9 Amazing Things to do in Las Palmas and Complete Guide
Explore the quaint, colourful streets of Vegueta, admire gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings in Triana, try delicious local cuisine, sip wine overlooking bustling plazas, take part in one of the biggest carnivals in the world and hike amongst incredible natural scenery. Here’s our list of the best things to do in Las Palmas, continue reading for more and everything you need to know for your visit.
Gran Canaria’s vibrant and bustling capital city, Las Palmas is one of the best places to visit in Gran Canaria for a wonderful mix of culture, history, beaches, charm, shopping and local cuisine.
Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands and Spain’s ninth-largest city with around 380,000 inhabitants accounting for almost half the total population of Gran Canaria. It shares the title of the capital city with Santa Cruz de Tenerife and changes with parliament every 4 years.
Gran Canaria enjoys lovely warm weather and sunny days all year round making it a popular place for Europeans to head to in the winter to enjoy some winter sun.
Most people flock to the busy resorts in the south and skip the capital, however, we’d recommend at least a couple of days enjoying this beautiful city and everything it has to offer.
There are many amazing things to do in Las Palmas providing you with a wonderful insight into Gran Canaria. Explore the picturesque cobbled streets of Vegueta, take part in the Las Palmas Carnival, relax on Gran Canaria’s largest beach, try delicious local cuisine, explore the colourful shopping district and more.
There are also great things to do in Las Palmas located outside of the city but within easy reach such as wine tasting, exploring colourful historical towns and hiking amongst some of Gran Canaria’s incredible natural scenery.
In this guide, we’ll start with the best things to do in Las Palmas, then share restaurant, bar and accommodation recommendations alongside what area to stay, how to get to and get around Las Palmas and more.
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Contents
Things to do in Las Palmas
Explore Vegueta; one of the best places to see in Las Palmas
One of our favourite things to do in Las Palmas was explore Vegueta; the oldest and most picturesque area of the city.
Characterised by quaint cobbled streets, colourful historical buildings, charming plazas and houses in the traditional Canary Islands architectural style, Vegueta is one of the best places to see in Las Palmas.
You can spend hours ambling through the charismatic streets admiring the unique architecture and gorgeous balconies. Some of the best spots to visit in Vegueta are:
- Santa Ana Cathedral – an impressive cathedral whose construction began in the 15th century but wasn’t completed until the 20th resulting in a beautiful combination of Neoclassical, Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Head to the top for amazing views over the city.
- Plaza de Santa Ana – dominated by the Santa Ana Cathedral and home to numerous gorgeous centuries-old buildings full of history, this plaza is not to be missed.
- Dogs of Plaza de Santa Ana – 8 bronze dog statues stand guarding the Plaza de Santa Ana and the cathedral. Why? Dogs are the symbol of the Canary Islands. The name comes from the Latin word for dog “canis” and was given by the first Europeans to arrive here. It’s said that on arrival they were met with large dogs.
- Casa de Colón – a colonial-style mansion where you can learn about the history of the Canary Islands.
- Museo Canario – an archaeological museum dedicated to the pre-colonial history of the Canary Islands.
- Plaza de Santa Domingo – a quiet plaza out of the hustle and bustle of Vegueta’s other squares. A lovely spot to sit on a bench under a shaded tree and enjoy the tranquillity.
- Mercado de Vegueta – this traditional market is where you can discover local foods of Gran Canaria including local fruits and vegetables, herbs, spices, cheeses, eggs and meat.
- Plaza del Espíritu Santo – home to a beautiful covered stone fountain.
Start at the Plaza del Espiritu Santo and head down Calle del Espiritu Santo then to Calle los Balcones, Calle Mendizábal and Calle Pelota. This walk is only 7 minutes as Vegueta is quite small but incorporates some of the most beautiful places to see in Las Palmas.
Relax on Playa de las Canteras
Playa de las Canteras is the largest beach in Gran Canaria and one of the best places to see in Las Palmas.
The golden sand stretches for 3 kilometres and is lined with a picturesque promenade of bars, restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours and souvenir shops.
Playa de las Canteras is one of Europe’s top urban beaches due to its natural beauty and the range of facilities and activities along its promenade.
There’s a natural offshore lava reef which acts as a wavebreak so the water’s calm and it’s a lovely spot for a swim year-round. This reef also makes Playa de las Canteras one of Gran Canaria’s best snorkelling spots as it protects various marine life. Grab a snorkel and see if you can spot octopuses, barracuda, grouper and eels among others.
Visiting Playa de las Canteras is one of the best things to do in Las Palmas.
Dine at Mercado del Puerto
Another of the best things to do in Las Palmas is try local food and one of the best places to do this is at Mercado del Puerto.
Located 100 metres from Playa de las Canteras, Mercado del Puerto is still housed in its original 19th-century wrought iron building and has undergone a revival in recent years.
Mercado del Puerto is a mix of traditional businesses and gastronomic stalls. You’ll find a wide range of typical products including fresh fruit and veg, locally caught fish, Canarian black potatoes and palm honey alongside trendy tapas stalls.
The outside of the market is also lined with both local and international restaurants, bars and shops. It’s a vibrant and lively area and one of the best places to see in Las Palmas.
Mercado del Puerto Opening Hours
The traditional market stalls are open Monday to Thursday 7am – 2pm and between 7am and 3pm Friday and Saturday.
Food stalls are open 10am – 4pm Monday to Thursday, 10am – midnight Friday and Saturday and 10am – 8pm on Sunday.
Visit Triana
Triana is the shopping district of Las Palmas and one of the most picturesque and oldest areas of the city.
Even if you have no intention of doing any shopping, we’d definitely recommend strolling along the pedestrianised Calle Mayor de Triana and admiring the stunning Art Nouveau buildings and gorgeous balconies. This street is hands-down one of the prettiest streets in Las Palmas!
Triana is one of the city’s most bustling areas as it’s a popular area to socialise and one of the best foodie spots. Pretty plazas house some of the city’s top cafes, restaurants and bars with outdoor seating where you can sit and soak up the social atmosphere.
Go Wine Tasting
Wine tasting may not immediately spring to mind when thinking of the best things to do in Las Palmas, however, the rich volcanic soils and variable weather give wines produced in Gran Canaria a real depth of flavour that’s truly unique.
Wine cultivation in the Canary Islands dates back to the 15th century when the first Spanish conquerors arrived on the islands. In the 16th century, malvasian wines from the islands achieved international acclaim and became known in European courts and were even complimented by William Shakespeare!
What’s unique about the wine produced in the Canary Islands is that the islands have remained free from phylloxera; an insect that affects vine cultivation. As a result, vine cultivation can take place on open ground without needing rootstocks, allowing the plants to maximise the consumption of soil minerals and develop unusual properties.
One of the best places to visit in Gran Canaria for wine tasting is Bodega los Berrazales near Agaete. This winery (and coffee plantation) is over 200 years old and is situated in the breathtaking scenery of the Tamadaba National Park. Guided tours cost €12 and also include a tasting.
It’s a 40-minute drive to this winery or 3 buses but if you’re prepared to make the journey, this is one of the best things to do in Las Palmas.
Other great wineries around Gran Canaria are Bodegas Bentayga near Tejeda, at 1,300 metres above sea level with breathtaking views and Bodega San Juan – Finca El Mocanal around 20 minutes from Las Palmas.
Alternatively, if you can’t make it out of Las Palmas to a winery, there are numerous wine bars around the city where you can try the local wine. Vinófilos Triana is a gorgeous wine bar and restaurant in Triana where you can book tastings.
Take Part in Las Palmas Carnival
Taking part in Carnival is one of the most unique things to do in Las Palmas and if you can time your visit with this celebration then we’d 100% recommend doing so!
Las Palmas Carnival is the most popular festival in the Canary Islands. For three weeks every year, the island celebrates one of the biggest carnivals in the world (apparently rivalling Rio Carnival!).
Gran Canaria transforms into an endless party and the streets are alive with music, dancing, colour, laughter, events and an incredible amount of fun!
The carnival usually lasts around 3 weeks with events, parades, galas, drag contests, floats and dances. On the penultimate day, the Big Carnival Parade is held which is what we’d recommend timing your visit to Gran Canaria with.
Over 100 decorated floats pass through the streets of Las Palmas for approximately 7 kilometres each with a different theme. Each lorry has a DJ blasting music while people dance along behind or even join the float – most of them even have bars and toilets on!
This is one of the most fun things to do when you visit Las Palmas and takes place in January and February.
Try the Local Cuisine
We absolutely love going somewhere new and trying the local food. It’s one of the best ways to get to know somewhere. Gran Canaria is a great foodie destination so one of our favourite things to do in Las Palmas was eat our way around the city trying as much food as we could.
Food in Gran Canaria is based on simple flavourful ingredients and fresh local produce grown on the island as much as possible. Some traditional Gran Canarian dishes include:
- Mojo – mojo refers to several types of sauces varying in spiciness and flavours and is a staple in Gran Canarian cuisine served alongside many foods.
- Papas Arrugadas – probably the most popular food in Gran Canaria and found on pretty much every menu. They’re Canarian potatoes and served with mojo and are delicious. They’re often called ‘wrinkly potatoes’ as they’re small and wrinkled when boiled.
- Gran Canaria cheeses – we didn’t know Gran Canaria had its own cheese and these did not disappoint. Most cheeses are cured and semi-cured and made from either sheep or goat milk or a mixture of both. One of our favourite dishes was fried cheese accompanied with red fruit jam – this was absolutely delicious and we ordered it every time we saw it on the menu.
- Pulpo a la Canaria – this is a flavourful dish of octopus served with Canarian potatoes and peppers in a spicy sauce.
- Croquettes – one of Helen’s favourite tapas dishes and include a variety of fillings including cheese, ham, mushroom, oxtail and prawns.
- Sancocho – boiled salted fish typically sea bass or a local variant of grouper and garnished with potatoes, sweet potatoes and mojo served in a clay casserole.
- Ropa Vieja – a stew made with chicken, pork or beef with vegetables and potatoes.
- Seafood – seafood in general is a staple in Gran Canaria and you’ll find endless options of locally caught fresh seafood cooked in various ways.
Later we’ll share recommendations for restaurants in Las Palmas.
Go Hiking
The volcanic and mountainous landscapes of Gran Canaria make it great for hiking. From vast barren trails and shaded pine forests to rugged rocky outcrops and green verdant valleys, there’s a diverse range of landscapes to discover.
The best areas for hiking in Gran Canaria are around Tejeda in Gran Canaria’s mountainous interior and Puerto de las Nieves or Agaete in the northwest of the island.
Deep valleys, impressive rock formations, ravines, barren landscapes, pine forests and jagged mountain peaks characterise Tejeda. One of the best hikes in Gran Canaria is to Pico de las Nieves, Gran Canaria’s highest peak at 1,949 metres above sea level.
Here, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views across the island and on a clear day you’ll even be able to see Mount Teide on Tenerife; Spain’s highest summit!
The Tamadaba National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gran Canaria and provides ample hiking opportunities amongst dramatic scenery.
Hike through forests of indigenous Canary pine trees, lush valleys, steep sloping cliffs plunging into the ocean, secluded beaches and dramatic jagged peaks.
Both Tamadaba and Tejeda are located around an hour’s drive from Las Palmas so can easily be visited on a day trip. However, if you have the time, we’d recommend spending a couple of nights in each area to really maximise your experience.
Visit the Historical Arucas and Firgas
One of the best things to do in Las Palmas is a day trip to the historical towns of Arucas and Firgas.
Arucas is located around a 20-minute drive from Las Palmas and Firgas another 15 minutes and both towns are absolutely beautiful and rich in history, culture and charm!
Arucas is centred around San Juan Bautista Church and the Plaza de San Juan. Surrounding the church and plaza are many emblematic and historical buildings, picturesque colourful streets and quaint cafes and restaurants.
Surrounding Arucas is stunning natural scenery so head to La Montana de Arucas to admire the views over the town and mountains.
Next, head to the charming town of Firgas, known as the city of water. The Old Town of Firgas is a must-visit with its 30-metre waterfall flowing down Paseo de Gran Canaria lined with pretty flower beds and decorated with colourful murals depicting the island’s municipalities.
Continue from Paseo de Gran Canaria to Paseo de Canarias where each of the Canary Islands has been sculpted and sits alongside its coat of arms and an image of scenery typical to that island.
Everything You Need to Know to Visit Las Palmas
We’ve finished our list of the best things to do in Las Palmas so now let’s take a look at everything you need to know for your visit.
Where to stay in Las Palmas
When you visit Las Palmas, it can be quite daunting to decide where to stay as there several areas to choose from. Our top recommendations are below:
Vegueta
Vegueta is one of the best areas to stay in Las Palmas to be in the heart of the culture and history of the city with some of Las Palmas’ best bars and restaurants right on your doorstep.
- Budget: Santa Ana Suite & Rooms
- Mid-Value: Boutique Hotel Cordial Malteses
- Luxury: Suites 1478
Ciudad Jardin
Ciudad Jardin is a lovely area of Las Palmas in between Playa de las Canteras and Vegueta. It’s dominated by the beautiful Parque Doramas with statues, water fountains and lush greenery.
- Budget:Ciudad Jardin Las Palmas
- Mid-Value: Occidental Las Palmas
- Luxury:Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway
Playa de las Canteras
The vibrant Playa de las Canteras is a great area to stay for those looking for a beach break as well as to explore the city. You’ll also find great nightlife, restaurants and cafes here.
- Budget: Apartamentos Maype Canteras
- Mid-Value:Sahara Suite
- Luxury: Chez Abel
Restaurants in Las Palmas
Las Palmas is a great foodie city with many amazing restaurants. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Empanadas Malvon: serving fresh and delicious grab-and-go empanadas in Triana with a wide variety of fillings.
- La Cantina de la casa del Hierro: our favourite restaurant in Las Palmas. A charming local spot serving huge portions of wonderful Gran Canarian cuisine at great prices.
- El Mono Curioso: a lovely bar and restaurant in the heart of Vegueta perfect for a drink and some tapas as you’re strolling the picturesque streets.
- Mercado del Puerto: a vibrant foodie market next to Playa de las Canteras serving delicious tapas and international cuisine among local food stalls.
- Barracuda Las Palmas: specialising in seasonal and 100% fresh food, mainly from the Atlantic Ocean, Barracuda is a great place on the dock with lovely and attentive service.
- Amigo Camilo: diners pick their own seafood in this rustic, waterfront establishment where prices are low. It’s always busy so book in advance.
- Deliciosa Marta: a gorgeous restaurant with stone walls and timber-beamed ceilings serving a modern take on Spanish cuisine.
Bars in Las Palmas
Las Palmas has a great mix of nightlife to suit every visitor. Whether you’re looking for a casual beer on a sunny terrace, an upmarket cocktail on a rooftop or somewhere to dance the night away, Las Palmas has it all. Below are some of our bar recommendations:
- El Mono Curioso: a great little bar with outside seating for a drink in the middle of the day as you explore Vegueta’s historic streets.
- Terraza Belvédère: on the roof of the Boutique Hotel Cordial Plaza, this bar is a must-visit for views over Santa Ana Cathedral, the Plaza de Santa Ana and across the city.
- Alis Rooftop: in the Santa Catalina, A Royal Hideaway Hotel, this stylish rooftop bar has great views over Las Palmas. It opens to the public after 5pm.
- Calle Mendizábal: this street in Vegueta is lined with cosy bars with outdoor seating all perfect for a casual drink in the afternoon and bar hopping in the evenings.
- La Bohême Cocktail Bar: located in the heart of Triana, this relaxed bar has an extensive range of cocktails served in a comfortable lounge or pleasant terrace.
Triana Vinophiles: a stylish wine bar in Triana serving a huge range of wines alongside delicious Canarian cuisine. You can also book tastings if you can’t make it to a winery when you visit Las Palmas.
Getting to Las Palmas
Las Palmas is located around 20km north of the airport and you have several transport options.
- Hire car: we’d recommend this option only if you’re travelling around Gran Canaria. If you’re just staying in Las Palmas, you won’t use the car to get around the city.
- Taxi: this is the quickest and most convenient option taking around 20 minutes. It’ll cost between €35 and €40 though so it’s also the most expensive.
- Bus: the Global Number 60 bus takes around 30 minutes to get to Las Palmas from the airport and costs €2.30 one-way with multiple stops throughout the city.
Getting around Las Palmas
There are roughly 5 kilometres between Playa de las Canteras in the north of the city and Vegueta in the south and the best things to do in Las Palmas are in between; unless it’s a day trip. Getting around Las Palmas you have the options:
- Walk: we stayed in Ciudad Jardin and walked everywhere as we find walking is the best way to get our bearings and we may discover hidden gems we wouldn’t have done on public transport. Las Palmas is a walkable city.
- Bus: buses work really well in Las Palmas and Google Maps is quite reliable on timings. In Las Palmas, there are yellow buses (Las Palmas only) and blue buses (which travel around the island). You can pay by card on both and they’re very cheap.
- Bike: Las Palmas has a public bike rental system, Sitycleta, with over 400 bikes stationed around the city. It’s simple to use after downloading the app and if you use the bike for less than 30 minutes, it’s free! Please note, you can’t rent a bike between 11pm and 6am (you can return it after 11pm).
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to amazing things to do in Las Palmas. If you have any questions or anything else you’d recommend, please leave a comment below 🙂