Heres Why Casco Viejo Is Panamas Hottest District

The buzz around Panama City’s historic district of Casco Viejo has only just begun. Having recently undergone a surge of renovation, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a colourful and lively little pocket within Panama City, bursting with boutique hotels, art galleries and a smashing nightlife. Here is why Casco Viejo is Panama City’s hottest district.

History comes alive in Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo’s narrow cobblestone streets, colourful mansions and historical landmarks reawaken visions of Panama’s historic greatness. A walk in the neighbourhood will reveal a beautiful architectural landscape that brings together Spanish colonial, neoclassical and modern design, alongside ancient cathedrals and churches.

Metropolitan Cathedral in Casco Viejo, Panama City

It is empty during the day

It’s where you’ll find the best nightlife in town

Casco Viejo is home to some of the best boutique hotels, restaurants and bars in town. Whether you are looking for an underground rock venue, a salsa bar, a classy rooftop lounge, or for a fine dining experience, Panama City’s historic district has got it all.

Beauty is everywhere in Casco Viejo

Design and beauty are at the core of Casco Viejo. Home to designer hotels and high-end restaurants, Casco Viejo has an artsy feel to it that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Visit art galleries such as Diablo Rosso if you want to discover the best of Panama’s creative talent.

Authentic barrio of Panama

Casco Viejo used to be a popular working-class barrio(neighbourhood) of Panama City. While most of it has been renovated, some of the original buildings and residents can still be spotted towards the outskirts of the area, chatting to their neighbours in front of rundown homes or playing football in the street. To discover the authentic soul of Casco Viejo, join a tour with Fortaleza and let ex-gang members show you around what used to be areas of conflict.

You can get lost in Casco Viejo

Though the historic district of Panama City is rather small, you can literally get lost in its tiny streets, hopping from one souvenir shop to the other, tasting some of the world’s best coffee, having a delicious brunch or discovering local talent at some of the city’s best art galleries. One unique way of getting to know the neighbourhood is to download the app LiveWalkPTY, an audio guide that allows you to discover Panama City at your own pace while listening to local storytellers.

Unique shopping experience

As the creative hub of the city, Casco Viejo is also the place to go if you are looking for an alternative shopping experience. Forget about household brands and lose yourself in small concept stores such as Viviendo or Franklin Panama, that aim at commercialising handmade and sustainable accessories and fashion items inspired by traditional crafts that will make great souvenirs.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.