Top 10 Things to See and Do in Casco Viejo, Panama

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.

One of Panama’s most famous chefs, José Carles is determined to bring the story of Panama’s cuisine to life through a series of small courses that make up the unique dining experience at his restaurant Donde José. Through very selected courses, Chef Carles educates both locals and visitors to Panama’s most authentic food identity. Recommended by Martina Gilli.

Chef José Carles | Courtesy of José Carles

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.

Oro Moreno is a tropical chocolate café, a charming venue in Casco Viejo that promises to offer the best of Panama in chocolate. The idea is that of providing a “tree to bar” process: grown in the Bocas del Toro, the cocoa beans are mixed with local ingredients such as passion fruit, coriander and pineapple, to create some unique treats made in Panama that are 100% natural. Recommended by Martina Gili.

Tropical Chocolate Café, Panama City | © Courtesy of Tropical Chocolate Café

DiabloRosso is an art gallery and creative think-tank that was established with the goal of supporting and empowering young local talent, educating the public and provoking social impact. Located in Casco Viejo, the gallery is open to visitors and regularly showcases screenings and live performances too. Recommended by Martina Gili.

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.

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.

La Rana Dorada is a brewery and bar that brings a selection of high-quality artisanal beers to the city. Named after the most representative animals of the Panamanian fauna (the Golden Frog) it is one of Casco Viejo’s most popular happy-hour spots. Recommended by Martina Gili.

La Rana Dorada Brewery, Panama © Courtesy of La Rana Dorada

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.

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.

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.

Mentored by Panama’s world-renowned musician and composer Danilo Pérez, Panama City is on its way to becoming the jazz capital of Latin America. With only 50 seats, Danilo’s Jazz Club is Perez’s dream becoming reality. Visited both by locals and travelers, the 50-seat club fills Casco Viejo and the surrounding streets with music from local and international artists. Recommended by Martina Gili.

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.

While most of Casco Viejo has now been gentrified, some traces of its original identity can still be spotted. Take a guided tour of the district organised by the NGO Fortaleza and led by ex-gang members who used to rule the streets of the neighbourhood. Besides being a wonderful social initiative, it is also a unique way of learning about the real history that lays behind the repainted pastel façades of the buildings. Recommended by Martina Gili.

Gang members | © Tim Marshall / Unsplash

Located in an emblematic building in the heart of Casco Viejo, the Interoceanic Canal Museum reveals the tumultuous history of the construction of the Panama Canal, whose capacity was recently doubled. A collection of objects and materials reveal the technology and functioning of this engineering marvel that has been called by many “the Eighth Wonder of the World”. Recommended by Martina Gili.