The old town of Panama City — Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo) — is the most photogenic corner of the country: colonial plazas, rooftop bars and the best sunsets over the skyline. Here is what to do in Casco Viejo.
History and plazas
Wander Plaza de la Independencia, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the ruins of the Santo Domingo arch and the seafront Las Bóvedas promenade. The whole neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, easy to explore on foot in a morning.
Rooftops and sunsets
Casco Viejo is famous for its rooftop bars looking back at the modern skyline — the golden hour here is unbeatable. In the evening the streets fill with music, and the area is the heart of the city’s nightlife.
Food and coffee
From Panamanian ceviche and fine dining to specialty coffee and artisan ice cream, Casco Viejo has the city’s best-known restaurants and cafes packed into a few walkable blocks.
Nearby
The Panama Canal (Miraflores locks) and the Amador Causeway are a short drive away, making Casco Viejo the perfect base for a first day in the city.
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