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Panama City is growing as a tourist destination, offering both visitors and residents a diverse set of attractions. It’s easy to lose yourself in the city’s culture, food and entertainment. You can spend weeks finding new delights and surprises, as you explore the city’s many neighborhoods.

Yet, from a tourist perspective, there is a short list of must-see attractions that should be on any itinerary. Locals may debate the list, but here are five Panama City destinations that shouldn’t be passed over.

1. Casco Viejo: Panama City’s old district also known as Casco Antiguo is in the midst of an extensive regeneration, which is creating a vibrant center for arts and entertainment. Old buildings have been saved and restored, befitting its status as a World Heritage Site. Wandering the narrow streets brings a wide array of surprises and sites. The roads are filled with new contemporary restaurants offering some of the finest cuisine in Panama City.  Recent additions include the restored American Trade Hotel and Convention Center.
2. Amador Causeway: Actually a connected group of three small islands, the causeway is rich in Panama history, including the influence of the U.S. army. This is the spot for a picturesque jog or bike ride, offering spectacular views of Panama Bay and the city. And many visitors regret not taking the time to explore the restaurants and shops. Amador is also home to the new Frank Gehry-designed biodiversity museum. A new convention center and proposed developments are helping turn the Causeway into the lifestyle center for the city. The government is investing large sums of money to upgrade and expand this part of the city. Plans are in the works to create a cruise ship terminal and a road expansion is underway. And a new Amador Convention Center is due to open within a year, which the government hopes will place Panama on the map as a convention Mecca.

3. Pearl Islands: Located only 30 miles off the coast, this collection of more than 100 islands is a tropical paradise. The clear waters surrounding the islands are perfect for divers and snorkelers, offering a bounty of beautiful fish. Best of all, the islands are easily accessible from Punta Pacifica, thanks to a daily ferry running from the Trump Ocean Club dock. Daily roundtrip tickets from Trump to Contadora usually cost about $100 per person.
4. Miraflores: The Panama Canal is one of the wonders of the world and there is no better vantage point to see the canal in operation than the Miraflores Locks. The visitor area includes a small museum and interactive exhibits, but the highlight is a large terrace overlooking the canal. One of the main attractions is a movie that takes you through the history of the Canal, shown on a large movie screen.The Miraflores restaurant is also highly praised for both lunch and dinner. Large ships usually pass through the canal just after lunch.
5. Panama Viejo: History buffs will find the roots of Panama in the ruins of this old Spanish fort. Built in 1519, it was one of the most important strongholds for the Spanish empire in the New World and was home to a booming city of 10,000 people. The looted treasures of South America flowed through the city until it was destroyed by British pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.

Jeff Barton is the Managing Director of Punta Pacifica Realty, the leading sales and property management company with two offices in the exclusive waterfront skyscraper neighborhood of Punta Pacifica. Jeff can be contacted at jeff@puntapacificarealty.comor visit his office on the ground floor of the Aqualina Tower.