So, I just got back from Panama City, and wow, what a whirlwind of a trip. Honestly, I thought I'd be strolling through a couple of tourist traps, snapping pics, and calling it a day. I mean, how exciting could Panama City really be, right? But boy, was I wrong. The best things to do in Panama City turned out to be anything but what I expected. Let me spill the beans over this cup of coffee; it's still steaming and I'd like to think the experience is warm enough to fit in with it.
This spot? Total surprise.
On my first day, I found myself in Casco Viejo. Man, oh man. I don't know why I ended up there in the first place—I took a wrong turn trying to find my hotel. It was one of those “I'll just wander” moments, you know? I was sweating bullets while scraping through tourist maps and trying to look a little less lost than I actually was. But hey, sometimes getting lost leads you to the best places, doesn't it?
As I wandered through the narrow cobbled streets, I stumbled upon this café called Casa Sucre. It was like stepping into a little time capsule. The colors, the music, the vibe—it just sang life. I was on the verge of just grabbing a quick coffee and dashing, but something pulled me in. That something might have been the scent of fresh pastries wafting around. I sat down on a rickety wooden chair, ordered a coffee, and sank into the moment.
They served me a croissant that was somehow flaky and gooey at the same time, and that coffee? Oh man, that was more than just caffeine; it was like a warm hug. I could've stayed there all day people-watching, soaking in the lively murmur of the place. I took a moment to just breathe it all in.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then there was that one afternoon—oh goodness, it was something else. So I had this grand plan to visit the Panama Canal, right? I didn't leave any room for error in my itinerary. But guess what? I woke up late, thanks to an overly ambitious siesta, and missed the bus I had earmarked. I was so flustered, almost ready to throw in the towel. What was I even doing? Did I even want to go to the Canal? I had a moment of doubt, teetering on the edge of giving up.
But then, I thought, “Hey, it's still Panama City, let's figure something else out.” I aimed for the Cinta Costera, a coastal beltway that looked beautiful in pictures. When I arrived, I was hit with this stunning view of the skyline against the Pacific. It just pulled the air right out of my lungs. Picture this: palm trees swaying, the soft sound of waves, and a bunch of locals jogging, laughing, eating—just living their lives. I settled down on a bench and felt all of my stress float away like a balloon, drifting into the sky.
And guess what? I ended up meeting a few locals playing soccer nearby. We started chatting, and next thing you know, I was playing in a pick-up game, totally out of breath and absolute bliss. I seriously don't remember the last time I laughed that hard or felt that engaged with the world around me. Definitely an unplanned highlight of the trip, and who knew such joy could pop out of a last-minute decision?
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
You know what's funny? My sense of direction is awful. I mean, it's like I was born with a built-in GPS that only leads me in circles. So naturally, when I tried to explore Panamanian markets, I somehow took a wrong turn and ended up in the Mercado de Marisco. I was clueless, but something about the thrumming energy around me was magnetic. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, maybe a few stalls and dusty shelves. But it was alive! Fish of every color and size were gleaming under the scorching sun, and the locals were haggling passionately.
I felt this rush of excitement—like I'd wandered off the beaten path into a world otherwise untouched. And let me tell you, the seafood there? Incredible. I ended up learning how to make ceviche from this splendid woman named Rosa. I swear she was like a ceviche wizard. She sliced the fresh fish with grace and handed me samples that had me gasping. There I was, surrounded by fresh limes, spicy chiles, and a sea of flavor; it was all so shockingly vibrant.
I even bought a few ingredients—let's be real, I can't cook to save my life, but the enthusiasm swelled in me. I think every market should come with a side of chaos and love like this one.
Unplanned friendships and future plans
One of the best things to do in Panama City, without a doubt, were the people I met along the way. On my last night there, I ducked into a local bar in El Cangrejo, partially to escape the rain and partially because it looked cozy as hell. I ended up talking to a couple who were backpacking across Central America. Their stories felt like a blend of adventure and cautionary tales—like, maybe you shouldn't swim with sharks and definitely shouldn't get too lost in your own thoughts. Their laughter and spirit were infectious, and we ended up staying way past closing, sharing drinks and dreams. They nudged me to consider extending my trip, maybe heading further into the highlands, and honestly, for a second, it felt like the universe was giving me a nudge, too.
That's some messy beauty of travel for you. Things never turn out the way you expect, and sometimes the best things are the ones you don't plan for at all. Each wrong turn and unplanned moment felt like a blessing in disguise.
So here I am, sipping this last bit of coffee, still mulling over it all. Panama City—a spontaneous, messy, vibrant tapestry—it almost feels like I've left a piece of my heart there, doesn't it? As I sit with my thoughts, I can't help but wonder when my next adventure will pull me away, guiding my way through the world full of surprises.
