Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo
4.5
About
This charming old community’s churches, pedestrian walkways and historical plazas and palaces make it a must-see on any tour.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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chris c
PA148 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Casco Viejo, Panama City’s historic district, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and charm. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit destination filled with colonial architecture, bustling squares, and unique shops and restaurants.
The narrow sidewalks and cobblestone streets are reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans, with beautiful colonial buildings that exude character and charm.
The streets are often busy, so be prepared for lots of walking and navigating through crowds.
Many squares throughout Casco Viejo feature vendors selling cool treats, handmade souvenirs, and local crafts. Each visit feels like a new discovery with something unique to see or buy.
The old town is filled with small shops offering a variety of goods and plenty of restaurants serving delicious local and international cuisine.
Take time to admire the colonial buildings that tell the story of Panama’s rich history.
Tips for Visiting
While the surfaces are well-maintained, they can be uneven, so sturdy and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Panama can be hot and humid, so keep water with you as you explore.
Casco Viejo is best experienced at a leisurely pace, so allow yourself time to stroll through the streets and soak in the atmosphere.
Each trip to Casco Viejo feels like a fresh experience, and its charm is undeniable. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs, enjoying a meal, or simply taking in the sights, this historic district is an essential part of any Panama City itinerary.
The narrow sidewalks and cobblestone streets are reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans, with beautiful colonial buildings that exude character and charm.
The streets are often busy, so be prepared for lots of walking and navigating through crowds.
Many squares throughout Casco Viejo feature vendors selling cool treats, handmade souvenirs, and local crafts. Each visit feels like a new discovery with something unique to see or buy.
The old town is filled with small shops offering a variety of goods and plenty of restaurants serving delicious local and international cuisine.
Take time to admire the colonial buildings that tell the story of Panama’s rich history.
Tips for Visiting
While the surfaces are well-maintained, they can be uneven, so sturdy and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Panama can be hot and humid, so keep water with you as you explore.
Casco Viejo is best experienced at a leisurely pace, so allow yourself time to stroll through the streets and soak in the atmosphere.
Each trip to Casco Viejo feels like a fresh experience, and its charm is undeniable. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs, enjoying a meal, or simply taking in the sights, this historic district is an essential part of any Panama City itinerary.
Written January 22, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gisela Vanina
Argentina1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Solo
Attention travelers with "Wynwood House"!!!! I booked in July 24 I was charged right away, I counted on canceling for free on Booking and on August 10 24 I cancel to date I do not see the refund!!! Watch out!!!
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Written October 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
Salt Lake City3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
This is the historical district and it is certainly worth a visit. In contrast, downtown Panama City is "all business", mostly all skyscrapers, and very little for a tourist to do.
Water is expensive (for water). In the heat of March (when we were there) we drank water like crazy. If you plan to stay for a while get to the El Machetazo supermarket where you can buy water (or other grocery items) much less expensively.
Water is expensive (for water). In the heat of March (when we were there) we drank water like crazy. If you plan to stay for a while get to the El Machetazo supermarket where you can buy water (or other grocery items) much less expensively.
Written April 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Celeste D
178 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
Enjoyed walking around the area. There's plenty to see, including seeing some Catholic churches, views of the city, and the water. There are also some plazas - parks with statues of leading Panama figures and plenty of places to shop. I found the merchants who had stands out in the open to be more affordable and enjoyed talking with them rather than buying stuff from the stores in buildings. The Panama Canal Museum is also on the midst of Casco Viejo as well as the Palacio de Gobierno, which I was able to tour.
Written January 29, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanne C
Fort Myers, FL4 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Alex was great! His driver for pickup at the airport hotel was himself a tour guide and gave us a great introduction to Panama City on the first day after our cruise. Alex gave us a 2 hour walking tour of Casco Viejo which included history, music, culture, and a personal testimony of his life in Panama City (which included education at the historical churches we visited). He made sure we were safely drive home to the airport hotel, making the experience just perfect! We strongly recommend that you take this tour!
Written February 14, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally F
15 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
I visited Casco Viejo as a solo female traveller and had been unnerved by some of the comments stating that it was next to a slum/potentially dangerous if you wandered away from the main tourist areas. Don't be put off. Casco Viejo has beautiful colonial buildings, churches, history and plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy. I went during daytime, so can't comment on what it's like during nighttime, but felt perfectly safe. I used the Metro to travel to Mayo 5, then walked along Avenue Central (a busy shopping area) which is, in effect, a straight route there, about a 15 minute walk. It's well worth spending a few hours wandering the streets of Casco Viejo and enjoying the sights. I called into the Canal Museum, ahead of visiting the canal tomorrow, and learned about the history behind it. It cost $15USD so is a little pricey but you can easily spend a few hours here. The cathedral is well worth going inside too.
Written January 8, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ale61BuenosAires
Buenos Aires7,170 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
The old town is a very nice place to walk and spend a morning or afternoon. In particular we toured 5 ancient churches, stopping for a while in each to pray and observe their altars and sculptures.
There are many places to eat although we didn't there.
The only bad thing about the place is that to get there you have to walk along some pretty ugly blocks with a little dirty looking bad businesses. We went by subway to 5 de Mayo station (USD 0.35) and from there we walked through the Seafood Market first. On the way back we went back another way all the way straight down Central Avenue to the subway. The 2 roads were pretty ugly in the first few blocks, but I didn't find it dangerous. Nobody bothered us but it is not a nice part of the neighborhood to look at.
Anyway I recommend the visit because the area of the old town where the churches are and the area of Plaza Francia with the views of the sea are very nice and it is something to know in the city.
There are many places to eat although we didn't there.
The only bad thing about the place is that to get there you have to walk along some pretty ugly blocks with a little dirty looking bad businesses. We went by subway to 5 de Mayo station (USD 0.35) and from there we walked through the Seafood Market first. On the way back we went back another way all the way straight down Central Avenue to the subway. The 2 roads were pretty ugly in the first few blocks, but I didn't find it dangerous. Nobody bothered us but it is not a nice part of the neighborhood to look at.
Anyway I recommend the visit because the area of the old town where the churches are and the area of Plaza Francia with the views of the sea are very nice and it is something to know in the city.
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Written September 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juan Manuel D
38 contributions
Beautiful colonial and republican architecture. It is very safe to walk through this part of the city, to be able to contemplate the various houses, churches, parks and squares that can be found there. The view of the modern city from France Square is perfect for a good photo. There are a variety of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops for all tastes.
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Written January 20, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MsMiakka
Sarasota, FL9 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
We had a great walking tour of Casco Viejo thanks to our extremely knowledgeable and personable guide, Alex. Alex grew up in the neighborhood before it became the UNESCO World Heritage site it is today. His passion and in depth experience provided us a great learning experience that was also lighthearted and entertaining. We learned so much and highly recommend Alex for a wonderful basis of understanding Panama and Casco Viejo.
Written February 5, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maurice H
14 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
Panama City was full of surprises, but non as great as Casco Viejo (or Old Town). This gem of an area is walkable, easy to navigate, has multiple town squares, museums, restaurants, and rooftop venues with views of Panama City that are breathtaking. All of this happens amidst building that are being renovated or are totally dilapidated. It is the ultimate in old world charm meets new world.
Written January 22, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are the stores and restaurants open on Sunday?
Written December 1, 2019
Hi, a good portion still opened on Sunday, but it was definitely later after Church Services.
Written December 2, 2019
Hi there, I will be visiting Panama in late February and will be staying in Casco Viejo for the first and last night of our trip. This will be the 3rd visit to Panama for my husband and I and we love staying in the old city before driving down to Azuero. This time my father will be joining us, and as he is a devout Catholic I'm hoping to plan our arrival date to allow for a Sunday mass before driving south. We have to get to Playa Morillo before dark, so logistically we have to leave Casco by 10 AM at the latest before heading to Albrook to pick up the rental car (which has been a 2-3 hour process in our prior experiences). Does anyone know of a church with Sunday Mass at 8 AM or earlier that we can go to? Thanks!
Written November 27, 2019
We stayed at the Magnolia Inn (and loved it! Know that there are older rooms and new rooms). The owner (Reggie?) was super helpful and I know can answer your question.
Written December 6, 2019
Hi, everyone! I'm planning a trip to Panama City and I'd love to visit Casco Viejo. I'm just wondering if it's dangerous to go there at night? Like 7-10 pm. Thanks!
Written November 26, 2019
I felt very safe there, as there are ALOT of police. Just stay on the main well lit streets and you'll be fine and have a wonderful time!
Written December 2, 2019
Vamos a estar en Panamá 12 horas Escala, ando buscando agencia de Tours,me ayudan por favor
Written August 19, 2019
Hi! Going to Panama solo so wanted to get a guide to be safe and see more local sights. You mentioned a guide, where do you pick up one of those? And approx. what is the cost? Thankyou!
Written February 13, 2019
I used a self-guided walking app called GPSmyCity available on apple apps. Free guide works well and you can download the walk you want to take.
Part of the area is rehabbed, some areas not yet. Go during the day and you should be fine. Have fun. There’s a good taqueria for lunch on a side street
Written February 14, 2019
Anyone have insight on WiFi access. Was planning on taking an Uber into the city and was wondering if I would be able to get online to order one for a return trip?
I know I can take a regular cab but I've heard Uber prices are better.
Written October 13, 2018
Most pubs and restaurants have wi-fi connection, not only in the Casco, buying a local simcard is LOT cheaper than roaming.
Written January 14, 2019
Is the city English speaking and Spanish.. I suppose, but how bilingual are the shops and restaurants?
Written August 29, 2018
As with all things the answer is "it depends". Many hotels and guest houses have someone who speaks English. Larger restaurants that cater to the gringos will also usually have someone that speaks some English.
Most Panamanians know some English. The question is why don't you learn some Spanish too? Making the effort to learn the local customs and language goes a long way in improving the quality of your adventure.
Buen viaje
Written October 14, 2018
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