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Welcome to Casco Viejo! Characterized by its colorful buildings and oceanfront views, this historic district is one of the top tourist attractions in Panama. There’s no better way to explore the area than by walking, so here are the best sites to see on your Casco Viejo walking tour!
History of Casco Viejo
Panama City was founded by Spain in 1519. In 1671, the city was set on fire and looted by pirate Henry Morgan. After the attack, construction on a new city was started five miles south of the original location. This new area, now known as the Casco Viejo, was built on a peninsula and surrounded by defense walls. Casco Viejo was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Click here for a Google Map that shows all of the stops listed on our Casco Viejo walking tour. Feel free to start at any site and go in your preferred order! If you would prefer to explore Casco Viejo with a guide, check out this tour.
A. Plaza Herrera
First up on the Casco Viejo walking tour is Plaza Herrera. General Tomas Herrera fought for Panama’s independence from Spain and served as Governor of Panama. Surrounded by stunning architecture, this plaza is one of the liveliest places in Casco Viejo and is home to some amazing restaurants. Check out our Best Restaurants and Rooftop Bars in Casco Viejo guide for more information!
B. Metropolitan Cathedral
Next, head on over to the Metropolitan Cathedral. The cathedral is situated at Plaza de la Independencia. Construction on the cathedral began in 1688 and was completed in 1796. The building is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. Make sure to return to the cathedral at night time to see it lit up!
C. Museum of Panamanian History
Nearby the cathedral is the Museum of Panamanian History. Housed inside a beautiful neoclassical building, the museum has three main exhibit rooms that showcase the history of Panama through old maps, photographs, and documents. Most of the museum is in Spanish with no translations. We recommend spending about an hour here.
D. Panama Canal Museum
If you’re looking for another great museum to visit on your walking tour, check out the Panama Canal Museum. Established in 1997, the museum educates visitors on all the aspects of the canal from the various construction attempts to the politics at play. A majority of the museum is in Spanish.
E. Palacio de Las Garzas
Continue on to Palacio de Las Garzas, also known as Herons’ Palace. Its nickname comes from herons that have been freely roaming the courtyard since 1922. Built in the 17th century, the mansion served as a customs office before becoming the official residence of the President of Panama. Fun Fact: In 1934, an elevator was added in preparation for Franklin D. Roosevelt’s state visit so that he could access his room.
F. Plaza Simon Bolivar
Next up on the walking tour is Plaza Simon Bolivar. Known as the Liberator of Latin America, Simon Bolivar helped the region break free from Spanish rule and establish Gran Colombia. The monument in the center of the plaza was unveiled in 1926 on the 100th anniversary of Bolivar’s Congress. The plaza is a great spot to stop for a meal and to relax.
G. San Francisco de Asis Church
Located on the eastern side of Plaza Simon Bolivar is San Francisco de Asis Church. With its belltower rising above all neighboring buildings, the church is one of the most iconic structures in Casco Viejo. The church was destroyed by fires in both 1737 and 1756 and wasn’t fully rebuilt until 1998. The interior is stunning with baroque altars and colorfully painted cedar wood.
H. National Theater
One of the most stunning buildings to see in Casco Viejo is the National Theater, which was opened in 1908. The theater is famous for its colorful facade and ceiling frescos that depict the history of Panama in the form of Greek mythology.
I. Casa Gongora
Not to be missed on your tour is Casa Gongora. Built in 1760 by Captain Paul Gongora, the house is one of the oldest and most genuine colonial style homes in Casco Viejo. The original woodwork, including the doors and balconies, was preserved during restorations. Today, Casa Gongora serves as a cultural center for local artists, with live music performances and art exhibits.
J. Museum of Religious Art
Continue on to the Museum of Colonial Religious Arts, housed inside the ruins of the Santo Domingo Convent. The convent was built in 1673 and ravaged by fire in both 1737 and 1756. The most famous section of the ruins is the Arco Chato, an arch that spans 49 feet and stood for centuries without any support. This sturdiness proved to the canal planners that Panama experienced little seismic activity, making it an ideal place to construct the canal. The ruins are free to explore and are one of the most beautiful sites in Casco Viejo. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday and showcases altars, paintings, and sculptures.
K. Plaza de Francia
To finish your Casco Viejo walking tour, head to Plaza de Francia. The plaza tells the story of the role of the French in the construction of the Panama Canal. On one side of the plaza you’ll find a monument to Carlos Finlay, a Cuban doctor who discovered that mosquitoes transmit yellow fever. This disease greatly affected those who helped construct the canal. The plaza offers stunning views of both Casco Viejo and the financial district of Panama City.
Check out our TikTok to see what our trip to Panama was like!
Disclaimer: All information presented in this post was accurate at the time of our trip. Attractions, availability, circumstances, operating hours, prices, etc. are subject to change and this post may not reflect the most up-to-date information. Readers are advised to do their due diligence in researching the location prior to travel. Hyperlink content may be out-of-date and is not sponsored by or affiliated with Scenic Sites unless otherwise noted.
Visited October 2022 | Posted April 2023
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