Casco Viejo Panama, Eats + Arts, A Creative Courtyard With a Story
Galería Solar in Casco Viejo, also known as San Felipe, feels like it was built for human joy. It sits on Calle 2, also called Calle de las Molas, a street tied to Panama’s Guna Indigenous heritage. The building is mid-century, a striking contrast to the colonial facades that surround it. It carries history, but it also carries change. It has always been a symbol of progress.
This building was once the first headquarters of Compañía Inmobiliaria San Felipe, the group that ignited Casco’s restoration movement. Then the Casco School. Those walls have heard ideas that shaped the district. Today, those walls hear music, laughter, and conversations that continue the renewal in a new way.
You arrive and realize immediately that this is not a tourist trap. This is not a commercial invention. It is a community courtyard with roots. It reminds people why they come to Panama for connection, creativity, coastline views, and the feeling that life should be enjoyed slowly.
Some places are built for checklists. This one is built for memories.
Why Visit Galería Solar in Casco Viejo, Panama
You come for the ceviche. You stay for the feeling. You return because of the people. Here, you can:
- Eat unforgettable seafood crafted by a local legend.
- Shop for handcrafted gifts that travel well.
- Let children play safely while adults relax.
- Have a coffee, a craft cider, or a Panamanian beer.
- Lean into culture by participating, not observing.
- Enjoy shade, music, and soft breezes off the Pacific.
- Meet the new generation shaping Casco Viejo’s future.
There is no rush here; Casco Viejo’s energy slows down. You breathe easier. This courtyard reminds people that joy deserves room.
Three Creators. One Shared Purpose. Community.
The heart of Galería Solar lies not in its architecture or business model. It is the people who believe creativity deserves a home.
Daniel was born in Ecuador and studied performing arts and theater in Paris. The world taught him that shared moments transform strangers into a community. He worked in the United States and now moves between Panama and Ecuador, producing festivals, theatrical projects, and DJ-driven gatherings that celebrate music and personal expression. He does not seek the spotlight. He gives it to others. Daniel curates the energy that makes the courtyard feel alive.
David studied environmental law because he wanted to protect what sustains life. He lived in Ecuador, Bali, and the United States, learning firsthand that communities thrive when they listen to one another. His vision for Galería Solar includes a Speaker’s Corner in the garden similar to London’s Hyde Park. A microphone. A little bravery. Real conversation. He wants residents and travelers to meet in a space where ideas are respected, not attacked. In modern life, that feels radical.
Teddy holds a Master’s in finance and has built a career in landscape architecture. He believes nature should support the community rather than compete with it. He is now leading a project that will transform the district: a rooftop restaurant with one table above Galería Solar. Just twelve seats, framed by candlelight and a skyline that melts into the Pacific. The Canal in the distance. An intimate dining experience that feels like it was made just for you right here in Panama.
Three different stories.
A single goal: Casco Viejo deserves joyful places where everyone belongs.This is the future of tourism, creative, connected, human.
Eats – Why You Visit Galería Solar in Casco Viejo, Panama
Capitán Bahía anchors the courtyard the way a true Fonda should. Chef Christian is a household name in Panama’s seafood world, not because of branding, but because of trust. For decades he has served the kind of fresh-from-the-boats cooking that locals crave and travelers remember long after they fly home. Clean flavors. Smart balance. Zero pretense.
This is the exact food Anthony Bourdain championed his entire career dishes born from the sea and the street rather than a marketing department. If Bourdain were still traveling today, he wouldn’t be in a white-tablecloth dining room. He’d be right here, elbow on the counter, tasting ceviche while talking to the fishermen who made the meal possible.
The ceviche is the standard others try to match. The shrimp empanadas create instant loyalty. And when a dish sells out that’s it. That tells you everything about quality and demand. Come for lunch and discover Panama’s Fonda essence — bold, honest, unforgettable. Come for dinner and find a relaxed, neighborhood rhythm under the lights.
For many visitors, this is the first time Panama tastes like Panama. For locals, it tastes like home.
What is a Fonda?
A Fonda is a small, home-style eatery serving honest, comforting food at approachable prices the kind locals trust. No fancy plating, no unnecessary polish. Just real cooking rooted in place, tradition, and pride. In Panama, this is where you taste the country the way residents do.
Refuel and Relax at Galería Solar Casco Viejo
Under the courtyard palms, you’ll find a palapa-style bar that feels like a friendly hideaway from the heat. This is not the spot for power drinking or nightlife bravado it’s the bar for people who want to slow down, sip something cold, and enjoy the moment. Grab a Panamanian craft beer, a crisp local cider, or a proper coffee while you take in the energy of the courtyard. It’s casual, social, and precisely the pause a significant day needs.
Wellness Meets Flavor at Galería Solar Casco Viejo
Just a few steps away is NOVE, its own dedicated shake bar inside Galería Solar. This is where wellness meets indulgence thoughtfully crafted protein smoothies, detox blends, and clean-ingredient drinks designed to fuel explorers. No pretense. No complicated promises. Just delicious hydration with a purpose.
It’s the kind of refreshment that reminds you why Panama feels so alive:
✔ made to order
✔ nourishing and energizing
✔ designed for modern lifestyles
✔ perfect after a coastal walk or mid-afternoon heat
You walk away refreshed not weighed down. And that’s how sightseeing should feel.
Shop Local in Casco Viejo: Arco Soleil + 17 Creatives
(At the Galería Solar market, identity is now evolving with purpose)
This is where Panama’s creativity comes to life. No mass-produced imports. No “Made for Tourists” gimmicks. Every piece comes from a maker who signs their work with pride and every purchase directly supports our local creative economy.
At the center of it all is Valentina a community connector who has spent years working in Casco Viejo. She knows what travelers want to bring home and what locals love to give. Under her guidance, the marketplace brings together some of the district’s most thoughtful designers and artisans all under one roof.
Better yet: pricing ranges for every lifestyle. Stylish pieces under $10–$20 for casual shoppers. Statement jewelry and art for collectors. And yes, an adorable children’s fashion selection that makes parents smile.
KAMM – Ecuadorian chocolates with bold, elevated flavors
FIGUEROA Artista – goldsmithing with precious stones
DIANA DOUGLAS – designer fashion with edge
CASA NUMA – jewelry with personality and heart
ORGANIA Lab – natural skincare rooted in wellness
BRAINWASH CLOTHING – streetwear for creative spirits
VESPACITO – rent a Vespa for the whole Casco adventure
L’ATELIER – contemporary + Guna-inspired couture
ANFRANA – origami-inspired jewelry
PANAMA PAINTERS – lettering + graphic apparel
MÓ JOYAS DE AUTORA – modern handcrafted goldsmithing
COTO – ceramics with art-house charm
LILLIPUT – stylish clothing for kids
LAILAS BLOOM – therapeutic aromatherapy + salts
KAÏA – nacara shell jewelry from the sea
BLUE FELIS LYBICA – pen art on watercolor stock
BAMBUDDHA – sustainable bamboo sunglasses
This is where shopping feels good because what you take home means something. You leave with gifts that tell a story. Gifts that pack easily. Gifts people keep.
A Hidden Gem in Casco Viejo’s Creative Courtyard
Move a little deeper into the space, and you arrive in a walled oasis. Tropical plants and soft seating make it easy to unwind. The soundtrack blends conversation, music, and the breeze. You rarely find this kind of relaxation in a historic district.
This is where you end up staying longer than you planned.
Coming Soon: Rooftop Dining Above Galería Solar Casco Viejo
Upstairs, a new experience is literally being built. Teddy’s rooftop restaurant will seat only twelve guests around a single table. It will feel like a private dinner party in the sky.
Imagine golden hour over the Pacific. The Bridge of the Americas in silhouette. The skyline is sparkling behind candles. Couples will propose here. Leadership teams will bond here. Travelers will mark a once-in-a-lifetime moment here.Meeting planners consider this your Ace in the Hole
Casco Viejo’s Courtyard: Ideal for Families & Groups
✔ Easygoing atmosphere
✔ Safe, enclosed courtyard where children can explore
✔ Great food and creative retail together
✔ Walkable from every major hotel in San Felipe
✔ A relaxed local vibe you can’t fake
• Table tennis
• Dominoes
• Pétanque the French sand-and-lawn game you’ll pick up in minutes
• Space for kids to run imaginative adventures
• Someone on the team is always happy to show you how to play
No screens. No stress. Just laughter, movement, and a gentle reminder that vacation should feel good. Whether you have one hour or an entire afternoon, you’ll make the most of it here.
Fast Facts: Galería Solar Casco Viejo
| Category | Details |
| Location | Calle 2, Calle de las Molas, Casco Viejo, Panama City |
| Atmosphere | Casual, creative, social |
| Pricing | $$ approachable for families and travelers |
| Best arrival time | 1:00 PM–8:00 PM |
| Kid-friendly | Yes, safe courtyard with clear visibility |
| Best experiences | Lunch specials & Dinner, ceviche, art shopping, courtyard games |
| Rooftop restaurant | Coming soon limited seats by reservation |
| Nearby | Sofitel Legend, Plaza de Francia, Bayfront promenade |
| Average visit | One to three hours |
Q&A: Galería Solar Casco Viejo
Yes. Entry is free, and you only pay for what you choose to enjoy — a meal, a drink, a gift, or an event.
Very. It’s just a 15-UBER drive from the City Hotels and a stroll from most Casco Viejo boutique hotels.
Absolutely. The courtyard is enclosed with clear visibility families can relax while children explore and play.
Yes Vespacito scooters are parked right outside the entrance.
Yes, openly unless an artist or shop asks to protect their designs. It’s a beautiful place to capture memories.
Yes with a quick request. A small location fee may apply to support the artists and the property. The team is happy to assist you in arranging the perfect setting.
Yes. The courtyard can host everything from pre-wedding welcome drinks to small business gatherings, birthday celebrations, and traveler groups seeking a local experience. Book ahead to customize food, drinks, or music with the team.
Definitely, it’s ideal for creative corporate experiences casual, low-pressure, full of culture. Think: ceviche + art + conversation instead of another ballroom breakout room.
Yes. Galería Solar regularly collaborates with local creators and welcomes visiting instructors from art and photography to wellness and entrepreneurial meetups.
With notice, yes. The courtyard is set up to host food-focused micro-events ceviche workshops, cocktail showcases, or cultural tasting sessions. This is where learning meets fun.
Not for the courtyard eateries they’re casual. But the upcoming rooftop dining experience will be reservation-only due to the exclusive 12-seat format.
Perfectly. It’s an easy add-on to any Panama City itinerary lunch, photos, and a few gifts before heading to your next adventure.
A Community Hub That Honors Casco Viejo’s Spirit
This space reflects the district’s evolution. Casco Viejo is no longer defined by decline or risk. It is characterized by creativity and human warmth. Galería Solar continues the story started by heritage restoration and now carried forward by young innovators determined to build responsibly.
They believe progress must feel personal.
They believe commerce should strengthen culture.
They believe Casco should welcome everyone.
Final Word From Your Curator
I live here. I walk these streets daily. I see what truly matters.
For seventeen years, I’ve watched Casco Viejo evolve from quiet corners of possibility to a thriving creative district alive with purpose. And now, as we move into a new generation of community and culture, Galería Solar arrives at precisely the right time for Casco. This is how significant neighborhoods progress: not by forgetting their roots, but by building on them.
This courtyard proves that history and modern life can strengthen each other. The three founders Daniel, David, and Teddy have created a place that respects Panama’s past while raising the bar for its future. They bring responsibility, talent, vision, and heart. They welcome locals and travelers alike. They make Casco better without trying to make it something it isn’t.
Galería Solar earned its place on CascoViejo360.com because it adds real value not noise, not gimmicks. It gives visitors a reason to explore beyond the central plazas, and offers residents a reason to feel proud of how far we’ve come.
You arrive as a guest. You leave a little more connected to Panama. – Come for the ceviche – Stay for the art – Return for the people.
Galería Solar Casco Viejo Where heritage and imagination sit at the same table, and joy finally gets the space it deserves.
🌟 Thanks for reading and for caring about the people and creativity that make Casco Viejo so special. If this little courtyard sparked your curiosity, then it’s already done its job.
Whether you’re exploring for a day or returning year after year, places like Galería Solar help you feel connected to our food, to our artists, to our everyday life. If you want to continue discovering more, here are a few helpful links:
- Return to the CascoViejo360.com homepage
- Casco Viejo history — the backdrop to every great walk
- Where to stay nearby
- Sightseeing — easy routes to explore more
If you ever have a question about Casco Viejo or simply want a local perspective I’m always here.
🧭 Out and about with James.
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