A Journey Through Panama City's Rich & Historical Legacy.
- Onyeka Ehie
- Jun 17, 2024
- 4 min read
Panama City is one of those cities where you’re reminded of the history and beauty the world has to offer. Unfortunately, when we landed, we were greeted with some sad news. We got off the plane, Martin received a phone call from his sister telling him that his father passed away of a heart attack. My brain instantly went into action mode and we were fully prepared to get on a plane back to Dallas the following day so we could head to Denmark as soon as possible. We were there to celebrate my 30th birthday and at that point my priority was being there for Martin. After talking to his mom, she asked us to stay and do our best to enjoy ourselves before traveling to Denmark for the funeral, as it was what his father would have wanted.
I’m not going to lie, there was a lot of guilt staying. On the other hand, I was reminded of how short life is and how important it is to live life to the fullest with the ones you love. So, we tried our best to do just that. Despite everything we were going through, it was still a beautiful trip. Now, let me break it down for y’all!
How We Got There
We traveled to Panama City from Dallas with United Airlines with a short layover in Houston. Our flights were about $450 a person and since the travel day was so short, I think Panama City would be a great option for a long weekend!
Where We Stayed
We stayed in the Waldorf Astoria and I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t as nice as we had anticipated. The staff was extremely kind and helpful, however, the hotel was a lot older and outdated than we anticipated. We paid $175 a night so we didn’t have the highest expectations. If I could do it over, I would definitely stay at the American Trade Hotel since it was in the heart of Panama City’s most vibrant area, Casco Viejo.
Overall, it wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t super nice. It’s definitely a great option if you’re wanting to save a little $$ so that’s a plus! Another plus was the massages at the spa so if you stay there you have to get one.
What We Did
Metropolitan Natural Park – Amazing opportunity to experience nature while having the most amazing views of the city. It’s an hour and half walk/hike and the reviews online said it would be easy so we made the mistake of not wearing activewear. So, if you end up going, dress appropriately (see exhibit A). We saw monkeys, a sloth, and an anteater so it was so cool to see the animals in their natural habitat.
Mira Flores Lock – This is one of the locks on the Panama Canal that lower the ships down to sea level and we actually got to see a ship come through. This was one of those experiences where you just stand in amazement at what human hands are capable of. You don’t have to buy tickets ahead of time, but I recommend going between 1-4 PM so you’re able to catch a ship go by.
Mercado de Mariscos – The fish market located in the city. They have so many restaurants there and to be honest you can’t go wrong with any. I got a coconut and curry lobster that basically changed my life.
Saint Joseph’s Church – a 1670s church famed for its lustrous golden altar, carved of wood & painted in gold flake. It was built after the city was destroyed by pirates and the gold detail was actually insane.
Monkey Island – HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP. We took a boat through the Panama Canal to get there and we saw so many monkeys and got to feed them. It was truly a remarkable experience and I highly recommend the tour we went on. They picked us up from the hotel and made everything so seamless. BOOK HERE
Where We Ate
Azahar – This is where we went for my birthday dinner and it was such a great experience. We sat outside facing the water so it made for an amazing experience. I recommend the lobster if you go!
Cevichera La Bendicion – Lowkey restaurant right across from the fish market. The ceviche was SO good and all the fish is caught on the same day so it’s extremely fresh. There’s no need for a reservation because they have plenty of seating.
Fonda Lo Que Hay – Local Panamanian restaurant with the most amazing food. The tuna tartare left us with absolutely no words. If you want to go, make sure you make a reservation as they book up pretty quick!
Santa Rita – Favorite restaurant in the city. It was so cute and had a great vibe. It’s also an option for lunch or dinner. I ordered the oxtail sticky rice and it was a 10/10. The rigatoni was also phenomenal.
Furia – Very upbeat party vibe for dinner so it’s perfect for groups. I got the cacio e pepe and it was delicious. After eating, we ended up staying for a couple drinks and the place turned into a full-on club. Although it was difficult for me to enjoy for obvious reasons, I highly recommend going for a fun night out!
Madre Pizza – on the last night, we were craving Italian so we went here. They have the best pizza. They also had a great wine selection!
Where We Went Out
CascoCasco, Tantalo, Lazotea, Selina – these 4 spots are all upbeat rooftop bars that are perfect for getting drinks and either sitting and having conversations or dancing if you’re wanting to get your groove on!
Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar – Favorite cocktail bar in Panama City. Such a historical and authentic spot with rums aging 15-21 years. Their cocktails were so amazing.
Amano Bar – chill bar perfect for cocktails on a laid-back night. I got a gin and tonic with blueberry and it was so good!
In the end, despite the unexpected news, our trip to Panama City was a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and embracing life's beauty. The city offered unforgettable experiences, delicious food, and moments of reflection that we'll always treasure.
With Love,