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Our family recently went on a week-long vacation to Panama City, Panama. We really had no idea what to expect when visiting Panama City. However, we were pleasantly surprised at the wealth of fun, educational, and entertaining things to do in Panama City. It is a great place to visit with teenagers. I was particularly impressed by the historical district named Casco Viejo Panama (also called Casco Antiguo Panama).
Guide To Casco Viejo Panama City
Casco Viejo Panama combines old-world Panamanian history and aesthetics with nice restaurants, great ocean views, and a busy nightlife. After visiting, Casco Viejo would be my top recommendation for a place to stay during a trip to Panama City. We stayed in another area, but I wish that we would have stayed over here instead.
In this post, I’ll go into detail about:
- Where Is Casco Viejo?
- Things To Do In Casco Viejo
- Hotels in Casco Viejo
- Casco Viejo Tours
- Casco Viejo Panama History
- Fun Facts About Casco Viejo
Where Is Casco Viejo Panama?
Casco Viejo is located on the south side of modern downtown Panama City, Panama. From Tocumen International Airport (the airport you will fly into), it’s about a 30-minute Uber or Taxi ride. Built on the southern edge of a natural coastal harbor, Casjo Viejo is the old town of Panama City and offers breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean.
To get to Casco Viejo from the airport, you’ll travel along the iconic Pan America Highway. Along the way, you’ll see Panama’s bustling cityscape, lively greenspaces and art installations, and amazing coastal views. Also, Uber is very affordable here! Keep your phone out as you get into the car because the driver will ask for a four-digit code.
Is Casco Viejo A Good Place To Stay In Panama City?
Casco Viejo, Panama, is a cute historic district with a ton of fun things nearby. It’s very close to many coffee shops, stores, restaurants, bars, and numerous historic landmarks. A large marketplace filled with souvenirs, apparel, toys, and all kinds of gift-worthy items lines one of the boulevards near the ocean, offering a great place to buy souvenirs from your trip.
It has several large plazas with gorgeous tropical plants like Bougainvillea, which were flowering purple and pink while we were there. Over the years, I have noticed that I am always happiest in places with Bougainvillea! Whether it’s Palm Springs or Santorini, it just makes me happy.
Cobblestone streets wind through Casco Viejo Panama, where old colonial buildings showcase an architectural blend of French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences at every turn. It is such a unique blend of old and new, as you can see in my photo below. I love the juxtaposition there!
Colonial churches, colorful buildings with intricate iron balconies, and narrow cobblestone streets make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Casco Viejo, Panama, offers many shopping options. All of the cute shops and boutiques surprised us. Likewise, we saw so many great restaurants that I would love to try on our next Panama trip. We did eat at Madre Italian, and it was fantastic!
5 Things To Do In Casco Viejo Panama
Historic sights and locations fill Casco Viejo Panama. They’re all close together, so it’s easy to walk around the neighborhood and explore everything it has to offer. There is even a self-guided walking tour. We did that for a bit and found it easy to follow! Just look for signs and follow the map.
Here are five of the highlights that you can do on your own. I will discuss guided tours later in this Casco Viejo guide. Those are a great option if you want to experience and learn about Casco Viejo at a deeper level.
#1 Explore The Panama Canal Museum
One of the main attractions is the Panama Canal Museum, which houses a huge collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and operation of the Panama Canal. I definitely recommend visiting this museum if you want to get a full understanding of the Panama Canal during your visit.
Also, as you may have read in my post about our visit to the Panama Canal, there isn’t a museum at the Miraflores Locks. So, make sure to visit this one if you have time!
#2 Go Inside A Church
Casco Viejo is home to six churches and a chapel. We enjoyed exploring these unique spaces, appreciating their beauty, and feeling a strong connection to the local community. I won’t go over all of them, but I wanted to highlight two of the largest churches: the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Church of Saint Joseph.
Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
Metropolitan Cathedral is the most prominent church in Casco Viejo and the seat of the Archdiocese of Panama. Its two white bell towers are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, contrasting beautifully with the gray stone facade. The Plaza de la Independencia is directly in front of it, making it a focal point of the district.
Church of Saint Joseph (Iglesia San José)
The Church of Saint Joseph is another stunning landmark, originally founded in 1675 but later rebuilt after a fire. Its famous Altar de Oro (Golden Altar), a lavish gold-covered wooden masterpiece, remarkably survived pirate Henry Morgan’s attack in 1671. A priest disguised it by painting it black, fooling the pirates into leaving it untouched.
#3 Stop And Relax At A Plaza
There are four main plazas in Casco Viejo. These are Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza Bolívar, Plaza Francia, and Plaza Herrera. These are a perfect place to stop, relax, and enjoy the charming ambiance of the neighborhood.
Plaza de la Independencia
Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square) is a beautiful square in the heart of Casco Viejo. The Metropolitan Cathedral, a stunning structure with white towers and mother-of-pearl inlays, dominates the plaza, which is also lined with elegant colonial buildings, including the Municipal Palace and the Canal Museum of Panama.
Plaza Bolívar
Plaza Bolívar is named after Simón Bolívar, the “Liberator” of Latin America. This plaza is a tribute to his efforts to unify the continent. At the center stands an impressive statue of Simón Bolívar, surrounded by lush greenery and well-kept flower beds. The plaza is framed by historic buildings, including the Church and Convent of San Francisco de Asís, known for its tall, white bell tower.
Plaza Francia
Plaza Francia (French Plaza) honors the French workers and engineers who worked on the Panama Canal in the late 19th century. It commemorates their contributions and sacrifices. An obelisk topped with a rooster, symbolizing France, stands at the center. The plaza is gorgeous and offers great views of the Pacific Ocean, the modern Panama City skyline, and the Amador Causeway.
Plaza Herrera
Plaza Herrera, named after General Tomás Herrera, a national hero in Panama’s fight for independence, features a large equestrian statue of the general. It is surrounded by restored colonial and Republican-style buildings, many of which now house boutique hotels, restaurants, and art galleries.
#4 Visit The Fish Market
Seafood is a mainstay in Panamanian food, and there is no better place to buy fresh seafood than the local fish market—Mercado de Mariscos. The market is just a few minutes walk toward the north side of Casco Viejo and you pass it as you enter the area. At the fish market, you can buy fresh catch to cook on your own or dine in at its on-site casual restaurant on regional delicacies like ceviche.
#5 Shop Along The Promenade
Casco Viejo is a latticework of small streets and alleyways, each leading to a special surprise like a plaza, a church, or a beautiful view. One of our favorite paths to walk in Casco Viejo was the Paseo Las Bovedas. The Paseo Las Bovedas is a colonial-era promenade built atop the original sea wall. It stretches for several blocks.
The promenade overlooks the ocean, is lined with colorful plants, and is flanked by dozens of streetside vendors and cafes. You can buy everything from stuffed animals to molas (a sewn fabric panel) or even an iconic Panama hat!
#5 Dine And Drink At A Roof Top Bar in Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo has a ton of amazing rooftop bars. Matt and I love going to rooftop bars and restaurants because they’re a great way to have a fun little date night. The rooftop bars in Casco Viejo Panama give you a sweeping view of the entire Old Town and the gorgeous waters of the Pacific Ocean. You can see giant ships moving toward the Panama Canal and catch amazing sunsets over the water.
List Of Rooftop Bars In Casco Viejo
Here’s a partial list of rooftop bars in Casco Viejo. This list is not all-inclusive, and some bars may change over time, so be sure to check their websites or social media pages before visiting.
The Best Casco Viejo Panama Hotels
Casco Viejo has dozens of hotels, an indication of this area’s appeal to tourists. Hotels range from economy three-star options to high-end five-star resorts. Below, I’ve provided several good options for those seeking more cost-friendly alternatives and for travelers who desire a more bespoke experience.
All of these hotels are located in Casco Viejo and are very walkable to the entire district. There are a lot of super-cute small boutique hotels here, too! And, while we actually stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Panama in another part of town for this trip, we found all accommodation in Panama City, Panama, to be very affordable. So, when I say budget-friendly, these are very budget-friendly. And many of the higher-end hotels here may even cost less than what you pay for a Holiday Inn Express here in the USA!
Budget-Friendly Casco Viejo Hotels
These Casco Viejo hotels are generally very affordable yet still highly rated by guests. Likewise, they can work for families or couples!
Higher End Casco Viejo Hotels
These hotels are higher-end options that combine a boutique experience with great amenities. They are generally full-service hotels and can work for couples or families. My pick next time will be La Concordia. It’s a Hyatt property, too!
The Best Casco Viejo Panama Tours
Taking a guided tour is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the area and appreciate the “real” Casco Viejo. There is also a downloadable walking tour app. I’ve always loved booking tours because they provide an educational way to learn about an area’s history and culture. Taking a tour relieves the stress of planning and organizing an outing for your group.
We love using Get Your Guide to book tours worldwide. The Get Your Guide app is very easy to use while on the go. The translation is very good, and pricing is on par with other tour sites. So, next, I will share free self-guided tour options and then some guided Casco Viejo tours that I would recommend.
Casco Viejo Self-Guided Walking Tour
When we were walking around Casco Viejo, we were approached a couple of times by people offering to give us a tour. I don’t recommend this because these people may not be qualified or may not have the best intentions.
GPSmyCity has a free app you can download that will take you on a self-guided walking tour of Casco Viejo. A walking tour allows you to go at your own pace and pick and choose how you want to see the district.
Guided Tours Of Casco Viejo Panama
As I said, I love taking guided tours, and I’ve always had a good experience with Get Your Guide. We’ve taken tours through Get Your Guide all over the world, including three while in Panama City, and they’ve never let me down.
Below, I’ve put together this list of tours of Casco Viejo. All four of these tours are popular, rated at least 4.5 out of 5 stars, and feature positive user comments. Be sure to read the tour description carefully, as each tour has unique meeting points, durations, and amenities.
Legends and Hidden Gems of Casco Viejo Tour
On this popular Casco Viejo walking tour, your expert guide will take you through the streets and back alleys of Casco Viejo. You’ll discover hidden places, see its beautiful architecture, and learn about the historical figures that shaped Panama City’s past.
Night Walking Tour With Rum Taste
This evening walking tour takes place at night. You’ll stroll the romantic streets of Casco Viejo as it’s illuminated with lanterns and immerse yourself in the rich history of the old city. You’ll visit several historical and nightlife locations. Your guide will tell stories of the early development of Panama City and its many fascinating events and characters. At the end of the night, you’ll enjoy a Panamanian rum tasting.
Highlights Bike Tour in Casco Viejo & Cinta Costera
This is a Panama City bike tour that takes you around the streets of Casco Viejo to see everything Old Town has to offer. This energetic tour includes entry tickets to museums and churches. The latest model bikes and helmets are provided, or you can rent an E-bike for an additional fee. It’s a fun way to burn some energy while you learn all about the history of these special places.
9 Fun, Interesting, And Strange Facts About Casco Viejo Panama
Casco Viejo is a magical blend of cultures and history. Similarly, many interesting people built the area, bringing their unique mix of styles and influences. I wanted to highlight some of the fun, interesting, and strange facts about Casco Antiguo Panama.
The 54-Foot High Rooster
Located in the Plaza de Francia, a 54-foot-high rooster stands atop an obelisk. The obelisk honors the work the French undertook in building the Panama Canal.
Captain Morgan Was Here
Casco Viejo Panama was established after the original Panama City was destroyed by the infamous pirate Henry Morgan (Captain Morgan) in 1671. Its peninsula location, surrounded by water on three sides, made it easier to defend against future pirate attacks.
Caco Veijo Was Famous For Duals
In the 19th century, Casco Antiguo was a popular location for dueling. The Plaza de Francia saw many gentlemen settle disputes with pistols or swords, often over matters of honor.
The French Connection To Casco Viejo
During the 19th century, the French attempted to construct the Panama Canal under Ferdinand de Lessep. Many French workers and engineers lived in Casco Viejo, leaving behind foreign cultural influences.
Casco Antiguo Panama Has Interesting Street Names
Many streets in Casco Viejo have quirky historical names, like Calle del Salsipuedes, which translates to “Get Out If You Can Street.” This name likely refers to its maze-like layout or its dangerous reputation in the past.
Movies Filmed In Casco Veijo
Casco Viejo has served as a filming location for Hollywood movies, such as the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, which showcases its colonial architecture and exotic ambiance.
Casco Viejo Ghost Stories
Opened in 1874, the Central Hotel Panama, one of the oldest hotels in Panama, has served as a gathering place for dignitaries, travelers, and now, ghost stories. It is rumored to be haunted.
Panama’s President Lives In Casco Viejo
The Palacio de las Garzas (Palace of the Herons) is the official residence of Panama’s president. Named after the herons that live in its courtyard, it is a gorgeous example of Spanish colonial architecture.
Casco Viejo Is A World Heritage Site
UNESCO designated Casco Viejo a World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its well-preserved colonial architecture and historical significance.
The History Of Casco Viejo Panama
Casco Viejo is the historic heart of Panama City. It was founded in 1673 after the original Panama City, known as Panamá Viejo, was destroyed by the infamous pirate Henry Morgan. The Spanish settlers decided to rebuild their city on a more defensible peninsula surrounded by water, which became the foundation of Casco Viejo.
Over the centuries, this area has become a melting pot of cultures, with Spanish, French, and Afro-Caribbean influences shaping its architecture, food, and ambiance. People from all over the world came here as part of the Panama Canal construction efforts over many decades.
By the mid-20th century, Casco Viejo fell into disrepair as people moved to modern parts of the city. But revitalization efforts starting in the early 2000s transformed it into a vibrant neighborhood full of trendy cafes, boutique hotels, art galleries, and rooftop bars. Today, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Magic Of Casco Antiguo Panama
We loved visiting Casco Viejo or Casco Antiguo Panama as it’s also called! Our kids enjoyed the vibrant murals, the maze-like streets, and the fun items sold by the streetside vendors. At the same time, Matt and I enjoyed window-shopping, seeing the historical buildings, and feeling the warm salt air on a sunny afternoon.
I definitely recommend Casco Viejo as a place to stay as it’s very walkable. Plus, there are a lot of shops, restaurants, rooftop bars, churches, and museums to keep you busy for several days. Also, while we weren’t there at night, I heard that there is also a lot of nightlife in this area!
More Panama City Travel Inspiration
You might enjoy these other posts I wrote about Panama City, Panama. Hopefully, this information inspires you to travel there and makes planning a trip itinerary a bit easier.
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