I just got back from Panama City, and let me tell you—if you ever thought about going, just book the ticket already. Seriously. The best things to do in Panama City are the kind of experiences that stick with you long after you've left. There's just something magical about that place, but wow, was it a whirlwind.
This spot? Total surprise.
You know how you're wandering around somewhere new and, for whatever reason, you decide to take a random street? That's how we stumbled upon Casco Viejo. I mean, I'd heard of it, but I wasn't expecting anything mind-blowing. Just another historic district, right? Well, I was DEAD wrong.
The moment I stepped into that area, it was like time-traveling to another era. Cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, and murals that almost seem to whisper stories of their own. We just kind of walked around aimlessly, which I usually hate doing because I love a good plan. But I don't know… the charm of that place had me shedding my usual need for structure.
There was this little café called Café de Letras that caught my eye. I mean, how could it not? It looked like something out of an indie film. The coffee was rich, served with a slice of something local that was both sweet and savory. I swear, if I close my eyes, I can still taste it. I never even got the name of the dish, but it left an imprint on my taste buds.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
So here's the thing—I landed on a particularly "meh" note right after check-in. I was exhausted, and the humidity hugged me like a blanket I never wanted. Seriously, the moment I stepped out, it felt like a sauna. I was questioning my life choices: "Why did I think this was a good idea?" Then, a fortuitous twist of fate intervened.
I decided to take a little walk to get my bearings, and somehow ended up at the Panama Canal. Okay, I know it's touristy, but hear me out. The view was nuts. Seeing those massive ships creeping through the locks, all mechanical and powerful against the backdrop of lush greenery, was pretty surreal. I can't explain it, but suddenly my draggy mood lifted. I found myself gawking like a little kid.
One minute I was questioning everything, and the next, I was snapping pics of the canal while trying to take artsy shots of structures and landscapes with my mediocre photography skills. But hey, the beauty of it all made me wanna try—like, "Maybe I can capture this." Spoiler: I couldn't, but I didn't mind.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Let's talk about got lost—like, really lost. I thought I'd finally mastered Google Maps, but apparently not. I was supposed to head to this rooftop bar called Tantalo, known for its view of the skyline. Kind of a “must-do” on the list of best things to do in Panama City.
Except instead of a view, I found myself in a run-down street with graffiti that looked like it was waiting for a documentary. Not at all where I thought I'd end up. But then I heard the soft strumming of a guitar and followed the sound, which led me to a small local bar. The vibe was electric, filled with laughter and chatter, and I couldn't help but sit and absorb it all.
The bartender was a character! He offered me a drink called “Seco,” which, as it turns out, is the national spirit of Panama. It's distilled from sugarcane and packs quite the punch—should've known from the way he raised his eyebrows when he poured it. Honestly, I walked in thinking I'd just kill time until I found the bar I was aiming for. Instead, I walked out having made some local friends, swapping stories and making sense of a city that constantly felt like it was revealing hidden layers.
A meal that parked itself in my memory
Oh man, let's talk about food. Yes, please. I'll never forget this food experience in Panama. Picture this—you're at a local spot called Mercado de Mariscos, trying Ceviche right by the water. It's fresh, tangy, and paired with these crunchy crackers. I was a little intimidated by the whole idea at first. Like, was I ready for raw fish? Did I know what I was getting myself into? But then I remembered that sometimes the best taste sensations come from diving headfirst into the unknown.
And let's just say, it was pure bliss. Each bite was like a burst of flavor. I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. There's something about eating a dish that connects you with the culture; it's like you're tasting the essence of a place. I can't even articulate the flavors—the citrus, the herbs, the sea. By the end of it, I felt like I had fought a culinary battle and emerged victorious.
Lingering memories
Before finishing my last cup of coffee, I wanted to jot down how much I learned from the little detours along the way—from getting lost to discovering unexpected spots bursting with life. It's funny, really; sometimes we get caught up in the idea of a perfect vacation filled with highlights, but it's those hidden gems that make the memories stick. I think I ended up collecting more moments of laughter than snapshots, and let's be honest, I'll gladly take that any day.
So here I am, sipping my coffee, still burbling with excitement months later. Panama City isn't just a destination; it's a beautiful mess where every corner hides a story waiting to unfold. If you feel the pull, go get lost. You might just find yourself somewhere magical.
