What to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 10 must-sees

Follow all our adventures on Instagram by clicking here 🩵

Las Palmas city centre map

Go to the historic Vegueta district

A top must-see of our guide "What to do in Las Palmas Gran Canaria", Vegueta is THE essential starting point to begin your stay. Founded in the late 15th century, it is here that the city developed after the Castilian conquest.

To understand better, the district stands out for its cobbled streets, its traditional Canarian houses with carved wood and its rather calm atmosphere, very different from the seafront.

So, what to see in the Vegueta district ?

• The Santa Ana cathedral, a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and neoclassical styles, built in the 16th century
• The Diocesan Museum with its collection of sacred art and its Patio de los Naranjos
• The pretty Plaza de Santa Ana, lined with historic institutional buildings. Don't miss having a drink on the rooftop of the Boutique Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana.
• The Casa de Colón, the house where Christopher Columbus is said to have stopped off on his way to the Americas in 1492

We recommend visiting this district ideally in the morning or late afternoon, when the heat is milder.

Stroll through the Triana district of Las Palmas and La Isleta

Triana is the natural extension of Vegueta, but with a livelier atmosphere. Let's say it's the shopping heart of Las Palmas. We love its Modernist and Art Deco architecture (a legacy of the early 20th century) and its pleasant pedestrian streets. Stroll along the famous Calle Mayor de Triana, the main axis of the district, perfect for a bit of shopping. In Triana, you can admire  the elegant façades of the former bourgeois buildings and enjoy the café terraces. 

Located north of Las Canteras, La Isleta is a working-class district that is less touristy, historically linked to fishing and the port. You'll see neighbourhood life at a quieter pace.

Go on a day excursion to Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo

From Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, discover the interior of the island, a completely different face of Gran Canaria, more mountainous and spectacular. The goal: go and see the Pico de las Nieves, the island's highest point at nearly 1,950 metres above sea level. It offers impressive panoramas over the whole archipelago, and sometimes even as far as Teide in Tenerife.
A few kilometres away, don't miss the Roque Nublo, an immense, emblematic volcanic monolith. It is one of the island's natural symbols. Perfect for hiking lovers or nature enthusiasts. Besides the landscape, you'll see Canary pines, as well as volcanic formations.

Another volcanic crater is the Caldera de Bandama, the closest to the centre of Las Palmas. Admittedly, it's not the most impressive but it is easy to reach. 

Discover the Gran Canaria Via Ferrata

Wondering what to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? Hiking, suspension bridges, volcanic landscapes, have an unforgettable experience during your stay on the island. For this new adventure, everything is perfectly secured!

Playa de Las Canteras, turquoise waters and lazing about

With its natural reef barrier (La Barra), Las Canteras is one of the town's greatest assets. Pleasant all year round, it is a long golden-sand beach stretching over several kilometres. Perfect for snorkelling along La Barra or walking on the seafront promenade at sunset. Not far away is the Mercado del Puerto for a quick lunch break!

If you come at Christmas time, go and see the sand sculptures at La Puntilla. A real event not to be missed on the island. 

Discover the island of Gran Canaria from Las Palmas 

Located in the south-west of the island, Mogán is known for its marina, canals and little houses. It's nicknamed the "little Venice". There is also Vecindario in the south-east of the island, which gives you a more authentic glimpse of Canarian life, away from the seaside resorts. 

Other sites to see in Gran Canaria: San Bartolomé de Tirajana and the Maspalomas dunes and several villages of the interior. Finally, Telde and its tourist centre, one of the oldest towns in Gran Canaria. On the programme: churches, quiet squares and wild beaches on the east coast.

Walk around Parque Doramas and Ciudad Jardín

With its residential atmosphere, the Parque Doramas is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Las Palmas with its tropical and Canarian plants. It is located in the Ciudad Jardín district, known for its elegant villas. 

On the island, you also have the Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo with its many cacti. Considered the largest botanical garden in Spain, it is free. Ideal if you're wondering "what to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria". 

Discover the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus

Located at the western end of Las Canteras, the Alfredo Kraus auditorium is a cultural symbol of the town. Designed to face the ocean, you'll be impressed by both its architecture and its location.

Taste Canarian gastronomy

Discovering what to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria also means going through the plate. The local cuisine is simple, generous and strongly linked to the sea.

A few specialities to try:

• Papas arrugadas served with mojo rojo or verde
• Fresh fish (vieja, cherne, sama)
• Gran Canaria cheeses
• Desserts made with palm honey

Wandersand tip: the best areas for eating are in Vegueta, Triana and around Las Canteras.

FAQ: what to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions. 

Practical info for visiting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

• Getting around: the town is easy to visit on foot + bus (guaguas)
• When to go? pleasant all year round, even in winter
• Ideal duration: 2 to 4 days to make the most of the town

What to do in Las Palmas in the evening?

You can go for a walk along Las Canteras to see the sunset. Go for dinner in the Triana or Vegueta districts, renowned for their tapas bars, and enjoy the lively atmosphere around the Old Port for a perfect evening.

And that's where our article "What to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria" ends. We hope all these tips will help you plan your next holiday. We wish you plenty of good vibes and bon voyage in the Canary Islands!