We just came back from Panama City. Our expectations for the Casco Viejo were for it to be similar to Old San Juan. We actually enjoyed it a lot more. The architecture is beautiful (a bit more diverse than OSJ). And while Casco Viejo doesn't have big attractions like the two forts in OSJ, it felt more charming. I think part of it is that OSJ is very much a cruise destination with thousands of passengers visiting for the day each day. Casco Viejo doesn't have the same touristy feel (like it would empty out each night at 5pm). That's not to say that we don't also like OSJ, but this was a real treat.

Casca Veijo is filled with restaurants, rooftop bars, historical sites, churches, stately government buildings, etc. all in a remarkably restored, colorful, charming old city. Highly recommend roaming the streets and taking in this beautiful landmark.

A great place to explore and get a taste of Panamanian history or buy a few trinkets. We visited during the New Years holiday, so tourists were plentiful, but no so crowded as to feel so. Visited during daylight hours and never felt that personal security was an issue. Plenty of photo ops.

Beautiful and very full of history old town. You get to see an extremely beautiful building some of the just ruins but still beautiful. Many nice restaurants and caffee. Lot if store to get souvenirs. Check in a day and night time. Beautiful sunset to see

Casco Viejo is a total mix of renovated and beautiful buildings with balconies that are so nice to look at. On the same block, there are also buildings which Are crumbling or need work so the city is a work in progress. Lots of shops,line the street with mainly goods for tourists. There are also a number of restaurants That are nice (don’t miss Fonda lo que hay which serves elevated street food). The Plazas- Herrera, Independencia are nice to sit and people watch We did not take a guided tour but have walked around a few different days. There seem to be some nice hotels also (although it is noisy here - a con) but certainly lively with plenty of restaurants and places to get a drink-pro).

Our guide took us on a driving tour of the old town in Panama City. Since we were limited for time, we only got out once to visit a few buildings and plazas. We'd return to spend more time and hope to in the future.

Picturesque, old age city with great food and rooftop bars. The city is being restored beautifully. The churches are beautiful inside and out. Balconies with beautiful metals and flowers . Downtown views from rooftops are amazing. Price is pretty much like the US. Stayed at the Central Panamá Hotel.. location, cleanliness , comfort, and charming.

One can definitely get lost wandering these streets with all of the little quaint shops and restaurants. You can typically see a lot of tourists wandering the streets and weaving in and out of the buildings. There is always some activity happening and we were lucky to catch the Lunar new year celebrations during our time.

really quite underwhelmed by casco viejo. it sure had a lot of interesting history and buildings. there were a few ruins/churches. at this point it's pretty much a tourist trap. sadly, if this is the second best destination panama city has, it's a problem. i even took a walking tour for 3 hours. could have been done in one and half.

I had read online that it's difficult to drive in this area, so I left the rental car at the hotel and took an Uber. All you have to do is enter "Casco Viejo" into the Uber destination, and your driver will know where to go. Uber is also super cheap in Panama! I had also read online that you can do a self-guided walking tour, so I didn't arrange a guided tour, and I was really glad because the entire area is posted with self-guided tour signs that are very easy to follow. We got there early in the morning (8 am) on a Monday, and it was not crowded or hot. We really enjoyed walking around on our own and seeing all the beautiful sights. It was safe and clean. When we were finished, we simply hailed a taxi (they are everywhere). It definitely helps if you can speak a little Spanish to communicate with the taxi drivers. Overall excellent experience!