Located on the coast At the heart of Panama Bay in the Gulf of Panama lies the Isthmus of Panama. This biodiverse stretch of land connects North and South America and is home to the Panama Canal. Nestled in the heart of this strip of land is the country of Panama and its namesake capital. With its rich and vibrant history, beautiful architecture, natural and man-made attractions, and vibrant culinary scene, this coastal metropolis offers an incredible respite for winter-weary Nashville locals.
Origin story
Originally colonized in 1519Designed by the Spanish conquistadors, Panama City was laid out on a grid pattern, a nod to European urban planning. The city quickly became a stopover for ships carrying silver and gold en route to Spain. In 1671, the city was destroyed by British pirate Henry Morgan, who gave his name to Captain Morgan rum. In 1674, Panamá Nuevo, now called Casco Viejo or the historic district, was built southwest of the city's original site.
As Panama City grew in importance in trade, so did the desire to create a trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. For centuries, ships had to sail around the southern tip of Chile, Cape Horn, which added two months of travel time to transoceanic crossings.
The first attempt to build the Panama Canal, one of the most difficult engineering feats in history, came from the French. From 1881 to 1889, Suez Canal promoter Ferdinand de Lesseps oversaw the project to make the Panama Canal a reality. Unfortunately, he never realized his dream. After losing the trust of investors (and the lives of about 22,000 people), the French abandoned their efforts to build the canal.
In 1904, the United States, under President Theodore Roosevelt, took charge of the construction of the Panama Canal. After 10 years of work, the new canal was opened under the authority of the United States, offering new opportunities for maritime trade.
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
In the heart At the heart of the historic district is the site of the former Club Unión. This exclusive club once served as a haven for the city’s elite, but has since been transformed into the newly reimagined Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo hotel. The interior design has been masterfully modernized while retaining the club’s historic charm. Cascading orchids and oversized vases filled with verdant plants adorn the common areas, giving a sense of understated opulence.
Featuring 159 luxurious guest rooms and suites, the hotel offers stunning views of the water with Panama City’s modern skyline in the background. Select rooms feature balconies, allowing guests to enjoy their morning coffee while watching the city’s hustle and bustle or sip a glass of wine as the tides roll in. The hotel’s staff embodies five-star service, leading you to your destination, such as the spa or pool, with charm and grace.
With six restaurants and bars to choose from, there’s no need to leave the hotel. But guests will undoubtedly feel the pull of Panama City’s culture that will keep them exploring. Luckily, the hotel is located on a cobblestone street just steps from some of the city’s best restaurants and nightlife.
Food and Entertainment
Visitors to Panama City There’s no shortage of delicious food or great activities to do. Panama City is the only city in the world with a rainforest within its boundaries, and visitors are encouraged to explore the natural beauty of its biodiverse ecosystem. Hiking is plentiful, and a visit to a turtle sanctuary to learn about Panama’s conservation efforts is a must. History and architecture meet throughout the city, encouraging self-guided walks and architectural tours through Casco Viejo.
One of the best times to visit Panama City is just before Lent, as Carnival begins on the Friday before Ash Wednesday. Originally a Roman Catholic celebration, Carnival now welcomes all religions to create an atmosphere of unity. Carnival begins with a baptism of sorts, as water trucks release water cannons on cheering crowds during La Mojadera (the “hoses”). Then, visitors and locals enjoy a four-day celebration with colorful parades, mouthwatering food stalls, the crowning of the Carnival Queen, and more. The energy is electric, and each day’s celebrations last late into the night.
Whether you’re here for Carnival or not, Panama’s cuisine is a study in the extraordinary. Food stalls serving empanadas and local beers line the streets, while gourmet restaurants serve local cuisine with an international twist. Since 2017, Panama City has been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, with influences from African, Spanish, and indigenous cultures. No two meals are alike, and visitors will find tasty dishes to suit every palate.
When planning a spring getaway or couples retreat, the other Panama City is an escape to paradise.
