Casco Viejo Tours Explore Panama’s Most Storied Streets

Casco General Knowledge Tour

Walk through three plazas, the Cathedral, and Casco’s main churches. Learn the stories, legends, and surprising local secrets that bring this historic district to life—from pirates and presidents to independence heroes and hidden chapel courtyards.

Buildings & Architecture Tour

Explore Casco’s evolution through its iconic structures. This tour dives into great fires, restorations, and the blend of French, Spanish, and Caribbean styles that define the city’s colonial charm and cultural resilience.

Family Fun Tour

A relaxed experience for all ages. Visit the Chocolate and Canal Museums, roam plazas, chase pigeons, and discover Casco’s history in a lighthearted way—with sweet stops and picture-perfect moments. Stick around for fun and end your day at a rooftop bar. This tour offers charm, easy strolling, and memory-making fun for curious minds and playful spirits alike.

View through historic brick archway in Casco Viejo, Panama with cathedral dome in background

The Flat Arch: A Quiet Wonder of Casco Viejo tours

The Flat Arch—called Arco Chato in Spanish—is one of the oldest structures in Casco Viejo. It once formed part of a 17th-century church and has stood for hundreds of years. The arch became famous for staying upright with no support beams. In fact, it helped prove that Panama was not in an earthquake zone. That detail helped bring the Panama Canal here. A short visit offers a glimpse into Panama’s deep and lasting history it is always part of the Casco Viejo tours

Authentic Panama hats handcrafted in Casco Viejo, Panama

Casco Viejo tours & Panama Hats

Step inside local shops to learn the real story behind the Panama hat, discover Kuna-made crafts, and explore artisan goods you won’t find anywhere else.

Iglesia de la Merced in Casco Viejo with colonial stone façade and twin white bell towers

Churches & Historic Landmarks Tour

Wander through centuries of history with a guided walk to Casco’s iconic churches, plazas, and ruins — stories carved in stone, still standing strong.

Colorful colonial building with bright blue doors in Casco Viejo, Panama

Street Art & Hidden Corners

Discover Casco’s modern edge with local street art tucked between historic buildings — including Banksy-style murals near 8th and 9th Street.


Out and About in Panama

A Walk with a View of the Canal

Catch a glimpse of the Bridge of the Americas — a symbol of connection between continents.
View of the Bridge of the Americas from Casco Viejo across the bay with hills in the background
Make for the perfect self-guided walk.
Peaceful, panoramic, and always part of the story make this family fun.

Kuna woman adjusting hand-sewn molas at a colorful artisan street stall in Casco Viejo, Panama
Metal sculpture of a street vendor pushing a cart, displayed on red tile at a cultural plaza in Casco Viejo, Panama.

Grab Uber – Grab Boat Service to Taboga

Sometimes, you just need a little escape — and we get that. One of the easiest and most enjoyable day trips from Casco Viejo is hopping over to Taboga Island. It’s not too far, not too complicated, and it’s great for families or anyone looking to get out on the water for a bit.

You can catch the Taboga Express fast ferry from the Amador Causeway — no need to wake up at the crack of dawn. Ferry scheduling is part of the convenient services available in Casco Viejo. Spend a few relaxing hours on the island, take a stroll, soak in the sun, and be back in Casco by 5 PM. Boats usually return around 4 PM, just in time to jump in an Uber and glide back to your day, thanks to the efficient services in Casco Viejo.

For lunch, check out the iconic Villa Caprichosa Restaurant— a beautifully designed hillside hideaway that feels like a Mediterranean daydream. Just be sure to call ahead for a reservation. Dining here is seamless due to the many services offered in Casco Viejo. Additionally, the range of these services in Casco Viejo ensures that your visit is smooth and enjoyable.

q&a

How many churches and cathedrals can I visit on a Casco Viejo tour?

Casco Viejo is home to five historic churches and one grand cathedral. Each tells a different story, from colonial resilience to spiritual devotion.

Did the Pope really hold Mass in Casco Viejo?

Yes. Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa María la Antigua in 2019, during World Youth Day.

What will I see on a walking tour of Casco Viejo?

Expect cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial plazas, colorful facades, and breathtaking views of the Panama Canal and city skyline.

Are Casco Viejo tours family-friendly?

Absolutely. Families enjoy plazas filled with pigeons, chocolate demos, and rooftop views — history mixed with fun and playfulness.

Why is Casco Viejo considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Because its mix of French, Spanish, and Caribbean architecture reflects centuries of cultural blending and resilience. Walking tours reveal this living history step by step.

Facts:

  • Casco Viejo has five historic churches and one cathedral, all within walking distance.
  • Pope Francis held Mass here in 2019, making the cathedral a site of modern pilgrimage.
  • Tours often include views of the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas, unmatched anywhere else in the world.
  • Casco Viejo’s streets are lined with colonial-era plazas, arches, and restored ruins, perfect for history lovers.
  • Expect surprises: hidden courtyards, street art, and artisan markets make every tour unique.

Where to Stay in Casco Viejo

Discover the best hotels in Casco for recovery—quiet, stylish, and just minutes from Panama’s top clinics and hospitals.

View Hotels

Healthy Dining for Recovery

Explore Casco’s best cafes and restaurants with clean, recovery-friendly menus that nourish without sacrificing flavor.

Explore Dining

Gentle Self-Guided Walks

Take a scenic stroll through Casco Viejo’s historic streets—perfect for movement, recovery, and reconnecting with the beauty around you.

View Tours