dancing and drinks. You can chill by the water and have conversation or enter their concrete dancing den where the music blasts and the air conditioning is cranked. Prepare to sweat.

Tantalo has the best rooftop lounge, Sunday Brunch, excellent Mojitos and a gorgeous setting.

Eat

Start your day at Casa Sucre–delicious lattes and other snacks.

Find the.best.ice.cream. of your life at Granclement. For $2.75 indulge in uno bola (one scoop). I am still dreaming about this spot.

If you’re looking to spend a little more many of the hotel restaurants serve award wining cuisine. The Bristol Hotel offers Salsipuedes, a world-class restaurant where ladies who lunch eat fried crocodile (which tastes like the delicate baby of chicken and calamari).

Day trips

Santa Clara beach on the Pacific coast is worth the ride. You can take a bus from Albrook for $3 or rent a car and drive the Panamerican Highway. It’s about two hours from Panama City.

Taboga Island
20 kms off of Panama City lies a tiny volcanic island with a population of 800. Why not treat yourself to a Catamaran trip for the day there.

Once on Taboga hit up Callaoo Restaurant: from the port hook a left and you can’t miss it. Owned by an ex-pat from PEI they are known for their fresher-than-you’ve-ever tasted fish and chips.

The beaches are nothing to write home about here but you can soak in some sun and admire the distinctive feel of Taboga. This flower island as they call it is a cross between a mashed and run-down Caribbean island and a cool undiscovered gem where you might film a movie. It’s a relaxing and a welcome respite from the bustle of the city.