
Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture worth booking?
Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture is a 2-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $22 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (8)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $22 per person
What makes us different is the way we connect with you: small groups, personalized treatment and a tour designed to be not only spectators, but part of history. You visit iconic places like the Church of Mercy, the Golden Altar in San José Church, Plaza Herrera, the Mola Museum and Plaza Francia, but you do it in a dynamic, interactive and anecdotal style. By the end of the tour, you will not only have seen monuments : you will have understood how Casco Viejo reflects the essence of Panama, its diverse culture and its resilient spirit. You offer a close and authentic service, making each experience unique, like hanging out with a local friend.
What you get
About this experience
What makes us different is the way we connect with you: small groups, personalized treatment and a tour designed to be not only spectators, but part of history. You visit iconic places like the Church of Mercy, the Golden Altar in San José Church, Plaza Herrera, the Mola Museum and Plaza Francia, but you do it in a dynamic, interactive and anecdotal style. By the end of the tour, you will not only have seen monuments : you will have understood how Casco Viejo reflects the essence of Panama, its diverse culture and its resilient spirit. You offer a close and authentic service, making each experience unique, like hanging out with a local friend.
What's included
Included
- More personalized and charismatic tour.
- You will learn about the history and very interesting facts of the old town.
- Complimentary bottle of water.
What you'll see and do
Iglesia de la Merced
In the Church of La Merced, travelers discover one of the most important colonial gems of Casco Viejo. They learn how this church was dismantled stone by stone and moved from Old Panama after Henry Morgan’s pirate attack in 1671, becoming a symbol of the city’s resilience.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Plaza Herrera
In Plaza Herrera, travelers discover a space full of history and elegance. They learn about the figure of General Tomas Herrera, hero of Isthmian independence, whose equestrian statue stands in the center of the square. You know how this place was once a bullring and a social meeting point, until it was transformed into a place surrounded by imposing buildings of the Republican era, some restored as luxury hotels and restaurants.
10 minutes here
Museo de la Mola
At the Mola Museum, travelers immerse themselves in the cultural richness of the Guna people. They learn about the origin and evolution of mola, a handmade garment made with superimposed fabrics that form designs full of symbolism and color. They discover how each piece reflects the worldview, traditions and identity of Guna women, as well as appreciate up close ancient and contemporary molas that show the fusion between art, history and cultural resistance. It is an experience that connects with Panama’s living heritage.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus
It dates back to the colonial period, when the Jesuits arrived in Panama at the end of the 17th century with the aim of educating, evangelizing and training the intellectual elite of the city. In the Old Town they established churches, colleges and residences, becoming one of the most influential religious orders of the time.
15 minutes here
Plaza de la Catedral
Independence Square, also known as Plaza Mayor or Plaza Catedral, is the historic heart of Panama’s Old Town. Since its founding in 1673, following the city's move after Henry Morgan's attack, this square was the political, religious and social center of the walled city.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Plaza Bolivar
Its current name honors Simon Bolivar, the Liberator, and it is closely linked to the Panamanian Anfictionic Congress of 1826, a historic attempt to unite the new American republics.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Paseo de Las Bovedas
is a historic corridor and viewpoint that borders the old colonial wall, offering privileged views of the Pacific Ocean. This walk honors General Esteban Huertas, a key figure in Panama's independence from Colombia in 1903.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Plaza de Francia
In Plaza Francia, travelers discover a monument that honors the courage and sacrifice of the thousands of workers — mostly French — who gave their lives during the construction of the Panama Canal. They learn about the vision of engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, the challenges of diseases such as yellow fever and malaria, and how this project transformed the history of the isthmus. They also enjoy the view towards the Bridge of the Americas and the Amador Causeway.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Panama City
MEETING POINT is inside the heutematte building and cia French Bazaar upon entering we are located in place number 2
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Plaza Francia, is one of the most important squares of Casco Antiguo, because it has the monument in commemoration to the French workers of the canal.
Options you can book
Old Town - Colonial Tour
colonial tour (ENGLISH) Duration: 2 hours
The Casco Experience : Colonial Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- the casco experience
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A disaster!!
The worst tour that exists; they are just kids who read something about the history the day before and repeat it like parrots.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Best tour in Panama City
This was one of the best free walking tours I ever enjoyed and definitely the most professional one! The tour of Casco Viejo was very interesting and had a great pace and we even got free water for the heat. The girl who led the tour had a small speaker and spoke really clear and freely. Clear recommendation if you want to learn a little bit about Casco Viejo in Panama City! (Remeber to tip, even thoigh it is not mandatory.)
via Tripadvisor
Very good tour recommended!!
Good tour, I learned a lot about Panamanian history and many interesting facts about the hat its cultures and much more I find very complete the guides also very friendly and attentive, We provided complimentary water on the tour
via Viator (translated)
Excellent tour and your guide
Excellent experience and a great guide, because in addition to knowing a lot, she has a great charisma and is always attentive and concerned for her companions. 100% recommended
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Did not go inside anyplace. Tour was not as described. We walked past churches that the description said we would go in
We walked past churches and buildings that the description said we would go in.. but never went inside ANY museum or building. Total bait and switch.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture cost?
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Prices start at $22 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Panama City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Panama City is not rushed.
Is Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Panama City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Panama City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Panama City and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Panama City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Panama City?
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On Outty we rank every Panama City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tour to a waterfall and Embera village with lunch included, Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks, Half day of Panama city and canal tour: shared and private. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Panama City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture?
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Included: More personalized and charismatic tour; You will learn about the history and very interesting facts of the old town; and Complimentary bottle of water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture?
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MEETING POINT is inside the heutematte building and cia French Bazaar upon entering we are located in place number 2 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Panama City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Panama Old Town Tour: Learn about our History and Culture?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Old Town - Colonial Tour, The Casco Experience : Colonial Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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