On a hot muggy day in Panama this Epat Traveler found the latest eclectic beautiful hip district of Casco Viejo. ย Sun was setting with vibrant colors lighting up the old and newbuildings. ย What a beautiful sight to see. ย  I knew then that for some amazing photos an early morning visit was in my future. ย Follow me on my travel journey through this varied eclectic historic district with my Lonely Planet Travel Book in hand.

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |


Plaza de Francia with more restaurants with a lovely garden and view

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Brief History – Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo, Casco Antiguo or San Felipe as it is also known by, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. ย A look back in time shows this historic district with Cathedrals, Churches, and multiple buildings that were in need for repair. ย Casco Viejo was founded in 1519 by the Conquistadors and is the oldest European Settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas.

The settlement was set up in a rectilinear grid which was typical of a European Town. ย Casco Viejo was affected by slave rebellion, fire, earthquake and pirate attacks therefore was abandoned. ย The replaced Historic District ย kept the same European Grid.

Wander this eclectic hip historic district with a unique blend of 19th-20th century architecture with French and Caribbean influences. ย The now restored builders are turned into museums, quaint shops, gourmet restaurants with upscale residences. ย These renovated buildings alongside those in need of repair, housed with poor families. ย Experience this eclectic mix of old and new as you walk down the streets in awe. ย Let us see where this beautiful city is located.


Old residential residents next to new renovated buildings…

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

The old residential housing next to the new…

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

New upscale residential housing across from the old…

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

A view of Downtown Panama City from Casco Viejo Historic District

Location – Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is located in Panama next to Panama City. ย Very easy to find and only a taxi ride away. ย Your hotel can help you with your taxi.

United, Delta, American, Copa, Avianca and other airlines offer flights to Panama City, Panama. ย For budget prices check the Skyscanner App for discount tickets.


Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Diablicos Restaurant

Dine and Drink – Casco Viejo

Sample the wide variety of dine and drink places while there. ย They range from expensive to budget in Casco Viejo.

Coffee Shops, Bars and Nightclubs

  • Los Del Patio [ bar & art gallery ]
  • Raspados Julio [ mobile shaved ice cream cart ]
  • Mojitos Sin Mojtos [ beer & BBQ spot ]
  • La Casona [ unique ocean front art bar ]
  • Saint Philipe Cafe [ local cafe with local dishes ]
  • Vieja Habana [ enjoy a cuban cigar and drink next to the presidental guard station ]
  • Relic [ bar located in the center of Luna’s Castle, hostel ]
  • Habana Panamaย [ dance floor, bar with menu ]
  • Casablanca [ extensive menu with outdoor seating ]
  • Cedros [ outdoor seating and tavern style ]
  • Los Cementinas Cafe and Bar
  • DiVino Enoteca [ specializes in wine]
  • Ciao Pescao [ Peruvian style seafood ]
  • Platea Jazz Bar [ salsa Friday and Saturday ]

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Top Tourist Attractions – Casco Viejo

The historic district is rich with history that dates back centuries. ย Wander the streets and see this eclectic ย hip district come to life. ย Here is a list of attractions and monuments to aid in your journey. ย Also make sure to visit the fine shops and souvenirs places.

  • History Museum of Panama
  • Canal Museum
  • El Altar de Oro of San Jose Church
  • El Arco Chato
  • Las Bovedas Monument
  • Presidential Palace
  • The Emerald Museum
  • Plaza Bolivar
  • Plaza de Independencia
  • Casa Gongora

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

Casco Viejo Panama - This Now Electric Beautiful Hip District - 1AdventureTraveler | Panama | Casco Viejo | Panama City | Central America | Expat Traveler | Historic District | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

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Travel Tips – Casco Viejo

  • Wear your walking shoes to visit this hip eclectic historic district
  • Take a hat and bottle of water due to the higher level of humidity and bright sun.
  • Visit early morning for great photos with less people or visit around sunset for great colors in your photos.
  • Take smaller bills for shopping the souvenir stalls.
  • Local currency is the Panamanian Balboa. ย Make sure to check the exchange rate before you go.
  • Spanish is the main language spoken in Panama. ย A small translator will help especially when ordering food.

Lonely Planet – great books that I recommend and use!



Etcetera

Casco Viejo, Panama is a great day trip from Panama City. ย Another great day trip is to the Panama Canal. ย These both are must do’s when you are in town. ย Enjoy your trip to Panama and look for more blogs of my Expat Travel Adventures there.

Visit 1AdventureTraveler for more Expat Travel Adventures around the world. ย Journey with me to China, Japan, Korea, Italy, and more.


Life is short go out and have an adventure!ย 


Have you traveled to Panama? ย Please leave me a comment on any recommendations you have on your visit to Panama. ย 



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