free walking tours panama city panama

Best things to do and see in Panama City

At the crossroads between the American continents, Panama City is representative of an interesting blend of cultures and architectural styles. Founded by a Spanish conquistador in 1519, only to be burnt to the ground in 1671 by the infamous Captain Henry Morgan, this city is full of rich stories about its past for you to discover on your guided free walking tour. Since then Panama City has grown to become the largest city and also the capital of Panama and was a strategic location for the iconic construction of the Panama Canal, which continues to attract both vessels and tourists from all over the world. 

With over 1.5 million people living in the metropolitan area, Panama City is full of charming cultures that span across its many neighborhoods and it is a great idea to try a free walking tour with a local guide here . Get to see all the iconic landmarks in the city like the Panama Canal from the Miraflores Visitor’s Center, Panama Viejo which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the Biomuseo designed by Frank Gehry. Get a photo in front of the Panama sign, stroll to Panama’s Old Town-Casco Antiguo, check out a play at the National Theater, visit the Cathedral, find out about the canal construction at the Interoceanic Canal Museum. You will also get to discover many hidden gems that most tourists never get the chance like when you take a hike up Ancon Hill for the amazing views. 

All the free tours available i n Panama City have been reviewed and rated by other walkers like you. If you’d like to know more about the route or the tour guide, just read up on the webpage about the evaluations people have left. There are tours available in different languages and also at different parts of the day, like the morning, afternoon, and evening so you can fit your walking tour into your schedule with ease. Other cities with a local guide who can take you on a free walking tour that may be of interest to you include Managua or Tunja. 

Free walking tour near Panama City

Others cities to visit after panama city, find other guruwalks in panama city, where are you traveling to.

We have received your request correctly.

You will receive an email with a summary of your bookings.

Can't find it? Leave us your email and we'll send you a summary of your bookings.

Share it straight to social media with your campaign ID and name

Free Walking Tour of Panama City

• 9.50 / 10 707 reviews | 5,595 travellers Delio has been an excellent guide. He has explained the whole story to us in very detail. Very kind and friendly. 10 Sara

The historic centre of Panama City , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of cultural and architectural heritage that is sure to captivate you. Discover its magic on this  free walking tour !

Panama City Free Walking Tour

At the indicated time, we'll meet at the steps of the Gazebo  in the centre of the Plaza de la Independencia in Panama City to begin this free tour of the old town .

Our first stop will be in front of the Santa María la Antigua Cathedral , a temple crowned by two bell towers decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays. Its façade is full of classical and Renaissance elements carved into the stone.

We'll walk through the Plaza Herrera , one of the most central points of the municipality, where the classic bullfights used to be held. We'll enter the church of San José to contemplate a priceless jewel: the Altar de Oro, an 18th century Churrigueresque carving made of mahogany wood covered in gold.

The tour will continue to the Santo Domingo Church to admire the Arco Chato, an 18th century structure that used to support the old choir of the parish. We'll continue our route to the Plaza Francia , where seven vaulted spaces that formed part of the city's defences can be seen.

Then we'll go to the  Esteban Huertas promenade , a 19th century parapet from where we'll have an exceptional view of the bridge of the Americas.

The tour will end at 12:30 pm at Plaza Bolívar.

This free tour doesn't admit groups of more than 6 people, even if they book the activity separately.

More Information

2 hours 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English speaking guide with expert knowledge of Panama City's history.

Not included

When to book.

You can book up until 3 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• Printed material is avoided.
• No single-use plastics are used.
• No printing of documentation required.
• Promotes local employment.
• Has a gender equality policy.
• Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Javier Guerrero Tours Show more

Corporate name: Javier Antonio Guerrero Marin

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point, where does the activity end.

The steps of the Gazebo in the centre of Plaza de la Independencia

Plaza de Simón Bolívar

You may also be interested in

Panama City Tour + Panama Canal

Visit all the must-sees of Panama City with this tour of both the historic & modern areas of the city. You'll even see the iconic Panama Canal !

San Blas Tour

Kayaking and Horse Riding Trip to Gatun Lake

Login to add activities to your favorites and access them from any device

This site is reCAPTCHA protected and Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Log in to rate the opinions of other travelers

Free Walking Tour Panama City

Free walking tour Panama City is the best way to discover Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. Known for its modern skyline, historic district, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Panama City offers a unique blend of old and new. Free tour Panama city explores the historic district of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is home to a variety of colonial-era buildings, plazas, and churches. The district also offers a vibrant nightlife and delicious dining options. Visitors can also take a tour of the Panama Canal and admire the engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. For those interested in modern architecture, the city’s skyline is dotted with impressive skyscrapers such as the F&F Tower and the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower. The city also offers a wide range of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to local markets, as well as plenty of parks and green spaces to relax in. Panama City is a melting pot of cultures, where visitors can enjoy the fusion of Panamanian and international cuisine, music and art.

General information

Meet your guide at the Plaza Catedral

Free Walking Tour Panama City – Itinerary

Free walking tour Panama City begins at Plaza Catedral in the historic district of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the colonial-era architecture, plazas, and churches that make up this charming neighborhood. You will also have a chance to see the famous “Plaza de la Independencia” also known as “Plaza Catedral” it is one of the most popular public spaces in Panama City and is a great place to take in the local culture and people watch.

Next, we will visit the “Iglesia de San Francisco” one of the oldest churches in the city and a great example of colonial-era architecture. Visitors will learn about the history of the church and its role in the city’s past.

Read more...

This free walking tour in Panama city will then head to the “Plaza de la Catedral” where the Cathedral of the Golden Altar stands, it is considered one of the most important religious buildings in the city. It is here that visitors can learn about the history of the cathedral and its significance to the city.

After that, we will take a stroll along the “Calle Uruguay” one of the most popular streets in Casco Viejo, known for its nightlife and dining options. Visitors can sample traditional Panamanian cuisine and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

The tour will then end at the “Panama Canal Museum” where visitors can learn about the history and engineering of the Panama Canal, one of the most important waterways in the world. The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and displays that give visitors an in-depth look at the canal and its significance to the country.

Sign up on TourScanner

Don't know where to start, best places to visit in panama city, tours and things to do in panama city, best day trips from panama city.

Free Walking Tours Panama

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Free Walking Tours Panama - All You MUST Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Essential Free Tour Panama City

• Explore one of the most beautiful Old Towns in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
• Hear fascinating stories about the multicultural past of Panama in the Cathedral and Bolivar Square.
• Get an insightful introduction to the dark history of slave trade in the Americas.

Tour Calendar

Latest reviews, guides leading this tour, see all tours in panama city.

Free Tours in Your Language

Free Tour - Free Tour Panama City › Essential Free Tour Panama City

Free Walking Tour Panama City

Guided Walking Tour in Panama City

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

FREE WALKING TOUR PANAMA CITY - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Panama City

Travel guide.

• Things to Do
• Best Hotels
• Things to See
• Best Restaurants
• Best Nightlife
• Walking Tours
• Planning a Trip
• Active Pursuits
• Spectator Sports

Walking Tours in Panama City

Historic Casco Viejo

Start: At Plaza Independencia.

Finish: At Iglesia de San José (a 2-block walk from Plaza Independencia).

Time: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Best Times: The streets are quieter on Sundays, and churches are most active. Some restaurants and museums are closed either Sunday or Monday.

1. Plaza de la Independencia

Take a taxi to Plaza de la Independencia and begin your tour. This plaza is where Panama declared its independence from Colombia on November 3, 1903. There are several important landmarks here, notably the Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral), easily recognizable by its contrasting gray, ashlar-stone facade flanked by two white neoclassical bell towers inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The cathedral took more than 100 years to build, and is one of the largest in Central America. On the south side of the plaza is the must-see Museo del Canal Interoceánico . The neoclassical building was built in 1875 as the Gran Hotel, and converted into Canal Headquarters by the French in 1881; later it was used as offices for the U.S. canal commission. It is considered to be the finest example of French architecture in Casco Viejo. Next door, on the second floor of the Palacio Municipal, is the Museo de la Historia de Panamá, a ho-hum display of exhibits charting the history of the Panamanian republic. The Hotel Central, on the east side of the plaza, was once among the most luxurious hotels in the Americas, built in 1880. Today it sits abandoned while its two owners bicker about its fate.

Walk north on Calle 6a Este (from the middle of the plaza, toward the city skyline of Panama City) to Av. Alfaro, and turn right.

2. Palacio Presidencial (Presidential Palace)

Calle 6a Este leads to the Presidential Palace, but you'll have to show your passport (or a copy) to the security guards on the street before they'll let you pass. This is the White House of Panama, the offices of Panama's President Torrijos, and it is a gorgeous Spanish mansion with a Moorish interior patio and fountain (you can't enter, but you can take a peek from the outside). Two African herons -- whose Spanish name, garza, is the reason the palace is also called the Palacio de las Garzas -- glide back and forth across the front patio. The city skyline views from this street are outstanding.

Turn right on Calle 5a Este, and head south 1 block, then turn left on Av. B. Walk 1 block until you reach Parque Bolívar.

3. Plaza Bolívar

One of Casco Viejo's prettiest spots, Plaza Bolívar and the buildings that surround it have undergone a face-lift over the past few years, and there are several cafes here for those who feel like stopping for a coffee or snack. The plaza originally was called Plaza de San Francisco, but was renamed in 1883 in honor of Simon Bolívar, widely considered in Latin America to be the hero of independence from Spain. There is a commemorative monument to Bolívar in the center of the plaza. The grand Palacio Bolívar (now the offices of the Ministry of Foreign Relations), on the northeast edge of the plaza, was built on the grounds of a former Franciscan monastery that succumbed to various fires. Of interest here is the totally restored Salón Bolívar (tel. 228-9594; Tues-Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 1-5pm; $1/50p adults, 25¢/15p students), site of the famous 1826 congress organized by Bolívar to discuss the unification of Colombia, Mexico, and Central America. The historical importance of this salon prompted UNESCO to declare Casco Viejo a World Heritage Site. During office hours (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm), it is possible to visit the courtyard inside the Palacio and admire the building's lovely architecture and tile work. Next to the Palacio is the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco de Asís (Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi) , one of the original structures from Casco Viejo but nearly totally destroyed by fires in 1737 and 1756. It has most recently been restored in 1998.

Across the plaza, on Avenida B and Calle 4 Este (you'll pass it when arriving at the plaza), is the Iglesia San Felipe de Neri, one of the first churches built in Casco Viejo (1684-88). Though damaged by fires, the church has recently been restored and is worth checking out, at least from the outside. The church apparently opens to the public only twice a year.

Turn left on the south end of the plaza onto Av. B to visit the:

4. Teatro Nacional (National Theater)

Built between 1905 and 1908, on the grounds of the old Concepción Monastery, the lovely Teatro Nacional hosts theater and classical-music and ballet performances; unfortunately, they do not have a website and their show calendar is available only by calling tel. 262-3525, or by visiting www.thepanamanews.com and clicking on "Calendar." The theater opened in 1908 with a presentation of Verdi's Aida, and it is perhaps best known for the frescoes rendered by Panama's most famous painter, Roberto Lewis. Recent renovations have preserved both the frescoes and the baroque decor (scarlet and gilded tiered balconies, and a grand chandelier). The cost to enter and poke around is $1 (50p) per person. It's open Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm and sometimes on the weekends (but with no set schedule). Following Avenida B, behind the National Theater, is the Ministerio de Gobierno y Justicia, initially designed as a presidential building and built, in a neoclassical design, in 1908 in tandem with the National Theater by the Italian architect Genaro Ruggieri.

Continue along Av. B (the street bends and changes names for 1 block to Calle 2da) until it ends at Av. Central. Turn left on Av. Central (Calle 1a) and follow until arriving at the stairs to the Esteban Huertas walkway. Walk up and circle the:

5. Plaza de Francia

The Plaza de Francia (French Plaza) is a Casco Viejo highlight, a historically important site and a delightful place to stroll around and crunch on a raspado (Sno-cone) from one of the several vendors. There is also a wonderful fresh breeze here. When you head down Calle 1a, the road turns into an inviting and lovely walkway called Paseo Esteban Huertas, which is partially covered by pretty bougainvillea. You're walking atop las bóvedas, or "the vaults," which originally functioned as a Spanish dungeon and later as a jail, storehouse, and offices. Oficina Casco Antiguo (tel. 228-3664; [email protected]), offers free Saturday tours (in Spanish), leaving from its offices at 9:30am. This walkway also runs along the old defensive wall that once protected the city. From this vantage point you can see the Bridge of the Americas and ships lining up for their turn to enter the canal. Continue along the walkway and down to the French Plaza. Originally the main plaza (Plaza de Armas) of Panama City, it is now a commemorative monument to the failed French canal effort. Also here at the plaza is INAC, the National Institute of Culture, which has an art gallery (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm) and the French Embassy.

Head back to Av. A and walk west until reaching Calle 3ra. Here you'll find the:

6. Iglesia de Santo Domingo & Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial

Only ruins remain of Iglesia de Santo Domingo, built in 1678 but victim of several fires including one in 1781, from which time it was never rebuilt. The church kept its fame, however, through the building's unusual supporting arch made of stone, which survived the fire. The arch, called Arco Chato, was unusual in that it was long and not very arching, seemingly defying gravity. When U.S. senators debated whether to build a canal in Panama or Nicaragua, they took the arch's longevity to mean that little earthquake activity made Panama a safer place to build. Next to the ruin site is the Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial .

Continue 1 more block to Calle 4ta, turn right and walk 1 block to Av. Central. Here on the east corner is:

7. Casa Góngora

This structure is the best preserved example of a Spanish colonial home in Casco Viejo. The house, built in 1760 by a wealthy merchant, was renovated with city funds, and much of its original woodwork, including ceiling beams, has been maintained. The Casa is also now home to the Casa de la Cultura y del Artista Panameño (tel. 212-0388 ), a cultural center for local artists, with occasional live jazz music, folkloric presentations, fashion shows, and changing art exhibitions. Drop by to see what's happening or check out the newspaper's calendar listings for shows.

Head up Av. Central, crossing the Plaza de la Independencia (where you started). Continue on to Calle 9a to:

8. Iglesia de la Merced

Built in 1680, this church was transferred, stone by stone, from its Panama Viejo site. The facade is still an excellent example of one of Casco Viejo's oldest buildings.

Walk south down Calle 9a until you come to:

9. Plaza Herrera

The lively Plaza Herrera is dedicated to General Tomás Herrera, in honor of his battle for independence when Panama was still part of Colombia. Park benches here are good for people-watching or just for resting.

Walk 1 block east on Av. A to Calle 8a. You'll come to:

10. Iglesia de San José

Your last stop is at the most famous of Casco Viejo's churches, the Iglesia de San José, and its baroque golden altar. The story goes that when pirate Henry Morgan raided Panama Viejo, a priest had the altar painted black to hide it from looters, later moving the altar to Casco Viejo. However, studies place the altar's stylistic details in the 18th century, casting doubt on this legend. It's a gorgeous work of art nevertheless, and worth a stop. From here you can head back to Plaza Independencia by walking 1 more block east on Avenida A, turning left on Calle 7, and walking 1 block.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Arts & Culture
• Beach & Water Sports
• Local Experiences
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor & Adventure
• National Parks
• Winter Sports
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Family & Kids
• All Slideshows
• Hotel Deals
• Car Rentals
• Flight Alerts
• Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
• Cruise News
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Car, Bus, Rail News
• Money & Fees
• Health, Insurance, Security
• Packing & Luggage
• -Arthur Frommer Online
• -Passportable
• Road Trip Guides
• Alaska Made Easy
• Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
• Best of the Caribbean
• Best of Mexico
• Cruise Inspiration
• Best Places to Go 2024

Free Walking Tour Panama City

Guided Walking Tour in Panama City

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Free Walking Tour Panama City - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Recorriendo Panamá

Know the beauty of this country., free walking tour in casco antiguo.

• by Recorriendo Panamá
• Posted on January 19, 2020 January 23, 2023

If you are visiting Panama and want to know a little about the history of the country, you can take a Free Walking Tour, and if you are Panamanian, you can go and see things that are not in the books and that one has passed nearby without having any idea.

I contacted Jenny to go on a Free Walking Tour and it so happened that there was one that weekend, I joined the group in the morning and arrived at the meeting point, Nomada Eatery, a restaurant bar.

If you arrive early, you can have a coffee or breakfast there before going on the tour.

We went out and crossing the street, we met the others, in a small square (it looks like a triangle) that has a tree.

In the group, there were people from Germany, Argentina, Colombia, United States, France, Finland, Guatemala and Panama (not only me, there were also other Panamanians).

We started walking, he explained a little about the founding of Panama and the pirates of the Caribbean , not because of the film, but that they were from the Caribbean and attacked the city by land, and while in the city they thought about protecting themselves from the attacks that came by sea, it had neglected the side of the land, where they attacked.

We arrive at our first point, the House of the Municipality , which can be visited from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. at 4:00 p.m. it is free, and inside you can see remains of the rampart.

After the rampart was demolished, houses were built on the land, one of them was the Municipality . Then we went to the Our Lady of Mercy Church , where she explained to us about its construction and its columns.

Casco Antiguo of Panama is the only one in Latin America that has several architectures, such as

• Art Deco (old Citibank, now it is the Convention Center of the American Trade Hotel),
• Renaissance,
• and Romantic Renaissance (National theater).

Also, that the American Trade Hotel was a department store, you can see some of what was on the floors.

Mano de Tigre (Tiger hand) Bastion

Then we went to the Mano de Tigre Bastion (Calicanto), to see the remains of the rampart, it was 15m high, and divide the society by that time.

Inside the rampart people with money lived and outside the workers and low-income people resources, Jenny told us that there were hours when the door was opened and closed.

People passed from one side to another, you had to be sure to cross to where your residence was before the doors closed.

Villa Agustina

We went through Villa Agustina, it was closed because there were no events that day.

She told us that it was a traditional construction, with a square in the center, I imagine something like the Chavo del Ocho neighborhood (Mexican tv series from the 70s -80s), hehe.

San José (Saint Joseph) Church

From there we went to the San José Church , we found out that the columns are made of hollow wood, planks, and it is not known what type of construction is inside.

We also passed by the Compañía de Jesús (Society of Jesus), the Panama Canal Museum , which was a hotel, the administrative building of the Canal in the time of the French, then it passed to the American administration, it was abandoned and is now a museum.

Santa María La Antigua Cathedral Basilica

Then we enter the Santa María La Antigua Cathedral Basilica , which to date is 108 years old, as a curious fact, it has an image that is 200 years old, it is older than the cathedral.

We also go down to the, let’s say, basement, where there are crypts and a nativity scene, the place is small, so you have to go down little by little.

Bolívar Palace

Jenny told us that the Palacio Bolívar, it can be visited, you can see a replica of Simón Bolívar’s sword , among other things.

I remember that about 15 years ago, I went inside and saw it, at that time there was also the act of the Amphictyonic Congress, I have not gone since then, now the building is remodeled, it must be very beautiful.

Estaban Huertas Sidewalk

We continue walking along Estaban Huertas sidewalk , where you can see handicraft vendors, there are many indigenous people sold their work.

Be careful with bracelets, earrings and this type of jewelry, many come from China, they buy them in wholesalers, take them out of their packaging and sell them as handicrafts, if it looks like plastic, it is most likely that it is not handicrafts, once I bought a necklace and then I saw it for sale in its bag at a store.

Somethings more

Jenny finished the tour in the Francia Square, but not before giving us advice on places where we could go, such as the Causeway , the Biomuseo , Ancón Hill , the Panama Canal Museum , among others.

On the Tour, when you pass through the Catedral Square (Intendencia Square) or the Francia Square , you can buy a raspao and cool off from the heat, (it is a glass with super crushed ice, which they add, a syrup of some flavor [or rather color], they also add honey, condensed milk and powdered milk for coffee), on the street the price ranges between $ 1.00 and $ 2.00, it depends on what is added.

After the tour, those who want to can go to the starting point, the place gives a discount.

Jenny told us about many things, of course I am not going to tell you, let’s say this is how the trailer for the movie, hahaha.

• Bring water and snacks,
• Rain cape, in rainy season (April to December),
• Fresh clothes, remember that you will enter the churches, so it must be adequate to enter,
• Sunglasses.

Tour Languages

• Portuguese.
• 2:30 hours.
• The last Sunday of each month,
• At 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Write to Jenny’s Tour because there may be some change.

• Free tour, a tip is appreciated. On the tour you will enter places where admission is not paid).

Jenny of El Trip de Jenny, you can contact her at (507) 6676-2005, [email protected]

Meeting point

• Contact Jenny’s Trip, the tour departs from the Casco Antiguo, but at the moment they vary between 2 locations, which are close to each other.

How to get to the Walking Tour?

You can go by bus, own / rented car, Subway, Uber, Cabiby or taxi (the latter is not recommended for tourists, since it usually charges a very high price).

In case of going by bus , everything will depend on where they leave you, it can be on Balboa Avenue, on 5 de Mayo (like the Subway) or the paid area of ​​Marañón.

Walk towards the sea (Balboa Avenue, is a few meters from 5 de Mayo and the paid area), and then continue towards the Casco Viejo (on the side of the low buildings.

Go along the sea (on the side where there are houses and shops, do not take the street that is over the sea), until you reach a small square (it looks like a triangle) where the tree is (there is only one tree), usually the places that are opposite, it is the meeting point.

If you go by car, it is a little more difficult, because it will depend on where you find parking, in this case be guided by Google Maps.

There is paid parking next to the National Theater and free at the beginning of the street over the sea of the Cinta Costera, very close to the possible meeting points of the Walking Tour and in some squares of the Casco Antiguo.

Other places you may like

• 7 Churches of Casco Antiguo
• Sunday at Panama Canal Museum
• La Merced Museum, a Spectacular Museum in Casco Viejo
• El Chorrillo Tour, the Popular Neighborhood, Will It Be Dangerous?
• Knowing the Fascinating Biomuseo of Panama
• La Palangana Chapel, on a Colonial Path in Panama City
• Information about Colón Island

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from Recorriendo Panamá

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Exploring Panama City, Panama with kids

A re you visiting Panama? Your time in the country will almost certainly begin or end with a few days exploring its capital city, and there are lots of fun activities to check out. It was the first stop on our family gap year trip around the world, and we were very happy with all of the great family activities in Panama City, Panama!

Looking for more ideas for visiting Panama? Check out our complete guide!

Pro tip:  Take Uber everywhere! It’s cheap and easy, and the cars are generally nicer than regular taxis (especially from the airport). Many rides in the city are just a few dollars. If you’re traveling with young kids, check out the best travel car seat options to use in Uber. If you’re new to Uber, save $5 on your first two rides .

Things to do in Panama City with kids

Visit miraflores locks.

There is nothing for which Panama is more famous than its namesake canal, which connects the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean through a series of locks relying only on gravity and clever engineering. The Canal opened in 1913 and has changed the world in so many ways over the last century, from accelerating the globalization of commerce to impacting global ocean circulation patterns that drive weather systems. Today there are 14,000 ships that pass through the Canal every year, and if you plan your visit to the locks right, you’ll be able to witness some of them. You can easily combine a visit to the Miraflores locks with a stop at the Biomuseo below.  

Located part of the way out on the Causeway Amador, the Biomuseo is a gorgeous, colorful Frank Ghery designed space dedicated to the wealth of biodiversity of Panama. We love the way the museum’s layout integrated the world-altering formation of the Panama isthmus with discussions of Panama’s past and present species of flora and fauna. What’s more, there’s even great information on Panama’s history from multiple perspectives from the pre-Colombian era to present day engineering marvels. A visit to Biomuseo is a great complement to the Miraflores locks, as it’s just an affordable Uber ride separating them.

Monkey Island and Panama Canal tour with Panama Day Trips

If you only have two days in Panama City, make sure to book this small group tour with Panama Day Trips. The monkey islands in Panama are a fun and interesting place for visitors of all ages, and these wonderful tour guides provide great context to make it a rich experience. You’ll also get to see both coasts of Panama, the newest project of the Panama Canal and much more. This tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Panama! Read more about it here or book your tour today .

Want to get more helpful travel tips like this? Sign up for our email list!

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

If your family enjoys visiting zoos and aquariums, don’t miss the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s (STRI) small FREE educational center on the Causeway Amador. Our whole family “ooooh”ed and “ahhhhh”ed at the sea turtle display, while the young English-speaking guide in the reptile exhibit taught us so much and did an amazing job of engaging the kids. There’s also a beautiful touch tank with sea stars and a building housing aquariums representing each of the various aquatic habitats of Panama.

Bike the Causeway Amador

One of Panama’s newer public works projects is the Causeway Amador, a 6km path for walking and biking that extends from the main portion of Panama City all the way out past STRI and Biomuseo. The bike rentals were very affordable compared to the US, and drivers other cyclists out that direction seemed generally respectful. You can either rent bikes in the city and go out to the Causeway, or as we did, rent at the end of the Causeway and go back in the direction of the city. We kept our family’s ride very short, as it was Jacob’s first solo ride, but he did great and made it to the Smithsonian for a visit.

We were pleased to find that Burke Bikes has a wide range of options available for our family, including a rear-mounted seat for Shoshana and a 14” kids bike for Jacob (with his choice of whether or not to use training wheels). They also offer family-sized quad bikes if you’d rather have everyone together. No matter what gear you choose, there’s a nicely paved, dedicated bike path that runs adjacent to the sidewalk – no worrying about oncoming traffic! There’s also a great nautical-themed playground where parents can enjoy city or sea views while the kids practice their climbing skills. And if you find the bag of Shoshana’s clothing that we left behind, please sent it our way!

Stroll through Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo)

I’ll admit that I don’t think we did justice to Casco Viejo (displayed on local signs as Casco Antiguo). This section of the city dates from the 17th century and is an amazing place for street photography, especially in the evening! It’s an area that really demonstrates the juxtapositions you’ll find in Panama City, with decaying buildings now housing a bustling night scene. If you have the time an interest, I’d recommend booking a free walking tour of the area – it’s probably the best way to quickly get acquainted with a city.

Where to eat in Panama City, Panama

By far our favorite restaurant in Panama City is the venerable El Trapiche in El Cangrejo. The bargain-prices Panamanian restaurant attracts tourists and locals alike with its delicious food at extremely reasonable prices. We liked it so much that we ate on their spacious patio twice! The portions are extremely generous, so order accordingly.

Between us, we sampled the range of Panamanian specialties: frijoles y arroz for Shoshana, ceviche for me, “amazing” steak for Jacob and “old rope” for Ronnie – all served with a healthy portion of caramelized plantains to finish things off.  For the adult visitors, you’ll find all of your favorite Central American cocktails on the menu (especially rum-based drinks!). If given the choice again, we’d probably eat every meal at El Trapiche in Panama City.

Where to stay in Panama City, Panama

We liked staying in the El Cangrejo neighborhood for its centrality. We had a great stay at the Hampton by Hilton Hotel and it was an awesome bargain – with their long weekend promotion and our AAA discount, we paid only  $75 per night for a two-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom suite!  While we often stay in vacation rentals to give our family more space to spread out, the Hampton by Hilton was almost as spacious. The hotel also features a swanky rooftop pool with amazing views of the city at night. Ronnie loved sneaking off to the fitness center after the kids went to bed. In the morning, breakfasts featured a mix of typical American far and local specialties. Book your room today!

Read more: Get more info on visiting Panama with kids!

The post Exploring Panama City, Panama with kids appeared first on The Family Voyage .

• Destinations
• Tours in Panama City

Panama's Old Town Walking Tour

Overview of the tour in Panama City

Walk through the Old Town of Panama, visiting the most emblematic places of this site declared as world heritage by UNESCO. We'll visit the Panama Cathedral, the Golden Altar of St. Joseph's Church, the France Square, the Bolivar Square, The famous flat arch of the Church of Santo Domingo, the Esteban Huertas Boulevard, among other places.

This activity includes:

• Plaza Simón Bolívar
• Church of Saint Joseph
• France Square
• Convento de Santo Domingo
• Church of the Mercy
• Plaza Herrera
• Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient

Meeting point

Plaza Catedral/ Frente a la Iglesia

I'll be easily identifiable by a name tag and I will be in front of the Panama Cathedral.

Things to note

Bring sunscreen. If the activity is between May and December, it is advisable to bring an umbrella and a raincoat too.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

• Join Freetour
• Provider Sign In
• Affiliate Program
• Security & Privacy
• Terms & Legal
• Cookie policy
• Freetour Awards
• Ratings & Reviews powered by