Free Walking Tours in Panama City

Explore the hustle and bustle of Panama’s capital on foot with a free walking tour in Panama City.

Panama City is a melting pot of cultures, traditions and flavors. The vibrant city was founded in 1519 and has many historic colonial-era landmarks in its city center.

As the biggest cosmopolitan city in Central America, Panama City has plenty to offer, including a historic district and a rebuilt district.

The city is also home to one of the world’s man-made largest and most complex wonders — the Panama Canal.

you will find below all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the best ways for sightseeing tours in Panama City.

How do free walking tours in Panama City work?

There are no obligatory fees involved with participating in a free walking tour in Panama City. At the end of the tour, each participant tips the guide however much they think the tour is worth.

If the tour stops at museums, galleries, or other establishments requiring entrance fees, you will be responsible for paying your own. These fees are usually negligible and roughly US$1 per person.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Panama City?

While the amount you tip your tour guide is entirely up to you, most participants tip between US$10 and US$15. Some people tip as much as US$50 if they consider they had a fantastic experience.

When considering how much to tip your guide, think about how much you enjoyed the tour, what you learned, and how much effort your tour guide put in.

What are the best free walking tours in Panama City?

There are several different types of free walking tours in Panama City. Because the capital city is so large, most tours focus on a specific area or district of Panama City. There is something to suit every interest and taste.

Old Town of Panama free walking tour

Dive into the many rich cultural experiences that Panama’s Old Town has on offer with a Certified Tourist Guide that knows the city inside and out. This tour is the ideal way to experience the history of Panama City.

Itinerary

Meet your guide at the Cathedral of Panama and enjoy a pleasant walk through Panama City’s Old Town. Your guide will tell famous stories about the district, and how it came to be.

During your walking tour, you’ll visit the Church of La Merced, the Church of San Jose, France Square, Independence Square, and much more. You’ll be able to see why the area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

End your trip at Esteban Huertas Boulevard, where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of Panama City that make for incredible photo opportunities.

Panama Viejo Museum free walking tour

The Panama Viejo Museum has hundreds of interesting artifacts in Panama’s Old Town. This free walking tour is led by an archeologist, who will provide you with a more in-depth experience than if you were just to stroll around the museum on your own.

Itinerary

Meet your tour guide at the museum entrance. From there, you’ll walk around the many museum rooms designed to show what life was like in Panama many years ago.

Enjoy the unique opportunity to view these displays and artifacts through the eyes of an established archeologist. You will learn about the city’s history, architecture, culture and traditions.

The tour ends outside the museum, where you’ll see the ruins that represent much of what you have just learned during your tour.

Mysteries and legends free walking tour

Panama City is a city that is full of mysteries and legends. Enjoy unraveling these mysteries with a free walking tour led by an expert storyteller. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll learn during this top-rated tour.

Itinerary

Meet your tour guide at Plaza Bolivar, the starting point for this free walking tour.

The tour begins with a brief introduction to Panama City before exploring nearby landmarks such as the Convent of San Francisco de Asis, Arco Chato, the Church of San Domingo, the Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral of Panama.

Throughout the tour, you’ll be told tales of pirates, religion, tradition, and so much more. You’ll learn about the incredible history of the Panama Canal, as well as the city’s lesser-known secrets.

The tour ends at the Plaza de Francia, where your guide will summarize of what you have learned along the way.

In which languages are free walking tours in Panama City operated?

Most free walking tours in Panama City are available in English. However, there are a few Old Town walking tours that take place in Spanish and one that is in German.

The museum walking tour has tours that are available in Spanish as well as Italian.

Where do free walking tours in Panama City start?

Panama City walking tours begin at a central meeting point so that you can meet your guide and other tour participants.

Popular starting points include Plaza Mayor, Nomada Eatery, the Cathedral of Panama and Independence Square.

The museum walking tour begins in front of the Panama Viejo museum.

Most guides provide you with a description of themselves, their clothes or a specific item so that they are easy to find.

How long do free walking tours in Panama City last?

The average length of a Panama City free walking tour is 2 hours.

The mysteries and legends walking tour is 3 hours, and a few Old Town walking tours are 2.5 hours. The museum walking tour is slightly shorter and lasts 1.5 hours.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Panama City?

Walking tours in Panama City are available in the morning and the afternoon, but a few tours only offer morning time slots.

Most people prefer a morning tour as once the tour is over, you still have most of the day ahead of you.

Book your walking tour at the beginning of your stay in Panama City so that you can get an idea of the city’s layout and learn about features that you may want to explore in depth at a later stage.

Should Panama City free walking tours be booked online?

Booking for a Panama City free walking tour is free and it is also very simple and easy to book the tour online and receive your voucher. This voucher secures your place on the tour.

Remember that even though these tours are free, there are limited spots available on each tour, and if you don’t book in advance, you could end up disappointed.

It is best to book your free walking tour as soon as you know when you will be in Panama City.