Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)

Head to the Amador Causeway to take a bike ride, enjoy a picnic in the park, and watch ships entering and exiting the Panama Canal. At night, you can have a drink at one of the many bars and nightclubs in the area. A variety of city tours and sightseeing cruises stop at the causeway along with sights like the canal’s Miraflores locks, the Parque Urraca, the Biomuseo, and the rehabilitated, UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo neighborhood.

• Remember sun protection; there are few shaded areas on the causeway.

• Prices along the tourist strip are higher here than in other areas.

• A number of shops on the causeway offer bicycles to rent.

• Head to the Chinese monument, located on the west side of the bridge, for picturesque views and souvenirs.

The Amador Causeway is located at the southern entrance of the Panama Canal, about 9 miles (13 kilometers) from the center of Panama City via the Pan-American Highway. You can find parking on the west side of the bridge near the Chinese monument. To reach the area via public transportation, take the Metro bus from Albrook and ask to be dropped off at Biomuseo.

The causeway is open at all times. Come on a weekday morning if you want to enjoy the walkways without having to navigate through large crowds. In general, the most festive time to travel to Panama City is November, when the city celebrates five official holidays, including two commemorating the country’s Independence Days (first from Spain and then from Colombia). Celebrations include parades with marching bands and salsa dancing. For a quieter experience, come during the summer, from January through April.

One of the most popular attractions on the Amador Causeway is the Biomuseo, an interactive museum with exhibits about Panama's natural and cultural history. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, this striking, brightly-colored building attracts tourists from around the world. Visit to marvel at the architecture, then enjoy a variety of exhibits, a public atrium, and a botanical garden that serves as an outdoor exhibit space. Amenities include a coffee shop and a gift store.