Taking a stroll through the Casco Viejo neighborhood of Panama City has the uncanny ability to erase pictures of traffic, glaring casinos, and smoggy buses from your mind. This once severely dilapidated neighborhood in Panama City has been quickly renovated and revived in recent years and has taken on a whole new feel. Among other places to visit, Casco Viejo is known for 
being the historical center of Panama City. This charming district is reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans in that it is loaded with French Colonial style architecture and charm. The President’s mansion, French Embassy, Museum of Natural History, Canal Museum, cathedral and multiple art galleries, shops and restaurants inhabit Casco. One could easily make an entire day out of exploring the museums, shops, various architectural sites and restaurants.
A beautiful view of the Amador Causeway, Bridge of Americas and the city skyline can be seen from the walkway surrounding French Park, a monument built to honor the French who began the canal. Many native Kuna women can be seen peddling trinkets and souvenirs throughout the district, as well as other vendors selling empanadas, patacones, and fresh fruit. The neighborhood surrounding Casco Viejo, called El Chorillo, is a little sketchy, so I don’t recommend walking into Casco, but spending $5 on a taxi to take you into the center. However, once you are there it will be well worth the money spent. Restaurants and new bars spring up in Casco frequently, there is a nice breeze from the ocean, artists and crafters display their work street side, and the scenery will not be quickly forgotten. While some buildings are still in disrepair or being renovated, it is definitely worth marking this neighborhood as one of your top places to visit in the city. The overall feel of the Casco Viejo neighborhood will take one back in time and away from the hustle and bustle that the rest of the city thrives upon.
Check out visitpanama.com to check out their virtual tour of Casco Viejo (also called Casco Antiguo).
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Our Panama office is in Casco Viejo, this is where we greet people who are visiting The Resort at Isla Palenque so that we can take them on a trip to the island. Great feature on our favorite part of the city.