Panama City & Casco Viejo: Bike Tour with Markets & Old Town

Ride Panama’s coast, markets and old town on two wheels

You’ll pedal through Panama City’s lively neighborhoods with a local guide, tasting fresh ceviche at the seafood market and weaving through Casco Viejo’s colorful plazas. Hear stories of independence and old prisons in Plaza de Francia before ending at a sweeping viewpoint over the city—all by bike, helmet and water included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided bike tour in Panama City

• Meet guide at Cafe Coca Cola corner
• Bike along coastline between old and modern city
• Take photos of stunning coastline
• Learn about Panama's gastronomy and ocean products
• Visit Plaza Mayor, cradle of independence
• Explore French Square and old prison site
• See monument to the Liberator of America
• Visit Plaza Herrera, former bullfight square
• View historic hotel and famous singer's site
• Visit main cathedral in Casco Viejo
• Explore Chorrillo neighborhood and its history
• Enjoy viewpoint at La Punta De Chiriqui fortress

The Experience

I didn’t expect to start my morning outside Café Coca Cola with the smell of frying plantains drifting over the street. Our guide—Carlos, who somehow knows everyone—handed me a helmet and pointed out a mural I’d walked past twice without noticing. We set off through Santa Ana’s backstreets, dodging slow traffic and kids playing fútbol. The city felt different from a bike: louder in some ways, but also more open. You catch these snippets of music and laughter you’d miss in a car.

The first real surprise was how quickly we left behind the old buildings for the breezy stretch along the Coastal Belt. I remember squinting at the skyline—old city on one side, glass towers on the other—and Carlos stopped so we could try ceviche at the seafood market. It was sharp and cold, tasted like lime and sea air. He explained how Panama’s food comes from both oceans; honestly, I never thought about that before. There was this moment where he laughed at my attempt to say “corvina” properly (I definitely failed), but he just grinned and handed me another bite.

Casco Viejo is all uneven stones and faded colors. We rolled past Plaza de Francia where Carlos told us about its old prison (the story was creepier than I expected). A woman selling woven bracelets waved as we passed Plaza Mayor—she called out something in Spanish I didn’t catch but it made me smile anyway. The main cathedral looked huge up close; cool inside, echoey footsteps on marble. Somewhere near Plaza Herrera he pointed out a building that used to host bullfights centuries ago—hard to imagine with all the coffee shops now.

By midday it was hot enough that my shirt stuck to my back, but nobody seemed to mind much. Chorrillo felt different: murals everywhere, people sitting on stoops waving as we biked by. Carlos talked about poets and boxers from here—he sounded proud, which made me look closer at everything around us. The last stop was this viewpoint over La Punta De Chiriqui; you could see both the old fortress walls and modern Panama City beyond them. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear salsa music or smell fried fish—it just sticks with you, you know?

Top questions

Where does the Panama City bike tour start?

The tour starts at Café Coca Cola on Santa Ana 12 St in Panama City’s Old Town.

Is a helmet provided for the bike tour?

Yes, helmets are available if needed for all riders.

Does this bike tour include stops at local markets?

Yes, there is a stop at the seafood market where you can try local foods like ceviche.

How long is the route between Old City and modern Panama City?

The route follows the coastline between Casco Viejo (Old Town) and modern city areas via safe roads.

Are guides bilingual on this tour?

Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish during the tour.

Is bottled water included during the ride?

Bottled water is provided for all participants.

What historical sites are visited on this bike tour?

You’ll visit Plaza de Francia, Plaza Mayor, Plaza Herrera, Casco Viejo’s main cathedral, and more historic spots.

Can travelers with limited mobility join this tour?

This tour requires moderate physical fitness and isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a fairly new bike with helmet if you want one, bottled water to keep you cool under Panama’s sun, guidance from a bilingual local expert who shares stories along every stop—from seafood tastings to plazas—and all government taxes covered so you can just focus on riding and soaking up each neighborhood’s vibe.