Plizio Visual Lab

Bolivar Plaza (Panama City)

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Plaza Bolívar, originally known as Plaza de San Francisco, is one of the most pleasant and historically significant squares in Panama City's Casco Viejo. It was renamed in 1883 to honor Simón Bolívar, the 'Liberator' of South America, whose vision of a united Latin America is central to the site's identity. At the center of the plaza stands an elaborate monument to Bolívar, inaugurated in 1926 to commemorate the centenary of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama. This historic meeting, the first major attempt at regional diplomacy among newly independent American nations, took place in 1826 in the adjacent Palacio Bolívar. The square is bordered by architectural gems including the Church of San Francisco de Asís, the National Theatre, and grand colonial houses with ornate balconies. Today, the plaza is a lively social hub filled with outdoor cafes and restaurants, offering a relaxed environment for locals and tourists alike. Its blend of profound political history and architectural beauty makes it a cornerstone of the UNESCO World Heritage district, celebrating the legacy of Panamanian diplomacy and freedom.

Location: Panama
Top sights: Panama Canal Museum · Museum of History of Panama · Casco Viejo, Panama
Nearby: Chilibre (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	28	28	28	27	27	27	27	27	27	27
Rain mm	20	9	18	107	245	253	204	220	245	260	248	108

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

Bolivar Plaza is a public square and can be freely visited at any time. It is an outdoor location with access to surrounding historic buildings.

🕒

Typical hours

The plaza is open 24/7 as it has no fixed hours. It is most lively during daytime when nearby museums and churches are open.

📷

Photography

Photography is allowed anytime - the colonial buildings and the monument provide great subjects. A telephoto lens is useful for facade details.

⏱️

Time needed

About 20-30 minutes suffice for a first walk-around. Allow one hour if you also visit the surrounding buildings.

➕

Combine with

Combine the plaza with the nearby San Francisco Church and Independence Plaza. The entire Casco Viejo old town is walkable.

🧭

Getting there

The plaza is located in the heart of Casco Viejo, easily reachable on foot. Taxis and Uber drop you off at the nearest street.

💡

Insider tip

Visit the plaza early morning to avoid midday heat and tourist crowds. The light is also best for photos at that time.

Geography

Coordinates

8.95250, -79.53350

Facts

The plaza was officially renamed to honor Simón Bolívar in 1883.
The central monument was unveiled in 1926 to mark 100 years since the 1826 Congress.
The 1826 Amphictyonic Congress met in the adjacent hall of the Palacio Bolívar.
Its original name was Plaza de San Francisco due to the neighboring church.
The square was heavily damaged by a massive fire in 1756 and later rebuilt.
It is surrounded by some of the most expensive and well-preserved colonial houses.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Casco Viejo<1 km · NWExplore →

Cinta Costera Playground2 km · NExplore →

Ancón Hill2 km · SExplore →

Estadio Rod Carew2 km · NEExplore →

National Zoo of Panama3 km · SEExplore →

Bridge of the Americas3 km · SExplore →

Torre Las Américas4 km · NExplore →

Taboga Wildlife Refuge4 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Bolivar Plaza (Panama City) (3)

Panama Canal Museum📍 landmark

Museum covering the history of the Panama Canal, housed in a historic building.

Museum of History of Panama 📍 landmark

Exhibits on Panamanian history from colonial times to the present day.

Casco Viejo, Panama📍 landmark

Historic district in Panama City with colonial architecture and narrow streets.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was Simón Bolívar?

He was an important independence fighter in South America.

What does the area offer?

Numerous sidewalk cafés and top-class restaurants.

Is the square historic?

Yes, it is one of the most important squares in Casco Viejo.

How is the square lit?

At night, everything is bathed in atmospheric warm light.

Is this square a popular meeting point?

Yes, especially among locals and tourists in the evening.

Bolivar Plaza (Panama City): where is it located?

Bolivar Plaza (Panama City) is located in Panama.

Bolivar Plaza (Panama City): what is there to see?

Highlights include Panama Canal Museum, Museum of History of Panama, Casco Viejo, Panama.

Bolivar Plaza (Panama City): when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Bolivar Plaza (Panama City): why is it worth visiting?

Plaza Bolívar, originally known as Plaza de San Francisco, is one of the most pleasant and historically significant squares in Panama City's Casco Viejo.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America

More places in Panama →