Half-Day City & Panama Canal Tour with Panama Sign Quick Stop
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Half-Day City & Panama Canal Tour with Panama Sign Quick Stop

Active
(1665 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Our experience is designed for travelers who want to see the very best of Panama City in a smooth, organized, and stress-free way. What makes this tour unique is our precise timing at the Panama Canal to ensure you watch ships crossing live — the highlight of every visit.

We combine iconic city landmarks, a guided walk through the historic Old Town, and a quick photo stop at the famous Panama Sign, giving you the perfect balance of culture, history, and unforgettable views.

With certified bilingual guides, comfortable transportation, and years of experience operating award-winning tours, we focus on personal attention, punctuality, and creating memorable moments for families, couples, and cruise travelers.
You will never feel rushed, and every detail is handled for you — just relax and enjoy Panama.

Available options

PRIVATE TOUR With Canal Ticket

Private Transportation & Guide<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>Customize your Starting Time!: Ideal for travelers who cannot fit into departure times of shared groups. This option allows you to start when it suits you!<br/>Pickup included

Shared Tour: No Canal Ticket

Save More – Buy Ticket Onsite!: Same itinerary. No ticket included—buy tickets cheaper onsite or online. No ticket = no decks, no ships.<br/>Lowest Price–Buy Ticket Direct: Same itinerary. No ticket included—buy tickets cheaper onsite or online. No ticket = no decks, no ships.<br/>Better Price–Buy Ticket Direct: Same itinerary. No ticket included—buy tickets cheaper onsite or online. No ticket = no decks, no ships.<br/>Pickup included

Shared Tour: With Canal Ticket

Pick-Up in Panama City Only: Please note that there are no pick-ups at Playa Bonita, Playa Blanca, or the airport. Only Panama City pick-ups available.<br/>Panama Canal Ticket Included: This option includes your Panama Canal entry ticket in the fare, saving you time and hassle since everything is prepaid!<br/>Shared tour option; Not priv.: Shared tour for a fun experience! Explore amazing sights while meeting new people. Great value and unforgettable moments!<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Panama Sign photo stop
Certified bilingual tour guide
Private or Shared Full Transportation, based on your selected option
AC vehicle with water and snacks on board
1 hour Casco Antiguo (Old Town) walking tour
Panama Canal Visitor Center entry ticket (if selected)

Detailed itinerary

1

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel with a warm welcome, setting the tone for an incredible day ahead! Get ready for a fun-filled adventure full of exciting surprises—you’re in for a treat!

2
Stop 2

The Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal is an absolute must-see on this tour!

- Get ready for a crash course in history, mind-blowing engineering, and why the canal is a big deal worldwide!

- From the Observation Decks You’ll have the BEST front-row seat to watch massive ships squeeze through the locks! See the pilots, mules, and cable operators in action, while our guide keeps you in the loop, answering all your burning questions as the magic unfolds before your eyes.

It’s an experience you won’t forget!

3

(Subject to Traffic Conditions)
Discover the impressive monument dedicated to George Washington Goethals, the brilliant engineer who led the final phase of the Panama Canal’s construction. This historic landmark offers a meaningful glimpse into the legacy behind one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements.

Please note: due to occasional heavy traffic in this area—especially in the afternoon—your guide will always do their best to include this stop. If conditions do not allow it, we simply continue the experience smoothly, ensuring you still enjoy an exceptional and well-paced tour.

4
Stop 4

BioMuseo Park Walk & Bridge of the Americas View (15 minutes)
Enjoy a short and scenic walk through the Biodiversity Park surrounding the iconic BioMuseo, designed by architect Frank Gehry. Stroll past native plants and the impressive giant rubber tree before stepping out to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Amador Causeway and the majestic Bridge of the Americas. It’s a brief but meaningful moment to connect with nature and the landscape that frames the entrance to the Panama Canal. From here, we continue toward the colorful Panama Sign for another unforgettable stop.

5

Enjoy a quick but memorable stop at the colorful Panama Sign, one of the most iconic photo spots in the city. Located along the scenic Amador Causeway, this vibrant landmark offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Panama City skyline. It’s the perfect moment to capture your visit with beautiful photos — whether solo, with friends, or with family. Your guide will help you find the best angles and share a bit of the site’s background. A short stop that adds a fun, visual highlight to your tour and creates a great souvenir of your time in Panama.

6
Stop 6

Step into the heart of Panama’s colonial history on a scenic outdoor walking tour through the charming streets of Casco Antiguo.

We begin at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Plaza de la Independencia, then stroll along Central Avenue, past the Flat Arch and into Plaza Carlos V. We’ll continue through the iconic Hat Street and end at the majestic Plaza de Francia, where massive stone walls offer breathtaking views of the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.

This is a relaxed yet enriching walk through cobblestone streets, historic churches, elegant balconies, and colorful colonial architecture—each corner revealing the city’s layered past.

While food and drinks are not included, we highly recommend ending your experience at one of the many rooftop terraces nearby. Whether it's lunch, a cold drink, or just enjoying the views, it's the perfect way to unwind after the tour—at your own pace and expense.

7

Step into the heart of Casco Antiguo as we begin our one-hour guided walk at the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral, a landmark rich in history and faith. This iconic basilica—home of the first diocese on the mainland of the Americas and visited by Pope Francis in 2019—sets the tone for an unforgettable cultural journey.

From here, stroll through charming colonial streets, vibrant plazas, and beautifully restored buildings. Your guide will share stories of Panama’s past, its architecture, and the people who shaped this historic district. Enjoy photo opportunities, hidden corners, and unique viewpoints as you explore the very best of Casco Antiguo.

8

Continue your walk into Plaza de Francia, one of Casco Antiguo’s most iconic and meaningful landmarks. Known historically as Las Bóvedas, this beautiful square blends French architectural influence with powerful reminders of Panama’s early struggles and triumphs. As you explore its viewpoints, arches, and stone corridors, your guide will share stories of the French attempt to build the Panama Canal and the legacy it left behind.

This plaza also honors national figures such as Pablo Arosemena, defender of constitutional law and Panama’s 5th president. With sweeping views of the Pacific, the Causeway, and the entrance of the Canal, Plaza de Francia offers history, scenery, and unforgettable photo moments—all in one inspiring stop.

What's not included

Meals
Personal expenses
Tips (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
811 reviews
5★
717
4★
61
3★
14
2★
9
1★
10
Tripadvisor 4.9
854 reviews
5★
790
4★
43
3★
11
2★
5
1★
5

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This meeting point is ideal for those staying in Casco Antiguo. It’s centrally located on the route to our first stop and helps you avoid the traffic delays often found in the Old Town. If your hotel is in Casco Viejo, this is the best option to join our Half Day City & Panama Canal Tour!

Important notes

Thank you for booking the Half-Day City & Panama Canal Tour!

We're excited to welcome you soon and truly appreciate your trust in our team. To ensure everything runs smoothly, please check your WhatsApp (preferred) or email the day before your tour, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., when you'll receive:

- Your exact pick-up time
- Meeting point confirmation
- Information for Canal ticket purchase (if you selected “No Canal Ticket”)
- The name of your guide and other important tips

Please note: this visit does not include entry to the interior of the BioMuseo. Coffe Shop and Souvenir Shop are closed on Monday.

Reminder: A copy of your passport or driver’s license is enough for identification.

If you selected "With Canal Ticket," your guide will provide your physical ticket onboard the bus, along with a special edition Panama Canal map to enrich your visit.

If you selected "No Canal Ticket," you may purchase your ticket directly at the Visitor Center or from your guide, based on availability — a convenient option to avoid long lines.

Canal tickets include access to the IMAX 3D movie narrated by Morgan Freeman and entrance to the new observation decks overlooking the locks.

Important update: Due to ongoing improvements at the Visitor Center, the indoor exhibition area and upper observation deck remain temporarily closed. We appreciate your understanding.

Hotel pick-up is available from most central Panama City hotels. Please be ready at your hotel’s ground-level lobby or main driveway at the assigned pick-up time. We cannot wait in rooms or distant areas.

Get ready for a fun, insightful, and unforgettable experience. We look forward to seeing you soon.

For any additional questions, requests, or special needs, please feel free to contact:

Rafael Tello
+507-6676-6665 (WhatsApp – text or call anytime)

About Panama City

Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, is a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers meet historic colonial architecture. Situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and tropical charm, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Panama Canal

One of the most significant engineering feats in history, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to visit locks, tours vary

Casco Viejo

The historic district of Panama City, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, entry fees for museums

Biomuseo

Designed by Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo explores the biodiversity and natural history of Panama.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate

Ancon Hill

A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of the city and the Panama Canal.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Panama Viejo

The ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, entry fee for museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sancocho

A hearty chicken and root vegetable soup, often served with rice and corn.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Appetizer Contains seafood, can be made with various types of fish

Ropa Vieja

Shredded beef stew with vegetables, served with rice and beans.

Main Course Contains meat

Hojaldres

Fried dough pastries, often served with cheese or jam.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Soberanía National Park Kayaking in the San Blas Islands Beach day at Playa Blanca Spa day in a luxury hotel Exploring Casco Viejo Visiting the Biomuseo Snorkeling in the San Blas Islands Boat tours through the Panama Canal

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Spanish
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Panamanian Balboa (PAB)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Panama City is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
  • • Be cautious in crowded areas

Getting there

By air
  • Tocumen International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from city center
By bus

Albrook Terminal, Panama Viejo Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned. A convenient way to travel within the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Casco Viejo El Cangrejo Bella Vista San Francisco

Day trips

San Blas Islands
300 km (186 miles) from Panama City • Full day to overnight

A group of islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Guna Yala culture.

El Valle de Antón
80 km (50 miles) from Panama City • Full day

A picturesque mountain town surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls.

Soberanía National Park
30 km (19 miles) from Panama City • Half day to full day

A lush rainforest offering a variety of wildlife and hiking trails.

Festivals

Panama Carnival • February (4 days before Ash Wednesday) Panama Jazz Festival • January Festival de las Mil Polleras • July

Pro tips

  • Visit the Panama Canal early in the morning to see ships pass through the locks
  • Explore Casco Viejo on foot to discover its hidden gems and vibrant street life
  • Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience
  • Use the metro for efficient and affordable travel within the city
  • Book tours and activities in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-85
1
Childs
Age 5-11
0
Infants
Age 0-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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