Panama: The Famous Canal & Historic Old Town 23–24 July 2023
Panama is best known for one of the greatest engineering marvels in the world — the Panama Canal. It was the main reason for my short visit, and it didn’t disappoint.
Old Town (Casco Viejo)
I spent time exploring the historic Casco Viejo, the charming old town. It has a nice colonial atmosphere with colorful buildings, good restaurants, and pleasant cafés. One of the best spots was the rooftop bar/restaurant at CasaCasco — great views and a relaxed vibe, perfect for sunset or evening drinks.
The Panama Canal
The absolute highlight was visiting the Panama Canal. For a small ticket price, they have a very well-organized viewing area where you can watch the massive ships slowly passing through the locks. It’s impressive to see the engineering in action — the ships move surprisingly slowly and precisely. Definitely worth going once in a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Panama is okay for a short visit. The canal and the old town are interesting, but the country doesn’t feel very developed outside these main attractions. It’s not one of my favorite destinations in the region, but it serves as a useful travel hub for Central and South America.
Would I recommend Panama? Yes — if you’re already in the area or need a convenient hub for flights. Seeing the Panama Canal in person is cool and something you should experience once. Two days is more than enough. I might return in the future because of its good flight connections, but it’s not a place I’m eager to rush back to for a holiday.