Nowadays, Casco Viejo is acknowledged as the city's most recognizable suburb, located in the district of San Felipe. Hola, I'm Joey Bonura and I set up this blog after moving to Panama and falling in love with the laid-back, tropical city lifestyle. Mosaico Chocolate Café: An amazing selection of locally produced chocolate in the mansion of one of Panama’s former presidents. Their stores feature six different blends of gourmet roasted coffee from Panama, and they also serve fantastic breakfast, sandwiches, and salad options. Casco Viejo was built by the Spanish in the 1600s after Panama Viejo was burned to the ground by residents ahead of an attack by the pirate (and rum lover) Henry Morgan. The facade is still an excellent example of one of Casco Viejo's oldest buildings. If you missed our page of Why To Visit the historic part of Panama City (Casco Viejo), please read more here. However, be sure to request the English headphones because a lot of the information is in Spanish. I spent over 3 weeks in Panama City, and my favorite part, by far, was Casco Viejo â or the old historic district. La Rana Dorada: La Rana Dorada is a favorite spot to go for their local house-brewed beers. apartment - $75 avg/night - Casco Viejo - Amenities include: No Smoking Bedrooms: 6 Sleeps: 2 Minimum stay from 1 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 6886274 with Vrbo. Free historical Casco Viejo Tours. Open daily from 11:30 am – 12 am. The Panama Metropolitan Cathedral is also known as the Santa Maria La Antigua Basilica. Located on Avenida A and Calle 9a Oeste. Would you recommend spending the first part of the week (Sunday-Tuesday) exploring the city, then the last half in the San Blas Islands? Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces; many of the streets are cobbled. The cathedral reflects best the Spanish presence due to the buildings dimensions and age. Both Casco Viejo and Panama Viejo are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Founded in 1673, Casco Viejo is a small peninsula at one end of the Cinta Costera. Enjoy the street scene. Casco Viejo was built on a small peninsula in 1673, a couple years after the original Panama City (Panama Viejo) was destroyed by pirates. Located on Avenida Central and Calle 4. About Casco Viejo. Casco Viejo is a unique location to stay in Panama City, Panama if you want to be steps away from the city’s best restaurants, nightlife & things to do. Besides the gorgeous rooftop, they have a multi-floor restaurant dishing out creative Japanese cuisine that rivals any world-class city. 2-star hotels from $16, 3 stars from $18 and 4 stars+ from $46. Portomar: For high-quality linen and swimwear items designed exclusively for men, stop by Portomar. Welcome to Casco Viejo, the historic core of Panama City! The documents of the Amphictyonic Congress (organized by Simon Bolivar in 1826 to create a confederation between Columbia, Mexico and Central America) lent by the Brazilian government are on exhibit here. Located on Calle 9 next to Luna’s Castle. Once the clock strikes midnight, Casa Jaguar starts to get wild on any given Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Afterwards the U.S. Isthmian Canal Commission had its offices in there and in 1912 it became the main Post Office. Awards at front desk name it Best Hostel in Panama by Hostelworld yet there are 3 additional floors of very well decorated and spacious hotel rooms that get to share the excellent amenities of a lounge, kitchen and balconies so pigeonholing it as a hostel or hotel is a disservice. + 5 TRAVEL TIPS This plaza is up-and-coming with Bohemian bars and restaurants for some nice outdoor dinners and cocktails. Open Tues – Sat from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM. 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