Panama Metropolis’s outdated city goes by many monikers: Casco Viejo, Casco Antiguo and the lesser-used San Felipe, to call simply three. It’s often known as the hippest area within the metropolis, the place most fall in love with Panama’s capital.
This Unesco-listed district is a symphony of restored rainbow-hued buildings, romantic wrought-iron balconies, centuries-old church buildings, sky-caressing rooftops and slim cobblestone streets, strung out alongside 4 historic avenues.
Although humble in measurement, Casco Viejo is the setting for a lot of of Panama Metropolis’s prime eating places and trendiest bars, and historic buildings with scintillating tales to inform. Listed here are 10 of one of the best issues to do on this attractive enclave.
Uncover the nation’s star attraction – the Panama Canal
Constructing a cross-country canal to hyperlink the Pacific and Atlantic oceans was at all times an formidable concept, to not point out a poorly-planned one. Work began on this iconic waterway in 1880, however by the point it was accomplished in 1914, some 25,000 folks had died, principally from tropical illnesses.
At the moment, nonetheless, this feat of engineering is the nation’s star attraction, and it is one of many prime sights in Panama Metropolis. You may be taught extra about it with out leaving Casco Viejo on the Interoceanic Canal Museum (often known as the Panama Canal Museum) positioned in one of many neighborhood’s most good-looking historic buildings, relationship again to 1874.
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Stroll the town’s cobblestone streets
Simply strolling round Casco’s cobblestone streets is a rewarding exercise all by itself. Dotted across the 4 palm-lined avenues and 4 predominant plazas – Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza Herrera, Plaza Bolívar and Plaza de Francia – are crumbling buildings thirsty for a contemporary lick of paint, alongside historic buildings reimagined as residences and boutique motels.
For a meal or refreshing drink, pop into Hotel la Compañia, initially constructed as a Jesuit convent in 1688, or the American Commerce Lodge, which was as soon as the tallest constructing in Panama Metropolis, regardless of topping out at simply three tales.
Together with sharp contrasts between class and decay, strolling in Casco is pleasant because of the mural-lacquered partitions created by Rolando “Rolo” de Sedas, a Panamanian artist recognized for remodeling city areas with colourful patriotic iconography.
Casco can be protected to stroll round and regardless of the world being a vacationer hub, you will not discover hawkers on each nook, so that you’re free to benefit from the ruins, road artwork and funky cafes in peace.
Style the champagne of coffees
There’s espresso after which there’s Geisha espresso, Panama’s most-prized brew – one of many world’s greatest and most costly cups of Joe. Initially introduced over from Ethiopia, Geisha espresso beans have been discovered to thrive in Panama’s humid local weather, notably within the high-altitude Chiriquí area.
However you’ll have to save lots of your {dollars} to take pleasure in it – batches of Geisha espresso have offered for as a lot as US$2,568 per pound. In Casco, you possibly can sip the champagne of coffees at Café Unido or Tiempos positioned inside American Commerce Lodge at Plaza Herrera.
Get into the rum spirit at Pedro Mandinga
Pedro Mandinga is Panama’s first artisanal craft rum distillery, in addition to being the primary devoted rum bar to open in Casco Viejo. Tropical print armchairs, rattan ceiling followers and classic salsa data make this a simple spot to whereas away a day (joyful hour runs every day from midday to 6pm).
Earlier than ordering your drink, ask to pattern the silver and spiced home rums made with Raspadura pure cane sugar. The menu boasts a fantastic assortment of cocktails, however nothing beats the Mandinga mojitos.
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Decide up a Panama hat – you already know you need to!
Worn by everybody from gold rush pioneers to US presidents, to not point out spies the world over, the Panama hat has turn out to be synonymous with this Central American nation. Really Ecuadorian in origin, these straw hats are offered in all places in Panama Metropolis, with costs ranging from US$15 at road stalls to US$800 in retailers.
As a information for purchasers, the tighter the weave, the pricier the hat. At Victor’s Hats, rows of cabinets show a wide range of types and colours. If doubtful, keep on with the traditional fashion in pure tones.
Store for molas whilst you admire the views on Casco Viejo seafront
Casco’s characterful streets are packed right into a small peninsula that juts out into the Pacific, and the ocean views from listed here are spectacular, with big ships ready to cross by the canal towards the fashionable downtown skyline.
The perfect outlook is from Paseo Esteban Huertas, a reasonably promenade constructed atop the outdated metropolis’s outer wall. Below a cover of bougainvillea, this scenic path runs from Plaza de Francia to the previous Membership Unión member’s membership, which stood in for a Bolivian villa within the Quantum of Solace Bond film. Alongside the waterfront, Kuna girls promote the embroidered molas (handmade textile panels) for which the nation is legendary.
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Seize a cup of ceviche at Mercado de Mariscos
Mercado de Mariscos is Panama Metropolis’s ever-lively fish market, positioned in the beginning of Cinta Costera, a palm-fringed waterfront boulevard. Stalls show large spiny lobsters on ice, filleted fish neatly stacked and freshly caught shrimp piled excessive.
It’s a enjoyable music-filled spot for lunch the place the catch of the day could be purchased and cooked to order on the restaurant upstairs. Don’t miss the citrus-sharp ceviche, served heaped into Styrofoam cups. This common order is greatest paired with an ice-cold beer.
Spend a night at a rooftop bar overlooking the outdated streets
Casco is the town’s nightlife hub, with a formidable variety of rooftops the place you possibly can take pleasure in Panama’s year-round heat climate. Capital Bistró Panamá – the primary rooftop you see as you enter the historic district – gazes adoringly over the Bay of Panama and is virtually perched on the water.
Lazotea, which sits atop the trendy, boutique Lodge Casa Panama, gives glowing skyline views and an opportunity to dip within the pool between drinks. It was the primary rooftop within the outdated city to have its personal pool.
Evening owls ought to make a beeline for the rooftop at Selina which additionally has a pool and a wholesome roster of occasions and reside music nights. As Casco’s first rooftop bar, Tantalo is eternally common, whereas Casa Casco is the place well-dressed Panameños go for 360° views of the town and the bay.
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Go treasure looking within the Iglesia de San José
Pop into Iglesia de San José to identify real-life treasure within the type of the Altar de Oro (Golden Altar). Legend has it that when Welsh privateer Henry Morgan attacked Panamá Viejo – the unique Panama Metropolis – in 1671, Jesuit clergymen painted the altar black to disguise it and advised Morgan that one other pirate had already stolen it.
The baroque altar was later moved from Panamá Viejo to Iglesia de San José in Casco Viejo the place it stands right now. It’s the one relic to have been salvaged from that devastating assault and it is the spotlight of this historic church.
Pattern the wealthy flavors of Panamanian delicacies
To pattern native fare, don’t miss a cease at Fonda lo Que Hay, for soul-nourishing and extremely photogenic updates of conventional Panamanian delicacies. That is hands-down probably the greatest eating places in Casco Viejo, with prime restauranteur José Olmedo Carles Rojas working diligently on the helm. Attempt the deliciously-dressed patacones (twice-fried plantains) or no matter else is out there – the menu modifications regularly however it’s at all times beautiful.
To feast on a number of of Panama’s nationwide dishes beneath one roof, Diablicos is your greatest eating possibility in Casco. There you possibly can take pleasure in hearty sancocho, a broth of rooster, corn on the cob, starchy greens and cilantro, or ropa vieja, a shredded meat dish whose title interprets to “outdated garments.”
On sure evenings, the restaurant places on a showstopping present that includes singing, dancing, drumming and diablico sucios (soiled devils) – distinguished characters in Panamanian folklore.
