Top 15 Things to Do in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

🇪🇺 This guide is part of our comprehensive Europe Travel Guide.

Planning a trip to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria? Hey there! I’m so excited to share my favorite things to do in Las Palmas, a sunny city on Gran Canaria, Spain. I fell in love with its warm beaches, old streets, and yummy food like fish with mojo sauce.

Las Palmas is close to Morocco, so it’s warm all year—perfect for a trip in summer (July–September) or winter (November–January). I’ve explored every corner of this city, and here are my top 15 things to do in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to make your 2026 trip amazing!

15 Things to do in Las Palmas- Best guide

My Top 15 Things to do in Las Palmas Gran Canaria

I Loved Casa de Colón

When I walked into Casa de Colón in Vegueta, I felt like I was back in 1492 with Christopher Columbus! This museum is in an old house and shows cool stuff like maps and ship models from his visits. The courtyard with wooden ceilings was my favorite spot for photos.

• Open: Mon–Sat 10 AM–6 PM, Sun 10 AM–3 PM

• Cost: $4 for adults, free for kids under 10

• Address: Calle Colón, 1, Las Palmas

• My Tip: Get there early to beat the crowds.

  Advertisement

• Fun Fact: This was a governor’s house way back!

Another Visitor: “The Columbus stuff was so neat, and the building is pretty!” – Luca, 2026

Wandering Vegueta Was Awesome

I spent hours walking around Vegueta, the oldest part of Las Palmas. The narrow streets have colorful houses and old churches. I stopped for coffee at a cute café and bought a handmade bracelet at Triana Shopping Centre. It felt so cozy!

• Cost: Free

  Advertisement

• Cool Spots: Big church, small market, and fun street art

• My Tip: Try mojo sauce with bread at a café.

Special Party: I heard Vegueta has a big festival in June with music!

My Lanzarote Trip Was Unforgettable

I took a bus tour to Lanzarote, another island, and it was a blast! I saw awesome cliffs at Mirador del Río and explored caves at Jameos del Agua. The village of Teguise was super cute with old streets. I wish I’d stayed longer!

• Time: About 6 hours

• Cost: $50–$70 (includes boat)

• Book: Try North Tour Jameos Del Agua And Mirador Del Rio T393454

• My Tip: Bring a hat for sunny spots.

We would recommend you to book the tickets before hand for North Tour Jameos Del Agua And Mirador Del Rio T393454.

Sunbathing at Las Canteras

Las Canteras Beach is my favorite spot in Las Palmas! The sand is soft, and the water is clear. I swam, relaxed, and ate fish tacos at a beach café. It’s great for kids with play areas and shops nearby.

• Open: All day, every day

• Cost: Free; umbrellas are $5

• Address: Paseo de las Canteras, Las Palmas

• My Tip: Watch the sunset—it’s so pretty!

My Food Pick: The fish tacos at La Marinera were yummy!

Castillo de La Luz Was So Cool

I visited Castillo de La Luz, an old fort from 1494. It used to fight off pirates! Now it has art shows inside. I loved the stone walls and sea views. It’s near a fun neighborhood with great food.

• Open: Tue–Sun 10 AM–7 PM

• Cost: $4 for adults, $2 for students

• Address: Calle Juan Rejón, Las Palmas

• My Tip: Try local snacks in La Isleta nearby.

Cool Fact: It’s a special historic place in Spain!

Surfing

I tried surfing at La Cicer beach, and it was so fun! September to April is the best time. My teacher was super nice, and lifeguards kept us safe. Even beginners like me had a great time!

• Cost: $30–$50 for a lesson; $15 for a board

• Spots: La Cicer, El Confital

• My Tip: Book lessons early in winter.

Another Visitor: “My first surf lesson was awesome!” – Noah, 2026

Museo Canario

I loved Museo Canario in Vegueta. It shows how people lived on Gran Canaria long ago. I saw old pots, tools, and even mummies! It’s great for kids who like history.

• Open: Mon–Fri 10 AM–8 PM, Sat–Sun 10 AM–2 PM

• Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for students

• Address: Calle Dr. Verneau, 2, Las Palmas

• My Tip: Get the $2 audio guide for extra info.

Fun Fact: The museum is really old, from 1879!

I Had Fun at Mercado de Vegueta

Mercado de Vegueta is a lively market with tons of food—fish, fruit, cheese, and more. I ate a churro with chocolate there! I also checked out Mercado del Puerto, which has a cool iron building.

• Open: Daily 7 AM–2 PM (Vegueta); Mon–Sat 8 AM–11 PM (Puerto)

• Cost: Free; bring $10 for snacks

• Address: Calle Mendizábal, 1 (Vegueta); Muelle Deportivo (Puerto)

• My Tip: Try the local cheese—it’s so good!

My Food Pick: The churros were the best!

There are various other Mercado in the town such as Mercado de Artesania, Mercado Central market hall, Mercado del Puerto etc. Mercado el Puerto is one of the first markets on the islands and you can find various items in the market. The building is an example of modernist architecture in wrought iron and is one of the biggest cultural interests.

The Bus Tour Was Great

I took a bus tour to see Las Palmas attractions, and it was so easy! I hopped on and off at Vegueta, the beach, and a big theater. The headphones told me fun facts about the city.

• Cost: $20 for a day pass

• Stops: Beach, old town, and more

• My Tip: Sit on top for the best views!

• Book: Check Gran Canaria Las Palmas Botanical Garden Volcano T127505

Another Visitor: “The bus made seeing the city so simple!” – Ava, 2026

Cathedral de Santa Ana Was Beautiful

I was amazed by Catedral de Santa Ana in Vegueta. This big church has pretty windows and a tall tower. I climbed it for an awesome city view! There’s a fun party every November 26.

• Open: Mon–Fri 10 AM–4:30 PM, Sat 10 AM–1:30 PM

• Cost: $3; tower is $1.50 extra

• Address: Plaza de Santa Ana, Las Palmas

• My Tip: Wear nice clothes to go inside.

Cool Event: I heard they have free music shows in summer!

Los Perros de La Plaza de Santa Ana

Los Perros de La Plaza de Santa Ana is a cast iron sculptor by a French artist which was made in the year 895. This is a primary spot in the plaza. The interesting story regarding these dogs is that these dogs are a gift from the French ships and were baptised in the year 1944.

This sculpture is a combination of 8 dogs alongside a collection of metal pots. There is no supporting data or document which states from where have these sculptures been donated.

• Cost: Free

• Address: Plaza de Santa Ana, Las Palmas

• My Tip: Go at night when the square is all lit up.

Fun Story: The dogs got silly names in 1944!

Teatro Perez Galdos

Teatro Perez Galdos is a theatre in Las Palmas, near the southeast coast in the Vegueta neighbourhood. The theatre is a 1,000 seat theatre and is a theatre for prestigious shows. The theatre has a splendid facade. The theatre was built in 1890 and was renovated in the year 2007.

This theatre is a modern style theatre and it hosts the Opera Festival of Las Palmas. This theatre was named after the Spanish novelist and playwriter.

• Open: Restaurant 1 PM–11 PM; outside is always open

• Cost: Free to see outside; meals are $20–$40

• Address: Plaza de Cairasco, 1, Las Palmas

• My Tip: Have dinner there at sunset.

Gabinete Literario

Since the year 1844, the building is a historic building. The building is ornamented in a beautiful way and is the first theatre on the island. The theatre retains the identity of faded elegance and gracious internal patio. This is topped with an atrium and rooms with bookcases. The other functions are a private club and a fancy terrace restaurant.

Castillo de Mata

Castillo de Mata is a museum of City and the Sea. This was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in the year 1949. This is one of the few existing buildings of the defensive system of Las Palmas de Canaria from the 16th century.

It was a part of the old defensive walls of the city as it played an essential role during the pirate attacks.

I Loved the Nearby Villages

I took a day trip to Teror and Arucas, two cute towns near Las Palmas. Teror has colorful houses and a big church. Arucas has a cool rum factory. The green hills were so pretty!

• Distance: Teror is 20 km, Arucas is 15 km

• Cost: $30 for a car; $2–$5 for a bus

• My Tip: Go to Teror’s Sunday market for crafts.

Another Visitor: “Teror was like a fairy tale!” – Liam, 2026

• Open: Tue–Sun 10 AM–6 PM

• Cost: $3 for adults, free for kids under 12

• Address: Calle Domingo Guerra del Río, 147, Las Palmas

• My Tip: Visit in July for a pirate festival!

Cool Fact: It’s a special historic spot!

15. I Loved the Nearby Villages

I took a day trip to Teror and Arucas, two cute towns near Las Palmas. Teror has colorful houses and a big church. Arucas has a cool rum factory. The green hills were so pretty!

• Distance: Teror is 20 km, Arucas is 15 km

• Cost: $30 for a car; $2–$5 for a bus

• My Tip: Go to Teror’s Sunday market for crafts.

Another Visitor: “Teror was like a fairy tale!” – Liam, 2026

My Tips for Your Las Palmas Trip

When to Go: I loved summer (July–September) for beach time. Winter (November–January) is warm too, with a bit of rain.

Getting Around: I walked in Vegueta, took buses ($1–$5), and rented a car ($30/day) for villages.

Food I Loved: Try mojo sauce, salty potatoes, or local cheese. Vegueta has vegan food too!

My 3-Day Plan:

• Day 1: Explore Vegueta (museum, church, market) and eat at Gabinete Literario.

• Day 2: Hang out at Las Canteras, try surfing, and see a theater show.

• Day 3: Visit Lanzarote or a village.

Map Tip: I used Google Maps to plan my Las Palmas tourist attractions. Start in Vegueta for history.

Want more? See my Artifacts or Artifacts!

Your Questions About Things to Do in Las Palmas

I’ve answered some common questions about what to do in Las Palmas:

• What’s free? I walked Vegueta, chilled at Las Canteras, and saw the dog statues for free.

• Good for kids? Yes! The beach has play spots, and museums are fun for learning.

• Best time to visit? Summer for beaches or winter for nice weather.

• Top places? I loved Casa de Colón, the big church, and Las Canteras.

• Budget-friendly? Totally! Free beaches and markets were my go-to.

Share Your Las Palmas Story

Did you try a Las Palmas attraction I mentioned? Tell me in the comments or post on X with #LasPalmasTravel. Let’s share the love for Las Palmas, Gran Canaria!

That was our list of Top 15 things to do in Las Palmas Spain, If you think we have missed something then drop a comment and we will add it.

Want to explore Spain? Then Read our post Places To Visit In Spain In Summer to find which all places are awesome to visit in Summer.

FAQ's