Guide to Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo can be one of the best or the worst experiences while visiting Panama City. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that the adventorous tourist would not want to miss. With a little knowledge before venturing into Casco, you can be sure that you will enjoy your experience.

Do not be intimidated by the old dilapidated buildings that characterize this part of the city. Despite its appearance, Casco Viejo is actually very safe for tourists. While there are very dangerous parts of the city close by, the police here do a great job of keeping the tourists safe. The average resident of the neighborhood is also looking out for you. Take their advice, and do not be afraid to ask about good food, live entertainment, or a shady bench, they will be more than happy to help.

If just walking around enjoying the sites (Iglesia de San José, Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza de Francia, Plaza Bolívar, the area around the Palacio de las Garzas, and the Arco Chato, or the Flat Arch) and sounds of this Havanaesc neighborhood are not enough, there are a few museums to enjoy. Just take a look at a Casco Viejo map or ask any local and they will point you to any of these landmarks.

The first of the museums to check out would be the Museo del Canal Interoceánico (Avenida Central between Calle 5 and Calle 6, tel. 211-1995 or 211-1649, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Tues.–Sun., closed Mon., $2 for adults, $.75 for students). Here you will find the history of the Panama Canal.

The next museum to see is located right next door, The Museo de la Historia de Panamá (tel. 228-6231, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Fri.). This is a small museum that covers Panama's history as a republic.

Another quick museum to stop by on your tour of Casco Viejo is the Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial (Avenida A and Calle 3, tel. 228-2897, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Tues.–Sat., closed Sun. and Mon., $.75 adults, $.25 students).

That should keep you busy for the afternoon, so on to my specialty, food and beer. If you are looking for a restaurant in Panama City, Casco Viejo is a great place to start. Almost every restaurant in Casco Viejo has a unique ambiance, some with great outdoor seating, others boast a rustic interior. A good place to start would be around Calle 1, Plaza Bolivar and Plaza Francia, this is where the highest concentration of Casco restaurants are located. Check out our complete listing of restaurants in Casco Viejo by clicking this link.

After dinner you may be interested in going out for a drink. While it is true that most of the clubs and bars are in modern Panama City, Casco still has few recommended options. For a relaxing drink in a unique setting, check out La Casona, located on Plaza Herrera. La Casona is open Wednesday thru Saturday nights. If you find yourself thirsty for some Latino heat, check out La Platea on a Friday night for some great Salsa dancing. Check out our complete listing of bars in Casco Viejo by clicking this link.