Nightlife in Historic Casco Viejo

While Casco Viejo holds a much quieter vibe than the metro area, its night scene caters to party seekers of all types.  You may not find the vibrant clubs that exist downtown, but those looking for a more casual environment will enjoy a prominent social scene.  Bars and pocket clubs seem to lie on every corner.  Below are two of our favorites -  but a small fraction of Casco Viejo’s diverse night offerings.

Bar at Luna’s Castle

Regarded as ‘one of the premiere hostels in Central and South America’ by tourism officials in Panama City, Luna’s Castle draws high appeal for both its accommodations and its ‘underground’ bar.  Walk through the gate and down the stairs to find backpackers and young locals alike mingling about the outdoor patio, where chefs cook up appetizing snacks and serve drinks from the cantina through the night.  The main bar stretches across the end of an indoor hallway, where loud American R&B livens the mood.  A small stage allows local artists to play live tunes, but in this case a visual artist had set up shop to paint oil on canvas amidst the party—quite the spectacle and conversation piece.  Well-mixed drinks, fair prices, and a personable crowd make for a great place to meet new people and start the night off right.

Salsa Dancing at Habana Panama

Situated right on the bay and easily recognizable with its bright letters, Habana Panama is where locals go for live music and true salsa dancing.  Groups of all sizes lounge in plush booths on the lower level, listening to the 15-piece band’s festive beats.  Upstairs are long tables that overlook the large dance floor.  The party starts around 11:30 p.m., when the club’s performance team takes the floor and impresses with spectacular rhythm.  The crowd follows from there, with dancers of all ages and skill ­levels moving to the music.  A bar on each level makes strong drinks to electrify the night.  And to make sure everyone has a good time, the performers, both men and women, invite guests to dance with them, teaching everything from the basic steps to advanced spins.

Groups dress up, but this outing is quite casual compared to your spiffy nightclub in the States.  Spontaneous conga lines and cheers that spread across the dance floor add to the fun that lasts all night.

TAGS: Culture Food & Drink Island Intern Panama Panama Food & Drink

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