Casco Antiguo Voyage Tips and guide

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Casco Antiguo (Old Town), also known as Casco Viejo or San Felipe, is a compact neighborhood located on a peninsula southwest of Panama City’s modern downtown. Its urban layout, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The area hosts museums, churches, plazas, cultural institutions, artisan shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars, all within a walkable and pedestrian-friendly environment.

Casco Antiguo was founded in 1673 after the original city of Panama—today known as Panamá Viejo—was destroyed during an attack by English pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. In response to this event, the Spanish colonial authorities decided to relocate the city about 8 kilometers west, to a small rocky peninsula that was easier to defend.

The new city was built following a grid pattern, in accordance with the Spanish colonial model. Soon after, walls, bastions, churches, convents, civic plazas, and government buildings were constructed. The city became the political, religious, commercial, and cultural center of the isthmus during colonial times and continued to hold that role through much of Panama’s republican period in the 19th and 20th centuries.

From the 1950s to the 1980s, the area suffered gradual decline due to neglect, the migration of upper classes to new suburbs, and a lack of infrastructure investment. Nevertheless, its architectural and cultural wealth remained largely intact.

In the 1990s, the Panamanian government, along with international organizations and private groups, began promoting its recovery. In 1997, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then, numerous restoration and conservation projects have been carried out, turning Casco Antiguo into a model for urban heritage rehabilitation in the Americas. Today, it is an active neighborhood that preserves its historic character while blending into the city’s cultural and tourism scene.

Casco Antiguo is accessible through various means of transportation:

• Bus: The MetroBus system connects the Casco with many areas of the city. The nearest route departs from the 5 de Mayo metro station, within walking distance. The fare is approximately US$0.25 using a rechargeable Metro card.
• Taxi: Taxis are widely available, with fares from central districts typically ranging from US$3 to US$5.
• Bicycle: You can reach the Casco by bike, especially via the scenic Cinta Costera. There are rental spots and places to park bicycles.
• On foot: Once inside the Casco, walking is the best way to explore. Distances are short, and many streets are pedestrian-friendly.

There is no general entrance fee to visit Casco Antiguo. Some specific sites may charge individual admission.

• Independence Plaza (Plaza de la Independencia): The civic center, surrounded by historic buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Canal Museum.
• Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa María la Antigua: Completed in 1796, one of Panama’s oldest churches.
• Interoceanic Canal Museum: Offers an in-depth look at the history and global impact of the Panama Canal.
• National Theatre (Teatro Nacional): Built in 1908, featuring an interior decorated by Panamanian artist Roberto Lewis.
• Bolívar Plaza and Church of San Francisco de Asís: Representative spaces of colonial life.
• Ruins of the Jesuit Society (Compañía de Jesús): Former university site dating from the 18th century.
• Paseo Esteban Huertas Lookout: Promenade with panoramic views of the bay and the city skyline.

Casco Antiguo offers a wide range of dining options, from local cuisine to international flavors. Notable venues include:

• Diablicos: Traditional Panamanian food in a folkloric setting.
• Tomillo: Contemporary cuisine using regional ingredients.
• Café Unido: Specialty café serving high-altitude Panamanian coffee.
• Mentiritas Blancas: Coffee shop with homemade pastries.
• Tántalo Rooftop Bar: Popular rooftop spot with cocktails, music, and city views.

The area has a variety of accommodations, from upscale hotels to affordable hostels:

• Central Hotel Panama: A luxury hotel located on Independence Plaza.
• La Concordia: A boutique hotel in a restored historic building.
• Casa Panamá: Mid-range hotel with a restaurant and scenic terrace.
• Selina Casco Viejo: Hostel offering shared rooms, coworking space, and events.

• Cinta Costera: Waterfront boulevard with cycling paths and parks.
• Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador): Scenic roadway connecting several small islands with views of the Canal.
• Biomuseo: Museum dedicated to Panama’s biodiversity, designed by Frank Gehry.

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