Panama City tours

Things to do in Panama City

Panama City, a city of contrasts, awaits with its blend of historic charm and modern marvels. Beneath the looming skyscrapers lies Casco Viejo, a neighbourhood where every cobblestone has a story from the past. Guided tours here are more than walks through history; they are vibrant explorations led by those who know the city best. Delight in the flavours on a food and wine tour, feel history under your feet on a stroll through old quarters, and witness the Panama Canal’s grandeur without the usual delays. Each private tour in Panama City is an invitation to see beyond the surface and embrace its lively spirit. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Panama City. Explore Panama City your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Panama City tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Panama City for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Walk shaded trails in Metropolitan Natural Park or up Ancon Hill to look for sloths, agoutis, and tamarins with skyline views. For more wildlife, head to Gamboa for a Gatun Lake boat ride and Soberanía’s Pipeline Road, a favourite for monkeys and colourful birds. Layover tours: On a 4 to 6 hour layover from Tocumen, a private tour can whisk you to the Miraflores Locks visitor centre to watch ships transit, then into Casco Antiguo for a stroll past plazas and cafés. Grab a quick ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos and be back at the airport on time. History tours: In Casco Viejo, step into Iglesia de San José to see the Golden Altar, check the Arco Chato at Santo Domingo, and pause at Plaza Francia to hear about the Canal’s French era. Add Panamá Viejo’s ruins and site museum to trace the original 16th-century settlement. Casco Antiguo is very walkable, and the city has a clean, reliable Metro plus taxis and ride-hailing; distances to locks and parks are easier by car. Your guide can arrange a chauffeured tour or private transportation so you stay cool and maximise your time. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Panama City inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods A private walking tour in Panama City lets you dive into its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own story, guided by a local expert. - Casco Viejo: Perfect for cultural tourists, this UNESCO-listed neighborhood is full of charming colonial architecture, quaint plazas, and vibrant street art. - El Cangrejo: Families will enjoy this lively area known for its diverse dining options and safe, walkable streets. It’s a great place to sample local cuisine and enjoy a leisurely stroll. - Amador Causeway: Ideal for multi-generational groups, this scenic walkway offers stunning views of the Panama Canal and the city skyline. It’s perfect for a family outing with plenty of recreational activities. - Bella Vista: Tourists seeking meaningful connections will appreciate the blend of modern and traditional vibes with trendy cafes and local art galleries inviting engaging conversations. Day trip ideas from Panama City Base yourself in Panama City, then use easy day trips to nearby rainforest, islands, canal viewpoints, and Caribbean forts to keep your plans fresh without long travel. Soberanía National Park and Gamboa: Early mornings bring birds and monkeys along Pipeline Road, and a slow boat on Gatún Lake puts you near canal islands where wildlife is active; if you like photography or nature, your tour can focus on birding, sloths, and river scenery, and if you prefer a quicker pace, it can centre on a short jungle walk matched with a lake cruise. El Valle de Antón: Cooler air inside a volcanic crater makes hiking feel easier, with trails to the India Dormida ridge and stops at small waterfalls, and if markets and simple eats are your thing, the town centre has local produce and hot empanadas; active types get views, families get gentle walks, and your tour can add thermal pools and extra viewpoints for a calm, green day. Portobelo, Colón Province: On the Caribbean side, stone forts face a quiet bay that once sheltered Spanish treasure ships, and you can pair fort ruins and the customs house with time in the water at a nearby beach or a snorkel spot; history fans get strong stories, sea lovers get coral and clear water, and your tour can balance both with a stop for Afro-Panamanian food in town. Taboga Island: A short ferry ride lands you in a walkable village where narrow lanes lead to sandy coves, and bigger views come from the summit trails to Cerro de la Cruz or Cerro Vigía; if you want a laid-back beach day you can keep it simple, and if you like to move, your tour can mix a morning hike with an afternoon swim and a seafood lunch. San Lorenzo Fort and Agua Clara Locks: North of the city, a jungle road reaches a cliff-top fort guarding the mouth of the Chagres River, and pairing it with the Atlantic-side locks lets you watch huge ships in the canal from broad viewing areas; photographers get big scenes, history lovers get real places, and your tour can time the stops for ship transits and softer light. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Panama City most travellers miss.