las palmas de gran canaria, aerial view of las canteras beach

10 Best Things to Do in Las Palmas: Discover Gran Canaria's Capital

Écrit par : Cristiano Cianfa

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Temps de lecture 16 min

Best Things to Do in Las Palmas: A Complete Local Guide

Why Visit Las Palmas?

If you are planning a holiday in Gran Canaria or you are already on the island, a visit to the city of La Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital, is an absolute must. If you haven't done so yet, please add it to your to-do list as soon as possible.


We have prepared this guide, which includes ten things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with consideration for both those seeking beaches, seaside activities, and gastronomic experiences, as well as for all those who want to discover the island's artistic, architectural, and cultural nuances.

1. Explore Vegueta, the Historic Heart of Las Palmas

In the heart of Las Palmas lies Vegueta, the neighbourhood that saw the birth of the city at the end of the fifteenth century. Rich in charm and history, it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a place where every corner whispers stories of explorers, trade and encounters between distant cultures.


Walking through its streets is like leafing through the pages of an ancient book. The cobbled streets, the palm-lined squares, and the buildings that blend Mudejar, Gothic, and Baroque styles tell of the influences left by centuries of trade between Europe, Africa, and the New World.


Vegueta is not just historical memory: it is a place with timeless charm. At sunset, among soft lights, silent courtyards and balconies full of bougainvillaea, you can breathe a suspended atmosphere, ideal for those seeking beauty, inspiration or simply a moment of quiet.

Top Things to See in Vegueta

Santa Ana Cathedral

View of Las Palmas from the Cathedral of Santa Ana
View of Las Palmas from the Cathedral of Santa Ana (Image from Canva)

Located in the heart of the district, Catedral de Santa Ana is one of the most iconic buildings in the Canary Islands. Its construction began in 1497, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles over centuries.

Don’t miss: the panoramic view from the south bell tower, where you can see the rooftops of Vegueta, the port, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Inside, you’ll also find religious artwork and a serene, high-vaulted nave.

  • Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

  • Closed on Sundays

Entry via the Diocesan Museum (approx. €2.40), and an extra €1.50 for access to the panoramic tower.

Casa de Colón (Columbus House)

This striking building once served as the governor’s house and legend has it that Christopher Columbus stayed here during his voyage to the Americas.

Today, it houses a museum dedicated to Columbus’s expeditions and the maritime history of the Canaries. You'll find maps, navigation instruments, 15th-century art, and fascinating insights into how Gran Canaria became a key Atlantic outpost.

The interior courtyards are stunning and perfect for a quick, peaceful break.

  • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

⛔ Closed on January 1st & 6th, December 24th, 25th, and 31st.

view of the entrance of museum casa Colon in Vegueta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)
Museo Casa Colón (Image from Canva.com)

Museo Canario

A hidden gem for history lovers. The Museo Canario offers a deep dive into the lives of the Guanches, the island’s indigenous population. Expect to see mummies, skulls, ceramics, tools, and reconstructed burial sites.

The museum also sheds light on pre-Hispanic society, beliefs, and rituals — a perspective rarely offered in typical tourist guides.

  • Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:15 PM)

  • Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (last entry at 1:15 PM)

⛔ Closed on January 1st and December 25th.

Tip: Tapas & Wine After Sunset

After exploring, stop at one of the local bodegas in the nearby Calle Mendizábal, a favorite among locals for its wine bars, cozy eateries, and authentic Canarian tapas. Vegueta isn’t just about the past: it’s also a hub for gastronomic culture.


Every Thursday evening, Vegueta bursts to life with its famous Ruta del Pincho, a casual, convivial tapas crawl where locals and visitors stroll from bar to bar sampling tiny bites and local drinks. Starting around 8 pm, the historic streets, especially Calle Mendizábal and Calle Pelota, become alive with aromas of mojo sauces and fresh seafood


nightlife in vegueta, things to do in las palmas: local tapas bar
Nightlife in Vegueta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (image from "come fly with me")

2. Enjoy Sun and Surf at Las Canteras Beach

Playa de Las Canteras isn’t just a beach: it’s the beating heart of Las Palmas and a symbol of everyday life for locals. With more than 3 kilometers of golden sand , crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant promenade, Las Canteras is regularly ranked among the best urban beaches in Europe — and for good reason.

Protected by a natural volcanic reef known as La Barra, this beach offers calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply floating under the Canarian sun.

What Makes Las Canteras Special?

aerial view of las canteras beach, las palmas de gran canaria
Drone view of Las Canteras Beach, Las Palmas (image from Canva)

What to do in Las Canteras

🌴 The Paseo de Las Canteras

The beachfront promenade, or Paseo, is a hub of local life. Las Canteras is a blue flag beach, awarded for its excellent water quality, safety, and effective environmental management.

Whether you're grabbing a morning coffee, enjoying a seafood lunch with ocean views, or watching the sunset with a mojito in hand, the Paseo makes Las Canteras more than just a beach — it’s an experience, where you can find:

  • Tapas bars and seafood restaurants

  • Ice cream shops, bakeries, and cafés

  • Street performers and artisan vendors

☀️ Natural Reef & Calm Waters

The volcanic reef just offshore creates a natural barrier that protects swimmers from strong waves, making Las Canteras perfect for families and casual swimmers. At low tide, you can even walk closer to the reef or spot colorful fish in the shallows — ideal for snorkeling .

🏄‍♂️ Surf-Friendly Zone (La Cícer)

On the western end of the beach, near the neighborhood of La Cícer , the reef disappears — and the waves roll in. This is where surfers gather year-round. If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing in the Canary Islands, this is the place to take a lesson or rent a board.

📍How to Get to Las Canteras Beach

  • By bus : Several lines (e.g. 12, 17, 25) stop within a 2-minute walk from the beach.

  • By foot : From Vegueta/Triana, a scenic 45-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride.

  • Parking : Underground garages nearby (Las Canteras Parking or Plaza de España)

3. Dive into Pre-Hispanic Culture at the Canarian Museum (Museo Canario)

It's not just about artefacts: each room offers an immersion into a world of ancestral rites, survival in extreme environments and stories of an almost forgotten people.

While the city is often known for its beaches and colonial architecture, the Museo Canario shows a different side of Las Palmas, quieter, but just as fascinating.


Each room of the museum tells a different story, not only through its objects, but also through the atmosphere that you breathe between display cases and panels. It is a journey into everyday gestures, the most mysterious rites and the ability to adapt of a people who have lived isolated from the world for centuries.


Las Palmas is often associated with the sea and colonial architecture, but this museum takes you to discover a lesser-known side of the city: more intimate, profound and linked to its most ancient origins.

🏺 What You’ll Discover Inside

The museum houses a very rich collection of objects that help to better understand the culture, beliefs and daily life of the first inhabitants of Gran Canaria. Among the many things on display, you can find:

  • Mummified remains and human skulls

  • Burial sites , funerary offerings, and tools

  • Ceramic vessels and stone carvings

  • Weapons, amulets, and jewelry from the island’s early periods

Far from being dry or academic, the museum presents these exhibits in a way that makes you feel connected to an ancient people who once lived in caves, organized tribal societies, and practiced ritualistic burial customs.


Exhibit Highlights:

  • The Mummy Room : A haunting but respectful exhibit of preserved bodies, showing traditional mummification methods.

  • 3D models of ancient settlements : Visual reconstructions that help you understand how the Guanches lived.

  • Interactive media stations : Some displays include videos and augmented info in English, making it accessible even without a guide.

Opening Hours and Admission

  • Monday to Friday : 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:15 PM)

  • Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays : 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (last entry at 1:15 PM)

  • Closed on: January 1st and December 25th

General entry: €5 - Reduced: €3 for students, seniors - Free for children under 12 - Guided group visits available upon request.

Note: The opening hours, admission fees, and visitor services mentioned above are accurate as of the time of writing. However, these details may change without notice. We highly recommend checking the official website of each museum or attraction before your visit for the latest information and updates.

4. Discover Modern Art at the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM)

Located just steps from Vegueta’s main square, the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM) is Las Palmas’ premier destination for lovers of contemporary art. Founded in 1989, it focuses on cultural connections between Europe, Africa, and Latin America — reflecting the island’s unique Atlantic identity.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Rotating exhibitions of photography, painting, sculpture, and multimedia

  • A permanent collection highlighting Canarian and Atlantic artists

  • Free entry and a sleek, modern building set within a historic façade

The space is compact but inspiring — a great stop for an hour of visual exploration and cultural reflection.

Opening Hours and Admission

  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Closed on Mondays and public holidays
  • Admission: Free

Note: For the latest exhibition schedules and special events, please visit CAAM’s official website.

5. Reconnect with Nature at Viera y Clavijo Botanical Garden

The Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo, just outside Las Palmas, is Spain’s largest botanical garden and a showcase of the Canary Islands’ unique flora.


What to see:

  • Hundreds of native species , including dragon trees, succulents, and endemic orchids

  • Themed zones: subtropical leafy areas, desert plant sections, and Mediterranean clusters

  • Beautiful walking paths, shady seating areas, and landscaped terraces

view of the botanical garden viera y claivo  in Las Palmas
Botanical Garden Vieira y Clavijo, Las Palmas (image from Canva)

Opening Hours and Admission

  • Tuesday to Sunday : 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Closed on Mondays

  • 🎟️ Admission : Around €5 (often free for children under 12 — check the official website)

A visit here offers a peaceful contrast to the city, perfect for a slow morning wander or a photography-focused excursion.


Check the official garden website before your visit to confirm hours and any admission changes.

6. Experience Local Life at Mercado Central

If you want to experience the authentic soul of Las Palmas, the Mercado Central is the place to be. Located in the Ciudad Jardín area, just a few minutes from the center, it is the largest and busiest covered market in the city.
Here you will not find tourist souvenirs, but the real life of the Canarians: pensioners doing their shopping, restaurateurs looking for fresh fish, and foodies stopping for a quick tapa.


What You'll Find:

  • Freshly caught fish and seafood stalls
  • Local cheeses and cured meats, such as the famous queso de flor
  • Tropical fruits, herbs, spices and typical sweets
  • Mini tapas bars where you can grab a quick bite with a beer or cortado

It's a great place to discover local flavours, but also to chat with the vendors, often happy to tell stories about their products.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Saturday: 7:00 AM – 14:30 PM

  • Closed on Sundays

  • Free entrance

The Mercado Central is not just a place to shop; it is an experience of daily life. If you want to go beyond the classic attractions and immerse yourself in the local rhythm of Las Palmas, a stroll through these stalls is a must.

7. Enjoy Panoramic Views from Caldera de Bandama

coast view of gran canaria from the peak of bandama volcan
Coastal view from the Bandama sightseeing point (image from Canva)

Just 20 minutes from the city, the Caldera de Bandama offers one of the most striking natural landscapes near Las Palmas.


The Bandama crater is an impressive natural formation — nearly a kilometer across and around 200 meters deep. It was shaped by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, and today it's one of the few craters in the Canary Islands you can actually explore on foot.


Here’s how you can experience it:

  • Walk the rim: A relatively easy trail circles the top of the crater, offering stunning views of Las Palmas, the coastline, and the inland mountains. Great for photos at sunrise or late afternoon.

  • Hike down into the caldera: For a bit more adventure, take the path that leads to the bottom. It’s a quiet, almost otherworldly space with rare plants and a peaceful stillness you won’t find elsewhere.

  • Climb Pico de Bandama: The nearby peak (569 m) gives you a 360° view, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset

Suggested Hikings

This is one of the easiest ways to escape the city and connect with the island’s volcanic roots: no crowds, no noise, just nature.


Please wear the proper shoes and bring water, as paths can be rocky and dry. Morning is ideal for cooler temperatures and fewer people.


If interested, check our weekly minigroup hiking that runs every Friday at Caldera de Bandama

8. Day Trip to Teror Village

Nestled in the green hills of Gran Canaria’s interior, the town of Teror is a perfect getaway from Las Palmas: peaceful, picturesque, and deeply rooted in Canarian tradition.


With its cobbled streets, wooden balconies, and whitewashed houses, Teror feels like a step back in time. It’s also a key spiritual centre for the island.


Teror is known for its colorful wooden balconies, serene basilica, and Sunday market full of traditional goods and local delicacies. A peaceful contrast to city life.


What to see:

  • Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pino: A sacred site dedicated to the island’s patron saint. The church square is the heart of town life.

  • Historic center: Wander charming alleys lined with colonial-era homes and colorful window shutters.

  • Traditional Sunday Market: Held in the plaza, this market is renowned for its local cheese, chorizo de Teror, pastries, and handmade goods.

Getting to Teror

  • By bus : Direct routes from Las Palmas (around 40 minutes)
  • By car : Approx. 30-minute scenic drive through pine-covered hills

Teror offers a quiet, authentic contrast to the city, ideal for a half-day cultural escape with strong local flavour and photogenic streets.


At discover gran canaria we organize a bus tour every Sunday, to take visitors and tourists to discover the secrets of teror and its weekly market. During the tour we will also visit the typical market of San Mateo. Click here for all the details of this tour!

9. Taste the Nightlife in the Triana District

When the sun sets, Triana, one of Las Palmas’ most dynamic neighborhoods — comes alive. This historic yet trendy area offers a great mix of nightlife for every taste:

  • Cocktail bars with a stylish, local vibe

  • Live music venues featuring jazz, rock, or traditional Canarian music

  • Tapas bars and late-night eateries to fuel your evening

Whether you're looking for a quiet drink or a lively dance floor, Triana is the place to experience Las Palmas after dark.

10. Discover Gran Canaria with discovergrancanaria.net

At Discover Gran Canaria, we’re not just another booking site: we’re locals who live, explore, and love this island every day. That’s why we personally select every experience we offer, working only with trusted operators who share our values: quality, safety, and respect for animals and nature.

You can book everything directly online—fast, easy, and mobile-friendly. And if you ever have a question, our team is just a message away. We respond quickly because we understand that your time here is valuable.

Some of our most popular experiences include:

  • Dolphin watching tours, with daily departures: express tours of 2 hours or longer ones with food and drinks included.

  • Boat trips for relaxing, swimming, or celebrating at sea, both from the south of the island and Las Palmas, the capital.

  • Buggy, Jeep, and panoramic bus tours across Gran Canaria

  • A full range of water sports like jet ski, parasailing, crazy ufo, jet boat and much more...

Whether you're planning last-minute or in advance, we make it simple, so you can focus on enjoying the island while we take care of the rest.

Conclusion: 3 unmissable things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

🏄‍♂️ Catch your first wave at Las Canteras

You don’t need to be a pro! La Cícer , the western end of Las Canteras Beach, is one of the best places on the island to learn how to surf. 

Local surf schools offer beginner-friendly lessons almost every day, with warm water and gentle waves most of the year. It’s fun, affordable, and a great way to connect with the city’s sporty side. Plus, nothing beats that feeling when you finally stand up on the board for the first time.

🍻 Have a Sunset Beer on the Paseo

After a long beach day or a bit of exploring, do as the locals do: head to the Las Canteras promenade around golden hour. 

Grab a cold beer or a glass of local wine at one of the oceanfront terraces, places like La Oliva or La Bikina are local favourites. Sit back, watch the sun dip below the horizon, and take in the gentle breeze. No rush, no plan — just island life at its best.

🍢 Join the Tapas Crawl in Vegueta on a Thursday Night

If you’re in town on a Thursday, don’t miss the Ruta del Pincho in Vegueta. The old quarter transforms into a lively open-air tapas trail where locals hop from bar to bar sampling mini-dishes and sipping local drinks. 

It's casual, cheap, and incredibly social — the perfect way to experience the city like a true grancanario. Come hungry, and be ready to toast with strangers.

The Author: Cristiano Cianfa - Founder of Discover Gran Canaria

Hi, I'm Cristiano, for my friends Cris 😜

I live in Gran Canaria with my wife Ilaria and our hairy daughter Emma, and I share information, advice and tips to explore it to the fullest!

I founded DiscoverGranCanaria with one goal: to make every visitor's experience truly memorable: Explore. Discover. Experience.
With DiscoverGranCanaria , your next adventure starts here!

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-see places in Las Palmas for first-time visitors?

If it’s your first time in Las Palmas, start with the essentials:

  • Vegueta , the city’s historic center full of colonial charm

  • Las Canteras Beach , perfect for swimming, surfing, or sunset walks

  • Casa de Colón and the Canarian Museum for a dive into island history

These spots offer the perfect blend of culture, nature, and local life.

Is Las Palmas just a beach destination?

Not at all — that’s what makes it special. While Las Canteras is a world-class beach, Las Palmas also offers museums, art galleries, botanical gardens, nightlife, and local markets . You can swim in the morning, visit a volcano in the afternoon, and enjoy live music or tapas in the evening.

What’s the best way to book activities in Las Palmas?

We recommend using our platform DiscoverGranCanaria.net: it’s fast, secure, and run by people who actually live here. You’ll find everything from dolphin watching and boat tours to buggy rides, cultural walks, island tours, jeep safari and also car rentals, with quick support if you need help or advice.

We offer a wide range of excursions and tours to let you experience the best of the island authentically and sustainably.

  • Rigorous selection of excursions and operators:  We carefully select the activities and, above all, the best operators to guarantee unique experiences. Take a look at the reviews our customers leave.
  • Wide choice of excursions and tours:  From boat tours to spot dolphins and whales, bus or minivan trips, water sports, adventure tours with buggies, jeeps, quads, van-ams or trekking in the heart of the island, up to visits to the picturesque villages of Gran Canaria.
  • Best Price Guarantee:   If you find the exact tour or activity at a lower price from our operator, simply notify us with the details, and we'll refund the price difference hassle-free.
  • Fast Customer Support:  Rapid interaction through the main platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram messenger but also with our live chat service, operational every day from 8:00 to 22:00, where you can interact with a human.

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