San Felipe Market & Santa Ana Experience. City Rhythms Revealed!

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Begin at the vibrant San Felipe Neri Market, a cornerstone of Panama City's daily life since 1914. Recently renovated, this bustling market offers a sensory feast of fresh produce, local delicacies, and authentic Panamanian commerce. Engage with friendly vendors, sample traditional snacks, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

From the market, weave through the narrow alleys of Salsipuedes—a historic street whose name translates to "get out if you can." Once a maze of vibrant stalls and dynamic trade, Salsipuedes has been revitalized, blending its rich past with contemporary flair.

Continue into the heart of Santa Ana, a neighborhood steeped in history and resilience. Admire architectural marvels showcasing Spanish, French, and Panamanian influences, and learn about the area's significance in Panama's social and cultural tapestry.

This walking tour offers a unique glimpse into the authentic spirit of Panama City, far from typical tourist paths.

Additional Info

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional Tour Guide (Certified by ATP)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

This is the starting point, where you will meet our guide and start your experience! San Felipe Neri Public Market, is a special place, nothing touristy, but extremely popular with locals from all over Panama City looking for the best products at the best prices. Historically, the building was one of the stations of the "First Transcontinental Railway in the World"... Today, fully restored and renovated, for the sale of the best agricultural, organic products and the best meats of all kinds.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Chinatown will be your first encounter with the Real Panama during this fascinating walking tour While you listen to the stories of our guide, you will be able to observe the buildings that brought together the ancient Chinese societies at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Since the beginning of the 20th century, this neighborhood has been shared between the original descendants of the Chinese who refuse to abandon the houses inherited by their relatives, and the new inhabitants who arrive in Panama and settle in the neighborhood, to participate as part of the labor force in the Panama Canal. Today, the new Chinese generations have moved to the north of the city, to what we know today as "El Dorado", the "New" Chinatown of Panama

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

From Starting Point

HOTEL PICK-UP NOT INCLUDED

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off Included

PANAMA CITY AREA PICK-UP: PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF ONLY AVAILABLE IN PANAMA CITYAREA. * Not available for PLAYA BONITA OR AIRPORT AREAS
Pickup included

Reviews

4.85

47 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A fusion of history and shopping!
nakkisha,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Belco was a great guide! His knowledge of the history of the marketplaces in Panama City kept me interested and asking questions! The tour is a great way to pick up the souvenirs for your return trip.
Excellent
James G,
Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent tour with knowledgeable tour guide who gave great information about the people and the places. Best tour of Casco Viejo.
The tour guide Juan...
Khodia C,
May 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour guide Juan Carlos was amazing and extremely knowledgeable. He took us through the evolution of Panama City. His referral of Fonda San Felipe for us to get a taste of traditional Panamanian food was gold star.
Excellent walking tour of Panama City old town
samk654,
Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Another excellent tour of the many sites in Panama City. Luis (sp?) was a very well spoken, knowledgeable, and gracious guide. He optimized the tour for us, eg keeping in the shade, providing bootlegs of cold water, answering our questions, all while covering a lot of old town. He knows the sites well and relayed that information to us. This is what we hoped for and we walked for several hours non-stop.
A great tour
Traveler26089252123,
Jan 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Roberto our guide was very knowledgeable and knew not just the area, but most of the people in it. He took us to some areas that we wouldn’t otherwise have seen without him. He also took many group photos for us.
Leared a lot.
Irwin D,
Nov 10, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Learning about all the foods that are native to Panama and a mystery to us. Luis made especially aware of all the different styles of housies throughout old town. He pointed out all different balcony designs which never noticed before. The tour was a real treat and Luis is an excellent guide and person.
Excellent visit to familiarize yourself with the places
danymM756GL,
Oct 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Roberto the Super Guide and the good cares gave meaning to this tour of the old town. The right indications and explanations.
An amazing Tour of the Panama Canal and Old Town.
Maze1914,
Oct 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The half day tour was amazing. It was nice to learn about how the Canal works and actually see it in action. Our guide was amazing and gor us there very early as we beat the crowd The tour around Panama City and Old Town was equally amazing and we learned so much about the city Highly recommend!!!!
Very informative
Aditi V,
Jul 13, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
I’d actually walked around all the areas on the tour by myself the day before, but I got SO much more interesting context about the local culture and history by going on this tour. Definitely recommend!
Real Panama experience!
Andrew G,
May 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Juan Carlos was awesome! Gave me a real Panama experience. Very knowledgeable and informative. Would recommend to all.