Panama City’s Old Town Guided Tour

Panama City’s historic old town offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich past. The Old Town Guided Tour takes travelers on a immersive journey through the charming Casco Antiguo district, showcasing iconic landmarks and providing insights into the local culture. From the grand San Jose Church to the bustling fish market, this tour promises an engaging and educational experience. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors can explore the ruins of Panama Viejo and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s unique heritage. What secrets does this vibrant neighborhood hold, waiting to be uncovered?

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Guided Tours In Panama City.

About Your Stay

• The guided tour of Casco Antiguo, Panama City’s historic Old Quarter, showcases key sites like San Jose Church, French Plaza, and city walls.
• Visitors can experience local life by exploring a bustling fish market and learn about Panama City’s history at the Museo de Panama Viejo.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided walk through the Panama Viejo ruins, and personal exploration time in the Old Town.
• With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour provides a personalized and immersive experience led by knowledgeable local guides.
• Overwhelmingly positive reviews praise the tour’s insights into the city’s history and culture, as well as the professionalism of the guides.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The guided tour of Casco Antiguo, Panama City’s Old Quarter, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s rich history and culture.

Highlights include visiting the San Jose Church with its golden altar, exploring the French Plaza and City Plaza, and walking along the city walls.

Travelers can experience local life at a fish market and learn about Panama City’s past at the Museo de Panama Viejo.

The tour provides a well-rounded experience, allowing guests to explore the city’s heritage while also observing daily life in this vibrant neighborhood.

Inclusions

The guided tour‘s inclusions cover a comprehensive range of experiences.

Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless start and end to the day. Visitors will enjoy a 1-hour guided walk through the ruins of Panama Viejo and another 1-hour guided stroll in the Old Town. An additional hour of free time allows for personal exploration of the Old Town’s highlights.

A local guide accompanies the group, providing insights into the city’s culture and history. The tour also includes gratuities, a DVD, and souvenir photos as mementos of the experience.

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and immersive exploration of Panama City’s historic neighborhoods.

Tour Details

The guided tour of Panama City’s Old Town has a 4.7 rating based on 3 reviews, making it a highly-regarded experience. The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers and is priced from $89.00, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Pickup is available at a selected location, with the tour starting at 9:00 AM.

Details	Information
Rating	4.7 (based on 3 reviews)
Maximum Travelers	15
Price	From $89.00
Cancellation Policy	Free up to 24 hours before
Pickup	Selected location
Start Time	9:00 AM

The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation.

Pickup Information

Travelers can select a pickup point for the guided tour of Panama City’s Old Town. The tours start at 9:00 AM, with pickup available from various locations in the city.

Customers will be able to choose their preferred pickup point during the booking process. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the experience.

With a maximum of 15 travelers per group, the tours maintain an intimate and personalized atmosphere, allowing guests to fully enjoy the historical and cultural highlights of Panama City’s Old Town.

Traveler Reviews

According to the reviews, the guided tour of Panama City’s Old Town has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Travelers have praised the excellence of the tour guides, with Miguel/Michael and Rene singled out for their knowledgeability and pleasant demeanor. Reviewers highlighted the value of learning about the city’s history and culture during the tour.

The tour is reported to have started promptly, and the overall experience is rated highly, with no negative reviews found across Viator and TripAdvisor.

The tour’s inclusions, such as guided walks through the ruins of Panama Viejo and the Old Town, as well as the free time for personal exploration, appear to have resonated well with past participants.

Old Quarter Exploration

Casco Antiguo, Panama City’s charming Old Quarter, beckons visitors to explore its historic streets and architectural gems.

The guided tour takes travelers on a journey through this vibrant neighborhood, showcasing the iconic San Jose Church with its gilded altar, the picturesque French Plaza, and the City Plaza, surrounded by the city’s original walls.

Guests can enjoy the local culture by visiting a bustling fish market, where they’ll witness the daily rhythms of Panamanian life.

The tour also includes a visit to the Museo de Panama Viejo, providing insights into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Visiting San Jose Church

Adorned with a stunning golden altar, the San Jose Church stands as a testament to Panama City’s colonial past.

During the tour, visitors will step inside this historic landmark and marvel at its ornate Spanish Baroque architecture. The guide will provide insights into the church’s significance, explaining its role in the city’s cultural and religious heritage.

Guests will learn about the intricate details of the altar, which boasts gilded carvings and religious iconography.

The tour also includes a visit to the nearby French Plaza, offering a glimpse into the diverse influences that have shaped Panama City’s Old Quarter over the centuries.

This immersive experience allows travelers to gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich history and architectural treasures.

Exploring Local Culture

The guided tour also provides an opportunity to experience the vibrant local culture of Panama City’s Old Town.

Visitors can explore the bustling fish market, where they can witness the lively interactions between local vendors and customers.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Museo de Panama Viejo, where guests can learn about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Lastly, the free time allotted in the Old Town allows travelers to wander at their own pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors that make this historic district truly unique:

1. Immerse in the lively atmosphere of the local fish market.
2. Discover the city’s cultural and historical legacy at the Museo de Panama Viejo.
3. Freely explore the charming streets and plazas of the Old Town.

Questions About Your Stay

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. The tour overview does not mention any restrictions on photography. However, visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the guide or other participants.

Can We Sample Local Food at the Fish Market?

Yes, travelers can sample local food at the fish market during the tour. The guided tour includes an experience of local life at a fish market, where visitors can explore and potentially try various seafood dishes.

Will There Be Any Bathroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes a stop at a local fish market, but does not mention any specific bathroom breaks. However, the guide likely allows time for restroom access during the 3-hour walking tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Interests?

The tour can likely be customized to guests’ interests, as the guide is described as knowledgeable and the group size is small. Participants can likely discuss their preferences with the guide to tailor the experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes. Avoiding overly revealing or formal attire is generally recommended for a pleasant and respectful tour experience.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Old Town Guided Tour in Panama City offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors can wander through the charming streets of Casco Antiguo, visit iconic sites like San Jose Church, and enjoy the local way of life. With a knowledgeable guide and a small group atmosphere, this tour provides a personalized and engaging experience for those seeking to uncover the essence of Panama City’s old town.