Walking Guide

The Metropolitan Cathedral, about two hundred and fifty metres away, faces Plaza de la Independencia, the heart of Casco Viejo. The Canal Museum, on the same square, tells the story of the canal from French attempts to American construction and Panamanian control. It is the best introduction to Panama's history.

The Church of San José, about five minutes away, houses the famous golden altar, said to have been hidden from Henry Morgan's pirates by being painted black. Iglesia La Merced and the ruins of the Compañía de Jesús complete the historic churches nearby.

Plaza de Francia, at the tip of the peninsula, honours the French workers who died building the canal. From there, the Paseo de las Bóvedas walkway on the old sea wall offers views of the bay, the Bridge of the Americas and the skyline. Vendors sell molas, the colourful textiles of the Guna people.

The Cinta Costera, a waterfront promenade starting near Casco Viejo, leads to the Mercado de Mariscos, the seafood market where small restaurants serve ceviche in plastic cups. It is a lively and inexpensive lunch.

The Amador Causeway, about five kilometres away, connects three islands in the Pacific and offers cycling paths, restaurants and views of ships entering the canal. The Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, presents Panama's biodiversity in a colourful building.

The Miraflores Locks, around twenty minutes by car, allow visitors to watch huge ships pass through the canal. The visitor centre has observation decks and exhibits. Morning and afternoon transits offer the best viewing.

For food, Casco Viejo offers everything from street patacones and empanadas to high end restaurants serving Panamanian fusion cuisine. Sancocho, a chicken and root vegetable soup, is the national dish.