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The Old City (Casco Viejo)

Avenida Central, Panama City, Panama
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As featured in 3 days in Panama City
Ranked #10 of 41 attractions in Panama City
Type: Historic Walking Areas, Historic Sites, Neighbourhoods
Activities: City walk sightseeing, Walking
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
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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1,206 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Michigan
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

This was very cool, historical & up & coming with renovations. Cafe Rene was fantastic. Check it out if you visit Panama!!

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See 5 more reviews by jessfarrell for Panama City
Bend, Oregon
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

Not sure I would reccomend anyone to go there. Maybe I was in the wrong part of town....Had a nice dinner but other than that, run down and in need of investment in the area.

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See 2 more reviews by MMNAVIS for Panama City
Adelaide
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

It was very hard to get around. It will be great to vist in a couple of years?? However we felt safe.

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Atlanta, GA
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

Interesting to see the massive difference between the upscale Miami/LA-like new city with gleaming high rises and the old, rundown and not much to see.

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See 2 more reviews by bchaloux for Panama City
Expat in Mexico
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

Wow. So much to see. And so impressive. No trip to Panama City should be without a trip to see what's happening here. Lots of good restaurants and interesting architecture. Great views of the shoreline buildings. Tarantalo for lunch!

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See 3 more reviews by David N for Panama City
New York City, New York
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

The area is in renovation. A few nice restaurants and bars, but at the moment the old time is half a slum, half a ghetto for the rich expat youth. Architecturally not uninteresting though.

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See 3 more reviews by a_henry_newyork for Panama City
Nashville, TN
Top Contributor
278 reviews 278 reviews
138 attraction reviews
Reviews in 103 cities Reviews in 103 cities
200 helpful votes 200 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

My husband and I stayed in Casco Viejo for 2 nights at the end of our trip at Casa del Horno. We loved Casco Viejo: yes, there is lots of construction but there are also beautiful buildings with lovely architectural details, charming cafes and restaurants and a lovely seaside promenade. Don't miss this fascinating Unesco World Heritage site.

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See 14 more reviews by Smiles4miles for Panama City
Florida
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

This is a quaint area with cathedrals and squares and outdoor eating. The presidential palace is located there, although rumor has it he does not live there. We like to drink at Mojitos, owned by Eric who is from NYC. He also serves burgers from the grill.

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See 2 more reviews by lefty334 for Panama City
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

This walled city reminds me of Puerto Rico, Cancun and even the old Spanish walled city of Intramuros in Manila. It has a great feel with its central square, old churches, spanish style buildings and even a very nice walled walkway by the water. BUT, it is under very heavy construction and restoration. Everything is getting restored all at once,... More

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See 2 more reviews by schia48 for Panama City
STUART
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

Went with a local friends and had cocktails with owner of small bar outside on plaza. Had gastronomical delight dinner at manolo Caracol with a multi-course dinner that was most delightful.

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See 2 more reviews by BRUCE H for Panama City

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