Panama City: Budget Travel Guide, Panama City, Panama

Panama City is a playground for international businessmen, it’s situated along the ocean waterfront giving it a distinctly Miami-like feel. Once the sun goes down, the best views of the financial district can be seen from a rooftop bar in Casco Viejo. Panama City is ranked 27th in the world for the city with the most skyscrapers, just after Miami (26th). Beware that prices in Panama City, especially in Casco Viejo, are inflated for tourists. 

There are two main areas to stay in Panama City, the downtown area which includes the districts of Obarrio, San Francisco and El Cangrejo, and the original Spanish colonial settlement at Casco Viejo. You’ll inevitably end up in Casco Viejo; the picturesque, historic quarter, so I recommend staying here instead of downtown as it’ll save you navigating the subway or catching an Uber. We spent most of our time exploring Casco Viejo and if we needed to, we took an Uber to other attractions outside Casco Viejo.

Casco Viejo (Antiguo or old quarter in English) isn’t actually the oldest part of the city. The Spanish conquistadors originally founded Panama City in Panama Viejo, 10 miles up the coast from Casco Viejo. After an attack by the famous privateer Captain Henry Morgan in 1671 the old city was razed to the ground and moved to the more easily defensible spot where Casco Viejo now stands. Protective walls were built around the town however only a small section remains as the rest was destroyed during building work beginning in the 19th century. Casco Viejo is known for colonial architecture, stunning vistas of financial district skyscrapers, historic churches, glittering national theatre and relaxed plazas. It’s the beating heart of the gastronomic and nightlife scene in the city. If you want to party on the weekend, drink cocktails at a suave rooftop bar, drink geisha coffee in an ultra-modern coffee shop or try ceviche or other delightful seafood offerings in a top restaurant, Casco Viejo is the place to go. There are also many museums in Casco Viejo, although due to the high entry fees and time constraints we didn’t get a chance to visit. Both Casco Viejo and Panama Viejo are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).