casco viejo

isabela982

Casco Viejo is the old town . It faces the modern skyscrapers with the ocean in between. Lots of spanish style colonial buildigs ,small cobblestone streets ,a beautiful main square where is the Cathedral.The Presedential Palace is there too and you can visit before 2 pm.There is also lots of small cafes,restaurants and bars and of course souvenir shops. Very nice place but be careful with pickpockets.

andreasC9734UO

This old part of the city is being extensively and beautifully renovated. Well worth spending a day walking around and having lunch. Also a good place to have dinner, either in one of the beautiful restaurants or out on one of the squares. They also have a very good jazz club called Danilo's in the American Trade Hotel.

malagari

This is a surprisingly small place for such an important site. Large parts of it are still under reconstruction and I think it will take another 5-10 years before it is all restored. There is a lot of poverty, but the restored parts are all at international prices. You get an idea of the country as a whole from this microcosm. The restaurants are OK but overpriced. You can walk the whole are in under an hour.

alfredog853

Nice sights, to go during the day and wait for sunset... Nice view of the city!! Close by restaurant..

flyingchefkj

It's a place to see. So beautiful and old. The parts that have been renovated will take your breathe away and the ones that haven't been touched, will inspire you. There;s a photo opp at every corner. Walk slowly, look around and enjoy.

salsaqueen97

It does not take a long time to see this old site. They are building all over the .But there is sooo much poverty that the travel agents do not mention.You could have a brand new condo built and right next to it is a slum or a ruin. Its extremely expensive to buy or rent there for having 50 percent of your view looking into slums where dosens of homeless people live. No doubt one day it will be all built up and nice , but that could take another 20 years and where will they dump all those poor people as they are evicting them. Yes there are bars and restaurants, I have seen much better and less expensive in other parts of the world. Its extremely hot and humid, and there is practically no greenery and flowers. Its not attractive at all and unless you have a car or take a taxi,, there is no getting out of there unless you walk , which is very unpleasant in that heat, The fish market is interesting, but again not easy to walk to unless you are ok with walking and trying to dodge cars as they will not stop for you.The skyline is a very nice view. But thats it

JeffG845

It doesn't take long to walk the area and take in the main square with a statue. This is surrounded by buildings with unique exteriors. The restaurant is a good hangout to watch people wandering by. My wife and I walked from the main Casco area on a wide paved path under the bridge to the fish market. Watching the action at the fish market was an experience in smell, sight, and sound. There are swings under the bridge which we enjoyed. Pelicans adorn all the empty boats in the small harbor and usually a heron or egret will be fishing by the shore. Back in Casco, take in the overlook to the bay. There are many booths with native craft (and some not to native) and colorful dress on some of the sellers. I purchased a colorful frog carved from a nut, about the size of a baseball. I watched one merchant carve another figure. My wife bought some colorful oven mitts. We also birded during low tide and saw many heron, stilts, gulls, ibis, sanderlings, and of course grackles.Of course there are many Panama hats which aren't made in Panama but it's still fun to watch the vendors try to make a sale. Go on down and get caught up in the fun.

329jimmym

Casco Viejo is the equivalent to the French Quarter in New Orleans. Although not as developed Casco has become the premier destination in Panama City. The restored buildings have now been occupied by hotels. bars and restaurants, making it a great place to walk around. There is also a lot of history in the area with old ruins and churches.

AlmirM700

very charming part of Panama City! a stroll on its streets is an extremely pleasant experience, also with a wonderful view of the city.

ronniefk

There is a lot of fabulous old architecture in varying states of repair and decay. Old wooden structures with marginal looking balconies ( lots of living outdoors here - it is hot), colonical buildings, art noveau-ish, lively squares, outdoor markets, lots of street life and very safe too.

JennyPlesums

This was the only section of Panama City that had adequate street signs. Also signs directing to the various sections. It is an interesting mix of not restored, partially restored and fully restored. I hope that they continue the quality of work as they complete the restorations. The finished buildings are beautiful. It sort of reminded me of the French Quarter in New Orleans, LA, USA.There are many places to see, lots of shops and restaurants and plazas for just sitting around.

Mult0bene

I'm writing to help newbies like me, more than to review. Casco Viejo (aka Casco Antigua) is the old quarter of Panama City - dates to early 1600s There are many fancy (aka expensive) restaurants, New Orleans style architecture, hand-crafted artisan markets (be sure to bargain over the price!), and lovely views of the harbor. Don't confuse Casco Viejo witih Panama Viejo as I almost did - they're many miles apart and it's Casco Viejo that is the attraction. You can get there on the Metro for $0.35 (35 centavos) There is only 1 metro line so it's easy. Buy a card in the station ($2.00 if you don't already have one, then "charge it" for $1 - even though it's only $0.35 to ride, you have to do this - you'll use some coming back). Get on the train heading towards Albrook (not Los Andes) - there's only 1 line! Get off at either Loteria or 5 Mayo. Then walk towards the water across Balboa (the largest street). Both are close. 5 Mayo is closer but will take you through a huge, sketchy, open market - safe but crowded. It's just a 10 minute walk from either station. Enjoy and have a beer in one of the many open air pubs.

RenoNVUS

had a 9 hr layover in Panama City and took a cab to Casco Viejo. Well worth it and would do again. The streets are full of great sites around every corner. Lots of quaint shops and good eating. The place oozes with history and is a must see. You can easily end a day here. If you have to choose between this and the canal pick the old city!

LeeBocaRaton_Florida

The overall area is very safe and we'll protected especially since the president of Panama lives right in the middle of the town. Wonderful shops, bars & restaurants. Beautiful views of the skyline.from the pier. If going for dinner at a hot spot such as Diablicos reservations are highly recommend and a snack before is highly advised as wait times with reservations can easily exceed an hour after ordering. All the local merchants ate friendly and many are willing to barter.Several allowed plastic and did not charge tax or surcharge which was a pleasant surprise. A few hours is recommended for a great experience!

Carlossant

Um dos melhores lugares na cidade do Panamá para se visitar. Andar pelas ruas antigas, o comércio local, tudo sendo remodelado, bons restaurantes. Visita obrigatória.