Panama is a hidden gem many people only heard about because of the famous Panama Canal. The country is affectionately known as the “Crossroads of the Americas,” due to the country being the connecting point where North America meets South America as well as where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans connect through the Panama Canal. Most people are not aware of the millions of goods that pass through the Canal daily, much less about the rich culture that the country possesses. I had the honor of visiting Panama a few weeks ago, which was nothing short of astonishing. Despite the popularity of the Canal, many people around the world are just beginning to discover the country as a must-visit travel destination.

While in Panama, we stayed in Panama City. Before visiting the country, I heard countless others compare the city to that of Miami. After arriving I must admit there were several similarities between Panama City and Miami. The tall buildings, busy city atmosphere, and the never-ending traffic are a few things that Panama City has in common with Miami. Due to the city’s growing financial district, we encountered many expats from around the world, mainly from the US. The city offers a plethora of delicious restaurants and affordable accommodations but lacks beach access. If you are planning to visit the Country for the beaches, traveling outside of the city to Toboga Island, San Blas Islands, or Bocas Del Toro would better curb your beach-going appetite.

Beginning our stay in Panama, we ate at a restaurant called Salvaje, on our first night. If you are into documenting every aspect of your vacation through picture taking, this atmosphere is in alignment with capturing the perfect shot. Many areas in and around the restaurant are picture-worthy. The aesthetics alone is a reason to place this restaurant on your list of places to visit when in Panama. The neon lights to the fire entertainers (literal entertainers that dance with fire), and not to mention the tasteful food gave this place a 10/10 in my book.

The following day, we booked a Panama City tour, which included a tour of the infamous Panama Canal, Amador Causeway, and Casco Viejo. We paid to watch a 45-minute (which was more like an hour) 3D movie about the history of the Canal. It was interesting and informative, but not necessary if that is not something you may be interested in. Following the movie, we headed out to observe how the ships that pass through the canal rise or descend as they enter or leave. Keep in mind since it is a tourist attraction, the place could become quite crowded with many onlookers trying to capture the ascension or descension of the ships. Picture and video opportunities galore for my fellow travel bloggers/vloggers! We then made our way to the famous Panama sign, followed by a stop at the Mercado de Mariscos (fish market). This area is lined with an abundance of restaurants serving a variety of seafood and ceviche. If you are a person who cannot make quick decisions, you may want to prepare yourself to be persuaded by the local restaurant owners. There are many different restaurants to choose from literally in a lineup right next to each other along the strip of the market. As soon as you enter you have waiters and waitresses trying to get you to dine at their establishment. On the first visit there we ended up at the very first restaurant, our tour guide knew the restaurant owner. The name of the establishment slips my memory, but the food was an 8/10 for me. The Ceviche was a hit and my fried fish was fried to perfection, however, there were many complaints from my travel group that was not quite satisfied with their selection. The night ended with a bar crawl in Casco Viejo. The bar crawl was a definite night to remember. Although the choice of alcohol provided, with the inclusion of the fee, was not up to par, we did have the option to purchase additional shots at each bar we went to. It was a total of 5 bars in all.

With Panama being so heavily influenced by reggae, there was a mixture of reggae, rap, and hip-hop that played in each bar to keep you dancing the night away. Of course, a little (or a lot, if you know how to handle your libations, much like my husband) of liquid courage, assisted in the vibe check as well. We dubbed the phrase “WE OUTSIDE!” that night. We undeniably had a time that night in those Panamanian streets! Just make sure you pack your charcoal pills, and liquid IV on your next vacation to Panama if planning the bar crawl excursion. Both remedies, including lots of water, helped prevent hangovers the next day!

During our 4 day stay, we booked a day trip to Toboga Island. I was not in charge of the planning for this trip, but there are many options to choose from on Tripadvisor or Viator if spending the day by the beach is your type of vibe. Toboga Island is approximately 12 miles from Panama City by boat. The Island is known as the “Island of Flowers” and does not disappoint with the vibrant colors of nature and architecture. There are several huts owned by the locals of the island that provide food, souvenirs, and of course, alcoholic beverages to choose from. Our day pass included lunch from one of the local restaurants, beach chairs, beach umbrellas (which you would have to purchase separately if you forego the day pass option), and free access to the restrooms – you read that correctly, “free access” to the restroom. Unfortunately, many places you visit in Panama charge at least .25 cents for the restroom. Another forewarning to the Island is the beach itself was not very appealing. It was decent for what it was, but coming from a true Island Gyal, the beach was not beaching! The water was not Caribbean blue, and the sand was very rocky. However, our banana boat adventure made up for the lack of beach aesthetics. We paid $5 per person for an 8-person banana boat ride. I was a little skeptical about this water sport because I cannot swim (I know, I know, I am an island girl that cannot swim. Don’t judge me!), however, I thoroughly enjoyed being flipped over in the ocean multiple times. Of course, life jackets are provided. There is no use trying to hold on because the boat driver has many tricks to get you in that water!! I also enjoyed a massage on the beach from one of the locals trying to make a living. The cost was only $20 for a 30-minute massage! Imagine getting a massage while on the beach listening to ocean waves and distant music playing in the background from other beachgoers. It was so relaxing, and was worth every penny!

My husband and I decided to stay in Panama for an extra day, as our travel group departed on day 3. We took the opportunity to visit the Multiplaza Mall, along with Albrook Mall. The prices for Uber in Panama are phenomenal. No more than $5 per ride for each trip we took. The only time we spent close to $20 was on our way back to the airport. The Multiplaza Mall is for those individuals who enjoy spending their coins! For us, however, we like to get a bang for our buck, so we ended up at Albrook Mall. I went a little nuts in the department store El Costo, shopping for our youngest daughter. The prices are extremely cheap! I’m talking $1.99 for graphic t-shirts cheap. I spent a little over $100 for at least 10 outfits for our daughter, not to mention a few items I scored for myself. We ended up having to purchase a carry-on luggage for only $25. You can’t beat that! No way you can find those prices in the States anymore! We made our way back to Mercado de Mariscos following our mall adventure. This time I researched on various YouTube channels which restaurant to choose. We settled on the second-to-last restaurant in the market. Just follow the path to the end and you’ll find the second to the last restaurant with the blue chairs. It will not disappoint! I had seafood soup, fried fish with a vinegar sauce, and fried yuca. The combination of the spices and tangy vinegar left my tastebuds dancing for joy! We ended the night walking the Amador Causeway and enjoying the scenery in the process.

All in all, I would absolutely visit Panama again, maybe next time bring the kids along. Until next time PAAA-NAAAA-MAAAA, it was a pleasure!

Panama is full of history, culture, and an overall good time!