Home to some great restaurants and coffee shops, Casco Viejo is a welcome break from the metropolis. You will love walking on the cobbled streets and clicking photos of the picturesque Panamanian skyline visible from here. This place was established by the Spanish colonialists, the Catholic Church, and other settlers around 1673. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. There are a lot of 'old capitals' in the Latin American region and Casco Viejo doesn't hold a torch to the likes of Antigua in Guatemala. However, things are changing as of 2016. A huge chunk of the old town is under renovation, post acquisition from its actual owners. However, you will still end up encountering an ugly and reeky spot here and there, occasionally.
A trip to Casco Viejo will cost roughly $3 from Panama City. Alternatively, you can also choose to reach here on foot through the promenade created next to the Pacific Coast, called Cinta Costera. There are buses that will cost less than a dollar and are frequently available. Once there, you will have options of eating and drinking as well as visiting churches and museums. Plan to visit the National Theatre of Panama, Panama Canal Museum, Palacio Nacional, Plaza de la Independencia, Presidential Palace and a number of churches, including La Merced and La Iglesia San Felipe de Neri and San Jose. During the day, Casco Viejo is a historic and touristy place while in the evenings and at night, it turns into a happening party place. Not very crowded, but parking is an issue and you might spend a bomb if you choose to avail the valet service.
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