Sight guide · Panama City · Panama
Visiting Casco Viejo
Founded in 1673 after the original city was destroyed, the old town is a grid of narrow streets with Spanish colonial, French and Art Deco buildings, many restored after decades of decline.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Garcia.dennis, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Casco Viejo is a historic site in Casco Viejo, Panama City. Allow half a day; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Casco Viejo
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, architecture, free and photo spot
- Best months
- April–May and July
About Casco Viejo
Founded in 1673 after the original city was destroyed, the old town is a grid of narrow streets with Spanish colonial, French and Art Deco buildings, many restored after decades of decline. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Panamá Viejo, and its plazas, churches and balconies are best seen on foot.
Tip: Walk it in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and stick to the restored streets after dark.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Casco Viejo, restored colonial streets, rooftop bars and boutique hotels.
Best time to visit Casco Viejo
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- May: 32°C (90°F) highs, about 15 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 33°C (91°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- July: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 15 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Panama City has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Panama City itinerary visits Casco Viejo on day 1, together with Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal partial transit and Ancón Hill.
- No. 2 of the 15 sights in our Panama City things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Panama City.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Panama City.
Near Casco Viejo
Also in Casco Viejo, so you can walk between them:
- Plaza de Francia and Las Bóvedas — 45 minutes, free
- Iglesia de San José — 20–30 minutes, free
- Catedral Metropolitana — 30 minutes, free
If you like Casco Viejo
- Panamá Viejo — Panamá Viejo, 1.5–2 hours
Staying near Casco Viejo
Stay in Casco Viejo ($$$) to walk here: restored colonial streets, rooftop bars and boutique hotels. All areas to stay in Panama City.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Casco Viejo?
Plan half a day. With Plaza de Francia and Las Bóvedas nearby, it fits a half-day in Casco Viejo.
+Is Casco Viejo free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Casco Viejo?
April–May and July, the quietest of the good months. Walk it in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and stick to the restored streets after dark.
+Do I need to book Casco Viejo in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.