Panama City: Classic Car Tour, Casco Viejo & Amador Causeway

Summary

Ride Panama’s city streets in a vintage VW, from glass towers to old plazas and breezy causeways, with music, stories and the hum of city life all around

You’ll cruise Panama City in a classic VW convertible with music playing and wind in your hair—from skyscraper canyons to Casco Viejo’s cobbled lanes and out across Amador Causeway for wild ocean views. Taste fresh ceviche at Mercado de Mariscos, hear stories only locals know, and end your day feeling both swept up in city life and oddly peaceful beneath all that sky.

What’s the experience like?

We slid into the back seat of this wild yellow VW Safari—top down, sun already warming my knees—and I’ll admit, I was grinning before we even left Obarrio. Our driver, Andrés, waved at a group of kids who pointed at the car (I guess these classics still turn heads here). The city’s glass towers shot up around us—El Tornillo twisting above everything else—and I kept thinking how weird it felt to be in something so retro while surrounded by all that steel and mirror. There was salsa on the radio, not too loud, just enough to make me want to tap along. The air smelled faintly salty as we got closer to Punta Paitilla and the Pacific shimmered on our left. Honestly, it was hard not to feel like we were part of some parade.

Andrés had stories for every block—he called Avenida Balboa “the city’s catwalk” and pointed out where locals play baseball in Parque Urracá under these huge trees (one guy waved at us mid-game). We paused at the Mercado de Mariscos; he insisted we try ceviche from one particular stall (“not that tourist one!”), and it was sharp and cold with just enough lime to make my eyes water. I tried asking for another spoonful in Spanish—probably butchered it—got a laugh from the vendor anyway. Then suddenly we were rolling through Casco Viejo’s narrow streets; everything changed. Cobblestones rattled under our wheels, old pastel balconies overhead dripping with bougainvillea. I could smell bread baking somewhere but never figured out which window it came from.

Somewhere near Plaza de Francia I realized how much history is packed into these few blocks—Andrés showed us plaques about the French canal builders and pointed out where Panama declared independence (right there in Plaza Mayor). He seemed proud but not showy about it; just matter-of-fact. The view from the ramparts hit me harder than expected: modern skyline on one side, ships queuing for the Canal on the other. It made me feel small but also kind of lucky to be seeing it like this—not behind glass or through a bus window.

The drive out along Amador Causeway felt like leaving the city behind for a minute—wind stronger now, ocean everywhere you looked. We stopped for photos by Frank Gehry’s Biomuseo (looks even stranger up close) and watched cargo ships slide past Naos Island. By then my hair was a mess from the breeze and I didn’t care at all. Chilled lemonade in hand, sunburn creeping onto my nose—I still think about that last stretch with nothing but sky ahead and city lights starting to flicker behind us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Panama City Classic Car Tour Highlights

• Start in Obarrio neighborhood
• See F&F Tower photo stop
• Cruise Punta Paitilla coastline
• Pass JW Marriott Panama
• Drive Avenida Balboa waterfront
• Pass Parque Urracá park
• Drive along Cinta Costera
• Visit Mercado de Mariscos
• Enter Casco Viejo historic district
• Stop at Plaza Herrera
• Visit Plaza Mayor (Cathedral Plaza)
• Photo stop on Calle de los Sombreros
• See Plaza de Francia monument
• Pass Plaza Bolívar square
• Drive Cinta Costera 3 viaduct
• Stop at La Conquista de la Soberanía monument
• Visit Biomuseo museum
• Drive Amador Causeway road
• Stop at Naos Island viewpoint
• Visit Perico Island marketplace
• End at Flamenco Island marina and shops

Top questions

How long does the Panama City classic car tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is pickup included for this Panama City car tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests join at a central meeting point.

What kind of cars are used on this tour?

The tour uses brightly colored 1970s VW Safari convertibles.

Does this tour visit Casco Viejo?

Yes, you’ll drive through Casco Viejo including stops at historic plazas.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, free chilled bottled water, colas, and lemonades are available for guests.

Is there food included on this Panama City car tour?

You’ll have time to sample ceviche at Mercado de Mariscos (at your own expense).

What are some highlights along the route?

You’ll see Avenida Balboa, Amador Causeway, Biomuseo, Plaza de Francia, and more.

Is this private or group-based?

This is a private classic car tour for your party only.

What’s included

Your ride includes two hours cruising Panama City’s top sights in a private 1970s VW convertible with a local guide at the wheel; you’ll get free chilled bottled water plus colas or lemonade as you go. Stops include Casco Viejo’s historic plazas, Amador Causeway islands for panoramic photos, time at Mercado de Mariscos for ceviche tasting (bring cash), and plenty of chances to chat or snap photos before returning downtown.