Things To Do And See In Casco Viejo
A Quaint Gem
Today, Casco Viejo is a vibrant and lively neighborhood with narrow streets, colorful houses, and a rich history. It is home to many cultural and historical attractions, including the Presidential Palace, the National Theater, and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
It is fast becoming one of the premier Spanish colonial destinations in the Americas and a chic urban cuisine hotspot with many restaurants, bars, and cafes in the area, offering a wide variety of cuisines, dining experiences, and a lively nightlife.
The neighborhood also has a thriving arts scene, with galleries, studios, and performance spaces.
A walking tour of this sector is an ideal way to see the sights. You can go with a guide or explore it on your own. You’ll find a proud, living community jutting out on the panoramic Panama Bay, full of history, color and authenticity.
Arthur Frommer, of the Frommers guides, writes that Casco Viejo is “beginning to leave behind Old San Juan and Old Havana in authenticity and beauty.”
History
Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe, is a historic neighborhood and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Panama City, Panama.
It was founded in 1673, after Panama Viejo was destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671, and served as the original city center until a fire in 1756 destroyed much of the area.
The district was subsequently rebuilt in the late 1800s and early 1900s, resulting in a mix of architectural styles including Baroque, neoclassical, and Art Deco.
In recent years, Casco Viejo has undergone significant restoration and development, with a focus on preserving its historical and cultural significance. It is now a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.
Attractions
Museums
Various museums call Casco Viejo home:
Panama Canal Museum: It is a faithful testimony of Panama's importance as a transisthmian route, the studies, explorations and the difficult process of building the Canal. It portrays the daily life of Panama Canal workers, who hailed from 97 countries.
Panama History Museum: The Museum of History of Panama is a history museum located on the ground floor of the Municipal Palace. Small but interesting museum about local history and culture.
Mola Museum (Museo de la Mola (MuMo)): The museum showcases the wonderful history of Panamanian Molas.
Museum of Religious Art: It was built over the walls of the Inca Sinchi Roca Palace. It displays a collection of religious art, Colonial furniture and paintings. This is one of the best places to enjoy Andean art.
Churches and Cathedrals
Various historical churches can be found in Casco Viejo:
Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis: Its beautiful bell tower looms large over Cisco Viejo and can be seem from the Bay of Panama.
Basilica of Santa María la Antigua (Panama Metropolitan Cathedral) can be found on the “Plaza de la Independencia” in Casco Viejo.
Iglesia de San Jose: Modest 1670s church famed for its lustrous golden altar, carved of wood & painted in gold flake.
Nuestro Señora de la Merced: Known as “Our Lady of Mercy”, this church is the only one of the seven that has managed to retain its original wooden ceiling.
National Theatre
The National Theatre of Panama, inaugurated on October 1, 1908, sits on the site of a monastery that dates back to the 1700's.
It has been remodeled several times since opening in 1908. The National Theatre in Casco Antiguo hosts plays, concerts and ballet performances.
The theater was designed by Italian architect Genaro Ruggieri, with a style of Italian operetta theater.
Buy your tickets HERE
Beer Micro Brewery & Artisanal Rum Distillery
La Rana Dorada, or The Golden Frog, is one of Panama’s premier microbreweries and worth a visit.
Pedro Mandinga's rums are still distilled in their copper pot. They bring a unique experience to Panama, through their craft rum, craft beer, coffee, chocolate, cigars, Latin cuisine, artisanal cocktails and salsa music.
Souvenirs And Handcrafts
Casco Viejo is an ant nest of Panamanian handicrafts and trinkets.
Famous handicrafts such as Molas, woven baskets, clothes, handmade jewelry, and the Panama Hat (strictly not made in Panama) can be found scattered in small tourist shops and alleys throughout Casco Viejo and at the Paseo la Bovetas (above the French Quarter).
However, if you are looking for one of a kind handmade jewelry, try Mitchelle O Joyeria. Work from local artists can be found at Diablo Rosso. Head over to Latina Casa if you're looking for upscale Panamanian craft such as woven baskets, masks, clothing made of colorful, high-quality textiles and alpaca wool. At Victor's Panama Hats you'll find an authentic Panama hat.
Restaurants
Rooftop Bar Restaurant
Some of these rooftop bar restaurants may turn into anightclub at night. Be sure to read the reviews!
Bars & Micro Breweries
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