Living in Casco Viejo, Panama: Charm, Community & Colonial Cool

So… What’s It Like to Actually Live in Casco Viejo?

Imagine stepping out of your front door onto a cobblestone street framed by crumbling-yet-restored 17th-century facades, hearing a mix of Spanish, English, and jazz in the air, and knowing your local barista by name. That’s daily life in Casco Viejo.

It’s Panama City’s oldest neighborhood—but also its trendiest. A place where colonial meets contemporary, and life unfolds in plazas, patios, and rooftop hangouts.

✨ The Vibe: Culture, Color, and Community

Casco Viejo isn’t a sterile, tourist-only district. It’s alive.

You’ll find:

• Artists painting murals on side streets

• Local grandmothers chatting on balconies

• Expats working remotely from boho cafés

• Boutique hotels next to craft beer bars

• Community yoga on the rooftops

There’s a strong sense of community—you’ll start to recognize faces fast. It’s tight-knit but welcoming, with a growing population of locals, expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs all sharing the same 12-block radius.

🧭 Where Exactly Is Casco Viejo?

Casco Viejo (also called Casco Antiguo or San Felipe) is a peninsula on the southwest tip of Panama City. It juts into the Pacific and offers:

• Epic skyline views

• Ocean breezes

• Walkability that’s rare in Central America

You can easily walk from one end to the other in about 15 minutes, passing historic churches, vibrant plazas, and lively restaurants on the way.

💸 Cost of Living in Casco Viejo

Casco isn’t the cheapest part of Panama City—but you're paying for location, lifestyle, and architecture you can’t get anywhere else.

Estimated Monthly Costs for One Person:

• Rent (studio/1BR): $1,200–$2,000+

• Utilities & Wi-Fi: $100–$150

• Groceries: $250–$400

• Dining & Entertainment: $300–$600

• Total: Around $2,000–$3,000/month

💡 Pro Tip: You can find deals on long-term rentals in older buildings or rent a room in shared colonial homes if you’re budget-conscious.

Housing: Live Inside a Living Museum

Living in Casco is like being inside a beautifully curated exhibit—except it’s real life.

What You’ll Find:

• Restored colonial apartments with exposed beams and tiled floors

• Lofts in repurposed convents or schools

• Elegant rooftop terraces with skyline and sea views

• Ground-level flats tucked into quiet alleys

Whether you're renting or buying, properties here blend historic architecture with modern flair—think: original doors, but with smart lighting and rainfall showers.

Stay tuned and be ready for part 2 about Casco viejo. We will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions! 

See our LISTINGS in Casco Viejo HERE.