|
Panama City
Panama City is also home to Donald Trump's newest high-rise condo project.
Dining
Panama City offers dining experiences rivaling those of any other city in the world, at a far better price and with much friendlier service and fellow patrons than in many places. You can expect to find an excellent steak dinner for $35 with wine and tip, and if you are on the Pensianado plan, you of course pay 25% less.
Shopping in Panama City
Panama City is a haven for shoppers because the prices are very low compared to the US and Europe. You can find many of your favorite stores here, but you can also find local stores with unique items you won't find anywhere else - a shopper's delight.
There are several modern, very ritzy malls rivaling any in major US cities where you can buy luxury items, name brand clothes etc. You will think you are walking in an American mall as you shop--except for the lower prices.
Get the>>> The Ultimate Guide To Investing & Retiring In Panama
Panama Beaches
Unfortunately, the beaches in the center of Panama City are not suitable for swimmers due to pollution, but there are many beaches close by that are fine for swimming. The closest is the Playa Bonita Complex. There are many beachfront hotels in Panama City with very reasonable rates. With the fine dining, low hotel prices and great beaches Panama City can't be beat as a vacation destination, even if you choose to retire in another area of the country.
Nature
There are several nature reserves near Panama City, including the Parque Natural Metropolitano and the Centro de Exhibiciones Marinas, which is much more than an aquarium.
The Panama Canal actually needs nature around it, to serve as a water catchment, so there are many excellent places to enjoy nature in and around Panama City. Along the west side of the canal you will find the Parque Nacional Soberania, and nearby is the amazing Summit botanical gardens and zoo.
Overall, Panama offers everything you would expect from a large city, with the bonuses of low crime, low prices, and beautiful, hurricane-free weather.
Of course, if you're thinking about retiring to an area, you want to know what the major cities are like. Even if you choose to live in an area of Panama other than Panama City, the capital (and largest) city determines a lot about the country.
A Very Old City
Panama City was founded by Pedro Aria de Avila on August 15, 1591, which means that if the original city still existed, it would be nearly 500 years old. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 1671 after an attack and looting by Henry Morgan and his band of 1400 men.
The ruins of the old city, known as Panama la Vieja, still remain and are very popular as a tourist destination.
The city was rebuilt in 1673 in a new location about 5 miles southwest of the original city. The original location is now known as the Casco Viejo or Old Hull of the city.
History and Culture
There are many historic sites and cultural attractions in Panama City.
The Museo del Canal Interoceanico is a Panama Canal museum for those interested in the history of the Canal.
The Museo Antropologico Reina Torres de Arauz conatins precious metal artifacts from pre-Colombian Panama. In addition, the museum is located in the original Pacific terminal of the Panama Railroad.
The Colonial section of Panama features colonial architecture and amazing scenic views of Panama City.
And of course there is the Panama Canal, which is worth seeing just for the magnificence of the feat of building it. Two bridges cross the Canal now, the original and well-known Bridge of the Americas, and the newer Centennial Bridge.
Architecture
Panama City has many beautiful older buildings, especially those from the Colonial era, but also has some amazing newer construction that easily compares to anything in the US in terms of modern appeal. American architect Frank Gehry, who designed the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, is working on a new structure, the Bridge of Life Museum, to be completed in 2007.
|
