PANAMA CITY
It might be best known for its canal , but Panama City is more than just a crossing — it ’ s a convergence of influences that span the Americas and beyond . At first glance , the city presents its high-end shopping malls , office towers and apartment buildings along a modern superhighway , sited to maximise the ocean views . Dominating the skyline is F & F Tower , known as ‘ the screw .’ The striking geometric design of green glass incorporates 53 floors of office space twisted into a helix around a central axis .
In contrast to this is Panama Viejo , a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the remnant of the original city . It ’ s here that Welsh privateer Henry Morgan ’ s expedition , known as the Sack of Panama , took place in January 1671 . Today , you ’ ll find his swashbuckling image on the label of the popular spiced rum brand , Captain Morgan .
The population of Panama represents an array of ethnicities , mainly thanks to waves of immigrants drawn to jobs created during the canal ’ s construction . People from Jamaica , Barbados and Trinidad made up the bulk of the workforce , many of whom stayed and settled here . Indigenous communities like Ngäbe , Bokota , Guna , Buglé and Emberá comprise about 13 % of the nation ’ s population of over four million .
Getting to Panama City is easier than ever , with daily non-stop flights from airports across the Americas . Its national carrier , Copa Airlines , has a generous stopover program allowing passengers to visit Panama for up to seven days , with a stop allowed in each direction . Here ’ s how to make the most of this exciting Central American metropolis .
Clockwise from top left : Stalls selling fruit and vegetables ; Panama City ’ s skyline illuminated at dusk ; Plaza V Centenario near Casco Antiguo ; mola-style textile designs in a wall painting Previous pages : Cyclists in front of the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo
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