Things to do in Gamboa

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Panama

Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is located in Panama, Central America, and spans the Isthmus of Panama. It is 82 km long and up to 304m wide, making it one of the world's greatest engineering feats. The Panama Canal provides a shortcut for ships traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific, allowing them to avoid sailing around South America and shortening the voyage by over 10,000 nautical miles. The canal features 3 sets of locks used to raise or lower water levels, allowing ships to move from one water level to another. Visitors can view the canal from three locations: theMiraflores Lockson the Pacific side, the Gatun Locks, and the on the Atlantic side. From the observation deck, you can watch the entire process of ships slowly passing through, including the lowering of water levels, the opening of gates, towing by locomotives, sailors and passengers on the ships waving, the closing of gates, and the raising of water levels.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Ancon

Soberania National Park

Soberania National Park is rich in flora and fauna. You can go deep into the jungle and visit the natural habitats of monkeys, armadillos, sloths, birds, and along the plantation trail to find cash crops such as cocoa, rubber and coffee plants, all the way along to see the spectacular Great view of waterfalls. It's a great place to relax and a great choice for campers.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Panama

San Felipe

San Felipe is the historic core of Panama City. In 1671, when the pirate Henry Morgan attacked, the original Panama City was nearly destroyed by fire. Survivors subsequently built a new walled city on a peninsula extending into the bay. The current layout of the neighborhood was established then, and it was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1997 as the Historic District of Panama. The charm of this neighborhood lies in the juxtaposition of the old and the new. Beside renovated colorful houses, cafes, and craft shops, there are still mottled, unrestored old buildings. On one side are colonial-era batteries, while on the other, the skyscrapers of Panama City stand in full view.

Miraflores Locks

is one of the locks on the Panama Canal, and its spectacular ship lifting process attracts visitors from all over the world. At the observation deck, visitors can observe the entire process of ships passing through the locks up close, experience the wonderful combination of engineering and nature, and feel the grandeur and ingenuity of this century-old project. In addition, interactive exhibits and films provide a detailed introduction to the history, construction process, and operating principles of the Panama Canal, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the role ofMiraflores Locksin global trade and its impact on the world economy.Miraflores Locksis not only a paradise for engineering enthusiasts but also a must-visit destination for all travelers interested in human ingenuity and natural wonders. Whether you are here for a short stop or an in-depth exploration, it will bring you an unforgettable experience.

Summit Municipal Park

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Panama

Old Panama

Old Panama is the predecessor of Panama City. It was founded in 1519 by Spanish colonizer Pedrarias Dávila and subsequently became the gateway for the Spanish to establish a foothold on the Pacific coast of the Americas. In 1671, Welsh pirate Henry Morgan led a team across the jungle from the Caribbean coast to attack. The old city was reduced to ruins during the looting and fire, and survivors built a new city a few km to the west, leaving these ruins as they were to this day. Today, it has been turned into an open-air archaeological site park, surrounded by modern neighborhoods. The cathedral tower is the landmark of the entire site. Climbing the stairs to the top of the tower, you can see the ruins and the Bay of Panama on one side, and a cluster of modern skyscrapers on the other, creating a striking contrast between the old and new cities.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Panama

Bridge of the Americas

Bridge of the Americas is an important landmark in Panama City, spanning the Panama Canal. The bridge is a steel arch structure that opened to traffic in 1962. It is over 1.6 km long, with its arch suspended high above the sea, forming a striking arc visible from afar in the Gulf of Panama. The Pan-American Highway connects the North and South American continents right here, and the bridge is thus considered a testament to the history of the Panama Canal and the development of modern transportation. Ocean-going cargo ships and cruise ships traversing the canal must slowly pass under the bridge. Watching the massive ships line up and pass through one by one under the bridge is a sight rarely seen elsewhere.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Panama

Plaza de Francia

Plaza de Francia is a public space steeped in history and culture, named to commemorate France's contribution to the construction of the Panama Canal, and surrounded by colonial-era architecture that showcases a unique French flair. In the center of the square stands a towering granite obelisk, topped with a bronze Gallic rooster, a traditional symbol of France. The sides of the monument feature busts of individuals such as de Lesseps, who led the Suez Canal project, while the surrounding stone plaques and bronze panels commemorate the tens of thousands of workers and engineers who perished from malaria and yellow fever. It is also a venue for various cultural events and festivals, where visitors have the opportunity to experience local music, dance, and art performances.

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Panama

Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient

Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Panama and a landmark in the old town. Construction of the cathedral began in the late 17th century and took over a hundred years to complete; its design was created by military engineer Nicolás Rodríguez. The gray-white stone facade is primarily characterized by Renaissance-style classical ornamentation, with hints of Baroque flair; the white bell towers on both sides of the main facade are particularly striking, with mother-of-pearl from the Pearl Islands embedded in the towers, shimmering with iridescent light in the sun. Inside, the cathedral's vaulted ceiling is supported by dozens of cruciform stone columns, with the white columns contrasting sharply with the dark wooden ceiling. The main altar, crafted by French artisans in the late 19th century, and the Art Deco-style stained-glass windows are worth a close look. During the day, light streams through the glass into the hall, creating a quiet and solemn atmosphere.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Panama

Panama Canal Museum

The Panama Canal Museum is an important window into the Panama Canal, the Bridge of the World. Established in 1997, the museum uses 10 exhibition halls to detail the historical evolution of the canal, from the planning by France and construction by the United States to the management system of Panama. The building itself is also rich in architectural character. Inside, there is also a 3D film that vividly introduces the construction process and principles of the canal, along with many hands-on experiences for visitors. It is well worth a visit.