Panama City Guide

Panama City Food & Culture Tours

Discover Panama City's diverse food scene and rich culture, from traditional Panamanian cuisine to international flavors, experiencing the culinary melting pot

20+ tours
From $55
Half day
Panama City Food & Culture Tours

Panama City offers a diverse and vibrant food scene, where traditional Panamanian cuisine meets international influences, creating delicious food experiences that reflect the city's cosmopolitan culture and strategic location as a crossroads of the Americas! Food & Culture tours take you through Panama City's gastronomic landscape, from tasting traditional dishes like sancocho and ceviche to experiencing international cuisine, from visiting local markets to understanding food traditions, and from learning about Panamanian culture through food to discovering why Panama City's food scene is considered among the region's most diverse. Experience the flavors that make Panama City special, learn about Panamanian culinary traditions, understand how food reflects the city's cosmopolitan culture, and discover why Food & Culture tours are essential for experiencing authentic Panama City. Whether you're seeking traditional food, international cuisine, or comprehensive culinary exploration, Food & Culture tours offer delicious journeys that showcase the culinary richness that makes Panama City culturally fascinating. From markets to restaurants, from traditional to international, Food & Culture tours ensure you experience the incredible flavors that define Panama City!

Featured Food & Culture Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for food & culture tours in Panama City

Panama City FOOD Tour
From $65
Free Cancellation

Panama, known for the canal and the hat, is quickly becoming a foodie destination as well! Anthony Bourdain was here for his show and recently CNN filmed THIS TOUR! Sample 5 products from Panama that are all of the chart! The world's #1 coffee, Geisha and organic chocolate to start. Sip local craft beers and stroll to the seafood market to sample ceviche and finish up in Casco enjoying the view (and rum, made in Panama) from a famous rooftop bar.

3.9(57)
3h
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Private Half-Day Panama City Tour And Panama Canal
From $67
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Enjoy your Half-day Panama City Tour which included Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, Amador Causeway tour. This Private Panama City Layover Tour with certified, bilingual (English/Spanish) guide who will take you to the most interesting parts of Panama City. This private tour offers a personalized experience, ensuring you enjoy the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Panama City in comfort and style. Ideal for layovers or short stays, this tour guarantees you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of one of Central America’s most dynamic cities.

4.8(128)
4h
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Private Tour to Panama City and Canal
From $79
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

These Tour is Unique because it's offer the Best of the Best of Panamá City and the Panamá Canal. These are the Main attractions included: Panamá Canal Casco Viejo (Old Town) Amador Américas Bridge Administration Building / Goethals Monument Souvenir Center All of our Tour Guides are Nationals and are Certified. It Will be an immersive cultural experience, insider knowledge, and memorable encounters with local traditions. these Experience is great for adventure seekers, families with children, etc. Come and let us show You the Beauty of Panamá.

4.6(23)
4h
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Bike Tour Panamá City and the Old Town
From $39.99
Free Cancellation

Enjoy the tour with the best price and activities get to know Panama City in an unique and fun way by bike exploring beautiful views of the city, the canal, old town, culture, history and economy about the country. A fun, historic way to see Panama

4.8(68)
2h
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The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City
From $245
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

This is an authentic panamanian experience! In 5-6 hours, we take you through our city and neighborhoods to ear like locals do, were locals do. This is a gastronomic journey, different, customized and with no agenda. This experience will be delicious from beginning to end. and is on an air conditioned vehicle. With our tropical weather, we make sure you are comfortable at all times. You will taste the Real Panama from basic panamanian food to elevated dishes and everything in between. We get you into one of the TOP 3 restaurants in Panama, no waiting line, guaranteed!. Please come with an empty stomach because you will be in for many treats. This tour is different.. This tour isn’t the same for everyone, instead, every time is tailor made on the spot and we ensure this is a personal, enjoyable experience taking in consideration what you like. This is like a city tour, eating, drinking and eating some more. You’ll love it.

5.0(154)
5h
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Colon City tour: Exploring Caribbean roots, food, and culture
From $105
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Colón, the enchanting hidden gem of Panama’s Caribbean coast! This captivating city tour invites you to dive deep into Colón’s rich tapestry of history, where a vibrant blend of cultures comes alive under the influence of the Caribbean. Delight your palate with mouthwatering cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of its friendly residents. As a bustling maritime city, Colón boasts stunning landmarks that tell the story of this remarkable place—the first city built entirely by the United States. Prepare to be charmed and inspired by every moment of your visit!

5.0(36)
5h
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Panama City & Panama Canal: Miraflores Locks Half-Day Tour
From $79
Free Cancellation

Experience the highlights of Panama City on this 5-hour, expertly guided tour. Visit the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks to witness massive ships navigate this engineering marvel. Stroll the historic streets and plazas of Casco Viejo (Old Town), exploring colonial architecture, cafes, boutiques, and vibrant local life. Drive along the glitzy Avenida Balboa and scenic Cinta Costera, with breathtaking skyline views, and capture photos at the famous Panama sign. Finish at the Amador Causeway, enjoying fresh ocean breezes and stunning city vistas. With a friendly English-speaking guide, this tour offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and iconic landmarks—ideal for first-time visitors or travelers short on time. Perfect for a half-day Panama City tour, Panama Canal visit, or Casco Viejo walking experience.

5.0(10)
5h
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Panama City Tour - Food Fun and more
From $111
Free Cancellation

Join us in this Amazing Panama fun City food tour (seafood) + Sunset and Access to a very nice Panamanian Show 1. Meeting point 5:00 p.m. 2. First food stop 5:30 p.m 3. Second Food stop. 6:00 p.m. 4. Third Food stop :6:30 p.m 5. Panama Show (Saturdays) We will start our tour in @ (details of the meeting point and different spots will be sent via email/WhatsApp/ imessage (great for solo travelers or Couples :) The food selection includes varieties of Caribbean Panamanian sides dishes and from our country side which will include Fresh fish, fresh plantains (love plantains) and more. At the end of the tour there's a fantastic Panamanian show available Saturday We'll get to know each other, have lots of fun make friends and taste PANAMA! SEE U THERE YESSS!

4.8(34)
3h 30m
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Local to the Not so Local Food and Drink Tour: Panama City
From $70
Free Cancellation

Experience the food and social fabric of Panama as the locals do, from the simple to the elegant, with a local that has roamed the streets of Panama extensively. This tour will provide the best tour for low level to high class in both food and drink, with a cultural immersion that will tantalize the senses. As a person who has traveled, the focus of all my tours is to provide clients with the best tour for the best value. It will be a pleasure to share my passion with you! My preference is to keep the groups small for greater enjoyment for both the client and myself. Be aware that this experience is primarily in the Santa Ana neighborhood (a Panamanian low middle class area) with about 5 blocks on the edge El Chorrillo (the folks are very welcoming) that is different and with locals of darker complexion. The neighborhoods have many unique odors. All food stops follow local health code but they are not tourist food locations. The experience prioritizes safety throughout.

4.5(19)
4h
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Private tour: Culture and History of Panama City
From $90
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Guided and private tour around different parts of the Panamanian history and culture showing how everything evolved to make Panama what it is today.

4.9(20)
5h
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Luxury City Private Cultural Tour and Panama Canal
From $60
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

The best quality cars to offer a premium experience Immerse yourself in a unique experience where every moment becomes a special memory. From stunning landscapes to authentic cultural encounters, our proposal will take you beyond the conventional. (MINIMUM 2 persons)

5.0(2)
5h
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Food and Drinks Hopping Tour in Panama City
From $164.99
Free Cancellation

This gastrotour is like no other because you have the chance to interact with the gastronomy of Panama, learning about preparing artesanal chocolate, coffee and its methods. You will get to know the city from tasting its flavors and its artesanal rum made out of sugarcane.

4.5(13)
3h
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Panama City Highlights Private Tour
From $50
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Since its discovery in 1501, Panama has been the crossroads of the world, the thinest piece of land bridging the North and South American Continents. This geographical position has created a unique place, influenced by cultures from all the world. It's a beautiful country and we'll love to show you our amazing city, its history and rich culture. All of our tour guides / drivers are parents and family guys, educated in the USA, so we understand our client's needs and requirements to feel safe while under our care. Our company provides the friends and family experience, and go above and beyond to make your stay in Panama an amazing experience.

5.0(3)
4h 10m
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City Tour in Red Devil in Panama City
From $30
Free CancellationNew

If you are looking for an affordable activity and totally different from knowing the city of Panama, this tour is for you. You will have the opportunity to know the most iconic points of the city of Panama aboard a red devil - a traditional bus of the 90s, where you will feel on a real trip to the past and you can take those Instagrammable photos in colonial sites and appreciate its wonderful views, taking the best memories of the beauty and culture of this beautiful city.

4.8(5)
5h
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The Panama City: Hike & Sights Private Tour
From $80
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Discover the best of Panama City in one unforgettable tour. Start your day with a scenic two-hour HIKE through the lush Metropolitan Natural Park, where you can spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds while enjoying breathtaking views of the Panama Canal and the city skyline. Continue to a mirador for a panoramic perspective of the capital before driving along the famous Amador Causeway to admire SIGHTS of the Pacific entrance of the Canal and the iconic Bridge of the Americas. Capture stunning photos and soak in the sea breeze before exploring the vibrant streets of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with baroque architecture, plazas, and history. Finish your experience with a delicious traditional Panamanian lunch (NOT INCLUDED)*. Don’t miss this perfect mix of nature, culture, and history.

5.0(2)
6h
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Why Choose Food & Culture Tours in Panama City?

Diverse Food Scene

Experience diverse culinary scene reflecting crossroads location!

Traditional Cuisine

Taste traditional Panamanian dishes.

Cultural Insight

Learn about Panamanian culture through food.

Local Markets

Visit local markets and experience authentic food culture.

Types of Food & Culture Tours in Panama City

Traditional Food Tours

Tours focusing on traditional Panamanian dishes and cuisine.

Traditional foodPanamanian dishesAuthenticCulturalLocal

Market & Food Tours

Tours combining market visits with restaurant experiences.

MarketsRestaurantsCombinedComprehensiveDiverse

International Cuisine Tours

Tours exploring diverse international and Panamanian cuisine.

InternationalPanamanianDiverseCosmopolitanVariety

Comprehensive Food & Culture Tours

Full tours exploring diverse aspects of food and culture.

Multiple experiencesComplete overviewComprehensiveDiverseFull day

What to Expect on Your Food & Culture Tour

Duration

Food tours: 3-4 hours. Extended tours: 4-5 hours with more stops.

Food Tastings

Sample various Panamanian and international dishes.

Cultural Learning

Learn about Panamanian food culture and traditions.

Market & Restaurant Visits

Visit local markets, restaurants, and eateries.

Cultural Context

Understand how food reflects Panamanian culture.

Photography

Photography opportunities for food experiences.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Come hungry - food tours include multiple tastings

2

Try traditional Panamanian dishes

3

Food tours showcase diverse culinary scene

4

Experience international influences in cuisine

5

Food tours essential for experiencing Panamanian culture

6

Bring cash - some venues may not accept cards

7

Food tours showcase culinary diversity

8

Food tours highlight Panama City culture

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What Panamanian dishes can I try?

A: Panama City offers Panamanian cuisine including sancocho (traditional soup, popular), ceviche (fish, citrus), empanadas (fried pastries), patacones (plantain, fried), and various traditional and international dishes! Panamanian cuisine diverse and flavorful. Traditional dishes authentic. International influences present. Tours showcase variety of dishes. Essential for experiencing culture. Delicious culinary journey. Must-try cuisine in Panama City!

Q:How much do food & culture tours cost?

A: Food tours: $55-90 per person including guide and tastings. Extended food tours: $90-150 per person. Market and food tours: $60-100 per person. Private food tours: $120-200 per person. Prices typically include guide and food tastings. Some tours include drinks. Book through reputable operators. Tours excellent value for culinary experience. Essential for food lovers. Delicious and cultural experience!

Q:What is sancocho?

A: Sancocho is Panama's most famous traditional dish - hearty soup with meat, vegetables, and plantain creating substantial and flavorful Panamanian meal! Panamanian specialty. Traditional national dish. Absolutely delicious - essential Panama experience. Must-try - iconic Panamanian dish. Hearty and flavorful. Essential Panamanian culinary experience. Traditional Panamanian dish. Popular national dish!

Q:How long do tours take?

A: Basic food tours: 3-4 hours including multiple food stops and tastings. Extended food tours: 4-5 hours with more stops and detailed exploration. Most visitors find 3-4 hour tours perfect for food experience. Tours involve walking between venues. Allow time for enjoying food. Pace relaxed - food for savoring. Tours flexible - discuss preferences. Culinary experience worth taking time!

Q:What should I wear?

A: Wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for walking and dining! Comfortable walking shoes essential - walking between venues. Casual, comfortable clothing most important. Practical, comfortable clothing best. Prepare for walking and dining. Comfortable footwear most important. Dress for walking and dining. Practical and comfortable clothing!

Q:Can I accommodate dietary restrictions?

A: Many tours can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice! Inform operator when booking about allergies or restrictions. Guides help select appropriate dishes. However, traditional cuisine may have specific ingredients. Check with operator about accommodations. Advance notice important. Many dietary needs can be accommodated!

Q:Are tours suitable for families?

A: Absolutely! Food tours perfect for families - enjoyable for all ages! Children enjoy trying new foods and flavors. Family-friendly activity. However, involve walking - ensure children comfortable. Some children may prefer familiar foods. Tours can be customized for families. Many families enjoy food tours. Perfect for families wanting culinary experiences. Consider children's food preferences. Family-friendly with appropriate considerations!

Q:Why are food tours important?

A: Food tours important for experiencing authentic Panamanian cuisine, learning about culture through food, discovering traditional dishes, and understanding how food reflects cosmopolitan Panama City creating essential cultural experience! Food showcases culture. Traditional dishes authentic. Culinary diversity impressive. Essential for experiencing culture. Must-experience - delicious and cultural. Food tours showcase cultural richness. Essential for cultural understanding!

Don't Miss the Perfect Panama City Experience

Book your food & culture tours today - 20+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Panama City?

Iconic Panama Canal and engineering marvel

Historic Casco Viejo with colonial charm

Modern skyline and impressive architecture

Excellent cuisine and vibrant culture

Rich history and cultural heritage

Perfect blend of old and new

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Panama City enjoys a tropical climate with hot, humid weather year-round. Average temperatures range from 75°F (24°C) to 90°F (32°C).

Best Months

December to April offers the best weather with dry conditions and fewer rain showers.

Peak Season

December to April brings peak tourist season with ideal weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

May to November offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with more rain.

Plan Your Panama City Trip

Transportation Tips

Walking is perfect for exploring Casco Viejo. Public transportation and taxis connect different areas, and organized tours include transportation.

Car Rental Deals in Panama City

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Panama City adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Panama City

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.

Ready to Explore Panama City?

Discover the best tours and activities in Panama City with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.