Casco Viejo, Panama City: Address, Phone Number, Casco Viejo Reviews: 4.5/5
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.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
797 within 5 kms
Santa Rita Casco Viejo
1,251
0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Spanish • Grill
Pedro Mandinga Rum
170
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Latin • Bar
Super Gourmet
471
0.3 km$ • Quick Bites • Healthy • Central American
Fonda Lo Que Hay
208
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Latin • Central American • Vegetarian Friendly
NAZCA 21
576
0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Peruvian • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly
Nomada Eatery
225
78 m$ • Brew Pub • Latin • Bar
Cerveceria La Rana Dorada Pub
276
0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • Vegetarian Friendly
Salvaje
256
0.3 km$$$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Mahalo Snack Shack
209
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • International • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly
Rene Cafe
566
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Latin • Spanish • Central American
Attractions
98 within 10 kms
Iglesia de la Merced
211
0.2 kmChurches & Cathedrals
Plaza de la Catedral
301
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Palacio de las Garzas
21
0.1 kmGovernment Buildings
Museu da Esmeralda
8
0.2 kmSpeciality Museums
Museo del Canal Interoceánico de Panamá
2,053
0.3 kmHistory Museums
Plaza Bolivar
240
0.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Independence Square
72
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Dress Like Panama
99
0.4 kmRides & Activities
Iglesia de San Felipe Neri
40
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Museo de la Mola
17
0.2 kmSpeciality Museums
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Popular mentions
4.5
11,659 reviews
Excellent
6,578
Very good
3,811
Average
1,061
Poor
169
Terrible
41
Georgie_Fen
Hong Kong, China214 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
Not that much to report really. I guess every old town has a cobbled street or two, and I can’t say this stands out for any particular reason. The rooftop bars seem to be where the tourists go, and they can be hit & miss. Selina rooftop stands out as the best consistently.
Written 21 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jess1818
Sarasota, FL84 contributions
Jan 2022
Loved walking around Casco Viejo. There were cute little shops and restaurants. You can tell the interiors of most places have been updated but the outsides still feel authentic. Beautiful views of the "new" city from multiple locations. Seemed more like you were in Europe.
Written 10 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sergio R
Alexandria, VA85 contributions
Dec 2021
Absolutely fabulous. We laved the atmosphere and the old town feel. Great to just walk around and enjoy the sights. Incredible restaurants and probably the best brewery in Panama, La Rana Dorada.
Written 9 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cyndi G
9 contributions
Dec 2021
We ended up going back 3 different times. If you are a foodie, this is the area for you. The dining experiences were amazing.
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
vastjourney
Sea Cliff, New York105 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Panama City’s Casco Viejo is as beautiful and historic as Old Havana or the New Orleans French Quarter. Don’t miss the Cuban music club just off Plaza Herrera!
Written 27 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TravelsHobby
Edison, NJ224 contributions
Dec 2021
Nice little area for exploring history, local culture and European style architecture. The streets are very narrow and crowded during weekends but in a way the crowd adds to the charm. Very touristy place with lots of restaurants, souvenir shops, Christmas decorations at this time year (December). Certain locations have awesome view of the Panama City skyline. If you like to have a tour guide, that's great but for our interest we found the posted information and map at each point of interest sufficient.
Written 15 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AA_urra
Ottawa, Canada3 contributions
Dec 2021 • Solo
I enjoyed touring Casco Viejo with Alex our guide. I booked the Sightseeing Legends of Casco Viejo tour he runs and got to see everything in a few hours. I loved the tiny and colorful streets. Also there are hundreds of restaurants to try. I personaly recommend Primitivo at Plaza Herera and also having a drink at Lazotea rooftop.
Happy travel, Panama is awesome !!!!
Happy travel, Panama is awesome !!!!
Written 13 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Owe
Dublin, Ireland136 contributions
Nov 2021
Really interesting spot, not far from downtown. I got an uber there and back. The entire area is enclosed and safe with a shuttle bringing you to and from main sight, although it is very walkable. Really enjoyed the peacefulness of strolling around the old ruins
Written 9 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
nicole p
Atlanta, GA119 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
We decided against staying in this area and instead visiting it - and I think you can’t go wrong staying here or just visiting. It was $4 uber ride from the Mira Flores locks. Grabbed lunch at Fonda Loque hay and then set of walking. A lot of turismo police presence but felt safe. Great for photo ops. Some nice squares with local artisans and music. Some touristy trinket shops too. Coffee houses aplenty.
Written 22 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ozra H
Washington DC, DC57 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
We came to visit twice ! Nice restaurants and bars , local shops , we walked around the water , excellent Atmosphere. If u visit Panama , u must come here
Written 17 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Amy R
Genoa1 contribution
Where to park a rental car
hubracknell
Nantes, France34 contributions
Parking at the hotel
ciaim
Kingston, Jamaica44 contributions
Are the stores and restaurants open on Sunday?
Escape792745
Bocas del Toro Province, Panama28 contributions
Hi, a good portion still opened on Sunday, but it was definitely later after Church Services.
Jessica
St. Barthelemy15 contributions
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!
bclarke292
Bozeman, MT397 contributions
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.
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!
MariseCaetano
Petropolis, RJ465 contributions
Safe as can be, with lots of military patrolling the area, where the president lives.
geva70
COSTA RICA23 contributions
Vamos a estar en Panamá 12 horas Escala, ando buscando agencia de Tours,me ayudan por favor
blesdx4
Huntington Beach, CA135 contributions
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!
Nancy Salie
Oakdale, CA62 contributions
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
Camille R
Fort Smith, AR1 contribution
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.
Sherpa778046
56 contributions
Most pubs and restaurants have wi-fi connection, not only in the Casco, buying a local simcard is LOT cheaper than roaming.
Leon H
Washington, MO19 contributions
What time do shops open
JackieCarlos R
St Martin / St Maarten33 contributions
by mid day.
tomytobi
ajijic128 contributions
Is the city English speaking and Spanish.. I suppose, but how bilingual are the shops and restaurants?
PanamaVagabond
Chitre, Panama286 contributions
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Casco Viejo
- We recommend booking Casco Viejo tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 73 Casco Viejo tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Casco Viejo:
- 5-Hours CITY TOUR & THE PANAMA CANAL. Group & Private Option Available! (From S$90.40)
- Panama Canal Miraflores Locks and City Tour (From S$89.96)
- Panama City Night Tour (From S$76.13)
- Panamá Barcrawl (From S$34.61)
- Panama City's Top Tour (From S$161.92)
- Hotels near Casco Viejo:
- (0.04 km) Casco Viejo Fabulous 360° View Old Tower Penthouse
- (0.13 km) La Isabela Suites
- (0.09 km) Luna's Castle Hostel
- (0.14 km) Magnolia Inn
- (0.10 km) Tantalo Hotel / Kitchen / Roofbar
- Restaurants near Casco Viejo:
- (0.02 km) Picasso
- (0.02 km) Capital Bistro Panama
- (0.03 km) Capital Bistro Panama
- (0.03 km) Todo Avocado
- (0.03 km) Basilicò Pizzeria Italiana
- Attractions near Casco Viejo:
- (0.00 km) Casco Dive Bar
- (0.00 km) Bao Karaoke
- (0.10 km) Chupitos507
- (0.15 km) La Rana Dorada
- (0.20 km) Iglesia de la Merced