Finding a food tour in Panama City during Christmas week proved to be more challenging than expected. Many tours were either fully booked or not well suited for families traveling with young children. We looked at a few options through Airbnb Experiences and Viator, but ultimately chose a private tour through Withlocals.
Withlocals offered a private experience for our group of five adults and two toddlers, with no charge for kids. We were paired with Daly, and from the very beginning, communication was clear and easy.
She responded quickly via the app’s messaging system, answered all our questions, and reassured us that the tour could proceed at a comfortable pace for our group.
The Tour Overview
The tour we booked was called The 10 Tastings of Panama’s Old Quarter and took place in Casco Viejo. This area involves a lot of walking on uneven streets, so it is important to be prepared for that, especially with children.
We met at the entrance of the Panama Canal Museum (which, by the way, is worth a trip). Daly began by sharing a short history of Panama. She did an excellent job tying Panama’s past to its food culture, explaining how trade, geography, and migration influenced what people eat today. That context made every stop more meaningful.
Although the tour is listed as three hours, Daly was flexible and patient with us, allowing time for kids, breaks, and slower pacing. We never felt rushed, which made the experience far more enjoyable.
Food Stops and Highlights
The tour included ten tastings, ranging from savory to sweet, along with drinks throughout. We sampled classic Panamanian dishes like empanadas and ceviche, as well as other local favorites chosen by Daly.
One of our favorite stops was Mercado San Felipe Neri, where we visited a fresh fruit juice stand. The juices were excellent, and we ended up buying extra to take with us. I had soursop juice, while others in our group tried lemon and pineapple juice. There were so many options, and it was easily one of the best drinks of the tour.
We also walked through the Mercado de Mariscos, Panama City’s main fish market. After seeing the fresh seafood stalls, we went nearby to eat freshly prepared fish and ceviche. The fried fish was some of the best I’ve ever had, simple, fresh, and perfectly cooked.
Along the way, we also walked through Panama City’s Chinatown, which added another layer to our understanding of Panama’s cultural diversity and how it shows up in the food scene.
Connection to the Community
What stood out most about Daly was how deeply she cared about her community. It was clear she was not just guiding a tour, but intentionally supporting local businesses and vendors.
Every stop felt purposeful, and she explained why certain places mattered, not just for their food, but for the people behind them. That sense of giving back and supporting locals made the experience feel grounded and authentic.
Tips for Taking a Food Tour in Panama City
- Bring an umbrella or poncho – We had light rain during the tour, which is common in Panama, especially around this time of year. A small umbrella or poncho makes walking much more comfortable.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes- Casco Viejo involves quite a bit of walking on uneven streets, and the tour covers a lot of ground.
- Eat lightly beforehand- The tastings are filling, and it is easy to overdo it if you arrive too hungry.
- Communicate your needs in advance – Let your host know if you are traveling with kids or have dietary needs. Withlocals makes this easy through their messaging system.
- Stay hydrated- The heat and humidity can sneak up on you. Bring water, especially for kids.
- Expect flexibility – With kids or larger groups, the tour may take longer than scheduled. A good host will adjust the pace.
Final Thoughts
This Withlocals food tour ended up being one of the highlights of our time in Panama City. It balanced food, history, and local insight in a way that felt personal and unforced. Traveling with kids did not feel like a limitation at all, and Daly’s flexibility and care made the experience easy and enjoyable.
If you are visiting Panama City and want a deeper understanding of the culture through food, this tour is a thoughtful and well-executed option, especially for families.
