Free Tour of Panama's Old Town: History and Culture
♡ Save
Discover the secrets of the Old Town on this tour! Explore its historic squares and the Chocolate Museum, and relive the epic history of the Panama Canal. A multicultural experience available in Spanish, English, French, and Creole.
Enjoy a fascinating historical tour of the squares and museums of Casco Antiguo, the vibrant heart of Panama City. This tour is designed for those who want to understand Panamanian identity through its architecture and major landmarks.
What we’ll explore:
• National Landmarks: We’ll relive the days of independence and the city’s transformation from colonial times
• The Epic Story of the Canal: We’ll discover why the French attempt to build the Canal became one of the deadliest and most challenging projects in history, leading up to its final inauguration in 1914.
• Struggle and Sovereignty: We’ll discuss Panama’s martyrs and the historical events in defense of sovereignty over the Canal Zone.
• Culture and Flavor: We’ll visit iconic squares and charming spots like the Chocolate Museum
Available Languages: We offer a unique multicultural experience with guides in Spanish, English, French, and Creole.
Live the experience to the fullest and discover the soul of PANAMA!
Meeting point
Iglesia Nuestra Señora la Merced
Before you go
- Length
- About 2h 30min
- Languages
- French, English, Spanish
- Usual start times
- 10:00, 10:20, 14:00 (Panama City time)
- Coming up
- 120 departures in 3 months, 28 this week
Questions about this tour
How much does this tour cost?
Nothing up front. You book for free and tip your guide at the end. Many travellers tip around €5 to €15 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
How long does it take?
About 2h 30min.
Where does it start?
The meeting point is Iglesia Nuestra Señora la Merced . The map on this page shows the exact spot.
What languages is it in?
Upcoming departures are in French, English and Spanish. Pick your language in the calendar to see only those.
When does it run?
120 departures are listed in the next three months, 28 of them in the next 7 days, usually at 10:00, 10:20 and 14:00. Times are local to Panama City.
Do I need to book?
Booking is a good idea: groups are limited and popular times fill up. Create a free Tripsora account, pick a day and time, and press Book to finish with the tour provider.
Can I bring my dog?
The tour provider lists this tour as pet friendly.
Other free tours in Panama City
- Free Tour of the Old Town of Panama: Colonial Tour 4.9 ★ (261) · 2h
- Free Historical Tour of Panama's Old Town 5.0 ★ (195) · 2h 30min
- The Old Town in Context: Discover our fascinating history 4.9 ★ (178) · 2h 15min
- Free Urban Tour Santa Ana and Chorrilo Panama City 4.7 ★ (53) · 2h
- Panama Free Tour of San Felipe Casco Antiguo 4.5 ★ (33) · 2h
Pet friendly
From the Tripsora travel guides
Tripsora AI agent
Plan the rest of your Panama City trip
Tell the AI agent where and when; it finds flights, hotels and tours and builds your day-by-day plan.
More for your Panama City trip
Where to stay in Panama City
Compare hotels and apartments on a map.
See stays ↗
Paid tours and tickets in Panama City
Need a bigger group, a private guide or a skip-the-line ticket?
Browse tours ↗
Travel insurance
Flexible cover for trips and nomads.
Get a quote ↗
Partner links. We may earn a commission if you book, at no cost to you. Disclosure