Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Av Ricardo J Alfaro; 10am-9pm Mon-Sat, 11am-8pm Sun)
Near one of Panama City's newer
Chinatowns, El Dorado also has restaurants, shops and a cinema.
Located near Corredor Norte and Parque Metropolitano in El Dorado area.
Isla Flamenco Shopping Center
MALL
(Amador Causeway, Isla Flamenco; 10am-10pm)
This place is small but nearby you'll find
the best selection of open-air restaurants in the city.
10am-9pm)
Has a cinema and shops,
along with many outdoor restaurants.
Multiplaza Mall
MALL
(Vía Israel & Vía Brasil, Punta Pacifica; 10am-9pm)
The biggest downtown mall, with de-
signer shops, restaurant and cinema. It's east of downtown, on the way to Panamá Viejo.
Information
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Casco Viejo is the focus of an ambitious urban renewal program, but it's still a work in
progress. Generally speaking, the tip of the peninsula southeast of the Iglesia de la
Merced is safe for tourists and heavily patrolled by police officers on bicycles. Always
exercise caution, and stay where it's well lit and where there are plenty of people around.
Casco Viejo gets an undeserved bad rep, though you should not underestimate how
quickly the neighborhood can change. As you move away from the tip of the peninsula
(north of Parque Herrera), you will be entering high-density slums. Other high-crime
areas include Curundú, El Chorrillo, Santa Ana, San Miguelito and Río Abajo.
Calle Uruguay, the clubbing hub of the city, also attracts opportunists. Don't take your
full wallet out at night. We have heard reports of women going up to male travelers to
hug them and taking their wallets.
Taxis generally allow unrelated passengers to share the cab but robberies do occasion-
ally occur. It's best not to get into a taxi with a passenger. If you speak Spanish, you can
offer a slightly higher fare to keep your taxi to yourself. Evaluate any taxi you hail before
getting in (check for door handles and taxi licensing numbers). It's very common for tax-
is to refuse fares to destinations simply for their own convenience.
