Casco Viejo, Panama, the colonial-era neighborhood of Panama city that hugs the coastline, is booming these days. What is undoubtedly the biggest tourist draw in the capital (and possibly the country), Casco Viejo, officially named Casco Antiguo, is going through a renaissance of sorts. Refurbished streets, new businesses, and hot properties are a la mode these days in the old city. And people are taking note. The neighborhood is packed with tourists 7-days-a-week, and on the weekends, is the premier urban spot for dining and nightlife in the city. It wasn’t always this way, however. Here’s more on why Casco is booming, and how it is vital to the local tourism economy.
A Neighborhood of Contrasts
Part of what makes Casco Viejo unique is the diversity of the people, architecture, and art in the area. It is one of the few areas of the city where artisan crafts are sold on the street, most of which are in an open-air market near the ocean. This is contrasted with a number of high-end boutique craft stores, as well as clothing shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels. In fact, on a typical stroll through Casco, you are likely to find art, live music, and the best of local and international cuisine, all on the same block. You are also likely to run into just as many locals as tourists, as the neighborhood home to some of Panama City’s longest-standing residents.
Casco is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is protected from gaudy over-development, which helps it maintain its colonial charm. The architecture is a mix of classic Spanish designs, adjusted to fit the Caribbean-esque atmosphere. Think Havana, or the old section of Cartagena. Though some of these buildings have fallen into disrepair over time, much has been done to refurbish them, and there are strict zoning laws, which force new developers to build to the highest standards of safety and aesthetics. In the past 3 years, the city government itself made major investments into re-doing the cobblestone streets, building new sidewalks, and opening up pedestrian areas to make them more accessible.
An Economic Force to be Reckoned With
Because of the recent abundance of high-end hotels, bars, and restaurants, Casco Viejo’s economy has been booming as of late. In a recent article from PanamaAmerica.com, they estimate that a typical weekend night can generate close to a quarter of a million dollars in revenue amongst local businesses. They also claim that a top bar or restaurant can make as much as $25,000 of that alone. Because of this, many of the region, and the city’s top chefs and hoteliers are opening shop in the old city.
The economic boom is also creating jobs, which are sorely needed in the area, as Casco Viejo borders some of the city’s most impoverished neighborhoods. And that’s not the only way local businesses are giving back to the community. Neighborhood organizations like Fundacion Calicanto use private donations and volunteers to help keep the cultural integrity of Casco in tact, as well as offer poorer residents vital resources like education, and basic social services. This organization, and others like it, receive lots of support from local businesses, many of whom are, in a way, considered welcomed guests in this historic part of town.
Whether you’re relocating to Panama, entertaining visitors, or visiting yourself, Casco Viejo is a must-see. It is truly a sight to witness such a historic neighborhood go through such positive, and rapid change. Whether you’re there to dine, shop, or just walk the cobblestone streets, you will not be disappointed.
