Not from Panama? 8 Things to Do Near Balboa Academy

Thanks to its geographic location, growing job market, and high quality of life, Panama attracts a large number of expatriates from around the world. Settling in can be challenging if you're unfamiliar with the area, so here are 8 things to do near Balboa Academy to help you get started.

Must-Sees Upon Arrival

One of the first things you should do when you arrive is explore some of Panama’s highlights. In Clayton, just a few steps from Balboa Academy, you’ll find the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal. There, you can learn about this engineering marvel, its history, and how it works.

Don’t miss Casco Viejo—wander its streets and soak in the city’s rich history. You'll find museums, restaurants, and rooftop terraces perfect for enjoying a day in Panama. Be sure to visit the scenic viewpoints and get to know the city like a local.

Top 3 Restaurants

“Fondas” are a popular lunchtime option for locals, offering typical Panamanian dishes and varied menus. Just a short drive from Clayton is La Kafet. Deli Fonda Gourmet, which takes the fonda experience to the next level.

If you're looking to sample a bit of everything, tapas are a great choice. At La Taberna del Canal, you can enjoy international tapas with views of the Panama Canal from their terrace.

For versatility, Gamboa Baking Co. is the place to be. This artisan bakery serves everything from croissants to traditional pizza. Plus, they host activities like Pilates, yoga, and even summer camps for kids.

Cultural Activities

The Biomuseo is a museum celebrating Panama’s biological and cultural diversity. It’s located on the Amador Causeway, a prominent area at the entrance to the Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean. From the Biomuseo, you’ll have panoramic views of the modern skyline, Casco Viejo, Ancón Hill, and the Bridge of the Americas.

If you want to dive deeper into the history of the Panama Canal, don’t miss the Interoceanic Canal Museum in Casco Viejo. This historic building houses eleven exhibition halls with an audio guide system that walks you through the story of one of the greatest engineering feats of all time. You'll learn about the transition from French to American control, the lifestyle of U.S. citizens living in the Canal Zone, and how the U.S. shaped the canal’s development—through photos, interactive displays, historical documents, and videos.

City of Knowledge

Balboa Academy is located in the City of Knowledge (Ciudad del Saber). Over two decades ago, this military base was transformed into a center of learning and innovation, where soldiers were replaced by students, barracks by classrooms, and weapons by books.

Situated across from the Panama Canal, the City of Knowledge is an innovative community that imagines, researches, learns, teaches, experiments, invents, creates, and inspires—a testament to the idea that a different Panama, and a different world, is possible. As an open campus, it’s a great place to walk around, spend time in its parks, and soak up the history that surrounds you.