Ola! Historical Old City Casco Viejo Panama

Hooray to my first Panama post, probably the first of many judging from how many photos I have collected, oops!

(For some fast facts about travelling to Panama and specifically about visiting Casco Viejo, Panama City check out my tips at the bottom of this post).

It’s not my fault I took so many photos though, I blame beautiful Panama. As a blogger and especially as one from Toronto, Canada, where so much of what we have is new and modern I can not help but appreciate the old, cultural and historical. I just don’t get to see it all that often! If you follow this blog at all, you know that I have an affinity for all things vintage.

That’s why my husband and I visited Casco Viejo, also called Casco Antiguo (I heard locals referring to it both ways, it means ‘Old Town’ in Spanish) on our very first day in Panama City. Casco (for short, since I’m so with it) feels like a neighborhood in Panama City. From the hotel downtown, it was only 10 minutes and $7 by taxi to be transported from a modern metropolis to an ancient city.

Located right near the water, this area is the beginnings of the original Panama City. For you history buffs out there it’s originally from the 1500’s and is the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. As such, it has a very European feel, with lots of Spanish and French influences. Trust me, I have a National Geographic book on my lap as I type, it makes me feel researched and smart…

While visiting there, I could not help but notice the flurry of construction and renovation that was happening all over. I do not in any way mean to make this seem like a bad thing! To me, it was amazing to see all of these motivated Panamanians working to restore their history and bring it back to its formal glory.

Historically Casco endured earthquakes, slave rebellion, fires and even a pirate attack, so it’s no surprise it may need some sprucing up! The work that they have already completed is stunningly beautiful, and when it’s all finished you won’t be able to tell if you’re on the coast of the Pacific or the Atlantic in Europe, except for the stunning view of Panama City!

Casco Veijo is also an entertainment hub in the city. We enjoyed restaurants, shopping, drinks and even frozen yogurt while perusing the architecture and view.

There are lots of talented artisans selling their hand-made creations and musicians singing in the streets. Casco is definitely not to be missed on a trip to Panama!

I would definitely recommend visiting this magical and historical place even if you’re only in Panama for a short time.

Fast Facts and Tips about visiting old town Panama, Casco Viejo:

♥ ˜It is best to take a cab to Casco, the streets are super narrow and parking is challenging! You shouldn’t pay more than $5-$10 from downtown depending on exactly where you’re coming from.
♥ I never felt unsafe roaming around Casco during the day or in the evenings with my husband. Another good reason to take a cab is the convenience of having them drop you right in the center of Casco, to avoid some neighboring streets that did not look as safe.
♥ Take a map along with you, we used a National Geographic guidebook. You can also download one on to your phone (I like using the Ulmon App as you don’t need to use wi-fi or data).
♥ Casco Viejo is a great spot to grab some lunch or dinner. Many of Panama City’s best restuarants are located in Casco. Check out restaurants that you may want to visit online beforehand so you know where to go. Locals are friendly and happy to point you in the right direction.
♥ You may not be able to get too close, but Panama’s President resides in a beautiful historical building within Casco (Palacio Presidencial). The guards will still let you take a few photos though!
♥ If you would like a tour guide to join you while you roam around, there are many available and eager to tell you all about the sights. I didn’t personally hire anyone, but Barefoot Panama is very well reviewed.
♥ Make sure to have some cash with you when visiting Casco Viejo. There are many artisans selling their wares (souvenirs, panama hats) located in Casco but they obviously don’t take plastic.
♥ Do I need to tell you to bring your camera? There is so much to take photos of! Again, I never worried taking out my iPhone 6 in this area, or anywhere I visited in Panama City.
♥ Casco Viejo has something for everyone, boutique hotels, a hostel (I saw at least one), restaurants, shops, bars, cafes and ice cream stores.

Buenos días my friends!

Want more Panama? Check out the rainforest within Panama City (oh ya, you read that right): “Urban Rainforest: Parque Natural Metropolitano, Panama”, and our remote island adventure: “Panama Pearl: Isla Contadora in the Pearl Islands, Panama” for more.

Anna