Panama City: Street Food Walking Tour with 25+ Tastings

Summary

Panama City’s markets, ceviche stands and local flavors on foot

You’ll taste your way through Panama City’s real neighborhoods—from tangy ceviche at the bustling seafood market to Afro-Caribbean bites in El Chorrillo—with more than 25 street food tastings along the way. Expect laughter with your guide, sips of tropical juice or rum cocktails, and small moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell—like salt and lime and something sharp I couldn’t quite name—right as we ducked into the seafood market in Panama City. Our guide, Luis, waved us over to a little counter where three types of ceviche were lined up in plastic cups. He grinned and said, “Try this one—octopus.” I hesitated (I mean, octopus before 11am?) but it was cold and citrusy, and honestly, way better than I expected. There were fishermen shouting orders behind us, their voices echoing off the tiled walls. It felt like we’d slipped sideways into someone else’s morning.

We wandered through San Felipe Neri Market next, where everything seemed louder and brighter. A woman handed me a cup of maracuyá juice so fresh it made my teeth ache a little. Luis pointed out piles of plantains and told us about his grandma’s tamale recipe—he got kind of nostalgic for a second, which made me think about my own family back home. The bakery stop surprised me too; I grabbed something flaky I still can’t pronounce (Luis tried to teach me but gave up laughing). People kept greeting him by name—felt like he knew everyone.

By the time we reached El Chorrillo, the air was heavy with smoke from grills and someone’s radio played old salsa tracks. We tried coconut fish that tasted sweet-salty at once, then BBQ chicken and smoky chorizo in tiny portions so you could keep going without feeling stuffed. There was this moment when a local kid ran past with a soccer ball and nearly knocked over our tasting plate—I just laughed because it all felt so alive and unfiltered. Oh, and the Geisha coffee? Still thinking about that cup—smooth but somehow floral? Not what I expected at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Panama City street food tasting tour

• Visit fish market, see fresh catch
• Taste ceviche and seafood
• Explore San Felipe Neri Market
• Taste natural juices and fish fillet
• Try soup at Café Coca Cola
• Sample dishes at Plaza Amador food stands

Top questions

How many tastings are included in this Panama City street food tour?

The tour includes more than 25 different street food tastings across several neighborhoods.

Does this tour include drinks or just food samples?

The experience includes natural juices, Geisha coffee or tea, plus an optional rum cocktail or juice.

Is lunch included or is it just small tastings?

This is a tasting tour with sample portions at each stop—not a full meal at any single location.

Where does the street food tour start in Panama City?

The tour begins at the Seafood Market before moving through other neighborhoods like San Felipe Neri Market and El Chorrillo.

Are there vegetarian options on this Panama street food tour?

The reference content does not specify vegetarian options; most tastings feature local seafood or meats.

Is transportation included in the tour price?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby for reaching the starting point.

How long does the walking part of this Panama food tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but it covers multiple stops across several neighborhoods by foot.

Is this street food tour suitable for kids?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain health conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes more than 25 Panamanian street food samples—from ceviche to coconut fish—as well as tropical juices, Geisha coffee or tea, Panamanian treats, plus an optional rum cocktail or secret mixer along the route before you finish exploring Panama City’s vibrant streets on foot.