Walking tour of the Casco Viejo

Visit the historic core of Panama City to get a glimpse of life pre-canal.

Reminiscent of Old Havana, Panama City's Casco Viejo is a warren of mansion-lined alleys connecting elegant colonial squares and historic buildings. Like Havana, it has had  a face-lift which gives you an idea of what it was like in its glory days. Houses have been painted in bright pastel colours, new cocktail bars and chic restaurants have been opened and there is a clutch of new boutique hotels. Wander along cobbled streets past this melee of restored and picturesquely dilapidated townhouses while music penetrates from open doors. There's a deserted beach area from which you can get some good photos.

Take a step back in time on this walking tour, with commentary from a knowledgeable guide who will help you imagine what the city was like before the Panama Canal opened it up to the world.