Panama City: Where Glitz and Glamour Meet Madness and Misadventure
Welcome to Panama City, the bustling metropolis on the isthmus that separates two oceans and unites two continents! A city where skyscrapers tower over shantytowns, where designer boutiques coexist with street vendors, and where the party never stops – unless it’s interrupted by a tropical storm, a power outage, or a riot.
Panama City, or Panamá La Vieja as it was known when it was founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1519, has a rich and colorful history that involves pirates, gold, and revolutions – not to mention the Panama Canal, the engineering marvel that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and made the city a strategic and commercial hub.
But enough about history, let’s focus on the present – or rather, the pandemonium – that awaits you in Panama City. Here are some of the highlights and lowlights of this vibrant and chaotic place.
Architecture
If you like skyscrapers, Panama City is your paradise. The city skyline is dominated by sleek and shiny towers that loom over the old quarter and the seafront. The most iconic of them is the Trump Ocean Club, a 70-story hotel and condominium that was built by the real estate tycoon before he became the U.S. president. The building boasts a helipad, a casino, and a spa – all the amenities you need to feel like a millionaire, or at least a Trump supporter.
But if you prefer old-world charm and colorful facades, don’t miss Casco Viejo, the historic district that was built by the Spanish in the 17th century and features colonial-style houses, churches, and plazas. The area has undergone a gentrification process in recent years, attracting hipster cafes, boutique hotels, and art galleries. You can also catch a glimpse of the city’s seedy past in the form of brothels, bars, and street gangs that still operate in some corners.
Food
Panama City is a melting pot of cuisines, reflecting its diverse population of native Indians, Spanish colonizers, African slaves, and Chinese immigrants. You can find anything from ceviche to sushi, from empanadas to dim sum, from sancocho (a hearty stew) to pizza. The seafood is particularly fresh and delicious, thanks to the proximity to the ocean and the canal. The local beer, Balboa, is also worth a try, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
But be prepared for some surprises and challenges when it comes to dining in Panama City. The hygiene standards are not always up to par, so you may want to bring a bottle of hand sanitizer or avoid street food altogether. The portions can be huge, so you might want to share a dish or take the rest home. And the service can be slow, so you might want to bring a book or a smartphone to kill time – or to practice your Spanish or your mime skills.
Nightlife
Panama City is a nocturnal beast that comes alive after dark and doesn’t sleep until dawn. The city offers a wide range of entertainment options, from fancy nightclubs to gritty bars, from salsa clubs to karaoke joints, from rooftop lounges to underground raves. The dress code is usually formal, so you might want to bring a dress or a suit – or at least a nice shirt or blouse. The cover charge and the drinks can be expensive, so you might want to bring a fat wallet or a credit card – or at least a cheap flask or a water bottle filled with rum.
But be aware of the risks and the rules when it comes to nightlife in Panama City. The crime rate is high, so you might want to avoid walking alone or in sketchy neighborhoods. The police can be corrupt, so you might want to avoid confrontations or bribes. The taxi drivers can be tricky, so you might want to negotiate the fare or use Uber. And the hangover can be brutal, so you might want to hydrate and rest – or to keep the party going.
Conclusion
Panama City is a kaleidoscope of contradictions and contrasts, a place where opulence meets poverty, where tradition meets innovation, where fantasy meets reality. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, a party animal or a culture lover, a risk taker or a safety seeker, Panama City has something to offer – and to challenge – you. So pack your bags, your curiosity, and your sense of humor, and come visit the city that drives people mad – in a good way or in a bad way, depending on your mood and your luck.