In this article we reveal the essentials what to see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of the island of Gran CanariaLocated in the north of the island, it is the most populated city in the archipelago And one of the 10 largest cities in Spain. As locals, we've prepared this guide so you can discover the city's most authentic side: from the historic center to its urban beaches. Let's get started!
Below you have the index with the 21 must-see places and things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
- Vegueta historic center
- FREE TOUR through the old town
- Neighborhood of Triana
- Best urban beaches
- San Cristóbal fishing district
- Traditional markets
- Shopping areas
- Must-see museums
- Activities and Tours
- Day trips from the capital
- Interactive tourist map
- Where to eat: Restaurants
- A Brief History of the City
- Where to stay (Best Hotels)
- Video guide: What to see in 1 day
- Getting around
- How to get there from the airport
- Best time to travel
- Digital travel guides
What to see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Must-sees
The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and beaches. Beyond the tourist guides, we want to show you the modernization it has undergone: new boutique hotels, a booming culinary scene, and increasingly sustainable transportation. Local Tip: One of the first things to do is go up to the Belvedere TerraceFrom there you will have the best views of the Santa Ana Cathedral and the historic district.
1. Vegueta: The historic heart to visit in Las Palmas
Vegueta It's the founding neighborhood and the old town of the city. Its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture make it a top attraction. Most of its streets are pedestrianized, perfect for strolling. These are the key points:
- Santa Ana Square and Cathedral: The city's icon.
- Columbus House-Museum: A must-see.
- Holy Spirit Square: A charming corner.
- Hermitage of Saint Anthony Abbot: Where Columbus prayed.
- Vegueta Market: To experience local life.
- Photogenic streets: The Balconies, The Ball and Montesdeoca.
👉 Further information: Consult our specific guide on what to see in Vegueta with detailed schedules and prices.
2. Free Tour of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
To understand the story, there's nothing better than an expert. We recommend booking a Free tour of the old town (approx. 2 hours). Combine it by going up to the cathedral tower (€6 general admission / €4 residents and reduced admission).
To understand the story of Columbus and the founding of the city, we recommend booking this free 2-hour tour with an expert guide. It's the best way to get your bearings in Vegueta and Triana.
3. Triana District: Shopping and Architecture
Adjacent to Vegueta, Triana Triana stands out for its modernist architecture and vibrant commercial atmosphere. It's one of the most beautiful and lively areas. Here, traditional shops coexist with franchises and trendy terraces. The must-sees in Triana are:
- Main Street of Triana: The main pedestrian axis.
- Literary Cabinet and Cairasco Square: An architectural gem.
- Pérez Galdós Theatre: Cultural icon.
- San Telmo Park: With its modernist kiosk.
- Charming streets: Cano and Pérez Galdós.
4. Best Beaches in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The capital city boasts four very different urban beaches. Here's how to choose the right one:
✔ Las Canteras Beach: The jewel in the crown
Considered one of the best urban beaches in the world. The pits It's a must-see. Explore it on foot from the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium (surfing area) until The lace (Quiet area with small boats). If you're looking for things to see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in a day, this walk is a must.
✔ El Confital: Wild nature and views
Next to Las Canteras, you will find The ConfitalAlthough swimming isn't always recommended, it's the perfect place to watch the sunset, stroll along its wooden boardwalk, and enjoy the best views of the bay.
✔ Las Alcaravaneras Beach: Water sports
Located next to the marina, it's ideal if you enjoy kayaking, beach volleyball, or are looking for a quiet beach within the port. It's also perfect for families with children thanks to its playground on the sand.
✔ Natural Pools of La Laja
At the southern exit of the city, the following stands out: La Laja beach and its natural pools. With its black volcanic sand, it's the perfect place to experience the local essence away from mass tourism. You can reach it by bike along the seafront (approx. 10km).
5. San Cristóbal fishing district
A traditional fishing neighborhood, characterized by its colorful houses and the Castle of San Cristóbal (Torreón de San Pedro Mártir) by the sea. It is the prime area for eat fresh fish in Las Palmas. Recommended restaurants: La Cofradía de Pescadores and Los Botes.
6. Traditional markets and gastronomy
For food lovers (foodies), there are three key stops:
- Vegueta Market: Exotic fruit, Canarian cheeses and fresh produce.
- Port Market: Famous for its "gastrobar" stands for tapas (near Las Canteras).
- Central Market: The food market in the Mesa y López commercial area.
Sunday: Don't miss the craft market in Vegueta (behind the Cathedral) and the Rastro flea market near Santa Catalina Park.
7. Where to go shopping in Las Palmas
If you're looking for shopping, take note of these areas:
- Main Street of Triana: Franchises and boutiques in historic buildings.
- Cano Street (Triana): Specialty stores like Regaliz Funwear (multi-brand fashion).
- Mesa y López Avenue: El Corte Inglés and major brands.
- Malls: Las Arenas (the largest, next to the Auditorium) and Las Terrazas (Outlets).
8. Must-see museums
The cultural offerings are extensive. These are the museums worth visiting:
- Columbus House-Museum: History of America and the Canary Islands (Free on Sundays).
- CAAM (Atlantic Center of Modern Art): Contemporary art in Vegueta (Free admission).
- Canarian Museum: The largest collection about the aborigines of Gran Canaria.
- Elder Museum: Science and technology (ideal for children).
- Castle of Light: Martín Chirino Foundation (sculpture).
- Pérez Galdós House-Museum: Home of the famous writer.
(I.e. Travel insurance: By the way, if you're coming from abroad, don't travel without insurance. As one of our readers, you have a 5% discount on IATI Insurance in any of their policies.
9. Best Tours and Activities in the City
Looking for different experiences? These are the highest rated:
- (I.e. Complete guided tour of Vegueta and Triana.
- 🦈 Poem of the Sea Aquarium (Essential with children).
10. Day trips from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
If you're staying in the capital and want to explore the island, these tours will pick you up in the city:
- ???? Center and Summits: TerorRoque Nublo and Bandama.
- 🏖 South of the island: Maspalomas, Mogán and Guayadeque.
- ☕ North and Coffee: Valley of Agaete and coffee plantations.
Extra nature: If you have a rental car, visit the Viera y Clavijo Botanical Garden (Canary Garden), located on the outskirts. It is the largest in Spain.
Map of tourist places to see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Plan your visit with this interactive map of the places to visit in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria:
Where to eat in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The city's food scene is booming. To avoid tourist traps, check out our curated guide to best restaurants in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where we include everything from traditional taverns to Michelin-starred options.
A brief history for the curious
The city was founded on June 24th, 1478 by Captain Juan Rejón. The exact spot of the founding is marked on the Plaza de San Antonio Abad (Vegueta) with a plaque and three palm trees. In fact, Christopher Columbus stopped here to repair his ships before discovering America, forever marking the Atlantic character of the city.
Where to stay in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
In this article, we want to share everything we know about accommodation in the capital. As we mentioned in other posts, We always recommend spending at least one night in the city to experience its more local sideWithin the city center, the best area if your visit is cultural is... VeguetaOn the other hand, if you prefer the sea and a lively atmosphere, look near The pitsBelow, we've prepared a selection so you can choose the one that best suits your style without going crazy searching:
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🏛️ Old Town (Vegueta and Triana)To sleep in charming historic buildings.
👉 Top Boutique: Suite 1478 (a work of art) or Cordial Plaza Mayor of Santa Ana (right in Plaza Santa Ana). -
🏖️ Las Canteras BeachTo wake up with a sea view.
👉 First line: Bull Reina Isabel & Spa or the classic AC Gran Canaria. -
🍸 Modern and with a RooftopModern design and incredible terraces.
👉 Trend: Hotel Lumm (port area) or Silken Saaj (facing the sea). -
💎 The City IconHome to 2 Michelin-starred restaurants ⭐️⭐️.
👉 Grand Luxury: Santa Catalina, and the Royal Hideaway Hotel.
Video Guide: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1 day
Short on time? This video summarizes the perfect one-day route. Subscribe to our YouTube channel For more guides to Gran Canaria.
How to get around the city
The best way to visit Vegueta, Triana and the Las Canteras promenade is at aFor long distances:
- CityCleta: The public bicycle system (highly recommended for going from Vegueta to the Port).
- Municipal Buses: The city's yellow bus network.
- Tourist Bus: Convenient option for viewing distant points.
How to get there from the airport
The airport is 25km away (20-25 minutes). Options:
- Guagua (Bus): Line 60 (Direct to San Telmo or Santa Catalina).
- Private Transfer: The most convenient option if you have suitcases. Check prices here.
Best time to visit Las Palmas
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria boasts of having "the best climate in the world." However, you should know the "Donkey Belly"A common accumulation of clouds in July and August that cools down the summer (ideal if you're escaping extreme heat). If you're looking for guaranteed sunshine, September, October, May and June These are the best months.
Gran Canaria Digital Guides
If you want to travel independently and discover the most authentic side of the islandWithout wasting time searching for information, take a look at our Local Guides of Gran CanariaThey include day-by-day itineraries, authentic restaurants, and local tips so you don't miss a thing.
Just leaving a thank you note for this article and your efforts. Very informative, thank you very much!
thank you!
Thank you for such an informative guide, it is so refreshing to read the recommendations from a local person. I look forward to reading more pages in the next few days before we visit in February.
Thank you , Thank you
Graham ( Scotland )
Hi Graham!
Thank you very much for your kind comment and sorry for the translation of the blog, it is automatic and I'm sure there are some mistakes.
I hope you enjoy the island and, if you don't want to be surfing the blog, remember that we have a complete guide of the island and itineraries per day (this last option if it's your first time on the island). They are digital guides and we have checked them all after the translation.
Greetings from Gran Canaria!
Guten Tag, ich möchte gern den Karnevalsumzug in Las Palmas sehen. Wo genau findet dieser statt? Was wäre night empfehlenswert beim Karneval zu sehen? Wir kommen nach Maspalomas in den Urlaub, Wie kommt man am besten in die Hauptstadt? Vielen Dank, Katrin Mann
Hallo, die Parade findet vom Hafengebiet von Las Palmas bis zum Stadtteil Triana statt and verläuft hauptsächlich intlang der Calle León y Castillo in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Um nach Las Palmas de Gran Canaria zu gelangen, empfehlen wir, den Bus vom Faro de Maspalomas zu nehmen. It is free for direct Bus.
Was the restliche Karnevalsprogramm angeht, so finden Sie auf dieser Website Informationen zu den Zeiten and Orten der Feierlichkeiten. Je nach Alter und Geschmack werden Sie sich eher für die eine oder andere Veranstaltung interessieren, auch wenn für viele davon Eintrittskarten benötigt werden and diese nur schwer zu bekommen sind. Der Karneval tagsüber ist kostenlos und macht viel Spaß (Samstag, February 10).
Good afternoon,
The first photo (Panoramic of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) of this post (What to see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The essentials) where is it taken from? We are looking for viewpoints to see the capital. In addition to one to see the Sant Juan neighborhood.
Thank you very much
Hello, Martha!! The photo is taken from the Los Giles neighborhood, both here and from Las Coloradas, you will have very good views. The good thing about Las Coloradas is that you see the thin line of the city between two beaches: on one side Las Alcaravaneras and on the other Las Canteras. To see the San Juan neighborhood, search on Google for “colored houses viewpoint.” We hope we have helped you. A hug.
I would like information on what to visit in 4 days and where to spend New Year's Eve.
Hello John! Thank you very much for your comment.
In our Guides section we have prepared a digital Guide on what to see in Gran Canaria in 4 days with places to eat. That is, it includes 4 full-day itineraries with what for us are the essentials of Gran Canaria so that you can do it on your own. We invite you to take a look —> https://localguidegrancanaria.com/downloads/que-ver-en-gran-canaria-en-4-dias/
As for the end of the year, it all depends on your budget, if you are going as a couple, with friends or with children, if you want something rural or urban, etc. Likewise, between now and then we do not know which hotels may close and/or reopen. I don't know if you have browsed our website in the accommodation section, there you have all the types of accommodation: hotels in Las Palmas de GC, family hotels, rural hotels, 5-star hotels, etc.
Take a look at our accommodation section, it will surely help you decide based on what you are looking for, that is why we created it, as well as our guides! 🙂 –> https://localguidegrancanaria.com/alojamiento-gran-canaria/
We hope we have helped you.
Greetings LOCALGUIDER