Are you ready to get your steps in in Panama City’s Casco Viejo? The historic section of Panama’s capital city has something on every corner worth exploring. And the best part? You don’t need a guide to soak it all in! My self-guided walking tour is a perfect way to see it all (plus, you can move at your own pace). PS: If have more time check out my picks for the Best Things to Do in Panama City.
Oh, and FYI: the entire walk is about 2 km (1 ¼ miles) and takes around 30 minutes without stops. But you’re definitely gonna want to stop, trust me!
Casco Viejo Walking Itinerary
1. I Love Panama Chocolate
First things first: chocolate! You’ve got to kick off your day with a visit to I Love Panama Chocolate. I mean, who can say no to chocolate for breakfast, right? (I’m not judging!) They’ve got these delicious flavors like Chombo chili and salted cashew that are to die for. Plus, if you’re a total sucker for dark chocolate like me, you’ll be in heaven. And here’s a little tip: they offer free samples! So, you can get a taste before you commit to your favorite flavor.
2. La Calle De los Sombreros
Now that you’ve got your sweet fix, stroll on over to La Calle De los Sombreros (hat street). This might just be the prettiest street in Casco Viejo! Imagine hundreds of colorful Panama hats hanging between buildings, creating a canopy that’s just begging for an Instagram pic. Seriously, it’s like walking under a sky of hats—so don’t forget to snap a shot or two!
3. France Square
Next up, make your way to France Square (Plaza de Francia). This spot is packed with history and a perfect place to take a breather while soaking in some fascinating stories. The square is dedicated to the French role in the Panama Canal’s early days, honoring their brave—though not entirely successful—attempt to create the canal. You’ll find beautiful monuments here, including a towering obelisk and plaques that detail the French contribution. But the real star? The iconic rooster statue—it’s a quirky nod to France’s national symbol.
4. Colorful Mural
When you leave France Square, take a little detour! Walk up the stairs to the right, and just before you pass through the bougainvillea-covered walkway, look to your left. There’s a hidden mural there that’s full of vibrant colors! I almost missed it myself, but it’s totally worth the extra step.
>> Hungry? see my Picks of the Best Restaurants in Panama City.
5. Paseo de Las Bovedas
Speaking of bougainvillea, your next stop is the beautiful Paseo de Las Bovedas. This stunning arched walkway is lined with flowers creating a beautiful, shaded passage that feels almost magical. As you walk through you’ll be greeted by local vendors selling all kinds of handmade crafts and souvenirs. I picked up a cute little something to remember my trip (because, why not?).
6. El Boquete
Time for a quick breather! Stop by El Boquete for one of the best views of Panama City’s skyline. It’s a short break, but the view is totally worth it—plus, it’s a great chance to catch your breath and take in the stunning contrast between the old and new city.
7. Parish of San Felipe de Neri
Next, head over to the Parish of San Felipe de Neri. The church is beautiful, with its classic colonial architecture, but what really blew me away was the hidden treasure inside. Behind a large wooden door at the back, you’ll find a giant, elaborate Nativity scene. It was created to honor Panama’s deep-rooted Christian traditions and as a way to bring the story of Christmas to life year-round. The intricate details, from the tiny figures to the beautifully crafted setting, make it feel like you’ve stumbled upon a mini world frozen in time.
8. Independence Square
Continue your walk and you’ll find yourself at Independence Square, where Panama declared its independence from Colombia back in 1903. There’s just something about being in a place so rich in history—it’s a great spot to pause and reflect on what it all means.
9. Cathedral of Santa Maria
Towering over Independence Square is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the grand dame of Casco Viejo. It’s seen everything from fires to independence celebrations, and it’s just dripping with history.
10. Panama Canal Museum
Next upon your self-guided tour is Panama Canal Museum (Museo del Canal). I was absolutely fascinated by the history of the canal—like, how did they even build that thing?! You’ll learn all about the engineering feats and personal stories behind its construction. It’s a bit of a deep dive, but worth every second.
11. Museo de la Mola
Before you wrap up your history tour, take a quick detour to the Museo de la Mola (MuMo). It’s free to enter and gives you a glimpse into the world of the Mola, which is a vibrant, hand-stitched textile that’s central to the Guna women’s traditional clothing. The intricate designs blew me away, and it’s a lovely way to experience a bit of local culture.
12. Pedro Mandinga
Finally, what better way to end your walking tour on a high note than with a drink? And Panama’s original artisanal rum bar is just the perfect spot to be: Pedro Mandinga. Whether you’re a rum lover or just in the mood for a good cocktail, this place is a must. I personally fell in love with their Mandingo Mule! So, sit back, sip, and toast to a day well spent.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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Thank you!! We followed your guide today and had a wonderful experience of Casco Viejo! Thank you!
I am so happy to hear that you had a great time! It’s a fun city.
Well-written and insightful! I appreciate the depth of information and the effort put into this post. It’s a great resource.
Thank you so much! I’m really glad you found the post insightful and useful. It means a lot to know the effort resonates with you!