Casco Antiguo: Panama City's Timeless Heart with Modern Elegance
As ships navigate the Panama Canal toward Panama City, travelers are captivated by a skyline of soaring skyscrapers, reflecting decades of stability and strategic location that have made it the region’s thriving business hub.
Long a transit hub, Panama City has kept tourism secondary in its economy. Yet, perceptive explorers have always recognized its potential as a standalone destination. This is nowhere clearer than in Casco Antiguo, the city’s historic core from the 1600s, where cathedral bells resonate, ancient churches stand tall, and restored mansions reclaim their splendor. Once neglected, this district now pulses with new hotels, restaurants, cafés, and bars, igniting a tourism renaissance like never before.
Exploring Panama City is now easier than ever with Copa Airlines’ Stopover Program, allowing up to seven extra days in Panama at no additional flight cost.
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Where to Stay in Casco Antiguo
- Hotel La Compañía fuses centuries of history with modern luxury in Casco Antiguo’s heart. Its 88 rooms span three wings, each echoing a unique era—17th-century Spanish colonial, French elegance, and 1900s Beaux-Arts American style. Savor diverse dining, stunning city views, and exceptional service.
- Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, reborn in 2023 from a 1900s Club Union building, radiates grandeur post-Panama Canal. Its waterfront suites, spa, event spaces, and fine dining make it a premier retreat.
- Amarla Boutique Hotel transforms a historic mansion into an intimate haven with eight uniquely curated rooms, a breathtaking rooftop, and one of Panama City’s finest restaurants.
Things to Do in Casco Antiguo
- Ancon Expeditions’ walking tours bring Casco Antiguo’s rich history to life with engaging narratives and customizable options like culinary focuses, coffee tastings, or chocolate experiences.
- Panama’s Geisha coffee dazzles with its bold flavor. Geisha Experiences delivers expert-led tastings that elevate your coffee adventure in Casco Antiguo.
- Museo Casa Coronel del Cacao y del Chocolate, housed in a restored mansion, celebrates Panama’s cocoa industry with tastings and architectural tours.
Where to Eat in Casco Antiguo
- Villa Ana 1928, once a socialite’s residence, now offers gourmet dining in a multi-level venue with a cigar lounge and rooftop. Visit during live music nights for a nostalgic experience.
- Fonda Lo Que Hay, a Latin America favorite, serves authentic yet refined Panamanian dishes in a casual setting with communal tables. Its popularity may mean a wait.
- Kaandela, led by chef Jose Aparicio, reinterprets Panamanian traditions with modern flair, offering Caribbean-inspired surf and turf dishes.
Where to Drink in Casco Antiguo
- Exilio Bar at Hotel La Compañía’s French wing exudes refined charm, ideal for evening drinks, paired with sunset sips on the hotel’s rooftop.
- Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar shines with craft rums infused with Geisha coffee, cacao, or coconut. Their patacones and torrejitas are must-tries.
- Tántalo’s rooftop merges old-town allure with modern skyline views, offering creative cocktails and vibrant late-night energy.
Where to Shop in Casco Antiguo
- Monsters on Calle de los Sombreros is a vibrant design store with Panama-inspired t-shirts, jewelry, and decor, paired with a cozy matcha café.
- Etnik captivates with resort-style clothing and locally designed jewelry inspired by pre-Columbian and textile motifs.
- Victor’s Panama Hats offers handcrafted hats with insights into their creation process, tied to their fame sparked by Theodore Roosevelt.
