Discovering a new city can feel overwhelming, its energy both enticing and elusive. In Panama City, where modernity meets deep tradition, many believe a car is the key to uncovering its sprawling streets and hidden treasures. Yet, for those staying at Hotel Amarla, a luxurious boutique haven in the heart of Casco Viejo, the city unveils itself differently. Here, the rhythm of the streets invites you on foot, letting you lose yourself in their stories, textures, and colors.
From this historic quarter, five remarkable routes await, each revealing Panama’s essence—a tapestry of vibrant culture, captivating history, and breathtaking landscapes. Let your journey begin where the charm of Casco Viejo meets the soul of the city.
The Cinta Costera is more than a promenade; it is a silent dialogue between the restless Pacific and the towering skyline of Panama City. As you walk its length, the rhythm of the waves blends with the hum of urban life, creating a symphony both ancient and modern. The sunlight reflects off fountains and sculptures, dancing across the pathway, while the sea breeze, heavy with salt, carries whispers of stories untold.
It is here that the heartbeat of Panama becomes tangible, in the laughter of families at the parks or the salt-laden air of the Fish Market, where freshly caught seafood is not just nourishment but tradition. Each step invites a closer connection to the essence of the city—a place where history merges with the present like the waves meeting the shore.
Cerro Ancón rises above Panama City, a quiet guardian overlooking the movements below. The climb is steep, yet each step carries you further into silence, a retreat from the city’s pulse. As you ascend, the trees seem to embrace you, their leaves rustling words of encouragement as they weave a canopy above your head.
At the summit, the view unfolds—a panorama of the city stretched before you, the canal winding through the horizon, and nature’s green contrasting with the concrete below. More than a hiking trail, Cerro Ancón is a sacred space, where history and nature intertwine. From the summit, it is easy to imagine the footsteps of those who once called this hill a strategic refuge. Now it stands not as a post for war, but as a sanctuary for those seeking stillness and connection with a larger story.
In the heart of Casco Viejo, where history meets modern charm, Kaandela stands out as the best restaurant in the area. Every dish here is a masterpiece, blending the vibrant essence of traditional Panamanian flavors with a touch of contemporary elegance. From the moment you step in, the warm ambiance and the tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared dishes set the scene for an unforgettable culinary experience.
At Kaandela, food is more than sustenance—it’s an art form. Each plate is thoughtfully crafted with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, resulting in flavors that are bold, fresh, and deeply rooted in Panama’s culture. Whether you’re looking for the best restaurant near you for a leisurely lunch or the top dining spot in Panama City to impress, Kaandela delivers on every level.
Perfect for lunch, gatherings, or a quiet moment of indulgence, this renowned eatery has earned its reputation as the best restaurant in Casco Viejo and among the best restaurants in Panama. Here, every meal tells a story, and each bite reveals passion, tradition, and creativity.
If you’re searching for the best restaurant for lunch or simply craving an authentic dining experience with a modern twist, Kaandela is your answer. Step into its embrace, and let the flavors guide you through the soul of Panamanian cuisine.
Casco Viejo is a treasure chest of time, its streets paved not with stones, but with memories. Each step carries you deeper into Panama’s soul, where colonial façades stand as silent witnesses to revolutions, liberations, and the passage of centuries.
The Plaza de la Independencia, where freedom was first declared, is a harmonious symphony of voices—those of the past blending seamlessly with the present. The Iglesia de San José, with its Golden Altar glowing like captured sunlight, seems to hum a hymn of endurance and faith.
As you trace the lines of the old buildings, history feels less like something distant and more like a presence, breathing in every shadow and crack. Nowhere is this clearer than at the Museo del Canal Interoceánico, where the dreams and struggles behind the Panama Canal come to life. Casco Viejo is alive, a living narrative that invites you to become a chapter in its story.
The Amador Causeway stretches like a graceful brushstroke connecting the city to its distant islands. The ocean here whispers tales of connection—a reminder that this land has always been a meeting point, a place where worlds collide and blend.
The Biomuseo rises at the end of the path, its vibrant, angular design a celebration of Panama’s role as a bridge of life between continents. The architecture mirrors the land itself—bold, diverse, and alive. As you walk along the calm waters of the Pacific, the skyline fades, and the horizon expands, embracing both city and nature in an endless dialogue of coexistence.
Sunsets here feel like moments suspended in time, where the sky burns in hues of orange and crimson before surrendering to the quiet blue of night. To walk the Amador Causeway is to step into this eternal moment—where the city gives way to the sea, and the mundane transforms into the magical.
