Casco Viejo: Panama City’s Old Town in 50 Photos

Photos of Casco Viejo in Panama City

Casco Viejo, Panama City’s historic old quarter, is proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s arguably the most popular tourist attraction in Panama City (along with the Panama Canal). In this blog post, we share photos of Casco Viejo and it’s impressive architecture.

This trendy neighbourhood also known by the names Casco Antiguo and San Felipe has a mix between old Spanish colonial style architecture and neoclassical. It’s an interesting place, with many layers. Some buildings have been restored to their former glory, but others have been left to crumble.

It many ways, the streets of Casco Viejo personify Panama City – stylish and cultured, yet mismanaged and neglected. 

Casco Viejo has a reputation for being a safe area. Panama CityTourists are free to wander around aimlessly. You will see a police and military presence. As in most large cities in Central America you should be vigilant and protect your possessions from pickpockets. 

You can either book a tour to explore this historic old quarter or just show up and let its narrow cobblestone streets lead you. Here you’ll find hipster cafes and hipster bars, as well as trendy restaurants and boutique hotels. 

During our visit to Panama City, we stayed at multiple hotels; the Marriott FinisterreThen, there is the Plaza Paitilla Inn hotel. Both hotels are excellent and have nice pools. This is important when traveling with children to Panama City.

We feel that after exploring the Casco viejo area, this might be a better neighbourhood to stay for a couple of nights. 

Here are photos of Casco Viejo, Panama City’s Old Town

Above is the bell tower of Panama Metropolitan Cathedral.

Many of Casco Viejo’s old colonial houses are in need of repairs. The decaying buildings are full of character and detail. From the windows, balconies, and tall door frames. 

The streets of Panama City’s Old Quarter looks similar to Old San Juan in Puerto Rico. 

I love the old character building. It’s the perfect backdrop for a movie set. 

Related post – Top Things to do in Panama City

I love the contrast of this elegant colonial (which houses the Museum of History of Panama), and this crumbling abandoned (and street art) building on the left. These two buildings are located in Independence Square, beside the Panama Metropolitan Cathedral.

Bell tower of San Francisco de Asis Church at Plaza Bolivar Casco Viejo Panama.

Panama Metropolitan Cathedral in Casco Viejo

The Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria la Antigua This church is located in the old part of Panama City. This beautiful church is situated in the heart Casco Viejo on Plaza de la Independencia. 

It’s also known as Catedral Basílica Santa María la Antigua de Panama in Casco Antiguo.

Independence Square in Panama City is a colourful place with many buildings.

The alter inside the Panama Metropolitan Cathedral in Casco Viejo.

Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus

This 1741 convent is a historical landmark in Casco Viejo. It’s part of the Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and the Historic District of Panama (Casco Veijo), which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Fun fact – Panama City was founded in 1519 and is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the Pacific coast of the Americas. 

Every corner reveals an interesting building. It’s a very photogenic neighbourhood.

Above is the Embassy of France at Panama City. I love the Red Brick Road. 

The Museum of History of Panama occupies a pink Spanish colonial structure. 

Read more posts by Panama Here is a link to the article.

Simon Bolivar Monument at Plaza Bolivar, Casco Antiguo San Felipe.

Tower at San Francisco de Asis Church near Plaza Simon Bolivar.

San Felipe’s waterfront is lined with government buildings. 

Casco Viejo offers some of Panama City’s best views. 

The majority of streets are one-way, which limits vehicle traffic. That said, if you plan to grab a taxi in Casco Veijo, you’re best to go to the entrance of the old quarter. You could spend 20 minutes stuck trying to get out of one-way traffic. 

Street art in Casco Veijo Panama City.

Beautifully restored building on Independence Square.

You will find local artists selling their art as you walk the streets. 

Views of the waterfront neighborhood at low tide. 

Inside Parroquia San Felipe de Neri, located near Plaza Bolivar. It’s a Catholic church with neoclassical architecture, ornate mosaics and religious statues. It also has a miniature nativity with many buildings and characters.

Paseo Las Bovedas Shopping

This is the place to visit if you’re looking for small souvenirs and local crafts. You can find indigenous Guna Yala fabrics and artwork, woven baskets and wooden masks carved by hand, as well as handmade jewelry. 

Views of Panama City’s skyline from Paseo Las Bovedas.

Cinta Costera is the name of the bridge in this photo. The 2.5 kilometre marine viaduct encircles Panama City’s historic and governmental district of Casco Antiguo. 

Nicole taking photos of the monument and church at Plaza Simón Bolívar.

An outdoor restaurant at Plaza Simón Bolívar square. Casco Viejo is home to several rooftop patios, outdoor restaurants, and other venues. It’s the perfect place for lunch or afternoon drinks. 

Read more posts by Panama Here is a link to the article.

Finca Del mar restaurant in Panama City has swing chairs. This restaurant may be a bit gimmicky but it has an energetic and fun atmosphere. 

One boy is not pleased about having to take “another photo”In front of Finca Del Mar. 

In Casco Veijo, a street vendor sells shaved ice. This is a popular dessert/drink in Panama.

We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at the Tantalo Hotel Restaurant and would highly recommend it. It’s located near the entrance to Casco Veijo, so it’s a convenient place to get dropped off and picked up. 

Tantalo Hotel’s restaurant has a funky decor and murals. It’s a fun place for breakfast or lunch, and it has a roof top patio for afternoon drinks or dinner. 

Connor enjoyed a fresh fruit smoothie in the restaurant of Tantalo Hotel. Panama’s fresh fruit is so sweet and juici. We recommend that you enjoy as much fresh fruit during your trip as possible.

Many of the Casco veijo cafes and restaurants have large, colourful murals. It’s a stylish and artsy neighbourhood that is definitely worth visiting. Add it to your list of things to see and do in Panama City. 

Casco Viejo is accessible from Panama City

Casco Viejo can be reached easily from Panama City. If you plan to use a taxi, it’s safer to hire the taxi from your hotel, instead of flagging a random taxi on the street. Prices will vary depending where you stay. 

Uber is the preferred mode of transportation in Panama City. It works well and removes any language barriers. You don’t need to download a different Uber app. The app that you use in Canada or in the US should work fine in Panama City.

Uber allows you to avoid giving bad directions and having difficulty explaining where you are going. You also don’t have to worry about exchanging money, so it removes the fear of getting ripped off by an opportunistic taxi driver. 

Read more about our trip in Panama:

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