Vintage Vibe / Casco Cool

Culture, history, top gastronomic experiences and architectural marvels like the Panama Canal are all within reach during a long weekend in Panama City.

“It’s like a mini-Miami,” our driver observes, as we whizz past Panama City’s glassy skyscrapers that mirror Brickell or Downtown Fort Lauderdale. But this quick trip from South Florida (a direct three-hour flight) is all about immersion into the city’s old quarter, Casco Viejo, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site that dates to 1673.

A stark contrast from the modern downtown, the historic district is dotted with brightly colored colonial-style buildings—many of them draped in bouquets of flowers—vibrant plazas where Panamanians sell their handicrafts, crumbling historic ruins and centuries-old churches. It’s a dreamy pocket where you can aimlessly wander the brick-paved streets, to pop in chic shops and leisurely dine at culinary finds; or make it a base for exploring architectural gems like the Panama Canal and the country’s natural wonders.

DAY 1

Check-in: The Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, a French colonial-style hotel housed in a 1917 building with former roots as a swanky social club that hosted the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein and Queen Elizabeth II. The hotel places guests within easy walking distance to old town’s gastronomic goodness, shops and historic sights, yet it feels like a serene resort with incredible views of both the water and glittering skyline. Drawing a chic international crowd, the vibe is

Walking tour: Delve into Casco Viejo’s rich history on a walking tour with Trips Panama. On this guided tour, you’ll hear tales of Spanish rule, pirate invasions and devastating fires, and make stops at landmarks like Iglesia de San Jose to peep at its breathtaking golden altar and the Museo de la Mola to learn about the cultural significance of the colorful, patterned molas (textiles) handmade by the indigenous Guna people. It’s also the chance to get intel on the area’s best bars and restaurants.

Lunch break: You’ll know you’ve arrived at one of the best restaurants in the old town by the crowd and high energy at Fonda lo que Hay. Order as many plates as you can from the creative menu, such as the yuca tostada topped with tuna, clams in a chili crunch sauce, whole prawns in a Caribbean sauce, and the fried chicken. Coffee is king in Panama, so grab a specialty coffee from Sisu Coffee Studio.

Evening: Gather in the lobby for Sofitel’s nightly candle ritual, where folk dancers in traditional Panamanian attire showcase their culture with French flair. Have dinner at on-property Caleta restaurant where food is art, and where both Italian style and Panamanian ingredients mingle. Order the local croaker fish cooked in clay, kampachi (fish) marinated in passionfruit, and any of the house-made pasta dishes.

Nightcap: Seek out the Sofitel’s hidden speakeasy, Arcano. Knock on the secret doorway and offer the password to enter the tropical oasis where rum cocktails flow as easy as the DJ’s beats.

DAY 2

Morning: Begin the day with the Coffee Ritual at Vera Café, where you’ll sip Geisha coffee paired with three sweet and salty bites, like chocolate truffles filled with blue cheese and hazelnut.

Plan a visit to the city’s engineering marvel, the Panama Canal, a 20-minute drive away. We suggest starting with the IMAX 3D documentary that showcases the canal’s fascinating story and then booking a behind-the-scenes tour of the Miraflores Locks. If you have longer (and high interest), book a partial boat transit tour to pass through the canal locks.

Lunch break: Back in Casco Viejo, stop for house-made chocolates at high-end chocolatier Nomé before heading back to the hotel to lunch on Mayda’s scenic terrace, feasting on oysters, ceviche, or a burger.

Afternoon: Retreat to the waterfront infinity pool to sunbathe on submerged chairs and book a massage at the Sofitel spa (where you’ll have one of the best massages of your life). Before dinner, ask the butler to draw you an herbal bubble bath in the clawfoot tub, one of the many indulgent amenities at the hotel.

Evening: Escape old town for dinner at Maito, which consistently places on Latin America’s “50 Best” list for their creative cuisine that shines a light on Panamanian comfort-food ingredients and Asian-inspired dishes like wonton shrimp dumplings, noodles and curries. Reserve a seat on their lush patio and work your way through their affordable tasting menu.

Nightcap: Stroll the waterfront plaza to gaze at the modern city’s shimmering skyline, and then head for cocktails at one of the area’s many rooftop bars, like Casa Casco.

DAY 3

This is your chance to see the natural beauty of Panama. Book a day excursion with El Trip De Jenny, where a local, in-the-know guide will lead you on a rich tour centered around nature, conservation or culture. You can visit the indigenous Emberá Village, to see how the community lives and works; or soar through the treetops of the Gamboa Rainforest on a cable car, where you may spot sloths and monkeys, and you’ll see the activity of the Panama Canal from a sky-high platform.

If you’re craving a beach day, book a trip to swim and snorkel in the San Blas islands. Or head to nearby Colón for a food tour. Panama City is just the starting point—you could use the city as a jumping off point to explore more of the raw, wild country on a longer trip.