
Casco Antiguo
Casco Antiguo, Panama City's historic heart, captivates with its colonial charm, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere. A UNESCO site perfect for exp...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Street festivals and live music

Casco Antiguo
Best Time
Street festivals and live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Casco Antiguo, Panama City's historic heart, captivates with its colonial charm, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere. A UNESCO site perfect for exploration.
"Casco Antiguo is beautiful, quite clean, and safe, with many places to acquire crafts."

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets demand comfy footwear. You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the historic charm!
📸 Insta-Worthy Spots
Don't miss Calle de los Sombreros for iconic photos! Capture the colorful hats and colonial facades.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calle de los Sombreros
Calle 1a Oeste
The most Instagrammable street, famous for its vibrant hats and colonial architecture. Perfect for photos!

Plaza de Francia
Punta Chiriquí
Historic plaza with stunning ocean views, monuments, and a peaceful atmosphere. Great for sunset.

Iglesia San Francisco de Asis
Near El Mirador
A beautiful historic church offering a serene escape and a viewpoint for panoramic city vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wander
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets demand comfy footwear. You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the historic charm!
📸 Insta-Worthy Spots
Don't miss Calle de los Sombreros for iconic photos! Capture the colorful hats and colonial facades.
🎶 Weekend Street Vibes
Experience lively music and dancing on pedestrianized streets, especially on the last Sunday of the month.
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From budget-friendly plates to cocktails, Casco Antiguo offers a wide culinary range.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets demand comfy footwear. You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the historic charm!
📸 Insta-Worthy Spots
Don't miss Calle de los Sombreros for iconic photos! Capture the colorful hats and colonial facades.
🎶 Weekend Street Vibes
Experience lively music and dancing on pedestrianized streets, especially on the last Sunday of the month.
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From budget-friendly plates to cocktails, Casco Antiguo offers a wide culinary range.
🚶♀️ Get Lost & Explore
The best way to see Casco Antiguo is to wander its charming alleys and discover hidden plazas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Casco Antiguo for its stunning colonial architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and rich history. The restoration efforts have made it a beautiful and safe place to explore, with a lively dining and nightlife scene. Some find parking challenging, and certain areas can get crowded during peak times.
"Hello, gentlemen, I wanted to communicate with my son, Dareck Vivas Ramires, and a young lady, Inma, and she tells me she can't. I think I have the right to know how my son is and find solutions. Thank you if anyone can help me."
Lenin Aguilar
"I'm familiar with the job training section of this place, and I think it's an incredible place that's incredibly helpful, with perfect service. You couldn't ask for more, except... more help streamlining your schedule. It's a shame people aren't aware of these services. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the place is quite spacious, but parking nearby is impossible."
Veronica
"Well, it seemed very good to me, I go to a class and it is very well organized, super comfortable, maintaining a safe distance and everyone with a mask and with gel and temperature at the entrance and the place is very pleasant"
ICF
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tocumen Airport (PTY), you can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service directly to Casco Antiguo. The journey typically takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport is also an option, involving a bus to the city center and then another bus or taxi to Casco Antiguo, but this is less convenient with luggage.
Parking in Casco Antiguo can be very challenging due to its narrow streets and pedestrian zones. It's highly recommended to use taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transport. Some hotels may offer valet parking, but street parking is scarce and often restricted.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be feasible but can be a long distance and involve busy roads. It's generally safer and more convenient to use a taxi or ride-sharing service for longer distances. The new Puerta Sur entrance aims to improve accessibility.
Casco Antiguo is best explored on foot. The streets are relatively compact, and walking allows you to fully appreciate the architecture and atmosphere. Taxis can be used to reach the perimeter, but within the historic center, walking is key.
Yes, the 'Puerta Sur' is a new entrance designed to improve mobility into Casco Antiguo and surrounding areas, making access easier for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Casco Antiguo is a historic neighborhood and is free to enter. You can wander its streets, plazas, and admire the architecture without any admission fee.
Casco Antiguo is always accessible as it's a living neighborhood. However, individual shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions within Casco Antiguo will have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late evening.
Yes, numerous guided tours are available, covering history, architecture, and local culture. Many can be booked online or upon arrival. Walking tours are particularly popular for exploring the narrow streets.
While the neighborhood itself is free, specific attractions like museums (e.g., Panama Canal Museum) or certain historical buildings may have their own admission fees.
Yes, you can visit Casco Antiguo on any day. Sundays are particularly special as the last Sunday of the month often features street festivals with music and dancing, making it a vibrant experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'Calle de los Sombreros' (Hat Street) is incredibly photogenic with its colorful hats and colonial balconies. Plaza de Francia offers stunning ocean views, and the intricate architecture throughout the streets provides endless photo opportunities.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer the best light for photography, casting a warm glow on the colonial buildings. Midday can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the hats on Calle de los Sombreros pop even then.
Generally, there are no major restrictions on photography for personal use in public areas of Casco Antiguo. However, always be respectful of private property and individuals. For commercial photography, permits might be required.
Photography rules can vary inside specific churches and museums. It's best to check for signage or ask staff before taking photos inside these establishments.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both street scenes and architectural details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of plazas and narrow streets. Don't forget a portable charger for your phone if you're relying on it for photos!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Casco Antiguo boasts a diverse culinary scene. Look for restaurants offering traditional Panamanian dishes like sancocho or arroz con pollo. Many places offer affordable lunch specials and happy hour deals on cocktails.
Yes, while some restaurants can be upscale, you can find budget-friendly options. Look for 'platos en $5' (dishes for $5) or local eateries offering set menus. Street food vendors can also be a good option for a quick, affordable bite.
Casco Antiguo comes alive at night with numerous bars and clubs. Red Club is mentioned as a popular spot for dancing. Many places offer live music and happy hour specials, making it a vibrant destination for evening entertainment.
Absolutely! Several cafes offer excellent coffee. Palo Alto Coffee is specifically recommended for a delicious coffee experience to enhance your visit.
Most restaurants and cafes in Casco Antiguo are open from late morning through the evening. Some may close for a few hours in the afternoon, while bars and clubs stay open late into the night, especially on weekends.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for cafes with outdoor seating where kids can enjoy a treat, like coffee or pastries. While there aren't many dedicated playgrounds, the entire historic district becomes a playground of discovery. Consider a guided tour that's tailored for families to make the history more engaging for younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive taxis for every trip, consider using ride-sharing apps or public buses for longer distances to and from Casco Antiguo. Within the district, walking is free and the best way to explore. Many of the most beautiful sights, like the architecture and plazas, are free to enjoy.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to explore Plaza de Francia for stunning ocean vistas and the historic churches for their architectural grandeur. Be sure to bring a versatile lens and a fully charged phone or camera, as you'll be snapping photos constantly!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stroll Through History
The area has undergone significant restoration in recent years, breathing new life into its historic structures. This revitalization has transformed Casco Antiguo into a vibrant hub for culture, dining, and nightlife, attracting both locals and tourists. You'll find boutique hotels, art galleries, museums, and a plethora of restaurants and bars nestled within these ancient walls.
Key landmarks include Plaza de Francia, offering panoramic views of the bay, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The 'Calle de los Sombreros' is a particularly photogenic street, famous for its vibrant hats and colonial charm, making it a must-visit for any visitor.
Experiencing Casco Antiguo's Vibrant Culture
This cultural immersion extends to its culinary scene. From casual eateries offering local delicacies to upscale restaurants and lively bars, Casco Antiguo caters to every palate. You can find affordable dishes and cocktails, making it accessible for various budgets.
For those interested in local crafts and souvenirs, the area is dotted with shops selling Panamanian handicrafts, including the famous Panama hats, which are a perfect memento of your visit.
Navigating Casco Antiguo: Getting Around and Staying Safe
For safety, Casco Antiguo is generally considered safe, especially in the main tourist areas and during the day. However, like any urban historic district, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and avoid displaying excessive valuables.
Many visitors find the area to be clean and secure, with helpful locals. If you encounter any issues or need assistance, the friendly atmosphere and readily available services like taxis and ride-sharing apps make navigating and staying safe manageable.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit