From the US, there are multiple direct flights from cities across the country, including Washington, New York and Los Angeles, with flight times from around 3-5 hours. From Europe, you will likely have to change in the USA, although there are some direct flights from Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Madrid. With its famous canal, Panama is a big shipping and cruise location, with multiple cruise routes going through the country from around the Caribbean.

For first time visitors to Panama City, the Casco Viejo area is the best place to lay your head. Among these quaint streets are several beautifully restored buildings that have been converted into boutique hotels including Las Clementinas and the American Trade Hotel. Across in the Financial District you can find many bigger brand hotels such as W, the Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria, majority featuring rooftop pools to soak up the Panamanian sunshine.

Panama City has a surprisingly diverse food scene including some fantastic international options – Italian (Pastissimo), Peruvian (Nasca 21) and Caribbean (El Caribe). For more traditional Panamanian flavours head to El Trapiche or Cafe Coca Cola to dine with locals, or try Mercado de Mariscos for the freshest fish in the city.

Casco Viejo is dotted with top notch cocktail bars for visitors to discover, including Pedro Madinga (rum bar and distillery), Tiki Bar with tropical cocktails and party atmosphere, or the more refined, New York style Strangers Club. If beer is more your style, there are many other bars with a number of local craft brews – don’t miss Casa Bruja or Rana Dorada Cerveceria.

The top tourist destination in the whole of Panama, the famous Panama Canal, is located just outside of the centre of Panama City where visitors can watch the cargo ships passing through Miraflores lock as they journey through Panama. Other top places to visit include the beautifully preserved old town, Panama’s biodiversity museum and the Metropolitan national park. Popular day trips from Panama City include a catamaran trip to nearby Taboga Island and a trip to the idyllic San Blas Islands.