Casco Viejo at a glance
Casco Viejo, also called Casco Antiguo, is the historic district of Panama City, Panama. The Cinta Costera waterfront path links it with Paitilla and El Chorrillo, and the cathedral, small plazas and colonial buildings are within a short walk of each other. You can see the main sights in a half day.
The district belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage site "Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá". The historic district was inscribed in 1997, and the ruins of Panamá Viejo were added in 2003. The two parts lie about 5 miles (8 km) apart, so you reach the ruins by bus or taxi, not on foot.
A walking route through Casco Viejo
The stops are close together. Churches and museums set their own hours, so check before you go.
1. Cathedral and Plaza de la Independencia
Start at the cathedral, Santa María La Antigua, on the main square. The square is the heart of the old town and a good place to get your bearings. Whether you can enter a church depends on the day and on services, so do not count on it.
2. Museo del Canal Interoceánico
The museum faces the plaza on Calle 5a Este. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00. The canal authority lists nonresident admission between $5 and $15, depending on the category, so check the price at the door. It is a good primer before a visit to the locks.
3. Plaza Bolívar
One of the old town squares on the tourism board's route. Use it as a pause between sights.
4. Iglesia San José
One of the old town churches on the tourism board's route. Opening hours are not fixed, so treat a look inside as a bonus.
5. Arco Chato
The "flat arch" is another stop on the official city route. Look for it as you walk the old town streets.
6. Plaza Herrera
Another square on the route. It makes a natural place to stop for a drink before you finish.
7. Plaza de Francia and Paseo Esteban Huertas
End at the Plaza de Francia and the Paseo Esteban Huertas, both listed on the same route. From here you can continue along the Cinta Costera toward Paitilla in daylight, or take a taxi back.
More things to do in Panama City →Our picks: Casco Viejo
A walking tour of the old town, or a half-day tour that includes a walk there.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Panama City and canal half-day tour
A bilingual guide, air-conditioned transport, water and snacks, and a walk through Casco Antiguo. Canal visitor centre entry is only included with the matching option (the official Miraflores ticket costs $17.22 for non-residents), and BioMuseo is seen from outside.
Check availability →Casco Viejo history and culture walk
Two and a half hours with a local guide and a bottle of water. Church entry is not included.
Check availability →Panama City and canal tours
Guided walks, city tours and canal trips from Panama City, with live prices and availability.
Safety and timing
The UK government lists Casco Viejo among the places in Panama City with a risk of theft and robbery. It advises against walking poorly lit streets and against going alone at night. The World Heritage status does not change that.
Walk in daylight, keep your phone and camera out of sight when you are not using them and carry only what you need. In the evening, take a taxi between the old town and your hotel. Mornings are cooler, and the light is good for photos. The rainy season runs roughly from May to November, so carry a light rain jacket.
Getting there and staying nearby
Casco Viejo is a base for old town walks. Other areas are better for the canal.
On foot or by bike
The Cinta Costera path, about 4 miles (7 km) long, links Paitilla, Casco Viejo and El Chorrillo, with bike paths and gardens along the way.
By public transport
The Metro costs $0.35 on Line 1 and $0.50 on Line 2 as of 2026. The operator changed its payment system in September 2026, so expect queues at peak times.
Panamá Viejo
The ruins are the other half of the World Heritage site. They are open Tuesday to Sunday, 08:30 to 17:30, and closed on Mondays.
Planning your day in the old town
Start in the morning with the walking route, when the streets are cooler and quieter. Add the Canal Museum before or after lunch, since it opens at 10:00 and closes at 18:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. Keep the late afternoon for the Cinta Costera if you still have energy, and head back before dark.
If you have a full day, pair the old town with Panamá Viejo, about 5 miles (8 km) away, and take a taxi or bus between them. That is also the order that makes sense for the World Heritage story, from the ruins of the first settlement to the later town. Save the Miraflores Locks for another day, because the canal visit and the old town each deserve a few unhurried hours.
Casco Viejo: frequently asked questions
How long do you need in Casco Viejo?
Plan two to three hours for the walking route, longer if you add the Canal Museum and a long lunch. A half day is enough for most visitors.
Is Casco Viejo safe?
It is a busy tourist area by day. The UK government still lists it among places with theft and robbery risk, so avoid poorly lit streets and do not walk alone at night.
Is there an entrance fee for Casco Viejo?
The streets and squares are public. Museums and some churches have their own hours and prices.
Are Casco Viejo and Panamá Viejo the same place?
No. Panamá Viejo is the ruined first settlement, about 5 miles (8 km) away. Casco Viejo, also called Casco Antiguo, is the later old town. Both are part of one UNESCO World Heritage site.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Morning or late afternoon, in daylight. Midday is hot, and some places are closed on Mondays.