Casco Viejo is a thriving hotspot – perhaps the most popular place to reside in Panama City. Full of gorgeous historical architecture and winding roads lined with lovely restaurants and cafés, Casco Viejo is also known for its nightlife in Panama City. Here is a list of the top 10 things to see and do in Casco Viejo.
Panamanian coffee, please
Hotel
Casco Viejo is home to a favored coffeehouse in Panama City, Casa Sucre. Head over for the divine Panamanian coffee and delectable food on offer. Stay for the lovely ambiance, cozy décor, and large windows for watching the passersby.
Enjoy a divine brunch
Hotel
Equal parts boutique and luxury, American Trade Hotel is famous for serving a divine brunch. Among Panama City’s most elegant spaces, signature style, design, and history are breathed in the walls and unique infrastructure of this 1917 build. Culture and contemporary art make it a most popular, sophisticated destination for visitors in Panama.
Admire art while getting a buzz
Bar
Jerónimo offers an upscale art gallery and bar. This sophisticated dual-purpose watering hole is famous for hosting joint art shows and a late-night social scene simultaneously. Creative folks love Jerónimo. If you are partial to art, or the art-inclined, check this place out. Do dress to impress.
Enjoy some afternoon rum
Bar
Pedro Mandinga Rum is another fantastic destination in Casco Viejo. What they do best is in their name – rum – though they have a full bar, list of signature cocktails, inviting happy hour, and everything they make is exceptionally tasty. The friendly staff make it even easier to sit back, relax, and enjoy your elixir as you watch the rain fall from the large, open windows.
Shop the local art market
Market
The incredibly eclectic, local art market Villa Agustina is also directly across the street from Pedro Mandinga. Inside are various incredible local vendors with amazing crafts and creations featured for sale, which make wonderfully precious souvenirs.
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Have a pizza break
Barrio Pizza is a multi-cuisine pizzeria in Casco Viejo, with another location in Costa Del Este. Perfect for families, kids, groups, and walk-ins, as well as takeout and delivery, Barrio Pizza has a delectable assortment of pizzas on offer, along with the option to build your own.
Wander the wonderful, ancient architecture
Casco Viejo is free to wander the winding, narrow roads of historical architecture. With walls that whisper stories of what Panama once was and still, in some ways, remains, Casco Viejo offers a wonderful chance to dance through the magic of the streets in awe of this beautiful part of Panama City.
Dine and dance the night away
Nightclub
With three restaurants, a nightclub, and a gorgeous rooftop overlooking the historic district, Casa Casco is a favorite among locals and travelers. It’s an especially great spot to watch the sun go down if you get there early enough.
Live jazz awaits
Hotel
Danilo Perez Jazz Bar is located inside the elegant American Trade Hotel, this live jazz bar offers a unique experience for music lovers who enjoy sipping signature cocktails while listening to fantastic rhythms and harmonies.
Partake in rooftop shenanigans
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
At the top of an artsy boutique hotel and popular restaurant is a favorite rooftop lounge that draws crowds of locals and travelers. Tantalo was the first rooftop bar in Casco Viejo, and it is known for playing great music and offering up delicious cocktails, featuring a generous happy hour. Grab a bite to eat in the hotel restaurant and have a look at the rotating art installments.
Brittney is a global writer and editor fluent in wanderlust with work also published in Lonely Planet, Forbes Travel Guide, Time Out, International Living, and more. Hailing from Detroit, MI, she first moved to NYC, then LA, and from there, NOLA, before venturing overseas to Panama. Follow Brittney on Instagram at @existential_bls.
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