Planning a trip to Panama City, are you? Well, you are in for a lot of fun in the good old PTY! Today, we are going to talk about Panama City, Panama tours. These tours of Panama City, Panama are basically day excursions which help you to see Panama City in a different light or in a more up-close way.
Updated: This post was updated on August 7, 2024.
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Finding the Best Panama City, Panama Tours (Guided Tours)
There are quite a few tours of Panama City. Here are some more Panama City tours I recommend for making the most of your time there. Note that the tours will include pick up/meet up at certain locations. And although you may be transported from one location to another, most tours do involved a fair amount of walking.
- This 6 hour guided tour of Panama City, Panama has amazing reviews and is extremely similar to the tour we went on with Joey. This tour takes you through the Miraflores Visitor Center, Casco Viejo, Amador Causeway, Ancon Hill, and more.
- The Panama City InstaTour is perfect for those desiring to scope out the very best photo spots in Panama City. If your trip isn’t a trip without the best selfie spots in Panama, this three-hour tour is your tour!
- For a close up view of the Miraflores Locks, you might be interested in this half-day Panama Canal Miraflores Locks and Panama City tour.
- Another great stopover tour in Panama City is this 4-6 hour tour which visits the The Bridges of the Americas, the artisan markets, Panama Canal, and Casco Viejo.
- A Panama City bike tour is one of the best ways to see the city! My husband did this particular bike tour in 2024 and loved it!
Our Walking Tour of Panama City, Panama
Being the planner that I am, it may surprise you that we planned our end-of-summer trip at the very last minute and showed up without a single scheduled item on our agenda. Upon our first day in Panama, I did a search for tours in Panama City, Panama.
I was scrolling through Trip Advisor reviews when I came across PTY Life. PTY Life is a travel blog based around Panama City, but the owner/editor also gave Panama City, Panama tours at the time – walking tours. Of course, when I first payed the $75 or so fee for the Hubs and I to have a Panama City tour, my husband questioned how legit this company was that I had just sent money to.
Also, he questioned how well he would be able to understand this Joey while he explained things to us. Even though I speak Spanish (somewhat fluently but not perfectly), the Hubs does not speak any. I told the Hubs this guy seemed to have a great handle on English based on our email exchanges.
When I filled out my application for a tour request, Joey had asked if we had ideas of what to do in Panama City, Panama. How surprised the Hubs was when a young American walked into our hotel lobby (yes, he came to us) and introduced himself as Joey. He had a pretty good handle on English, I would say. Haha! Joey mentioned that it was rather rare he had an opening at the last minute – so it was our lucky day!
By the way, most of the tours I have researched do have English-speaking guides on the staff.
What to Do in Panama City, Panama in 6 Hours
Truly, Joey filled up our six-hour tour with as many of our interests as possible. I did tell him that I didn’t know exactly what to do in Panama City, other than looking for Kuna art and jewelry. I am obsessed with Kuna products! Although my mom’s family is from Panama, I spent many of my visits in the rural regions rather than in Panama City. So I needed a tour in Panama City, Panama as much as the next person!
We started our walking Panama City tour, and he introduced us to using Uber to get around. He recommended Uber over using a Taxi, and I am 100% with him on that! It seems so much safer, and I like having an estimate up front of what I will be charged.
Visit Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancón) in Panama City
First, we took at Uber that would take us to the top of Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancón). Here, on this hill that towers over 600 feet, we took in the beautiful view of Panama City. During the Panama Canal era, this area was used for administrative purposes by the Panama Canal. Various military superiors were housed in this area.
Now, the homes are occupied by non-military but the vibe was still kind of “exclusive” feeling to me. Maybe it was the narrow streets that really can only handle one car at a time. Maybe it was the privacy most of the houses seem to have with nature surrounding them. I’m pretty sure had we stayed longer, we likely would have seen some Panamanian wildlife. The area has a jungle-like lushness to it.
There are several viewing platforms so you can really take in the city.
Explore Casco Viejo
Next, we drove to Casco Viejo, Panama’s historic district, and toured the area, including several Kuna markets, including the Mercado Cinco de Mayo. Casco Viejo was once a run-down area of Panama City, full of peril and violence. It has been undergoing revitalization efforts and is seeing a rebirth.
We went into some adorable boutiques, a super nice grocery store, and some cute cafes.
Joey is a wealth of information, eager to share at every corner we turned. Joey told us of former gangsters who are putting their energy to good use by helping and by recruiting young guys to help with the revitalization of the area.
Visit Avenida Central and Surrounding Neighborhoods
Next, we walked around Avenida Central and its surrounding areas such as the Santa Ana and San Felipe neighborhoods. We made several stops into stores, cafes, grocery stores, and we visited several park areas.
TIP: Bring your own sunscreen so you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg!
We made a stop in the Cafe Coca Cola, which is famous for hosting Che Guevara back in the day.
We paid a visit to Iglesia San Jose with its altar of solid gold.
I couldn’t help myself but to have my picture taken under the impressive ficus trees in the park and gazebo area of Santa Ana.
Visit and Eat at the Panama City Fish Market
Last of all, we made a stop at Joey’s suggestion to the Panama City fish market. He also showed us how to use the new-to-us metro system.
Man, the tour was fantastic! We learned so much about all of the areas we covered. There is simply no way we could learn so much and see so much on our own in such a short period of time.
To boot, we wouldn’t have known to be as swift about transportation, and we likely would have spent close to $70 in taxi fees alone in our naivety.
No question, the Hubs and I highly recommend any visitor to book a Panama City, Panama tour to make the most of a day visit. You surely won’t regret it! As the Hubs said, he felt like our tour guide was a “rent a friend.” The time with Joey felt like spending an afternoon with a longtime friend.
We certainly hope to catch up with him again on a future visit!
More Panama Travel
Best Panama City Tours for Your Vacation
A Visit to the Panama City Fish Market
Best Panama City, Panama Apartment for Rent in Casco Viejo
A Fun Visit to Albrook Mall in Panama City
Joey Bonura
Had a great time showing you all around and so glad you enjoyed the tour!