Gelato & Cheesecake
Where to Find the Best Casco Viejo Ice Cream & Desserts is serious business—and there are exactly three places you need to know. In Casco Viejo’s historic San Felipe quarter, dessert isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an art form.
La Vasquita serves the city’s most irresistible San Sebastián–style cheesecake: creamy, caramelized, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you pause and smile. Then there are the gelato cafés—Gelato & Co. and Benissimo—each one handcrafting small-batch Italian gelato that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Think pistachio, dark chocolate, and fruit sorbets that taste like summer.
Together, these three spots set the bar for sweets in Casco Viejo. If you love dessert, this is your trifecta: cheesecake that could be on a postcard, gelato worth the walk, and a perfect excuse to linger in Panama’s most enchanting historic district.
If you’re new to Casco Viejo, explore our full Guide to Casco’s Historic Streets to see how dessert fits into the rhythm of daily life here.
→ Read more about La Vasquita’s story and Spanish roots on our blog.
→ For gelato lovers, don’t miss Casco’s Best Ice Cream Shops — a deeper dive into Panama’s sweetest traditions.
Q&A: Best Casco Viejo Ice Cream
Facts: Best Casco Viejo Ice Cream
Sweet Strolls Through Casco Viejo’s Historic Streets and find the Best Casco Viejo Ice Cream
Casco Viejo is meant to be experienced slowly, with something delicious in hand. After you’ve had your cheesecake at La Vasquita or chosen your favorite flavor at Gelato & Co, take a moment to wander the narrow streets. The plazas are full of flowers, the bells of San Francisco ring nearby, and every corner feels like a postcard.
Benissimo & The Seawall View
Benissimo makes the perfect stop if you want to sit down, grab a sandwich, or enjoy your gelato inside before heading to the seawall. From there, watch ships pass toward the Panama Canal. You can also admire the Bridge of the Americas in the distance. For those seeking some of the best Casco Viejo ice cream and desserts, this is a must-visit spot for experiencing these delightful treats in the area.
Desserts That Define a Neighborhood
Desserts in Casco aren’t just about satisfying a craving — they are part of the neighborhood’s rhythm. Families gather on benches, tour groups pass by, and musicians play. You sit with your sweet treat. This is what makes Casco magical. It’s not just about what you eat — it’s about where you are when you eat it. Indeed, when indulging in desserts, and especially the best Casco Viejo ice cream, you realize this true essence.
Your Sweetest Walk Through Casco Viejo
So grab a spoon, a cone, or a slice, and let Casco Viejo show you its sweeter side. For the best Casco Viejo ice cream experience, make sure you try all the unique flavors available. When you’ve finished, wander toward your next discovery. This could be a rooftop bar at sunset, a hidden restaurant, or a quiet plaza that feels like your own. Don’t miss out on the wonderful desserts that Casco Viejo has to offer—this experience of best Casco Viejo ice cream and desserts can elevate your exploration.
Planning your afternoon walk? Pair it with one of the routes from our Casco Viejo Sightseeing Blog — gelato in hand, of course.
Museum of the Mola
A vibrant museum dedicated to Guna culture, where the meaning behind each stitch tells a story of identity and heritage.
Visit MuseumArts & Culture
From street murals to studio exhibits, Casco’s art scene is alive with talent and passion rooted in history and place.
Explore ArtsEvents in Casco
Stay in the loop with local events—gallery openings, live music, artisan fairs, and street festivals that bring Casco to life.
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