The Miraflores Visitor Centre is one of the best places in Panama City to witness the incredible workings of the Panama Canal up close. Located at the Miraflores Locks, this modern facility offers travellers a front-row seat to see massive cargo ships being lifted and lowered through the lock system—a fascinating feat of engineering that’s been in operation for over a century. Visitors can watch the lock operations from spacious observation decks, where ships pass just metres away. Timing it right means seeing vessels from all over the world as they navigate the narrow canal chambers. Inside the visitor centre, a multi-level museum showcases interactive exhibits on the canal’s history, construction, biodiversity, and global importance. One of the highlights is a short 3D film narrated by Morgan Freeman, offering a cinematic overview of the canal’s history and impact. There are also scale models, historical artefacts, and information about both the original locks and canal expansion.