Exploring Panama and Washington, DC

1. Walk Around Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is a historic neighborhood in the heart of Panama City. It’s one of the first places you should visit when looking for fun things to do in Panama City, Panama.

2. Panama Canal – Miraflores Lock

Watching ships go through the iconic Panama Canal is one of the best things to do in Panama City, Panama. No trip to Panama is complete without it. 

The Miraflores Lock is part of a series of locks connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and the closest lock to Panama City. You will see this during our visit to the Panama Canal.

3. Hike to Ancon Hill Lookout

Great way to get a bird's-eye view of the city. It’s the highest point in Panama City.

4. Visit Panama Viejo

Exploring the historic ruins of Panama Viejo is for history enthusiasts and culture seekers looking for fun things to do in Panama City, Panama.

5. Amador Causeway

The Amador Causeway is a 6 km (3.7 m) long causeway that connects the three islands, Naos, Perico, and Flamenco, to the mainland. Biomuseo and Smithsonian museum are located there.

6. Hike in Metropolitan Natural Park

The largest park in the city with 583 acres (232 hectares). There are trails for every hiking level, unique wildlife, plenty of open space and beautiful skyline views.

7. Dinner in the City

Panama City draws culinary influence from indigenous cultures, Spanish, Afro-Caribbean heritage, and other global influences (Indian, Japanese, Chinese). Some good restaurants:

El Trapiche  (Panamanian Food)

La Vespa

Maito

HACHA

Madre

La Pulperia

Lazotea

Filomena

Azahar

Santa Rita Casco Viejo

Ayala Vida

El Santuario en el Hotel La Compañia

Mercado de Mariscos

8. Shopping at Albrook Mall or Multiplaza Mall

If you are looking to shop, Albrook Mall is top of the list of fun shopping destinations in Panama City.

9. Visit Monkey Island

Monkey Island, or Isla de Monos, is located in the pristine waters of Lake Gatun. It’s a 30-minute journey from Panama City on the Panama Canal, but this excursion can easily steal you away from the city.

10. Cinta Costera

Cinta Costera is a captivating waterfront escape with a beautiful promenade stretching along the Panama City shoreline.

11. Balboa Avenue

Balboa Avenue, or Avenida Balboa, is one of the most iconic thoroughfares in the city. This makes it a key point of interest in any list of things to do in Panama City.

SMITHSONIAN

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. Smithsonian museums have free admission. More info: https://www.si.edu/museums. 

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity. More info: https://www.nga.gov/. 

EASTERN MARKET

Eastern Market is Washington DC’s oldest continually operated fresh food public market. Located in the heart of the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, Eastern Market is DC’s destination for fresh food, handmade arts and crafts, and jewelry and community events. More info: https://easternmarket-dc.org/. 

CAPITAL ONE ARENA 

Capital One Arena hosts a variety of sporting and entertainment events, including Georgetown University's home basketball games and many tours for popular American artists. More info: https://www.capitalonearena.com/. 

THE KENNEDY CENTER

Since opening in 1971, the Kennedy Center has continued its efforts to fulfill his vision—presenting the greatest performers and performances from across America and around the world, nurturing new works and young artists, and serving the nation as a leader in arts education. More info: https://www.kennedy-center.org/. 

FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY AND THEATRE

Welcome to the Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Home to the world’s largest and finest collection of Shakespeare materials and to major collections of other rare Renaissance books, manuscripts, and works of art, the Folger serves a wide audience of researchers, visitors, teachers, students, families, and theater- and concert-goers. More info: https://www.folger.edu/. 

OFFICIAL TOURISM SITE OF WASHINGTON, DC

For more information about what to see and do in Washington, DC, you may visit https://washington.org/. 

POPULAR NEIGHBORHOODS AND DINING SPOTS IN DC

GEORGETOWN

Georgetown, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington, DC, served as a major port and commercial center during colonial times because of its prime location on the Potomac River. Today, Georgetown is a vibrant community with upscale shops, bars and restaurants along its cobblestone streets. Many of the homes along the tree-lined streets are 200 year-old restored row houses with beautiful gardens. 

Metro Stations: Foggy Bottom (Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines); Rosslyn (Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines)

Recommended:

Pizzeria Paradiso: 3282 M Street NW, Washington D.C. – (202) 337-1245

Farmers Fishers Bakers: 1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. – (202)-822-8783

J. Pauls: 3218 M Street NW Washington D.C. - (202) 333-3450

Clydes: 3236 M Street, NW Washington, D.C. - (202)-333-9180

DUPONT CIRCLE

Dupont Circle is a cosmopolitan neighborhood with some of Washington, DC's finest museums, historic homes and foreign embassies as well as a variety of ethnic restaurants, bookstores, and private art galleries. This neighborhood is the heart of Washington, DC’s nightlife. The Dupont Circle community is home to many recent college graduates. There are lots of high-rise apartment buildings and many row houses have been converted into apartments. The Circle itself is a gathering place with park benches, grass and a unique fountain in the center.

Metro Stations: Dupont (Red Line)

Recommended:

Bistrot du Coin: 1738 Connecticut Avenue, NW - Washington, D.C. - (202) 234 -6969

Firefly: 1310 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. - (202) 861-1310

Emissary: 2032 P St NW, Washington, D.C. - (202) 748-5655

CAPITOL HILL

Capitol Hill is the most prestigious address in Washington, DC and the political center of the nation’s capital with the Capitol Building set atop a hill overlooking the National Mall. Members of Congress and their staff, lobbyists and journalists live on Capitol Hill as well as others who can afford the steep prices of real estate here. Capitol Hill is the largest residential historic district in Washington, DC with many of its 19th and 20th century row houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Union Station is located nearby providing plenty of options for shopping and dining.

Metro stations: Union Station (Red Line), Capitol South and Eastern Market (Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines)

Recommended:

The Duck and The Peach 300 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 - (202) 431-1913

Harvest Tide Steakhouse-Capitol Hill 212 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 - (202) 733-1691

U STREET CORRIDOR

U Street ranks among Washington, DC’s nightlife hot spots and is home to some of the city’s best nightclubs and theaters. Known as the home to jazz legend Duke Ellington, the U Street neighborhood was once the nation’s "Black Broadway" and home to the largest concentration of African American social clubs, religious organizations, theaters, and jazz clubs.

Metro station: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardoza (Green and Yellow Lines)

Recommended:

DC Noodles 1412 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 - (202) 232-8424

The Fainting Goat 1330 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 – (202) 735-0344

Ghion Ethiopian Restaurant 2010 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 - (202) 588-5811

CHINATOWN

Washington, DC's Chinatown is a small historic neighborhood with approximately 20 Chinese and Asian restaurants and a handful of other small businesses. The Friendship Arch, a traditional Chinese gate, prominently marks the neighborhood at H and 7th Streets. Chinatown is located near Penn Quarter a revitalized arts and entertainment district with new restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, museums, theaters and trendy stores. The Verizon Centre hosts restaurants and a large movie theater.

Metro Station: Gallery PIace-Chinatown (Yellow, Green, and Red Lines)

Recommended:

Zaytinya by José Andrés 701 9th Street NW, Washington DC 20001 - (202) 638-0800

Truluck’s Seafood 700 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 - (202) 898-0680

Momji 505 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 - (202) 408-8110