12 Ways to Make the Most of Beautiful and Exotic Panama City
Geisha Coffee
Have you ever wondered what the most expensive coffee in the world tastes like? Well, you’re in luck if you’re visiting Panama City. Coffee companies, roasters and shops from all over compete for sacks of Geisha coffee at auction, even paying as much as $803 per pound for a variety in 2018. Grown at high elevations, Geisha coffee beans frequently win competitions like the Cup of Excellence for their unique flavor profile, which has been called a “fruity, silky and tea-like.”
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or are just curious about what all the fuss is about, you can try a cup of Geisha coffee at one of Panama City’s specialty coffee shops. You can get this highly sought-after, pour-over style black coffee that will wow your taste buds for around $9. If you’re in Casco Viejo, try Bajareque Coffee House, whose proprietors also own the farm where the coffee beans are grown.
Palace of the Herons
Originally used by the Spanish government during their occupation of Panama, the palace has since been used as the home of Panama’s presidents throughout the years. Located in Casco Viejo, on the Bay of Panama, the palace got its name from the African herons that reside there, brought over by Panama’s president, Belisario Porras, in 1922.
Renovations have restored the crisp, white building to its former glory, which includes rooms full of painted frescos, crystal chandeliers and ornate antique furniture. Although it’s generally closed to the public, free tours of the palace are available Tuesdays and Thursdays through tour companies or by emailing gbernal@presidencia.gob.pa.
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Danilo’s Jazz Club
Opened in 2014 by Grammy-winning Panamanian pianist and composer, Danilo Perez, Danilo’s Jazz Club has become a hip spot for live music and culture in the heart of Panama City. Located next to and owned by the American Trade Hotel (which is also worth a look or stay), the 50-seat club hosts local and international musicians, many who have trained with Perez himself.
Open Wednesdays through Sundays, music normally starts around 8:30 p.m. with a $15 entrance fee. However, the club also participates in the annual Panama Jazz Festival (also founded by Perez) — an internationally renowned, week-long music festival. Multiple stages are set up within the city, in addition to venues like the Jazz Club and various theaters, making Panama City a musical destination of sorts for lovers of jazz music.
