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

4.9 (49 reviews) Panama City, Panama
Duration2h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

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.

What's included

  • Professional Tour Guide (Certified by ATP)

What to expect

  1. 20m
    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.
  2. 30m
    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
  3. 15m
    Enjoy a market of artisan products, traditional hats, dresses, souvenirs and discover the most incredible murals with graffiti in Panama City
  4. Iglesia Santa Ana Panama
    Pass by
    This is an incredible stop to discover the stories that surround this church and its emblematic plaza during the rise of the Panamanian popular class in the early 20th century. This is a place that marked many writers and politicians to transform the art, culture and political destiny of our nation
  5. Pass by
    Café Coca-Cola is the only restaurant that bears this famous name in the world. Founded in 1875, it became the meeting place for the new social class of the 20th century.

    It was the scene where celebrities from all over the world met on their way through Panama. Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Evita Perón among many more.
  6. Pass by
    The Imposing Hand of the Tiger is the remnant of what in the 17th century became the wall that protected the city of Panama at that time.

    With the gold boom in the mid-1850s, this wall was torn down and used as the quarry for the construction of the new city "outside the wall".

    Here begins your walk in the "intramuros", which became the new city of Panama since 1673.
  7. Plaza Tomas Herrera
    Pass by
    This is the point where history and architecture merge ...

    Here we honor the memory of General Herrera, pioneer of the idea that Panama was recognized as a Free State since the mid-19th century while enjoying the incredible variety of Spanish, French and Italian architecture.
  8. Museo de la Mola
    20m · Admission ticket included
    Travel through Guna history and culture and discover the mystery behind one of the most representative arts of Panama

    Here we will make a quick visit to this magical museum.
  9. 15m
    The legendary Golden Altar, which survived the looting perpetrated by Henry Morgan and his men, is today the subject of legends and admiration.

    Here he discovers one of the greatest Christmas nativity scenes in the republic.
  10. Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus
    Pass by
    Today, fully restored and renovated, it has been occupied by one of the most luxurious and extravagant hotels built in the Old Town of San Felipe.

    The University "La Compañía de Jesus", became the first university in Panama, run since the end of the 17th century by the Jesuits.
  11. 30m
    You could not miss a visit to our Majestic Basilica Cathedral and its Plaza surrounded by History and beautiful buildings.
  12. Independence Square
    5m
    The Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square) is your last stop on this amazing walking tour.

    This square, full of history, culture and traditions, is the ideal place to plan your lunch spot, visit your favorite museum or simply taste a delicious "Raspao" (shaved ice) with tropical fruit!

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

meet us at the front door,
next to the parking area of the market.

Here you have at your disposal clean bathrooms, the best cheap local food, and the best natural juices in Panama.

While you wait to start the tour, enjoy a local breakfast or lunch in the style of our Panamanian people.

End point

The perfect place to make plans for lunch, visit the Panama Canal Museum or just enjoy the local shaved iced at the Independence Square!

Participants with hotel transportation can also decide if to stay and continue enjoying the beauty of the Old Town or take our transportation back to the hotel.

Pickup details

We can pick you up at your favorite location ONLY IN Panama City DOWNTOWN.

If your hotel is not listed here, please contact our representative.

Additional 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

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.9 (49)
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$47.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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