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All 66 Panama City Attractions »

The Old City (Casco Viejo)

Avenida Central, Panama City, Panama
Ranked #8 of 32 attractions in Panama City
4.0 of 5 stars 237 Reviews
Type: Historic Walking Areas, Historic Sites, Neighborhoods
Activities: City walk sightseeing, Walking
Description: This charming old community’s churches, pedestrian walkways and historical plazas and palaces make it a must-see on any tour.
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237 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
jsthouston
Houston, texas, USA
Top Contributor
122 reviews
683 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed February 10, 2012 NEW

It is certainly safe, at least anywhere on the West side, and their are a fair number of interesting buildings, restaurants, bars and even two museums but it is also a work in progress. Hot dirty and with large holes in the sidewalks it is a collection of nicely restored buildings next to shells and slums. Worth a couple of... More

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nvill732
Calgary
Senior Contributor
21 reviews
5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 9, 2012 NEW

This was our favorite part of panama city, we had a great time walking around and enjoying the architecture and sitting on the street enjoying a beer and some clams. I got a beaded leg wrap by a Kuna woman, which was a really cool experience. If you are in Panama city, make sure you have time to visit Cakco... More

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dchaverricr
Grecia, Costa Rica
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews
11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 9, 2012 NEW

Is a nice place to walk a bit, and looking at the tall buildings on downtown from a kind-of-still-colonial place is a nice sensation More

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sophistar
amsterdam
2 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 9, 2012 NEW

The old colonial city reminds me a bit of old Havana although less majestic. Whether you just want to take a stroll thru the narrow streets, enjoy a meal or a cocktail on one of the many terraces, visit art galleries, historical and cultural sites, listen to live jazz or dance the night away.... you can. Although the surrounding neighborhood... More

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SnookQueen
Tampa, Florida
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 8, 2012 NEW

Reminded me of old San Juan. Narrow streets, balconies and worn sidewalks are testimony to the age. As a UNESCO site, it clearly is in transition from run down to historic finest. I felt very comfortable walking around day and night. People were friendly. I didn't even bother to explore the new part of the city. More

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willbikeforwine
vancouver
Senior Contributor
21 reviews
7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012 NEW

Beautiful old town,many derelict buildings, many are beautifully restored,good photos,tourist shops, Forchetta,and Rene's Cafe are great places for lunch and dinner More

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glofrey842
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Reviewer
5 reviews
4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012 NEW

I think there is a lot to see in Old Panama, but there is so much construction that you can not see it. The plaza and Cathedral is nice, but certainly not a reason to go to Panama. More

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rivermom1
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Contributor
16 reviews
7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

This area is the old town of Panama City and is trying very hard to restore itself. There are several good restaurants and many old churches and nice shops. Good to walk around in day. Might not want to walk after just dark time. Good view of the city since the old town sits on a peninsula like area so... More

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CarlosAlbertovc
Boston area, MA
Contributor
11 reviews
16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012 NEW

Definitely visit the Casco Viejo. The place was in absolute shambles until Ruben Blades started a renovation initiative (his own house is there--as is that of the President of Panama). The buildings have been spectacular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but were abandoned when the commercial area moved out of the area. Many of the buildings have been... More

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hshmelody48
san francisco
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews
4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 5, 2012 NEW

this is a great area to visit-old architecture, wonderful shops and restaurants-bargain for any purchases More

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