A journey dreamed of 13 years ago, since the financial inclusion forum in Brasília. When in one of the forums I met some Panamanian sociologists. In 2015 I started the project... Let's make a difference!!!

Charming old town in Panama with views to the sea. Lots of shops, restaurants and bars provide something for everyone. The plazas and the churches are well kept and picturesque. We visited the area and wandered around a couple of times at different hours of the day and enjoyed the ambiance. Visit a roof top to look over the red roofs to the sea. Don't miss a wander down the street that is festooned with hundreds of colorful hats. The plaza near the French quarter has trees that are home to many songbirds. Quite lovely to sit and listen.

This is the old colonial center. Very nice to walk through, visit churches and sit on a terrace. I liked it, but it can't match Cartagena, for example, which is a lot more beautiful. But if you are in Panama City, you should definitely go to Casco Viejo.

Love it, the city offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a plethora of options for entertainment. Additionally, there are numerous excellent restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes. One of the highlights for my kids is indulging in shave ice cones, a delightful treat that they enjoy getting from the friendly vendors who line the streets.

The old center of Panama located on a peninsula. Not that big, but worth it. Not all buildings have been restored yet, but what has already been done is very beautiful. Beautiful buildings, houses with balconies and facades full of flowers, and some very beautiful churches. Cozy bars, shops and restaurants and some cool roof terraces. Very pleasant to walk through

This is the second building because the first was badly damaged by an earthquake at the end of the 19th century and it was preferred to build a new one. This one dates back to 1910. I was able to visit it inside but I don't know how I lost the photos. It is located in Independence Square.

You have to enjoy Casco Viejo slowly, then you'll love it! Numerous rooftop bars with unique views of the causeway and skyline, very nice hotels that combine the old days with modern luxury (La Compania, Hotel Central, Sofitel) and, thanks to the presidential palace, safe streets with cafes and small boutiques (and of course the usual tourist shops...). Highly recommended: Restaurant Santa Rita!! You have a beautiful view of Casco Viejo, the skyline and the Panama Canal from Anchor Hill. You can even walk to Balboa Ave, and the rest by UBER!

Alex was a Great guide through the streets of the Old City! He knew SO much history and answered any questions we asked. It was a hot day but he kept us moving and we stopped for ice cream or shave ice!

As a (memorable) feature of our year-long celebration marking 40 years of marriage, Laurie and I spent seven glorious days at Casa Cayuco (Bocas del Toro - separately reviewed). Our final three days were passed in Panama City (Casco Viejo). Our accomodation was in the historic Central Hotel, facing Independence Square and within steps of the Museo del Canal (with its extensive exhibition covering the French and American eras of canal construction). There's lots of cute, narrow streets to explore, swank cocktail bars atop buildings, good eating venues, venerable churches, and views toward the Pacific mouth of the canal with ships in line, standing off shore, awaiting their passage through the isthmus. Looking north from Casco Viejo, over the bay, is another world: a great confluence of modern high rise buildings, a big bow toward Panama's more recent commercial/financial wealth; a striking contrast with the older French and Spanish style buildings that at one time constituted the entirety of Panama City.

The old town is a great place to visit. It has a large number of churches and colonial buildings, beautiful squares and streets, many places to shop. It is a must-see in the city. Tips: -The old town is relatively safe, but the streets around it are a little more dangerous, so it is good to be careful how you get to the old town.