---
title: "Casco Viejo, Panama City: What to See on a First Visit"
description: "Practical guide to Casco Viejo, Panama City's UNESCO colonial quarter — top sights, the Canal Museum, and how to get there with private transportation."
canonical: "https://alcartransport.com/casco-viejo-is-the-first-place-you-should-visit-in-panama/"
---

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# Casco Viejo Is the First Place You Should Visit in Panama

Panama Tourism

April 27, 2016

Tags:#Panama#Casco Viejo#Transportation#Travel

Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo, and commonly referred to as Old Panama City by Tourists is the Colonial district of Panama City. Literally translating to “Old Quarter,” Casco is known for its colorful buildings built by the Spanish and French in the late 17th century.

In 1904, when the United States began to break ground on the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo was the only Panama City. Eventually being abandoned due to the modern city’s expansion, Casco became a more dangerous slum. Today, Casco is undergoing a transformation, turning it from slum into up-and-coming neighborhood.

After being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, many poor-er residents were forced out of the pastel-facaded buildings into the city’s outskirts. Rey, our tour guide, explained that the government, in order to preserve the city’s colonial appearance, has placed a height-restriction on the preservation efforts, meaning that if a new owner comes in, they are not allowed to make the current structure any taller than it already is.

**What to See**

Casco is home to many historic buildings, such as churches, and houses the home of the Panamanian President. The presence of police and security is very obvious.

You can look around La Iglesias de San Jose, look into the Compañia de Jesus (Society of Jesus), marvel at the Arco Chato (which is still standing from colonial times), and marvel at all of the typical houses in la Plaza de la Independencia.

While walking around, you can peak into unique art galleries, explored ancient churches, and passed by unique street art, basically everything a modern city has to offer.

The Canal Museum, which costs $2 USD to enter and $4 for an English-speaking audio tour.

Experience Casco’s nightlife, it is very vibrant.

**How to See Casco Viejo**

If you are planing to visit Panama, Don’t miss the opportunity to go to Casco Viejo. Alcar Transport will be pleased to Take you. Feel Free to contact us for more information

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