Located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, Panama City was founded in August 15, 1519 by Pedro Arias de Avila.
The ruins of the old quarter form the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Archaeological site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama, which was added to the list in 1997.
The old quarter of the city - the Casco Viejo - has the best of the old architecture. The tourist attractions in Panama include the cathedral on Plaza de la Catedral, the French Embassy, the National Institute of Culture and The Vaults, a beautiful waterfront promenade

Even before the construction of the canal, Panama was an important gateway between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific because it was the shortest land crossing. But the completion of the canal in August 1914 led to substantial growth.

Panama city is rapidly developing, with one of the highest rates of skyscrapers in the world. The former canal area, once out of bounds to non US citizens, is becoming a tourist attraction itself. The city's museums, nightlife, culture and shopping are among the very best in South or Central America.