From $37Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo)
What it is
Casco Viejo is the colonial old town of Panama City and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. Built in 1673 after pirates sacked the original settlement at Panama Viejo, it occupies a small peninsula of cobbled streets, leafy plazas and a mix of Spanish, French and Caribbean architecture. Today its restored mansions house boutique hotels, rooftop bars and restaurants, while ruined churches, the Golden Altar of Iglesia San Jose and the Plaza de Francia tribute to the French canal builders keep the history close to the surface.
How to visit
Casco Viejo is compact enough to explore on foot in half a day, though many visitors return at sunset for the rooftop bars and golden light on the skyline across the bay. A guided walking tour adds essential context to the churches, plazas and the French connection to the canal. The streets are free to wander; some churches and museums charge a small fee. Go early or late to avoid the midday heat, and take a registered taxi or rideshare back to your hotel after dark.
Hours & practical info
Streets open 24 hours, free. Churches and museums typically 9am to 5pm.
Insider tips
- ✓ Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar over the modern skyline.
- ✓ Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven cobblestones.
- ✓ See the Golden Altar inside Iglesia San Jose.
Tours featuring Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it free to visit Casco Viejo?
- Yes. Walking the streets and plazas of Casco Viejo is free at any hour. Only some churches and museums charge a small entrance fee.
- How long do you need in Casco Viejo?
- Half a day covers the main plazas, churches and viewpoints. Many travelers return at sunset for the rooftop bars and skyline views.