Reminiscent of the French Quarter of New Orleans or perhaps Havana, Casco Viejo is the oldest city on the Pacific coast of the Americas. At the mouth of the Panama Canal, just minutes outside Panama City, the city is a true cultural gem.

When the French made their attempt to build the Panama Canal in 1881, Casco Viejo was where they hung their hangout. So Casco Viejo is filled with French balconies and French architecture which overlaps the Spanish architecture. The Caribbean vibe crept in over the years, making this one of the most interesting architectural and cultural sites in the world.For those seeking a unique, romantic lifestyle or who have a passion for historic architecture and renovations, Casco Viejo is the spot. If you like taking coffee on a rustic balcony overlooking the ocean, Casco Viejo is for you.

To walk through Casco Viejo is to stroll through history. Buildings sitting side by side can be over three hundred years apart in age. Amazingly, nothing seems to clash, despite a wide variety of styles and levels of income. Laundry hands over ramshackle railings, iron balconies have geraniums, potted plants and bougainvillea vines.

The buildings that line the wide, brick streets of Casco Viejo, many of which have expansive balconies, reflect Panama's rich architectural styles and diverse cultures. Casco Viejo is the focal point of Panamanian architectural history, with its picturesque buildings, wide streets comprised of red bricks, churches, ruins and museums. It is here, together, where the identity of Panama City and it's people is best illustrated.