Panama Places

Casco Viejo Panama

Casco Viejo Panama, a city over 330 years old, is rich with history, Panamanian culture, and old town charm. Settled in the late 1600s, the city was a refuge for the survivors of Pirate Henry Morgan’s attack on the city of Panama Viejo. Casco Viejo was built as a walled city that could be easily defended from future attacks. After a recent revitalization in the city, it has become one of the biggest tourist attractions, other than the canal, in Panama. Though becoming more modernized, one can still find the old city charm in the streets, restaurants, and shopping that Casco Viejo offers.

After being named a World Heritage site in 2003, investors and builders began revitalizing Casco Viejo Panama, as it had fallen into decay and desolation. Restorations are still underway to bring this beautiful old city into the modern era while still keeping the aura that makes it uniquely Panamanian. With several historical plazas and churches, the original city can still be seen through all of the new revitalization projects going on. Walking tours can be taken to visit these beautiful sites that have been integrated into the modernizing city.

Walking down a street in Casco Viejo Panama, one can browse the shops and come away with items unique to Panama, such as art or accessories created from recycled materials by local artists. There are many unique restaurants dotting the streets as well. From the corn vendors on the street to the patio restaurants serving ceviche, there is no shortage of international or local food choices. A few local hotels and bed and breakfasts offer a quiet restful stay while visiting Casco Viejo. No international hotel chains have yet entered the city, so patrons can receive a unique Panamanian experience in their hotel.

When you think of Panama, you think of beautiful beaches, warm and friendly people and a country rich in history. However, after you have enjoyed its beautiful beaches and visited some of the historic sites, you might be ready to do some shopping. Panama is a great place to shop and have shops to accommodate everyone. You will find an area bursting with shopping adventures. Panama Shopping is not only fun, its prices are affordable. The area offers upscale shopping at fine boutiques, high-end malls and handmade items from the local street vendors.

Via Espana is a popular shopping mall in Panama. The mall offers a wide assortment of clothing and accessories to fit everyone’s taste. If you like designer items, you will find them at Via Espana. You will be amaze to find that the prices are comparable to prices in the United States. Shoppers who prefer not to purchase designer brands will find a great assortment of non-designer labels as well. In addition to great prices, the shopping plaza is centrally located with access to pharmacies and grocery stores near by.

Multi plaza Pacific is another high-end mall that offers a wide selection of items. It sells high-quality merchandise including international brands. The prices tend to be on the expensive side but that is expected when you are buying top of the line items.

 On your Panama Shopping adventure, visit Mulicentro located across from the Radisson hotel, they have a large selection of clothing as well as other items. Arbrook Mall is a hidden gem for bargain shoppers. If you like digging to find a bargain, this is the place for you to shop.

 Finally, look for local handicraft vendors. They usually have unique cultural items. Consider purchasing the Panamanian Mola, it is made by the native Kuna Indian tribe and Mola refers to clothing. The garment is created using backwards applique and embroidery design, all pieces have some form of cultural image. The decorative gourds are quite popular as well and come with detailed intricate design.

Panama Shopping is a worthwhile endeavor; therefore, do not hesitate to partake in the shopping adventure.