Las Bóvedas (literally "the vaults") are the colonial-era stone vaults built into the southern seawall of Casco Viejo by the Spanish in the late 1600s. Originally military storerooms and dungeons, they've been restored over the centuries and are now home to small shops, art galleries, and a French restaurant. Above them runs the Paseo Esteban Huertas, a bougainvillea-draped promenade along the top of the old ramparts — arguably the best free view in Panama City.
From the promenade, you look out over the Bay of Panama, with the modern downtown skyline rising in the distance and the Bridge of the Americas to your right. It's the postcard view of Panama City: colonial in the foreground, Manhattan-style skyline across the water. Sunset is the most popular time, but morning light is excellent for photos too.
Plaza de Francia
The promenade leads to Plaza de Francia (French Plaza), at the very southern tip of Casco Viejo. The plaza honors the French canal effort of the 1880s — an obelisk and bronze plaques commemorate the engineers and workers who attempted (and ultimately failed) to build the canal under Ferdinand de Lesseps. The French effort cost an estimated 22,000 lives, mostly from yellow fever and malaria, before the company collapsed financially.
The plaza is also home to the National Theater (Teatro Nacional) nearby and was historically the site of Panama's Supreme Court. It's a peaceful, breezy spot with great photo angles back toward the Casco Viejo skyline.
What to See & Do
- Skyline photos — The Paseo Esteban Huertas is the best vantage point in the city
- French canal monuments — Obelisk and plaques in Plaza de Francia
- Artisan shops — Mola textiles (Guna indigenous art), Panama hats, jewelry
- Ramparts walk — Stroll the colonial-era seawall
- Sunset viewing — Wildly popular, get there 30 minutes early on weekends
Practical Info
- Location: Southern tip of Casco Viejo (~10 min walk from Plaza de la Independencia)
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes for the promenade and plaza
- Cost: Free
- Best time: Late afternoon into sunset for the views
- Wear: Comfortable walking shoes; the promenade has steps
Kosher Stops Nearby
After watching the sunset, walk back into Casco Viejo for dinner. All three of the quarter's certified kosher spots are within 5–10 minutes:
- Lula — Israeli steakhouse, perfect for dinner after sunset
- Granclement — Kosher ice cream for dessert
- Museo Casa Coronel — Chocolate museum (better as an afternoon visit)
End Your Casco Viejo Day Here
The classic Casco Viejo afternoon: Canal Museum → Plaza Bolívar → sunset on the Paseo Esteban Huertas → dinner at Lula. See the full Casco Viejo guide.
More Casco Viejo Landmarks
- Plaza de la Independencia — The main square; where Panama declared independence in 1903
- Panama Canal Museum — The canal's full story in a restored 1875 building on the main plaza
- Plaza Bolívar — Site of the 1826 Congress of Panama and Bolívar's vision for a united Latin America
- Full Casco Viejo Guide — Walking-tour overview, kosher stops, and practical info