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Take the metro to Plaza 5 de Mayo and take a walk down Avenida Central for an authentic look at life in Panama City. Many tourists only see the two historic districts and the modern parts of town, but this is a good look at the REAL Panama City.
Plaza 5 de Mayo
At the plaza, you’ll see the old railway station and the beginning of Avenida Central, which contains several blocks of shops and street booths where Panamanians buy everyday goods, electronics, food, and clothing.
Avenida Central
Take a walk down the pedestrianized street to Parque Santa Ana for an authentic look at everyday life in Panama City. Avenida Central continues into the more touristy historic district of Casco Viejo.
Afro-Antillean Museum
Also near the plaza is the Afro-Antillean Museum (Museo Afro Antillano). This small but informative museum chronicles the history of Panama’s West Indian community, mostly about their contribution to the construction of the Panama Canal. It’s housed in a former Christian mission church built by Barbadian workers in 1910. Admission is US$1 (as of June 2024). It’s open daily except Mondays from 9am to 3:30pm.
Safety
Many people are told to stay away from this area for safety reasons, but I visited a few times and never felt threatened. Don’t go at night, don’t flash expensive cameras or jewelry, stay on Avenida Central, and don’t wander off onto any side streets.
