Old Town, Panama

Hello my dear travelers!! Today I want to share a new post from my beautiful Panama City. Many of you have asked me if I’m actually based somewhere and the answers is Yes, my base is in this beautiful country.

Today I want to talk about one of most prized jewels from Panama known as Casco Antiguo, Casco Viejo also called by foreigners “The Old Town”. This was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1997. Old Town it is like a small labyrinth of narrow streets full of buildings (which are not more than 5 floors) that served as homes, cathedrals and churches and were even governmental buildings for centuries. Today here is where the presidential palace is located so if you guys see a lot of police men don’t get surprise.

Many of these buildings or properties have been restored and most of them are house museums, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, hostels, quaint shops and luxury residences. Our beloved Old Town today is one of the most “trendys” areas in the city. This area is were we all come to enjoy a delicious restaurant, a great wine, shake our bodies or as any Panamanian will say “hechar los cuentos” (catch up with your friends)

As is a very famous place during the nigh so it is during the day because it is surrounded by beautiful colonial architectures that can easily tell you their story by just looking at them. My recommendation to really explore this beautiful jewel of Panama and enjoy the authentic heritage of humanity is staying at The American Trade Hotel.

The American Trade Hotel is located in the heart of Old Town, a short distance from the lively shopping district which makes it a natural meeting place for influential, creative and cultures from people around the world people. This was built in 1917 as a department store and apartments on the upper floors, the building was designed by Leonardo Villanueva Meyer, the most prominent architect of the twentieth century in Panama City. Within walking distance of many historic buildings, fine restaurants, art galleries, museums and concert halls, The American Trade Hotel is about 26 kilometers from Tocumen International Airport, a few steps from the boardwalk and is easily accessible for ecological tours , visits to nearby islands and adventure.

In 2000, the American Trade building was abandoned and had been occupied by a street gang that preyed on his great height that dominated the area to control a wide swath of the neighborhood. Despite the graffiti and vandalism, the most important architectural details of the building were still intact when it was bought in 2007 by the Conservatory in conjunction with the Ace Hotel Group.

It was the first luxury hotel with all the services that exist in the Old Town, the American Trade Hotel is located in a central location and at the same time is imbued with urban heritage and local culture, making it the perfect base of departure for exploring all that Panama has to offer.

Today the American Trade Hotel offers luxury anchored in history. The ornate neo-classical facade of the main building was designed by architect Leonardo Villanueva Mayer, known for founding the style “Bellavistino” many of whose elements are visible in the American Trade.

Guest rooms evoke tropical colonial roots of the city with the warmth and character that are only found in historic properties. All rooms have lying high and fascinating views of the streets and churches of Casco Viejo or entering the Panama Canal. I must be honest every corner of this hotel was so charming and beautiful. It was decorated and designed to the perfection. Certainly the terrace is one of my favorite areas. I would recommend taking breakfast in this beautiful terrace. Another of my favorite places is the cafe called Cafe Unido that actually is connected to the hotel and is a great place to work and keep you inspired.

If you’re a fan of Jazz then this is the perfect place as the hotel on the ground floor has a very famous jazz club by Panamanian pianist Danilo Perez Grammy winner.

The hotel food is made by the Chef Clara Icaza with a culinary philosophy formed in the great kitchens of Northern California and the city of New York. One of my favorite meals was definitely the burger with crispy potatoes and the Sunday brunch. During my stay they served a Mexican brunch as you can see in my photos which were delicious. Let me say that I’ve been to Mexico before and certainly this brunch transfer my palate to authentic Mexican food. It was supper yummy!

Once you make it to this beautiful Ace Hotel my reccomendations to really explore “Old Town” are:

What to do during the day? Make sure to wear something light Panama weathers is not easy and you probably you will not take it. (Trust me guys I know what I’m saying) Make sure to wear light clothing like some cute shorts and top or a light weight dress with light colors. Also make sure to bring a bottle of water, your sun glasses and of course your camera! Duh!

Paletas America: the best popsicles of Old Town. Enjoying a delicious and delightful Popsicle as you lose yourself in the colonial streets of this beautiful neighborhood is not bad!

Go to Las Bovedas: The vaults of Old Town is a very nice place in shape of a tunnel that takes you to one of the best views of the city. In this place you can find many crafts made by the Kunas (our precious Panamanian Indians). His famous and colorful “Molas” is one of the most sought fabric arts. I would recommend not go to Panama without buying one.

As you see a walk through the vaults I recommend visiting the Cultural Center of Spain where you will find an art gallery and also at the top of the building there is a nice restaurant spot to eat something small with a coffee and enjoy the view.

At the end of the Vaults it will take you to the Plaza de Francia where is a good spot to see the beautiful sunsets of Panama.

El Palacio de las Garzas or known also the Presidential House is a very nice architecture building that totally worth seeing.

The Church of San Jose: one of the most beautiful cathedrals in this area both outside and inside and exterior has been maintained for many years. It is famous for its baroque altar made of mahogany and gold.

Diablo Rosso: is one of the local boutiques in Panama supporting new talent of artists. You will find very funny-cool and cute things.

Plaza Herrera: This is on the back of the American Trade Hotel and is a nice park where you can sit and enjoy around.

Plaza Bolivar is one of the tourist spots in this area surrounded by restaurants and in front is one of the most beautiful churches called Church of San Francisco.

Church of San Francisco definitely my favorite though was renewed in its entirety this still has its structure since it was designed in 1918.

The National Theatre without doubt one of the most beautiful theaters I’ve seen inside.

Panama Canal Museum: You cannot leave Old Town without visiting this place. So much history about our Panama canal worth seeing and know.

Where to eat? This is certainly one of the most difficult recommendations because I love to eat and this area is full of many very good restaurants but certainly these are my favorites:

Donde Jose: this restaurant chef he actually study with me jajaj believe it or not. Is one of the things that happen when you live in such a small country. But this restaurant is the best to really try the authentic Panamanian flavours. The tasting menu is exquisite.

Ocho y Medio: is another of my favorite restaurant since it not only has a fine dining atmosphere is ideal for a great diner and “hechar cuentos” with your friends. This has a beautiful terrace ideal to sip drinks. My favorite dishes are the Sirachi Bowl, the Fish tacos, Ramen Duck, Beet ravioli and the Chocolate coulant (I swear that’s not all the menu there are more haha)

Caliope: international fusion food with an excellent atmosphere and cuisine. My favorite dishes here are la Alquimia, Cedula 3, Desde la Raíz y de postre La Esfera.

Las Clementinas: This really is a hotel that has a very rich bistro with a charming terrace. My favorite dishes are the dumplings, Curry Mussels with coconut and Alexander salad.

Madrigal: another one of my favorite and with an excellent degustation menu.

The Fish Market: not very fancy but authentic place to visit and eat rich Panamanian style fish. You can only pay cash and Fish tacos are delicious as well for the grilled fish.

Puerta de Tierra: The outside terrace is better which is located in Plaza Herrera. Among my favorite dishes are the Tuna tartare, the Banana Hot Dog banana and Portobelo Mushroom Risotto.

Where to hang? I recommend making a bar hoping of these places. The good thing about all this is that Old Town is relatively small and everything is very close. If your want to do bar hoping then you must use comfortable shoes to hold all night and also ones you can definitely walk on cobblestone streets:

Tantalo: certainly one of the best views of the city from its rooftop. It is a hotel / restaurant but definitely a good place to go dancing, have fun and drink.

Casca Casco: This is a building with 3 different restaurants and one terrace on top with a good atmosphere and with a beautiful view.

La Azotea: Also known as Hotel Casa Panama. This has a rooftop bar and restaurant with a very nice pool. Excellent atmosphere to have a great- quiet time with your friends.

La Rana Dorada : If you like beer this place will be your paradise. You can find the best craft beers brewed locally.

Jeronimo: It is an art gallery with a bar and one of my favorite places. Much of the art exhibited here are new artists with an impressive talent.

Pedro Mandinga: If you like rum you have to visit this place as they have the best artisan rums.

La Septima Central: is a restaurant that becomes a nightclub. My recommendation is to dine there and stay until the nightclub hour comes. Or you can also dine somewhere else and come after. The problem is that it gets very crowded but definitely a place to dance and have fun.

Casa Jaguar: restaurant, bar and nightclub with a very cheerful atmosphere. Another place worth going!

Teatro Amador: one of the most beautiful inside and out as nightclubs I have seen. Many years ago this place was the theater where surely many Panamanians in that time came. Today is a famous nightclub and definitely if you are looking for a place for a hard and intense party this is the place with excellent electronic music and djs. The few times I always come is in the end or late. So if you get to do the bar hoping save this one for the last.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Have a nice week!