Plaza de Francia
Plaza de Francia
4
About
Called the “French Plaza” in English, this pleasant spot offers great views and a leisurely spot in which to purchase and savor raspados (fruity snow cones) on hot, humid days. Housed in this plaza is the elegant Instituto Nacional de Cultura (National Institute of Culture), which was among the sites used for “Quantum of Solace,” a 2008 James Bond film that supposedly took place in Bolivia and Haiti but was filmed in Panama. Formerly the Supreme Court building, the Instituto now houses a small theater and hosts cultural events.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.0
650 reviews
Excellent
218
Very good
316
Average
106
Poor
10
Terrible
0
Dominique
New York City, NY79 contributions
Mar 2022
Stopped here as part of a walking tour. You can see views of the old and new city. It's on the south end of the old city so it's by the water. Good place to take pictures and walk around.
Written 17 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vladimiramirela
Mississauga, Canada1,881 contributions
Jan 2020
The warm lights cast upon this square at night give the whole ensemble a mirific glow. It is beautiful and ladden with monuments and history of Panama. Definitelly one spot to visit while in the city, and preferably in the evening.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin S
Pontypridd, UK7,058 contributions
Mar 2022
Disappointing. Not a true plaza with shops or restaurants around a square, just a raised semi circular area marking the end of the old town. No shops , bars, not even good view, and a minor obelisk, a gift from France.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Goal100Countries
Cheltenham, UK598 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
The Plaza has a monument that was built as a tribute to the failure of French workers to construct the Panama Canal. There a number of bars and restaurants nearby and also street vendors who sell artisan goods. Nearby on the walkway there are some great views of downtown and the skyline.
Written 11 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mancon2ur
Manchester, UK29 contributions
Feb 2020
A memorial to French soldiers and citizens who lost their lives in the unsuccessful first attempt at building the Panama Canal.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Treephoto
Johannesburg, South Africa37 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
A beautiful town square / monument in Casco Viejo. As the trees cast their shadows you can sit on the bench to enjoy the see breeze and absorb the tranquility. Lovely to to watch the tourists and locals. As you walk up the stairs and around the monument you will encounter the locals selling their wares and you will beautiful view of the americas bridge and the ocean.
Written 17 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lfcarvajal84
Panama City, Panama14 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
One of beautiful of this place is the history that you can read through the walls, I would recommend to go to this place.
Written 11 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
London, UK914 contributions
Jul 2017
No reason not to visit. The monument is in the Casco Viejo, Old Town area - just a few minutes walk from most of the other attractions, bars and restaurants.
The upper walkway has a busy market with local handicrafts and offers a view out to the bay and ring road.
The upper walkway has a busy market with local handicrafts and offers a view out to the bay and ring road.
Written 15 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cmr352
Vancouver, WA96 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
This area has a lot to explore and a lot of photo opportunities. The plaza and monuments are interesting. Take a walk up above to see beautiful views and to find more excellent photo opportunities as well as crafts and vendors. We found a shady spot with a breeze to sit and watch people pass by. Definitely worth a visit!
Written 26 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fantom_Gormay
Niagara Falls, Canada549 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
As Lonely Planet states in page 48 of their Panama guidebook, " plaza pays homage to the French role in the construction of the canal ". Some statues, busts, and plaques. But also a good place to stop & rest on a walking loop through Old Town if yoy can find a bench in the shade.
Written 23 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there any Restaurants and Cafes in Plaza Francia?
Written 5 June 2015
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