[2025 Panama City Attraction] Travel Guide for Casco Viejo (Updated May)

Panama Old Town is a World Heritage Site

Nestled in the heart of Panama City lies the enchanting Historic District, a captivating blend of rich history and vibrant culture. This captivating area is a treasure trove for those seeking to delve into the city's past while enjoying its present-day allure. 📍 Getting There The easiest way to reach the Historic District is by taking a taxi (Uber) or public transportation (bus, metro) from the Tocumen International Airport or any other part of Panama City. The district is well-connected to the rest of the city, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. 👀 Attractions You can visit the National Theater, a stunning architectural masterpiece showcasing a mix of neoclassical and Art Deco styles. Another must-see attraction is the Metropolitan Cathedral, with its intricate designs and serene atmosphere. 🏨 Hotels Panama City boasts a wide range of hotels to suit every taste and budget. In the Historic District itself, you can find charming boutique hotels like the Hotel Boutique Casa Blanca and more upscale options like the Sofitel Legend Santa Lucia. Both offer convenient access to the district's attractions and a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. ☕️ Food & Restaurants No trip to Panama would be complete without indulging in some delicious local cuisine. The Historic District is home to a diverse array of restaurants serving everything from traditional Panamanian dishes to international fare. Don't miss the chance to try some fresh seafood caught from the waters of the Pacific and Caribbean, as well as flavorful stews and rice dishes. Some popular spots include La Casona de San Pedro, known for its hearty meals and cozy atmosphere, and El Dorado Restaurant, offering stunning views of the canal along with a menu of gourmet delights. 🛍️ Shopping For those who love to shop, the Historic District offers a variety of shopping opportunities. You can find everything from high-end boutiques and department stores to local markets selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. Casco Viejo, a historic neighborhood within the district, is particularly famous for its shops selling antiques, jewelry, clothing, and more. Be sure to haggle for the best prices and explore the vibrant market scene to find unique treasures to take home. #latinamerica #panama #panamacity

- Attractions: - Panama Canal: This is the core attraction of Panama, and you must visit the Miraflores Locks. Watching the huge cargo ships pass through the locks, you can feel the greatness of human engineering. The Canal Museum is also worth a visit, where you can learn more about the history and construction of the canal. - Casco Viejo: This area is full of Spanish colonial-style buildings, colorful houses, and ancient churches. You can stroll through the narrow streets and admire the beauty of the architecture. There are also various specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants along the street, allowing you to fully experience the local laid-back atmosphere. - F&F Tower: A landmark building in Panama City, you can overlook the entire city from the top of the tower, including the beautiful coastline, bustling downtown, and the Panama Canal. It is recommended to visit at sunset to enjoy the beautiful sunset and the romantic scene of the city lights gradually lighting up. - Amador Causeway: With the sea on one side and the city on the other, this is a great place for walking and watching the sunset. There are also many entertainment facilities, restaurants, and bars along the way. - Food experience: - Traditional Panamanian cuisine: Try the roasted pork knuckle, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside; the corn tamales have a rich taste; the seafood fried rice is full of ingredients and delicious. - Coffee: Panama's Geisha coffee is a specialty coffee, and you must go to a local cafe to taste a cup and experience its unique flavor and aroma. - Coca-Cola Cafe: With a history of over 100 years, it serves authentic Panamanian home-cooked dishes, where you can experience the local life of Panamanians. - Accommodation suggestions: - If you like lively places and convenient shopping, you can choose to stay in the new city center, where there are many modern hotels and apartments, convenient transportation, and large shopping malls. - If you want to experience the historical atmosphere, hotels or homestays near the old town are a good choice, with convenient transportation and many delicious foods nearby. - Precautions: The local climate is hot, so take sun protection and moisturizing measures; when visiting attractions such as the Panama Canal, pay attention to the instructions of the staff; take care of your personal belongings in crowded places.

As a travel destination, Panama City offers the following highlights that you won't want to miss: 1. Panama Canal: As an important canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Panama Canal is a must-see for visitors. A boat ride through the canal, experiencing the passage that connects the two oceans, is an unforgettable experience. 2. Casco Viejo: The old city of Panama is home to a spectacular collection of historic buildings, including classic monasteries, cobblestone streets, abandoned ancient buildings, and church ruins, making it a great place for a cultural exploration. 3. New City: The new city of Panama is home to famous buildings such as the National Legislative Building, St. Francis Church, the National Theater, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Ethnology, and the Canal Museum. 4. Natural Attractions: Panama's representative natural attractions include Chagres National Park, Camino de Cruces National Park, Ancon Hill, and Soberania National Park. These national parks are stopovers or habitats for migratory birds and resident birds from North and South America. 5. Biomuseo: Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the museum consists of eight galleries and focuses on the origins of the Isthmus of Panama and its impact on the Earth's biodiversity. 6. Seafood Market: Panama City's Marisco is the best place for visitors to buy and eat seafood, where you can taste local fish and other seafood marinated in citrus juice. 7. Chinese Community: In the old city of Panama, Chinese signs and red lanterns can be seen from time to time. The Chinese community offers a variety of conveniences such as milk tea shops, Cantonese restaurants, and hot pot restaurants, providing more windows for Panamanians to learn about China. 8. Retirement Benefits: To attract foreign retirees, the Panamanian government has introduced a discount benefit program that offers discounts on services such as movies, fitness travel, public transportation, hotels, and restaurants for foreign seniors. These highlights cover a wide range of history, culture, nature, and food, and are a must-see when visiting Panama City.

🌟✨【A Luxurious Time-Traveling Secret, Casco Viejo Sofitel Legend Hotel, a Shining Pearl in Panama City】✨🌟 👣 Stepping onto the vibrant land of Panama, I am always in search of corners where the soul can rest and stories can pause. This time, Casco Viejo Sofitel Legend Hotel, with its unique French romance and deep history, offered me an unforgettable journey.🏰🌍 🏙️ Entering Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, feels like traveling through a time tunnel. Every cobblestone street and colorful building tells tales of past glories. The Sofitel Legend Hotel quietly sits in this treasure trove of history and modernity, welcoming every traveler with its unique design language.🚪🏛️ 🛏️ Opening the door, I was instantly captivated by the space that blends classical and modern aesthetics. The room design retains the elegance of the colonial era while offering modern comfort. The large floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of Panama City's skyline, creating breathtaking scenes at dawn and dusk.🖼️🌅 🍽️ Speaking of food, the Sofitel Legend Hotel's restaurant is a top-notch treat for the taste buds! From authentic Panamanian flavors to exquisite French cuisine, every dish is a work of art. The rooftop terrace restaurant offers a romantic dining experience with views of Casco Viejo's twinkling lights.🍴🌃 💦 The hotel's spa center is a perfect place to relax. Professional masseurs use their magic touch to dispel travel fatigue, immersing the body and soul in pure tranquility. Close your eyes and let the fragrant essential oils guide you into a deep relaxation journey.💆‍♀️🌿 🚶‍♂️ Stepping out of the hotel, Casco Viejo's streets and alleys are full of exploration fun. From antique shops to art galleries, bustling markets to quiet cafes, every corner holds surprises. The hotel staff, like friends, offer thoughtful advice to enrich your journey.🛍️☕ 💌 Every moment at Casco Viejo Sofitel Legend Hotel is a celebration of life. It's not just a place to stay but a spiritual baptism and a deep dialogue about history, culture, and art. If you long for a spontaneous, story-filled journey, don't miss this place. Let Sofitel Legend be the brightest memory of your Panama trip!🛫💖 I hope this copy allows you to experience the unique charm of Casco Viejo Sofitel Legend Hotel and inspires your imagination for a trip to Panama!

Panama Viejo in Panama City is a must-see! As a history buff, I was amazed when I first saw this site! Walking quietly among the ruins of a Spanish colony from 400 years ago, I felt like I had traveled back in time. ⛱️Must-see attractions: - Cathedral Tower (a must-climb! It's the highest point of the site and offers a panoramic view of the entire site) - Convent of Santo Domingo (great for photos, the floor tiles are very unique) - Site Museum (a must-see to learn about Panamanian history, with Chinese audio guides) - Plaza Mayor (the center of the site, with many important buildings around it) 🌄Travel tips: 📍Address: Via Cincuentenario, Panama City, Panama ⏰Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8:30 am–4:30 pm (closed on Mondays) 🎫Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for students - Arrive before 9 am to avoid the midday sun - The entire site takes 2–3 hours to visit - Remember to bring sunscreen, as there is little shade in the site area 🏨Accommodation tips: Highly recommend the Casco Viejo area near the old town: - Safe environment and great atmosphere - Close to the sea, you can take a walk in the evening - Many restaurants and cafes nearby - Convenient transportation, about 15 minutes by taxi to the site 💗Other tips: - Be sure to hire a guide! There are many fascinating historical details - The museum has lockers where you can store large bags - Wear comfortable sneakers, as the site is large and requires a lot of walking - Bring a water bottle, as there are drinking water stations in the site - Download the Maps.me offline map, as the signal is not very good in the site - There are many popular restaurants nearby, you can check out the Coca-Cola Cafe - Remember to buy postcards, the postcards in the site store are very unique! This is a place that will make you linger! Standing in the ancient ruins and feeling the prosperity of 400 years ago is really amazing! You must visit Panama!