Casco Viejo When the Colonial Walls Glow

Casco Viejo When the Colonial Walls Glow

Casco Viejo is Panama City's UNESCO colonial quarter -- 17th-century churches and mansions being restored building by building. Plaza de la Independencia is the anchor where Panama declared independence from Colombia in 1903. Donde Jose on Calle 11 is the tasting-menu restaurant that put Casco on the culinary map.

Insider tip: Walk Casco at dusk when the restoration work stops, fairy lights come on, and the plazas fill with music.