This guide to Casco Viejo, Panama will tell you all you need to know to bring the most out of your trip!
You will get tips about what to expect, how to get there, and even, the best tips from a Panamanian for you to have the most authentic experience.
Casco Viejo is a melting pot. It is absolutely the perfect contrast of old and new, local and foreign, traditional and modern!
This charming old walled city hosts churches, pedestrian walkways, historical plazas, and palaces. Making Casco Viejo a must-see.
It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997 and it consists of 16th and 17th century Spanish Colonial architecture.
Travel to Casco Viejo: Planning your visit
If you are traveling to Panama for a few days, I’d recommend planning beforehand to get the most out of your trip. Of course, a spontaneous trip to Casco Viejo will be still unforgettable.
What I mean to say is that you could find lots of history, nightlife, gastronomy and never end! You could spend a whole day visiting historical sites. Yet, you could miss having an authentic Panamanian experience.
This colonial-era city has an interesting history that dates back to the 1600s. But today, Casco Viejo is Panama City’s melting pot, with the perfect mix of old and new.
Without a doubt, if you are fond of historical sites, prefer to sip a cup of world-class coffee or a party animal. I’m sure you will fall in love with Casco Viejo!
That’s why we want to give you an in-depth guide to Casco Viejo.
What’s the best way to get around Casco Viejo?
The best way is to explore Casco Viejo completely on foot.
Best time to travel to casco viejo
You can visit year-round, although December to April (dry season) is definitely the best!
Check out Casco Viejo’s touristic website. Panama’s most charismatic neighborhood has its own website.
There you can find anything from news and information about anything you want to see there.
How to get to Casco Viejo
Take a taxi or Uber to Casco Viejo.
Luckily, taxis in Panamá do not have meters. On the other hand, our suggestion is to tell first where you are heading and agree on the price before starting the journey.
Take a metro bus or metro to Casco Viejo
In Panama, we use cards for public transportation. You can get them at any metro station.
At this time, you have two options either the metro or a bus to Casco Viejo.
If using the metro: Take the metro to 5 de Mayo Station. From there, the Cinta Costera, Fish Market, and Casco Viejo are all within 15 minutes of walking distance.
If using Metro Bus: Hop in the “Panama Viejo-Via Israel-Mariscos” bus from Albrook Terminal, Avenida Balboa, or Via Israel. Get off at the Cinta Costera stop near the Fish Market.
What you need to know…
A quick guide to Casco Viejo for you to take care of the smaller details.
- Make sure you are prepared to walk, as it is better to explore Casco Viejo by foot.
- It’s illegal to drink on the streets.
- Tipping in Panama is not exactly mandatory. Even so, they will make you feel like it is. Generally, the minimum is 10% of the total bill.
- Dress Policy. Well, there are some places that will rather prefer closed shoes and shirts for men for uptight restaurants, lounges, and clubs. In more laid back places, there is not a really strict dress code. I would suggest not dressing too messy.
- Casco Viejo has very small alleys and parking around is not really the best option. Some are paid and others unpaid.
For this reason, I would suggest parking in the building close to Plaza Herrera, which is free. (Pro tip: If you get there before 9 o’clock out of payday you will be able to find a spot on the free parking lots).
Further along, there are the parking lots located outside Casco Viejo which are also free. There are at the very end of the Cinta Costera/beginning of Casco Viejo at your left.
- I love high heels but to have a better experience wear thick heels, sneakers, or any other type of low-heeled, closed shoes. Wedges and flops are okay, but would not recommend it either!
If you’ve been in any other old town in the world, you know what am I talking about! Cobblestones are no joke!
Your Guide to Casco Viejo: Safety Tips
Casco Viejo is pretty safe. Even so, our guide to Casco Viejo can’t miss this.
There are policemen all over the place. However, we should understand they are not ‘big brother’ and can’t see it all! So we will give you some safety tips to enjoy yourself in Casco Viejo during the night and daytime!
- Keep yourself within the safe limits. Most importantly, during the night. El Chorrillo, Santa Ana, and Calidonia places you should stay away from. (Pro tip: If you are staying outside Casco Viejo, we recommend taking a taxi or Uber to get back to your hotel).
- Your rule of thumb is: Usually unsafe alleys are not well lit and they look worn out and/or dirty. So don’t take that shortcut, now you know!
Your Guide to Casco Viejo: Hotels in Casco Viejo
High Range Hotels in Casco Viejo
La Isabela Suites
La Isabela is a hotel located right in the center of Casco Viejo. It is 200 meters from the presidential palace and 300 meters from the Panama Canal Museum. They have private parking.
All their suites include a living room and kitchen. Some of them offer mesmerizing ocean views and to the city.
For those who fancy pampering themselves, free personal care items are provided. As well as loafers and a relaxing bathtub or shower.
The Isabella Suites also offers a complete spa. Gourmet chef to cook for you in your suite.
Absolutely, lovely for solo travelers and couples. This delightful hotel in Casco Viejo starts from $195 for a couple.
Mid Range Hotels in Casco Viejo
La Magnolia Inn
It’s a colonial mansion refurbished into a French style.
It has various terraces, a kitchen and a shared dining hall.
Suites start from $90.
Selina Casco Viejo
Selina Casco Viejo Panama City is the bomb for solo travelers, groups of friends, and fun couples.
It has a restaurant, outdoor pool, bar, and a shared living room. It is a cool type of hostel with the party all night vibe.
Expect free wifi, 24-hour reception, and a shared kitchen. However, they also serve breakfast a la carte every morning.
El Selina Casco Viejo Panama City has the coolest terrace with a ping pong and pool table.
The terrace specifically has the best vibes where is impossible to not make new friends!
Rooms start from $41
Budget Accommodation in Casco Viejo
Magnolia Inn
Magnolia Inn has a shared bedroom for $15, too. It has a central location in Casco Viejo. Close to many bars and shops.
Your Guide to Casco Viejo: Things to see in Casco Viejo
If you want an extensive list of places to visit and points of interest in Casco Viejo head to Casco Viejo’s website.
1. The Golden Altar at the Church of San José
The Church of San Jose in Casco Viejo, or La Iglesia de San Jose, is one of the most prominent points of interest in the old city. It is home to the famous Golden Altar.
In fact, the altar is actually made out of carved wood overlaid in gold. It was also once painted in black by the Jesuit priests of the Order of St. Augustine so English Pirate Henry Morgan did not sack it.
Back then, this was in Panama Viejo. And when the old city was attacked and burned, the Jesuit priests burnt it to The Church of San Jose.
2. Góngora House
It is really something to see if you want to see how houses used to look like. It is indeed important for Casco Viejo’s history as it is the colonial house that keeps most of its original colonial details.
In brief, its interiors are from the 17th century and its doors, the balcony has also been kept. An absolute good restoration job.
3. Church and Convent of Santo Domingo: Arco Chato
4. Church and convent of the Society of Jesus.
Your Guide to Casco: Fun ways to Experience Casco Viejo
Alright, now let’s get down to business. Here you have a full guide of Casco Viejo so you take with you the best anecdotes!
1. Try Panamanian Artisanal Beer and Rum
Over the last few years, the rum and beer market have been blossoming beautifully in Panama.
Although there are quite more breweries around Panama, let stick to the Casco Viejo zone. Click here to learn more about the best bars to grab a beer in Panama.
- Rana Dorada– A must-stop for any beer lover. And most likely, a Panamanian would strongly and proudly recommend you to grab a premium beer at La Rana Dorada.
This is the perfect place for a relaxed ambiance, laid back dress code, and awesome music! No cover charge.
Do yourself a favor and ask for their seasonal beer. They would most likely come up with an exotic flavourful beer such as Coco Porter or Blanche with Passion Fruit!
If you want to try all their beers. Ask them to give you shots on the ‘boat’ to try their beers. It courtesy from the house! (Pro tip: Happy Hour start from 12 pm-5 pm Monday-Sunday).
- Pedro Mandinga- Pedro Mandinga is Panama’s first artisanal rum distillery. They produce four different types of rum. And they are also known for a friendly service, relaxed old-school atmosphere, and delicious cocktails.
They have canned rum cocktails! They have a really cool Instagram, check it out at @PedroMandinga to keep up with their newest products.
- Blue Moon Taphouse Blue Moon takes you to the moon and back with their ‘artfully crafted’ beers. They have such beer diversity for every traveler’s taste buds.
No matter if its the Mexican Chocolate Brown Ale with a hint of cinnamon and Caramel. Or a very tasty Blueberry Berliner wheat beer, believe me you will find something for you. (Pro tip: They have various appetizers that go well with their beers and we absolutely love them!).
They require reservations. Schedules are Monday-Saturday 12 noon-10 pm. Sundays 12 noon – 9 pm.
- La Pulperia It has a great atmosphere with an industrial design that somehow gives a chill and intimate vibe. They have very good artisanal beers worth trying.
My suggestion is their Porter beer, you won’t regret it! They are open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 10 pm.
2. Eat a raspao at Plaza de Francia
You can’t leave Panama without trying a ‘raspao’. A raspao’ is in every local’s childhood memory as the freshest and most exciting moment of a Sunday trip. Believe me, these are not just snow cones!
A fun fact is, a ‘raspadero’ once told me that the raspao’ emerged during the American occupation in Panamá. When everyone was hot and sweaty, the raspao’ was born!
Try them with everything they can pour over it. They would usually give you a choice of cherry, passion fruit, grape, and pineapple flavors with a squirt of condensed milk, syrup, and malted milk.
3. Eat a ceviche at El Mercado del Marisco
This fish market is very lively and full of activity. As you walk in, you will find an impressive display of local fish and seafood.
You’ll find anything from tuna, snapper, mahi-mahi, shrimp, prawns, octopus… and the list could go on and on!
The classical ceviche is ‘Ceviche de Corvina’ but you get to eat just any type, just pick your favorite seafood!
4. Stroll around Casco Viejo’s Alleys
Casco Viejo is best discovered on foot, strolling around and exploring what this colonial city has to offer!
5. Try Panamanian world-class coffee
- Cafe Unido Coffee Roaster Cafe Unido supports local coffee farmers and roasts their own coffee. And serves you a fine selection of award-winning Panamanian coffee.
Try their high-quality cups Geisha and Geisha Grand Cru. If you are at the right time of the year, they will have their ‘Ritual del Café’ available. Which is usually their finest Geisha bean paired perfectly with appetizers. - Bajareque Cafe Tostado This cozy and tiny shop has high-quality coffee completely roasted in-house.
Bajareque is the roasting business of the Lamastus Family.
Therefore, they offer all of the Elida Estate, El Burro Estate & Luito Geisha Estate coffees plus other beans from Boquete. - Casa Sucre Casa Sucre is a hotel boutique with its own Coffeehouse.
This coffeehouse offers specialty and gourmet coffees from Panama’s most reputable fincas/farms.
6. Experience Casco Viejo Nightlife
Casco Viejo has a bar for everything, everyone, and every budget! Check out our article on the best bars in Casco Viejo.
- American Trade Hotel The American Trade Hotel is a classy hotel. It hosts art galleries, fashion shows, creative unveilings, weddings, and private parties.
It has a Lobby Bar with a very quiet and low-key atmosphere. And they offer a fine selection of wines, artisanal beers, and a curated cocktail menu. - Tantalo Tantalo is a very popular rooftop bar with a mix of locals and foreigners. They have a restaurant on the first floor, a hotel, and a rooftop bar with a great view of Panama.
The cover is charged on weekends and the dress code is somewhat more strict. Music is varied and has a very cool atmosphere. - Gatto Blanco: The Gatto Blanco Hotel in Casco Viejo offers one of the best views of the Panama City Skyline and Casco Viejo.
It offers a very intimate setting and chilled atmosphere. Music is mostly house or lounge music.
7. Have Lunch at the Cafe Coca Cola
Panama is home to the only cafe in the world to be named‘ Coca Cola’.
The Cafe Coca Cola opened its doors in 1987, and it is also the oldest operating diner in Panama.
It is located right in front of the Santa Ana park and it was one of the first places that distributed Coca Cola outside the USA.
This place is a designated World Heritage site by the UNESCO. This is the right place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at fairly low prices.
Have lunch where politicians, poets, and revolutionaries such as Che Guevara once did.
8. Try Panamanian food
Fonda Lo Que Hay This is Panamanian cuisine with a fine twist! Taste their creative dishes with constantly changing menus. Just like an authentic ‘Panamanian fonda’ would do to keep things fresh for you!
Sabores del Chorrillo This spot is perfect if you’re looking for fantastic and authentic Panamanian cuisine. Try the all-time famous Chorrillo dish: fried fish with patacones!
9. Biking in Casco Viejo
What’s better than biking? Biking with friends, music, and drinks! Rumba Bikes provides a tour around Casco Viejo landmarks with a fun twist.
10. Walk along Paseo Las Bovedas
Walk with your friends, family, or lover along this wonderful, flowery pathway. There you can find just about any hand-made crafts from local artisans. Enjoy the Panama City skyline and enjoy the walk!
11. Eat at Interesting Concept Restaurants
Casa Catedral
Discover Casa Catedral,an example of a hidden gem within the small alleys of Casco Viejo. Travel to the past and have diner or tapas at their on-site museum.
Here they showcase an original 1929 Desoto or the very first car after the horse carts!
Check out their social media for updates on live music.
12. Experience Life Music in Panama
Moloko brings you a fun and underground vibe with international DJs, live musicians, and bands! Follow them on Instagram to see their upcoming DJ lineup or events!
Danilo Perez Jazz Club Danilo Perez is a jazz master who made Panamanians fall in love with jazz.
He is a Grammy-winning and internationally renowned Panamanian jazz pianist and composer.
He opened Danilo’s Jazz Club in 2014 to delight us. With a big band composed of international artists and students trained by Danilo Perez himself.
Follow them on Instagram reserve for their upcoming live events at the American Trade Hotel. (Pro tip: Watch out for their Christmas presentations taking place around December.
Reservations are required at +507.211-2000 or jazz@americantradehotel.com.
Malecon If you are fond of live Latin music, this is the place to go
Your Casco Viejo Guide: What to take home
We’ve provided a guide to Casco Viejo. Completely made by a local, so you can have the most authentic experience in Panama.
I suggest you take with yourself some…
- Chocolate 100% made in Panama: I recommend Oro Moreno, check out their point of sale or order online.
- Panama Geisha Coffee: Whilst sipping a cup of a world-class Geisha, make sure to take some coffee home! Check out #5 about coffee shops in Panama and buy your coffee beans now!
- Franklin Panama: This boutique store in Casco Viejo features luxury scarves, ties, shoes, and other items. Items feature fun and crafty prints inspired by our indigenous cultures. It is pure. wearable. art.
- Victor’s Panama Hats: Well, we know Panama Hats are actually made in Ecuador. But you can get your Panamanian Panama hats.
- Galeria de Arte Indigena: If you are into authentic and quality traditional souvenirs, you will love this.
Find the best selections of animal-shaped-inspired woven masks and baskets by the Emberá. You can find many other traditional items carved in wood and many more items by local artisans.
Hurray! You got your full guide to Casco Viejo. You won’t miss anything!
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