Panama City Tours

Panama City is a destination full of contrasts that will surprise you through its gastronomy, architecture and colourful streets. As you enter the city, you can move abruptly from secret passages to modern spaces mined with skyscrapers. To get a taste of the essence of this metropolis I recommend starting with a tour of its highlights such as the Panama Canal, the Calzada de Amador, Miraflores and San Felipe.

If you want to continue exploring Panama City' s best activities I recommend joining a gastronomic tasting, to delight you with flavours, smells and textures. There are also bike tours, sightseeing bus tours and tours aboard a classic 1971 VW Safari. You can even experience a quick getaway from the airport, or fly over the Panama Canal in a helicopter.

The quintessential favourite itinerary for getting to know Panama City is a route that includes a scenic canal tour. This way, you will be able to explore the most important places and get into the Casco Viejo, better known as San Felipe. In this area let yourself be carried away by its cobblestone streets, marvel at the jewels that surround the Plaza de Francia and glide through the passages that lead to the Malecon.

But that's not all, get ready for an atmosphere steeped in history along Calzada de Amador, a road that connects Panama City with its three islands. You'll also see former American military bases from World War I and World War II. Of course, the Miraflores Visitor Centre is a must on the route, where you will learn about the workings of the canal.

The tour allows you to see the locks of the port and watch the boats sailing through the immensity of this engineering feat. Note that you will find group and private options, which usually include transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle. This way, you will enjoy five hours of absolute comfort, where your only concern will be to have a good time. Other outstanding places you can visit are:

• Cathedral Basilica Santa María la Antigua, an architectural jewel that is well worth visiting.
• Arco Chato, the ruins of an ancient church from the 16th century.
• Paseo de las Bóvedas, a historic place where bike rides are very pleasant.
• Goethals Monument, a statue in honour of the chief engineer of the Panama Canal.

Details of interest

• Price: from €62 per person.
• Duration: around five hours.
• Benefits: usually includes hydration, snacks and entrance to the Cathedral Basilica Santa María la Antigua. Generally, this type of experience is free for children under the age of 3.
• Disadvantages: Be aware that the Goethals Monument area is very busy and with massive traffic, so in some cases you will not be able to visit this site. Additionally, these tours are not recommended for travellers with heart conditions or other medical problems.

Panama City offers an engaging panorama, as well as a pleasant climate for cycling. If you want to escape the traffic, get your pedals ready to explore the centre to the rhythm of the tropical breeze. You will be able to glide through the most picturesque streets where street art, the joy of the locals and the colourful buildings will not leave you indifferent.

You will have access to the central squares such as Plaza Simón Bolívar and Plaza Francia. In addition, these are very complete tours where you can experience Panamanian gastronomy, through locations such as the famous Mercado de los Mariscos (Seafood Market). During this historical route you can turn your handlebars towards the Cinta Costera, where you will be surrounded by the sea and enjoy the best views of Panama City.

You won't have to worry about the route, as you will probably enjoy the company of an expert, who will explain the history surrounding the bay, the Panama Canal, the skyscrapers and religious buildings. You will also pass by the Paseo de las Bóvedas and the National Theatre, located next to the old San Francisco de Asís convent. As you stroll through these locations remember to drive in the right lane at all times.

Interesting details

• Price: from €32 per person.
• Duration: between two and three hours.
• Advantages: this is an option designed for small groups, which is usually done with a professional guide.
• Disadvantages: not recommended for pregnant women or travellers with health problems.

Panamanian gastronomy is an explosion of flavours, product of the mixture of cultures. In every dish you will notice the Amerindian, Hispanic, African, Afro-Antillean and American influences. That's why I recommend you to join a tasting tour, where you will discover the secrets of its cuisine through typical recipes and handmade drinks.

It is an authentic tour where you can try the sea bass ceviche and mondongo, or sweet options such as buñuelos and typical raspaos. Without a doubt, it is an educational culinary experience that takes you to the most famous places and shows you the street corners where you can eat delicious food at low cost.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to try Panamanian geisha coffee, one of the most expensive and refined coffees in the world. You will also pass by traditional breweries and venture out for a tasting of chocolates made in Panama. If you want to marinate your palate, you can't miss the Seafood Market and take the opportunity to buy typical spices to take home such as black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, star anise and achiote.

In any case, this type of experience usually offers the company of a professional guide. Also, while you live this experience characterised by exotic flavours, smells and textures, you will be able to get to know the most emblematic places of the Old Town.

Details of interest

• Price: from 61 € per person.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Advantages: ideal for small groups and usually offers food tasting, snacks and alcoholic drinks.
• Disadvantages: the minimum age to participate is 18.

San Felipe or Panama City's Old Town is a historic district that was built in 1673, so it's full of hidden gems that are well worth a visit. While a tour of the city and its canal can introduce you to this ancient suburb, nothing compares to taking your time to listen to the anecdotes that surround the most striking facades, centuries-old churches and colourful houses.

This district will surprise you, as it has maintained its traditional facade and incorporated avant-garde venues that transform the atmosphere at night. So you can stop by the artisan markets and wander through the art district, full of murals and graffiti.

If you plan to stay at least 7 days in Panama, you have to take advantage of the opportunity to get to know the Casco Antiguo in depth. Beyond the curious beauty that characterises it, you will be immersed in the stories that marked Panama City, such as the ghostly legends of the old convent of Santo Domingo. You can even see ruins of old Panama in the construction of the Church of La Merced.

Details of interest

• Price: from 37 € per person.
• Duration: between two and three hours.
• Advantages: you will get to know the hidden alleyways and passages of the Casco Viejo, plus you can ask to be picked up from your hotel.
• Disadvantages: you will have to walk quite a bit, it can be uncomfortable if you are with small children.

The unparalleled quality of Panamanian cocoa is a powerful reason to delve into the local gastronomy. There are tours that guide you through the secrets of chocolate in Panama City, through an interactive experience that allows you to learn about the elaboration process. Additionally, you can make your own chocolate bar and participate in a tasting of different blends based on geisha coffee, sea salt, ginger and other ingredients that melt easily on the palate.

It usually takes place at the famous Nomé Chocolate factory known for its fun and educational activities. You will feel very comfortable as you listen to the history of Panamanian chocolate which dates back to the pre-Columbian period, and was run by ancient tribes who traded the first beans.

As such, the crops are found in the indigenous areas of Bocas del Toro and the Ngabe-Bugle Comarca, but are processed in an artisanal way in locations in Panama City. During the experience you can delve deeper into this history and reward your palate with a variety of chocolates.

Interesting details

• Price: from 28 € per person.
• Duration: at least one hour.
• Advantages: the experience usually includes a making and tasting class, where you can make your own chocolate bar.
• Disadvantages: transfers are not usually included.

Panama City covers a considerable amount of land, so it's a good idea to look for alternatives to ensure your comfort on holiday. The public transport system interconnects very well via The Bay Town Trolley, but if it's your first time in the country and you'd rather avoid a strenuous journey, it's best to take a ride on the tourist bus. The route operates on the famous Hop On Hop Off system, allowing you to hop on and off at signposted stops.

The bus offers fairly useful 24 or 48 hour tickets, as you're taken through each location via audio commentary, creating a first taste of the local stories. Note that they run every 75 minutes and leave from Multicentro, but can be boarded at any point. In addition, it has around 6 points of interest and 13 stops, among which the following stand out:

• Urraca Park.
• Albrook Shopping Centre.
• Miraflores Locks.
• Panama Canal.
• Biomuseum.

Details of interest

• Price: from 28 € per person.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Advantages: You can hop on and off and schedule an itinerary at your own pace.
• Disadvantages: during rush hour the bus is likely to be late, which can affect your schedule. Also, there is a midday rest break when the service is not available.

If you want to visit the Panama Canal from a unique perspective, then you have to venture out on a helicopter flight. In general, this experience offers a panoramic view of the entire city, for thirty minutes you will pass over the most imposing skyscrapers and see the Bridge of the Americas from above.

Of course, the main point of interest is the Panama Canal, a jewel of engineering that revolutionised maritime traffic and world trade. You will also be able to see Taboga Island, which is one of the best excursions from Panama City Additionally, this thrilling ride flies close to the Amador Causeway and the Biomuseo.

Details of interest

• Price: from 840 € per group.
• Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Advantages: ideal for small groups.
• Disadvantages: Most helicopters depart from Albrook Airport and transfers are not always available. Also, you need good weather to fly.

An outdoor experience not to be missed during your stay in Panama City is a ride aboard a classic 1971 VW Safari. This bright green vehicle allows you to travel through the most emblematic places with your favourite music playing in the background. Being an open-top car you can enjoy the pleasant weather that undulates from the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal.

In fact, it is an ideal activity if you plan to visit Panama City with children, as you will pass by Avenida Balboa, Calzada de Amador and the Panama Canal, while the driver provides informative commentary. Note that there are day and night tours that allow you to see the city from different perspectives.

By day you'll be able to take postcard photographs next to the city sign, glide through the bustle of Casco Viejo and get a feel for the vibrant waterfront life. While at night, the twinkling lights of Panama City are reflected in the canal. You can also combine the experience with a Panamanian dinner at the themed restaurant En la Fonda, where dishes such as carimañolas, Panamanian assortment, lechona, sancochos and chicha are often accompanied by costume shows.

Interesting details

• Price: from 140 € per group.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Advantages: you will be able to travel back in time with your family or friends, as it is an experience for a maximum of 4 travellers.
• Disadvantages: it is one of the most expensive options.

A stopover in Panama City is an unavoidable temptation, as in a few hours you can get a glimpse of the highlights of this wonderful isthmus city. This way, you won't be bored at the airport and you can make the most of your holiday. The tours usually take five hours and take you from Tocumen International Airport to locations such as the famous canal or the Calzada de Amador.

The beautiful views of the ocean will not leave you indifferent, as well as the multi-sensory experience in the Casco Antiguo San Felipe. You can also take the opportunity to visit the Gatun Locks which are scattered around the canal in the areas of Pedro Miguel, Agua Clara, Miraflores, Gatun and Cocoli.

Bring your most comfortable sneakers so you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the Cinta Costera, where you can admire the maritime opulence and reach the connection point of three islands. You're likely to get to know the more modern side of Panama City, ideal for finding traditional restaurants that will etch themselves on your palate.

Details of interest

• Price: from €78 per person.
• Duration: around five hours.
• Advantages: usually includes transfer to and from the hotel, as well as a professional guide to make the experience more enjoyable. In addition, only your group will participate, making the experience personalised.
• Disadvantages: You need to have a layover in Panama of at least 7 hours between flights, and it is advisable to check the entry requirements for each country.