Panama City

Gehry's colorful, jutting architecture is a big part of the attraction; inside you'll find exhibits on the remarkable biodiversity of Panama's forests and oceans. — Fodor's

Panamá Viejo was founded in 1519 by the conquistador Pedroarias Dávila. Built on the site of an indigenous village that had existed for centuries, the city soon became a busy colonial outpost. — Fodor's

This museum is a prime stop for Panama City visitors. — Frommer's

The museum has period furniture and historic photos. You'll want to take a taxi here; consider asking the taxi to wait for you while you visit the museum. — Fodor's

Located at the southeastern foot of Cerro Ancón, Mi Pueblito is a mock village depicting three Panamanian cultures: Afro-Caribbean, the interior region, and indigenous groups. — Frommer's

The wall on the eastern side of Plaza Francia, which originally formed part of the city's battlements. — Fodor's

The plaza covers part of a small peninsula that served as a bastion for the walled city's defense during its early years. — Fodor's

The permanent exhibition of the Museum of Natural Sciences is oriented toward kids and teens, and is reminiscent of the 1970s. — Frommer's

The story of the monumental effort to build the Panama Canal is powerfully depicted in murals by notable artist William B Van Ingen of New York. — Lonely Planet

Their permanent collection features a selection of mostly watercolor and oil paintings by well-known and up-and-coming Panamanians and other Latin Americans. — Frommer's

The rain forest that covers most of Cerro Ancón is a remarkably vibrant natural oasis in the midst of the city. — Fodor's

The sanctuary of the country's famous golden altar, the most valuable object to survive pirate Henry Morgan's razing of the old city. — Fodor's

Built in 1907, the interior of this ornate Casco Viejo theater has been completely restored. — Lonely Planet

From a distance, Latin America's first Baha'i Temple looks like an enormous egg perched atop a hill.  — Atlas Obscura

The neoclassical lines of the stunning, white presidential palace stand out against the Casco Viejo's skyline. — Fodor's

Flanked by white bell towers and tiny chapels, it's a charming sight, especially in late-afternoon light. — Fodor's