The Fabulous Panama City

International Living Magazine says Panama comes in the top 5 places of retirement. Beautiful Cosmopolitan city of Panama is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama. It is the administrative and political center of the country. The huge skyscrapers and condos, offices and hotels are well situated in the city of Panama. The city is also a very significant place for international banking and commerce. It was founded on 15th August 1519 and it became the starting and traveling point to reach Peru. It was also the main market of trading of Gold and Silver towards Spain. In the year 1671 Henry Morgan with the help of 1400 men attacked the city and destroyed it with fire. Panama la Veija (Old Panama) is the well known tourist destination where the traces of fire are still visible. It was rebuilt in the year 1673 and extended 5miles towards the south of the original city. The location is called as Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) of the Panama City. After two years California Gold Rush was founded in the year 1848 which leads to the formation of Panama Railroad Company. It was not started up till 1855.

Panama Canal was constructed which was very beneficial for the infrastructure and economy of the Panama City. After the construction of this Canal the racial and social tensions took place in the city because the workers were from West Indies and a great revolution to save the city from yellow fever and malaria started. Panama City started got richness during the World War II after the construction of military bases in the city. The area near to metropolitan Panama and the areas in the Canal Zone are restricted for most of the people because of its settlement of military base. Conflicts started taking Panama Canal Zone between Panama and the U.S. citizens. On 9th January, 1964 this tension busted into riots.

From 1970’s to 1980’s Panama developed its network internationally and became one of the money laundering centers. The riots continued for almost one year and in 1989 United States declared war on Panama under the leadership of President George W Bush. Most of the old wood framed buildings of 1900s were destroyed with fire. After the fall of Panama’s defense army the U.S. helped in the construction and replaced the destroyed buildings with cinderblock apartment buildings. Panama City always remained a major banking center for its money laundering services around the globe. The business of shipping was also carried on large scale in the area of port Balboa and many ports on the Caribbean side under the Hutchison Whampoa Company of Hong Kong. The port of Balboa is located in the greater Panama metropolitan area which was the part of Panama Canal Zone. Panamanian Balboa is the currency of Panama City after the name of Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa.

Panama La Vieja also known as Old Panama is the Monumental Historic Complex and was the first Spanish city which was founded by Pedro Arias de Avila on 15th August, 1519. It was one of the most important city and trade routes in Panama. Casco Antiguo is given the status of World Heritage Site. The city became a rocky peninsula after destroyed from diseases and got attacked by pirates many times. The city is called as Casco Antiguo, San Felipe Cathedral, and Casco Viejo.

When to go Panama City

Winter is the best season to visit Panama City at this time you will enjoy warm weather and sunshine on regular basis. Spring and summer are not much comfortable to visit Panama City. Panama City is well known for beaches and in winter they are enjoyed the most. The atmosphere is pleasant even with the warm water. Panama City is always filled with many tourists during the winter season.

How to reach Panama City

Bay Country International Airport and Tocumen International Airport serves tourists. Northwest airlines are Air Link, USAir Express, and Delta Airlines. While Sowell Aviation is a small private company which will help you to explore Panama City. If you are planning to go by train than Panama Rail Company serves you and is connected with towns and cities in Florida. Renting a car is also a best option but to roam in Panama City however Panama City is a port you can also visit Panama City in your own boat.

Where to Stay in Panama City

The hotels in Panama City are simply superb with lots of facilities for all types of tourists. Ranging from five stars to two stars the choice is vast. Hotels, Motels, Hostels, Cottages etc can be found easily at any corner of the city. This huge commercial city has many hotels with many amenities for large amount of tourists visiting this place every year. How ever the rates increase in the peak season of winter and pre booking is necessary to the hotels for the comfortable stay in this metropolitan city.

• Hotel De Ville

• Coronado Club Suites Resort
• Bristol Panama
• Royal Decammeron Golf Beach Resort Golf & Villas
• Gamboa Rainforest Resort

• Riande Continental Hotel and Casino

Attractions and Things to Explore in Panama City

There is much more to travel around in Panama City. It is a beautiful and adventurous city with full of fun and pleasure for all ages. Traveling in Panama City is an unforgettable Experience. There are stunning sites, museums, beaches, cruises and an amazing night life. You can discover Panama City on these places.

• Darien National Park- A bridge between two continents this park has a variety of beaches, coasts, mangroves, swamps etc
• Archaeological Site of Panama- It is a place which shows the history of Old Panama City and New Panama City.
• Carillion Beach- An exclusive water beach resort for families.
• St. Andrews State Park- One of the nice places to visit with incredible boating experience.
• Yoga for You- A yoga studio located on the beach a must visit relaxing site.
• Junior Museum of Bay Country- A museum for kids to know about science, astronomy etc.
• Shady Oaks- A perfect destination for people who love antiques.
• Island Time Sailing Cruises- A significance watching place to enjoy with Dolphins
• Museum of the Man in the Sea- A tour and history of diving for those who love water sports.
• Holiday Golf Club- The most fine-looking 18 holes golf course.

Water sports at the beaches, parks, gardens, Museums, picturesque sites, shopping; sports and restaurants can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year. Panama City is a great commercial and economic city with amazing sites to travel around.