Casco Viejo is Panama City’s historic district and an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was completed in 1673, after the destruction of the original Panama Viejo in 1671.
You cannot leave Panama City without experiencing at least a full day and night in this famous area. This is what you should try out.
Read more: A Traveler’s Guide to Casco Viejo, Panama + Safety Tips
Casco Viejo Walking Tours
Maybe it’s your first time in Panama, or maybe you don’t have a lot of time to wander around. But you still want to make sure you’re covering all the bases when visiting this iconic neighborhood in Panama City.
There are a number of guided walking tours you can join that will take you to Casco’s many historical sites while giving you their backstory and cultural significance.
You can even find many free guided tours. Although free, you are encouraged to give a tip or donation, depending on how satisfied you are with their service.
Some of the key spots you should get to see are: Plaza Catedral, Plaza de Francia, Basilica Santa Maria la Antigua, Palacio Bolivar, Teatro Nacional, Plaza Santa Ana, el Palacio de las Garzas… those are just to name a few.
Eat And Drink While Discovering Casco
What’s better than getting to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site? To do it while you eat and drink in several of Casco Viejo’s food hotspots.
Food tours are a popular activity to partake in while visiting the quarter. In these you’ll often get to visit 4 to 5 food spots, try several local craft beers, visit cafés, and dessert spots.
In this tour, you will enjoy sipping on a cocktail on a popular rooftop bar while soaking in the sunset.
Self-Guided Tour Of The Historic District
This is for the people who are not interested in touring in big groups and want to take everything at their own pace.
Lucky for you, technology is your friend. Nowadays you can find several apps that will do the job of mapping out a route for you and even give you the historical background of everything you are visiting.
This company offers both guided and self-guided tours, take your pick.
Walk Around el Paseo de las Bovedas
Local artisans will greet you in this walkway selling all sorts of local handicrafts. This is one of the places to get your loved ones a Panama souvenir, but also the perfect place to stop and enjoy the ocean view and snap some pictures.
Visit Casco’s Museums
What is Casco but its history and culture? Not only is this area full of 19th century architecture, monuments, and colonial churches, but full of museums recounting the historic district and Panama’s past.
Museums such as Museo de la Mola, the Panama Canal Museum, Panama History Museum, Museum of Religious Art, and many more are waiting to be discovered.
Bask In The View From A Rooftop Bar
When looking for what to do in Casco Viejo, visiting a rooftop bar is a must. After walking around all day, a good cold beer or a tasty cocktail is all you need. In Casco Viejo you can pair that with a fantastic 360° view of the Panama City skyline and the Old City. To really get the whole experience, make sure to go during the golden hour.
For a relaxed and chic environment, visit the Casa Casco rooftop bar.
Read More: Best Rooftop Bars in Casco Viejo, Panama
Buy A Raspao
A raspao is good old shaved ice. These are a classic treat for Panamanians. Cheap, sugary, and perfect for the hot Panama weather, they can be found throughout most of Casco. The next time you see the raspao cart order one for about $1 or $1.50, depending on what you add to it. I recommend ordering it with both condensed milk and malted milk powder on top… you won’t regret it.
Visit Artisan Coffee Shops
Who doesn’t enjoy a good coffee? Or a hot tea with a pastry…
You can find plenty of your quintessential coffee shops throughout Casco Viejo’s cobblestone streets. In most you will find the owners grow and roast their own beans, with a taste you will not find anywhere else.
In cafés like Bajareque Coffee House, you can find the expensive and award-winning Panamanian Geisha coffee brew.
Take A Yoga Class In Casco Yoga
If you happen to be around for several days and enjoy a good yoga session, sign up for a class in Casco Yoga.
This studio sits in the heart of the Old Quarter and offers intimate English-taught classes for anyone who wishes to join. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never taken a class before or if you’re an experienced yogini, Casco Yoga’s classes can benefit all.
For more information visit CascoYogaPanama.com
Bar Hopping Through The Night
This place comes alive at night. There are so many bar and club options to choose from… so why stick to just one?
One of the great things about this area is its walkability. Casco is not huge, and you’ll find that its many hotspots are right next to each other. Go on your own bar hopping tour and experience the many faces of Casco.
Eat Fried Fish At Sabores del Chorrillo
I’m reaching with this one, as it’s not in Casco Viejo. But it’s pretty close. Of course, you can find some fried fish and patacones in Casco, but for extra authenticity, visit Sabores del Chorrillo to get yours.
Back in the day, the best fried fish in the city you would find in El Chorrillo neighborhood. This, however, is not a particularly safe area.
Right by the end of the Cinta Costera, 11 seafood locales now stand. Their cooks are the native Chorrillo men and women who historically have dedicated their lives to preparing and selling authentic Panamanian food.You can walk from Casco Viejo and enjoy the Cinta Costera trail right by the ocean before immersing yourself in the fantastic flavors of their cooking.
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