Panama City bursts with a cosmopolitan and modern atmosphre. Skyscrapers set the pace of this busy Central American city. But, if as I do, you are looking for the historical past of Panama City, then you should lead your steps to Casco Viejo… or Casco Antiguo, or San Felipe, as the locals call it.

Casco Viejo takes you back 300 years in history and life slows its pace. You can dine out and enjoy a “bollo”, smell the sweet fresh “mollas” and walk along  the red-bricked streets.

The French and Spanish influence on the area is evident everywhere in the achitectural styles of its buildings and public squares. You can appreciate elegant balconies, wide courtyards as well as important buildings that depict the rich historic past of Panama’s capital.

Amongst the buildings I liked the most are the Municipal Palace, which will soon be turned into a museum related to the Panama Canal, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Another very nice buildings are the National Theatre, Plaza Victoria and Arco Chato.