Guidebook for Panama
Food Scene
One of our favorite lunch-spots. Fashioned after an old-school, upscale café, Las Clementinas Café and Bar is a place for travelers and locals to meet and eat. Great burger. Lovely patio in the back.
Las Clementinas
Calle 11 EsteOne of our favorite lunch-spots. Fashioned after an old-school, upscale café, Las Clementinas Café and Bar is a place for travelers and locals to meet and eat. Great burger. Lovely patio in the back.
This more classical restaurant has lovely indoor (bóveda=dungeon) and outdoor seating on picturesque Plaza Francia. It is popular with tourists and local Panamanians for lunch, coffee and dinner.
Las Bóvedas
This more classical restaurant has lovely indoor (bóveda=dungeon) and outdoor seating on picturesque Plaza Francia. It is popular with tourists and local Panamanians for lunch, coffee and dinner.
A longstanding Casco Viejo classic, Ego, as it is known to locals, offers excellent quality and service. With indoor and outdoor seating on beautiful Plaza Bolivar and a tasty tapas-style menu.
Ego y Narcisso
7 Av. CentralA longstanding Casco Viejo classic, Ego, as it is known to locals, offers excellent quality and service. With indoor and outdoor seating on beautiful Plaza Bolivar and a tasty tapas-style menu.
Open for breakfast, lunch and late afternoon snacks, Super Gourmet is a local Casco Viejo hang out and our favorite breakfast spot. Great sandwiches (Pastrami) and fabulous eggs (Hydes Benedict).
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Super Gourmet
Calle 6a OesteOpen for breakfast, lunch and late afternoon snacks, Super Gourmet is a local Casco Viejo hang out and our favorite breakfast spot. Great sandwiches (Pastrami) and fabulous eggs (Hydes Benedict).
Join the locals for the freshest 'ceviche' and other seafood dishes at the small vendor eateries with outdoor seating. Busy nearly every night til 9pm - weekends are especially lively. At the entrance of Casco Viejo, right on the Cinta Costera. Don't confuse it with the 'Fish Market', a food truck in the middle of Casco Viejo between old ruins.
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Seafood Market
Ciclovía Cinta CosteraJoin the locals for the freshest 'ceviche' and other seafood dishes at the small vendor eateries with outdoor seating. Busy nearly every night til 9pm - weekends are especially lively. At the entrance of Casco Viejo, right on the Cinta Costera. Don't confuse it with the 'Fish Market', a food truck in the middle of Casco Viejo between old ruins.
A small coffee shop in Casco Viejo is home to some of the best coffee in Panama. Bajareque Coffee House features high-quality coffee from the Elida and El Burro Estates in Boquete, Panama. What’s great about this place is that the farms and coffee house are the same owners, so you know you are getting their best batches of coffee. If you’re in Casco, you must swing by and try a pour over of their award winning Geisha coffee! Located on Avenida Central and Calle 1, opens at 8am.
Bajareque Coffee House
Avenida BA small coffee shop in Casco Viejo is home to some of the best coffee in Panama. Bajareque Coffee House features high-quality coffee from the Elida and El Burro Estates in Boquete, Panama. What’s great about this place is that the farms and coffee house are the same owners, so you know you are getting their best batches of coffee. If you’re in Casco, you must swing by and try a pour over of their award winning Geisha coffee! Located on Avenida Central and Calle 1, opens at 8am.
One of Casco's best and certainly most beautiful restaurants, in the higher price range. Incredible chef Andrés Madrigal started with Laboratorio Madrigal across the road from our apartment and we were sold. When Ocho y Medio opened we were stunned by the perfect decor and design, hidden away in an old Catholic School building, and the menu and wine list to match. A must see and must taste. Special romantic night? Go to 8 1/2.
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Restaurante Ochoymedio
One of Casco's best and certainly most beautiful restaurants, in the higher price range. Incredible chef Andrés Madrigal started with Laboratorio Madrigal across the road from our apartment and we were sold. When Ocho y Medio opened we were stunned by the perfect decor and design, hidden away in an old Catholic School building, and the menu and wine list to match. A must see and must taste. Special romantic night? Go to 8 1/2.
When this place opened up across the road from the apartment, it took away almost all of our motivation to cook ourselves. Chef Andrés madrigal is incredibly talented and we think it will be very hard to find a better meal than here. Amazing restaurant with a tapas bar and great cocktails and a homely interior. Not cheap, but definitely worth crossing the road for...
Laboratorio Madrigal
Calle 5a OesteWhen this place opened up across the road from the apartment, it took away almost all of our motivation to cook ourselves. Chef Andrés madrigal is incredibly talented and we think it will be very hard to find a better meal than here. Amazing restaurant with a tapas bar and great cocktails and a homely interior. Not cheap, but definitely worth crossing the road for...
We are often asked: 'with all the fancy restaurants in Casco, where do the locals eat?'. Beside the Mercado de Mariscos, the Café Coca Cola is a classic. Nothing fancy, a bit like a diner and as local as it gets. Budget backpackers have already discovered it.
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Cafe Coca Cola
Avenida Central EspañaWe are often asked: 'with all the fancy restaurants in Casco, where do the locals eat?'. Beside the Mercado de Mariscos, the Café Coca Cola is a classic. Nothing fancy, a bit like a diner and as local as it gets. Budget backpackers have already discovered it.
Donde José provides one of the most unique culinary experiences you can have in Panama City with an intimate maximum 16-person seating per meal. They focus on using local Panamanian ingredients and dishes and come out with a new set menu every few months.
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Donde José
Donde José provides one of the most unique culinary experiences you can have in Panama City with an intimate maximum 16-person seating per meal. They focus on using local Panamanian ingredients and dishes and come out with a new set menu every few months.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. This is one of Casco’s original establishments before the restaurant boom and still features the best ice cream. Located on Avenida Central and Calle 4.
Ice Cream Shop of Granclement
1305 Calle 9a EsteI scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. This is one of Casco’s original establishments before the restaurant boom and still features the best ice cream. Located on Avenida Central and Calle 4.
An amazing selection of locally produced chocolate in the mansion of one of Panama’s former presidents. Located on Calle 6 and Avenida A.
Oro Moreno Autentico Chocolate Panameño
An amazing selection of locally produced chocolate in the mansion of one of Panama’s former presidents. Located on Calle 6 and Avenida A.
A fun spot for sushi in the beautiful Casa Casco building. Located on Avenida A in front of Plaza Herrera. Open every day from 12 pm.
Nacionsushi | Casco Antiguo
Avenida AA fun spot for sushi in the beautiful Casa Casco building. Located on Avenida A in front of Plaza Herrera. Open every day from 12 pm.
Sightseeing
Also Paseo de Las Bóvedas. Casco is made for wandering, and one of the best routes is along Paseo Esteban Huertas by the sea wall up one level from Plaza Francia; the views are stunning. Along this walkway, you will find local artisans selling molas, Panama Hats, painted feathers, bracelets and more. It’s also the perfect spot for a photo of the Panama City skyline.
Paseo Esteban Huertas
Calle 1a OesteAlso Paseo de Las Bóvedas. Casco is made for wandering, and one of the best routes is along Paseo Esteban Huertas by the sea wall up one level from Plaza Francia; the views are stunning. Along this walkway, you will find local artisans selling molas, Panama Hats, painted feathers, bracelets and more. It’s also the perfect spot for a photo of the Panama City skyline.
A MUST-VISIT: The Cinta Costera has rapidly turned into the city's number one spot for jogging & cycling - or just to hang out and people-watch.
Ciclovía Cinta Costera
Ciclovía Cinta CosteraA MUST-VISIT: The Cinta Costera has rapidly turned into the city's number one spot for jogging & cycling - or just to hang out and people-watch.
Of course, you want to see the Canal. Miraflores Locks is the best place to do that. The museum is worth the additional charge. Go in the morning or late afternoon, that's when the big ships pass.
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Miraflores Locks
Of course, you want to see the Canal. Miraflores Locks is the best place to do that. The museum is worth the additional charge. Go in the morning or late afternoon, that's when the big ships pass.
Built soon after the first Spanish settlement in the 16th century, this small church features the famous Golden Altar (Altar de Oro), which is made entirely of pure gold.
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San José-templom
2 C. 8a OesteBuilt soon after the first Spanish settlement in the 16th century, this small church features the famous Golden Altar (Altar de Oro), which is made entirely of pure gold.
The Amador Causeway is worth visiting. It’s basically a land bridge that connects three islands by the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. It was created with huge rocks extracted during the excavations of the Canal. Amador is a friendly, breezy, tourist hotspot, an open area for a waterfront stroll. People use the Amador Causeway to exercise, hang out with friends or just to drive and relax. It’s a spot to jog, bike or rollerblade.
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Amador Causeway
Calzada de AmadorThe Amador Causeway is worth visiting. It’s basically a land bridge that connects three islands by the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. It was created with huge rocks extracted during the excavations of the Canal. Amador is a friendly, breezy, tourist hotspot, an open area for a waterfront stroll. People use the Amador Causeway to exercise, hang out with friends or just to drive and relax. It’s a spot to jog, bike or rollerblade.
Arts & Culture
The Panama Canal Museum located in Casco Viejo is just as good as the one that is located at the locks. However, be sure to request the English headphones because a lot of the information is in Spanish. Open Tues – Sun from 9 am – 5 pm. Located in Plaza de Independencia. $10 admission fee.
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Panama-csatorna Múzeum
Calle 5a EsteThe Panama Canal Museum located in Casco Viejo is just as good as the one that is located at the locks. However, be sure to request the English headphones because a lot of the information is in Spanish. Open Tues – Sun from 9 am – 5 pm. Located in Plaza de Independencia. $10 admission fee.
The art gallery at Diablo Rosso features a new exhibit approximately once a month and highlights works from local and international artists. Open Tues – Sat from 1 pm to 7 pm. Located on Calle 9a Oeste and Calle Jose D. de la Olbaldia. Free admission.
DiabloRosso
Calle 6a OesteThe art gallery at Diablo Rosso features a new exhibit approximately once a month and highlights works from local and international artists. Open Tues – Sat from 1 pm to 7 pm. Located on Calle 9a Oeste and Calle Jose D. de la Olbaldia. Free admission.
Parks & Nature
Ancon Hill is our favorite destination to combine with a visit to Miraflores Locks. It offers unbeatable views and the park covers 43 hectares with an abundance of wildlife (and a very large flag!).
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Ancon Hill
Ancon Hill is our favorite destination to combine with a visit to Miraflores Locks. It offers unbeatable views and the park covers 43 hectares with an abundance of wildlife (and a very large flag!).
Said to be the most accessible rainforest park in the world. Only 20 minutes from Casco Viejo, you will find 55,000 acres of pristine rainforest habitat, home to an abundance of wildlife. Take a hike!
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Soberanía Nemzeti Park
Said to be the most accessible rainforest park in the world. Only 20 minutes from Casco Viejo, you will find 55,000 acres of pristine rainforest habitat, home to an abundance of wildlife. Take a hike!
Shopping
This boutique store in Casco Viejo features luxury scarves, ties, shoes, and other items with designs inspired by Panama’s indigenous Guna community. Located on Avenida B and Calle 7a Este.
Franklin Panamá
Calle 4a EsteThis boutique store in Casco Viejo features luxury scarves, ties, shoes, and other items with designs inspired by Panama’s indigenous Guna community. Located on Avenida B and Calle 7a Este.
Discover unique items made in Panama like clothing, skincare products, jewelry, bags, and the store’s iconic rainboots. Located on Avenida A and Calle 5.
Undercover Store Casco Antiguo
y 4ta Calle 3a OesteDiscover unique items made in Panama like clothing, skincare products, jewelry, bags, and the store’s iconic rainboots. Located on Avenida A and Calle 5.
Panama Hats are actually made in Ecuador, but if you want to get one while you are here then Victor’s is the place to go. Located on Calle 3a Oeste and Avenida Central.
Victors Panama Hats
7 Avenida BPanama Hats are actually made in Ecuador, but if you want to get one while you are here then Victor’s is the place to go. Located on Calle 3a Oeste and Avenida Central.
Getting Around
If you prefer traveling like a local over using Uber or taxi's, check out the metro line in Panama. Station '5 de Mayo' is about a 15-minute walk from Casco Viejo. If you prefer to walk along the ocean on the Cinta Costera, 'Lotería' station is easy to reach near Calle 32 Este.
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Estación 5 de Mayo
Avenida Justo ArosemenaIf you prefer traveling like a local over using Uber or taxi's, check out the metro line in Panama. Station '5 de Mayo' is about a 15-minute walk from Casco Viejo. If you prefer to walk along the ocean on the Cinta Costera, 'Lotería' station is easy to reach near Calle 32 Este.
If you prefer traveling like a local over using Uber or taxi's, check out the metro line in Panama. Along the ocean on the Cinta Costera, 'Lotería' station is easy to reach near Calle 32 Este. The closest station to the apartment however is station '5 de Mayo', about a 15-minute walk from Casco Viejo.
Estación Lotería
Avenida Justo ArosemenaIf you prefer traveling like a local over using Uber or taxi's, check out the metro line in Panama. Along the ocean on the Cinta Costera, 'Lotería' station is easy to reach near Calle 32 Este. The closest station to the apartment however is station '5 de Mayo', about a 15-minute walk from Casco Viejo.
Drinks & Nightlife
Sunset from our apartment's roof terrace is pretty awesome. But if you would like someone else to fix your drinks, CasaCasco offers the best sunset views. Arrive there at 6 pm, order a cocktail and watch the sun go down.
It is also one of the more “exclusive” party spots at the moment, where you’ll occasionally find Panama’s rich & trendy crowd popping bottles of Moet. Expect to pay $20 cover charge after 11 pm.
Located on Plaza Herrera / Calle 10 Este.
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CasaCasco
Avenida ASunset from our apartment's roof terrace is pretty awesome. But if you would like someone else to fix your drinks, CasaCasco offers the best sunset views. Arrive there at 6 pm, order a cocktail and watch the sun go down.
It is also one of the more “exclusive” party spots at the moment, where you’ll occasionally find Panama’s rich & trendy crowd popping bottles of Moet. Expect to pay $20 cover charge after 11 pm.
Located on Plaza Herrera / Calle 10 Este.
Try some beers at this craft brewery, which you're sure to pass on your way to the City, Cinta Costera or the Mercado.
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La Rana Dorada
Try some beers at this craft brewery, which you're sure to pass on your way to the City, Cinta Costera or the Mercado.
Previously an abandoned theater, Teatro Amador was beautifully restored in 2013 to its former glory and is now one of the most popular event venues in Panama City. On Fridays they have live salsa music from 10pm to midnight and they usually have a few special concerts on Wednesdays throughout the month so be sure to visit their Facebook Page for the latest events.
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Teatro Amador
Previously an abandoned theater, Teatro Amador was beautifully restored in 2013 to its former glory and is now one of the most popular event venues in Panama City. On Fridays they have live salsa music from 10pm to midnight and they usually have a few special concerts on Wednesdays throughout the month so be sure to visit their Facebook Page for the latest events.
From Wednesday – Saturday stop by the classy Danilo’s Jazz Club next to the American Trade Hotel and immerse yourself in the soulful sound of jazz. Concerts normally start at 9pm with a $15 entrance fee.
Danilo's Jazz Club
From Wednesday – Saturday stop by the classy Danilo’s Jazz Club next to the American Trade Hotel and immerse yourself in the soulful sound of jazz. Concerts normally start at 9pm with a $15 entrance fee.
PLATEA: Enjoy the sounds of live cabaret or acoustic on Thursdays, Salsa music on Fridays and rock out every Saturday at Platea.
Calle 1a Oeste
Calle 1a OestePLATEA: Enjoy the sounds of live cabaret or acoustic on Thursdays, Salsa music on Fridays and rock out every Saturday at Platea.
Pedro Mandinga is the type of place that has successfully captured the essence of Panama. It is Panama’s first artisanal rum distillery and bar and situated in the heart of Casco Viejo near Plaza Herrera and across from the iconic Rolo de Sedas mami murals. It is the kind of place you can hang out for hours, sipping the amazing house specialty rum cocktails and losing track of time with old friends.
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Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar
Pedro Mandinga is the type of place that has successfully captured the essence of Panama. It is Panama’s first artisanal rum distillery and bar and situated in the heart of Casco Viejo near Plaza Herrera and across from the iconic Rolo de Sedas mami murals. It is the kind of place you can hang out for hours, sipping the amazing house specialty rum cocktails and losing track of time with old friends.
Marietta Panama
A full nightclub experience with good DJs, lights, and bottle service.
This was one of the first really good bars in Casco to open, and it’s still a popular place to go. It’s located on the bottom floor of Luna’s Castle Hostel with a large outdoor terrace and a cave-like indoor bar. Relic usually has a good mix of backpackers, foreigners, and locals. It gets extremely crowded on Friday and Saturday so if you want a more chill atmosphere to go on Thursday. Free cover here.
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Relic Bar
Calle 9a EsteThis was one of the first really good bars in Casco to open, and it’s still a popular place to go. It’s located on the bottom floor of Luna’s Castle Hostel with a large outdoor terrace and a cave-like indoor bar. Relic usually has a good mix of backpackers, foreigners, and locals. It gets extremely crowded on Friday and Saturday so if you want a more chill atmosphere to go on Thursday. Free cover here.