Arts, Fashion & Gifts

Casco Viejo is more than Panama’s historic quarter it’s a living canvas of creativity and culture. Around every corner, you’ll now find not only art and gifts but also fashion from Panama’s up-and-coming designers talents who are making their mark on the runway both here in Panama and abroad. These boutiques and ateliers bring a contemporary edge to Where to shop in Casco Viejo, blending global trends with Panamanian heritage.

Super Gourmet

Tucked into Casco with quiet confidence, Super Gourmet serves some of the finest artisan coffees in the city. Sourced from Panama’s highlands and brewed with care, every cup is a local love letter. Pair it with gourmet bites, pantry finds, and friendly faces—this spot is a daily ritual.

Display of accessories and menswear at Martín Pescador boutique in Casco Viejo

Martín Pescador

A go-to for refined resort menswear and thoughtful gifts, Martín Pescador adds depth to the arts and gifts Casco Viejo scene. Expect woven belts, crisp linen shirts, and laid-back sophistication. Great for treating yourself or finding something for someone special.

Art, Fashion & Gifts in Casco Viejo

Alongside the fashion houses, Casco’s streets are dotted with shops that specialize in art and gifts made in Panama. If you’re wondering where to shop in Casco Viejo, think hand-carved wood, woven textiles, fine ceramics, and jewelry crafted from indigenous techniques. These are pieces that fit easily into your suitcase yet carry the weight of a story—perfect mementos or meaningful gifts to bring home.

I’ve walked these cobblestone streets for years, and some of these stores have become personal favorites places where passion meets tradition, and where local talent shines on a global stage. Whether you’re looking for a runway-inspired fashion piece, trying to discover where to shop in Casco Viejo for a one-of-a-kind artwork, or something beautifully Panamanian that travels well, these are the top places in Casco Viejo for art, fashion, and gifts.

Fast Facts:

  • Runway Ready: Panama’s rising designers showcase their work in Casco boutiques — with looks seen at Fashion Week and abroad.
  • Made by Hand: Mola textiles, carved cocobolo wood, fine ceramics, and jewelry crafted with indigenous techniques.
  • Traveler Friendly: Many pieces are suitcase-ready — jewelry, textiles, hats, and small ceramics. Knowing where to shop in Casco Viejo can help you find these easily.
  • Ship It From Casco: Bought something too big to carry? Mailboxes Etc. is located right in Casco Viejo and can ship your treasures safely home.
  • Global Meets Local: Couture boutiques sit next to artisan shops — a mix of modern fashion and heritage craft.
  • A Living Gallery: Murals, ateliers, and galleries spill into the streets, making Casco a neighborhood of creativity. Finding where to shop in Casco Viejo can help you experience this vibrant culture fully.
  • Best Time to Browse: Late morning through sunset, when shops are open and plazas are alive.

Q&A: Where to shop in Casco Viejo – Art, Fashion & Gifts

Q: What makes shopping for fashion in Casco Viejo special?

A: Casco is where Panama’s new wave of designers show their collections — the same ones seen on runways in Panama City and abroad. Shopping here means stepping into the future of Panamanian fashion before the rest of the world catches on.

Q: Can I find authentic Panamanian gifts in Casco Viejo?

A: Yes. Casco’s shops carry everything from mola textiles to hand-carved wood, ceramics, and jewelry. These items are suitcase-friendly, affordable, and rooted in Panama’s cultural traditions.

Q: What if I buy something too large to pack?

A: Easy. Mailboxes Etc. has a location inside Casco Viejo, so you can ship art, fashion, or gifts directly home without worrying about luggage limits.

Q: Are Casco boutiques international quality?

A: Absolutely. Designers here show at Panama Fashion Week and are recognized internationally. Their boutiques mix global sophistication with Panamanian creativity — making Casco a serious destination for style lovers.

Q: Why combine art, fashion, and gifts together?

A: Because in Casco, they naturally overlap. A boutique may sell runway pieces next door to a gallery with indigenous jewelry, or a ceramic studio may also stock modern textiles. The mix is what makes Casco special — it’s not one scene, it’s all of them.

Casco Viejo History

Get the backstory that makes every street, façade, and courtyard in San Felipe land differently when you walk it in real time.

Read History

Best Hotels in Casco Viejo

From quiet boutique stays to polished heritage hotels, these are the properties I trust for location, service, and the full Casco experience.

View Hotels

Sightseeing in Casco Viejo

Simple routes, iconic stops, and easy pacing—so you can see the best of Casco without over-planning or wasting steps.

Explore Routes