Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers a travel experience that feels surprisingly complete for a city of its size. It pairs the energy of a busy Spanish port with the laid-back rhythm of an Atlantic island, creating a destination where culture, history, and nature sit comfortably side by side. Visitors often arrive expecting little more than a beach break, but they quickly discover a place layered with centuries of maritime heritage and a distinctly cosmopolitan character.
The city’s geography plays a major role in its appeal. To the east, a long stretch of urban beach buzzes with activity, while the historic quarter unfolds just a short walk inland. This compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, hopping from a sun-drenched promenade to a shaded colonial square within minutes. The mild climate means outdoor sightseeing remains pleasant throughout the year, which is a key reason so many northern Europeans choose it for winter escapes.
Understanding the local identity adds depth to any visit. Las Palmas was a crucial stopover for ships sailing between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and that global influence is still visible in its architecture, food, and even its dialect. The historic district of Vegueta feels like an open-air museum, while the port area reflects the city’s ongoing role as a commercial hub. This blend of old and new gives the city an authenticity that feels earned rather than staged.
Food is another compelling reason to spend time here. The local cuisine leans heavily on fresh seafood, papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, and excellent Canarian cheeses. You can eat exceptionally well without spending a fortune, especially if you venture away from the main tourist drag and look for family-run restaurants. The Mercado del Puerto and the surrounding streets are particularly good for sampling a variety of local flavors in one walkable area.
For active travelers, the city provides easy access to water sports, hiking, and cycling. Surfers head to the northern end of Las Canteras Beach, while walkers can follow the coastal promenade for miles. The surrounding volcanic landscape also offers dramatic day-trip opportunities, from crater hikes to scenic drives through the island’s interior. This means you can base yourself in the city and still experience the wilder side of Gran Canaria without needing to change hotels.
Planning your itinerary around a mix of urban and natural attractions is the smartest approach. You might spend a morning exploring museums and churches, an afternoon swimming or paddleboarding, and an evening sampling tapas in a lively plaza. The city rewards slow exploration, so resist the urge to rush from one landmark to the next. Instead, leave room for spontaneous stops at local cafés, hidden courtyards, and viewpoints that catch your eye.
To help you make the most of your time, this guide highlights the most rewarding attractions across the city. Each one offers something distinct, whether it is historical depth, natural beauty, or simply a memorable atmosphere. Use the list below as a practical starting point, then adapt it to your own pace and interests as you explore.
Catedral de Santa Ana
| Address | Plaza Santa Ana, C. Obispo Codina, 13, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Plenty to see inside, great value considering touring the cathedral (with qr code to audio guide/or just read from your phone if you don't have headphones), lift upstairs for great views, with a short climb after up a spiral staircase to the top of a tower. Then finally the museum after, with good restroom facilities and a small gift shop. A great experience if this is what your interests are! They recommended 90 minutes it would take in total but we easily took abit longer and had to leave early since the kids were hungry!
The cathedral in Las Palmas is large and impressive, with an ornate and majestic exterior. It faces Plaza de Santa Ana, which is famously guarded by statues of Canarian dogs, while the Town Hall closes the square on the opposite side.
The interior, however, feels somewhat empty and not very well utilized.
The staff are friendly, welcoming, and happy to provide explanations. As of June 2026, the entrance fee was €8 and included access to the cathedral, a rooftop viewing terrace (accessible by lift), and the adjoining Museum of Sacred Art.
(Note: be careful — the plexiglass panels protecting the exhibits are not securely attached and can be easily knocked over.)
The rooftop offers nice views of the city, including the square between the cathedral and the Town Hall.
I love visiting cathedrals or any historical building when I'm away. This one had a reasonable entry charge which includes the tower. There was no queue when we went (end April) Church is very interesting as it was made over about 4 different eras. From the tower you see over the port and the square on the other side. I heard someone say "it's not very interesting" but I thought it was lovely - it's somewhere different, it's a bit of education and it's supporting a local place.
There is a lift up the tower, toilets inside the cathedral and a gift shop.
Beautiful Cathedral with fantastic views of Las Palmas.
We went on a Sunday so could only see the interior from the door as mass was on. From what you could see it was lovely inside. Images attached.
For €4 per person you can go to the top if the cathedral too see the views overlooking Las Palmas which was stunning and would recommend doing. You can also go in one of towers as part of this. Great for taking photos.
There is a lift to the top or stairs so suitable for all.
Spic and span from Pope Leo XIV's recent visit.
What a clean open and uncluttered cathedral!
For the price of admission one can visit the tower of the Cathedral by elevator and be rewarded by wonderful views of the city. Delightful.
But I never saw a priest!
La Luz Castle
| Address | C. Juan Rejón, s/n, 35008 Palmas De Gran Canaria ( Las ), Las Palmas |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 928 46 31 62 |
Visited on a Saturday morning shortly after opening. Very quiet and felt like I had the place to myself so plenty of time to stop and read the boards and appreciate the art without getting in anyone else's way. This is less a castle and more of an art gallery and museum. It may not be for some but I thought the modernisation to utilise the castle for more than just a relic to visit is very very well done. The castle features are preserved enough that you can appreciate the history of it whilst also learning about the life and works of Martin Chirino. For €4 entry (free on Wednesday afternoons!) I think you'll struggle to find an attraction with a ticket price that's better value.
I'm genuinely starting to wonder if negative reviews are written by negative people, as I was pleasantly surprised at just how cool an experience this old castle was.
I've lived in Las Palmas and been past many times before, but didn't go in till one Wednesday afternoon last month, getting there for 4pm granted us free entry: the guy in the ticket and gift shop is really helpful and speaks excellent English.
The girls inside the castle itself spoke good English and explained no visible water bottles or flash photography were allowed, which seems standard in any art gallery, they also gave us a rough guide of the layout then left us to explore on our own.
To anyone saying it's not a castle, I challenge you to get there in a wooden ship with canvas sails, found a city, quarry and haul rocks, fight off natives, nature and nations...
It's a castle alright, smaller than mainland European and British ones, sure, but one hell of an achievement that was built up over centuries, it's worth €4.00 a head to get in, just to read the history on the walls and soak up the vibe in there.
Normally the term 'modern art' repels me, but I was surprised just how much I enjoyed looking at the displays.
Pintaduras and spirals of life. That's paying homage to the ancient island culture there, I loved it and the displays from the Canario Museum in Vegueta which in itself is well worth visiting.
There's one art piece that's suspended from the ceiling in a round tower, it's harsh, it's brutal and there's a soundscape playing that matches the aesthetic. "Poetic and Useless Tools" - it's almost as if it's telling us what used to happen in that tower hundreds of years ago...
The only downside is we couldn't get up and onto the roof, which would have been super cool, but for €0 was amazing, and I'd happily pay €4 to go again another time.
Part small castle and part small art gallery. Beautifully renovated in a modern, light and plain style the castle houses some of the works of the artist and sculptor Martin Chorino. Most of his work is done in iron and is impressive when considering the techniques required but it's a pity that you can't touch them even though they are incredibly strong. We were carefully watched from a distance as we toured the gallery by a lady curator in a smart black suit and white shirt which added a touch of surrealism to the visit. There was information about the history of the castle and it's renovation throughout the visit. It was a pity the rooftop was out of bounds for our visit as we always enjoy the view from above. Very modern toilets and gift shop we're available. Access for the disabled was very good with a lift to reach the upper floors.
The castle itself doesn’t have an awful lot to it, but when I went, there was an art exhibition which was good. It’s cheap to enter €4 so if you are looking to pass some time give it a go,
Very friendly personel, low ticket price. I didn't enjoy the art exhibition.
Poema del Mar Aquarium
| Address | Av. de Los Consignatarios, s/n, 35008 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | 928 01 03 50 |
What a fantastic facility. Caters for many different languages with lots to see, plenty of interesting facts and love displays with ocean creatures in them.
This is a brilliant few hours out for anyone from young kids to pensioners. The massive viewing wall is out of this world.
This aquarium is absolutely fantastic! 🤩 There's an incredible variety of sea life to admire. The main viewing area, the largest perspex one globally, offers breathtaking views. I highly recommend a visit, and remember to book in advance for a €10 discount! 🐠✨
Poema del Mar Aquarium is definitely worth visiting if you’re in Gran Canaria. We came from Puerto de Mogán and didn’t book tickets in advance as we weren’t sure what time we’d arrive, but it was still easy to get in on the day.
The place itself is huge and very well laid out, so you can take your time exploring without feeling rushed. The highlight for me was definitely the sharks in the huge panoramic aquarium at the end — absolutely stunning, along with all the beautiful fish. It’s honestly one of the nicest aquariums I’ve been to in a long time.
Sitting there with a leche leche coffee while watching the sharks glide past was such an amazing and relaxing experience. It was also the perfect activity for a rainy day.
A nice touch was that they even held our bags for us, so we didn’t have to carry them around while exploring, which made the visit much more comfortable.
Everything felt modern, clean, and well maintained, which really adds to the overall experience. It can get a bit busy in places, but nothing that takes away from it too much.
Overall, a great alternative to the beach and a memorable experience. I’d definitely recommend visiting at least once.
Definitely worth a visit great aquarium so much to look at very well set out and very easy to see all the fish and animals. You start at the top and walk around from there we stopped for a drink first at a small bar then later had some lunch in the restaurant and unlike most attractions the food and drinks were very reasonably priced we were quite shocked how cheap the food was but it was very nice and would definitely recommend stopping for lunch half way around. The main tank (I think biggest in the world) is breathtaking it is huge with massive fish sharks and stingrays. It took us around 4 hours to look at everything. Definitely worth a visit would highly recommend
Amazing experience at Poema del Mar in Gran Canaria.
Probably the best aquarium I have ever visited. The whole tour is very well designed, and the way the route guides you through the aquarium is truly impressive.
Every time you think you have already seen the best part, it gets even better and better. The exhibits are beautiful, the atmosphere is fantastic, and the whole visit feels very special.
An unforgettable experience and definitely a place I highly recommend visiting.
Parque de Santa Catalina
| Address | C. Gral. Balmes, 910, 35007 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
I choose this part because the main attractions are here , Las Canteras beach , Poema del Mar aquarium, the Port area and lots of walking streets to enjoy, or ride the hop on hop off bus ,which is best to enjoy if you don't want to walk . Arrived with bus line nr 30 , untill the last stop which is an underground area. Go out from the underground and immediately you see the famous big letters LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA, which are very photographed by visitors. Las Canteras beach is 20 minutes walking, Poema del Mar is 10 minutes walking, there is a shopping mall also there El Muelle, the port is huge and beautiful și only to Enjoy!!
Popular central park. Much to see and do. Local bars restarants and shops. Stadium setup for entertainment see pocs
Santa Catalina is a very nice park. I can recommend going there. It's kinda small but there's lots of things you can do. There's the Muelles shopping centre right next to it. You can take a red "sightseeing tour" bus, 25€ but it's really worth it. It's an hop on/off tour and was a lot of fun. There's some cafes and shops near which is also very nice. There's the museum of science. There's the aquarium. A very nice park, also good for taking pictures if you are interested in that.
Theres a bis station, where you can take a bus to the other side of town. Also there's a playground for kids nearby. Very animal friendly park.
Beautiful place. Did not stop long enough to all the sights.
Restaurants do very tasteful food
Very big park. Beautiful location. Many places to eat, for coffee and drinks around the park.
San Telmo Park
| Address | Av. Rafael Cabrera, 30, 35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
San Telmo Park is a nice place to take a break while exploring Las Palmas. It's conveniently located just above the main bus station, making it a great spot to rest before heading to Triana shopping street, the local market, or the historic Old Town (Vegueta). The park is clean, peaceful, and has plenty of benches to relax on. A convenient stop for both locals and visitors
Nice small park at the far end of Calle Mayor de Triana. Hermitage, bandstand and small cafe and information kiosks, all in old styles. Chill out for a while on one of the many seats
We were there for Palm Sunday; it was very meaningful and emotional. The park itself is tiny but cute. The small church is also very beautiful inside, with various small details.
Lovely big square with some trees offering shade. Interesting old church, kids play area, dog play area, open air licensed cafe in one corner. Great spot to sit with a coffee or a beer and watch the world go bye. Nice coffee too. Also close to main shopping street.
Beautiful park for kids to play and adults to rest and enjoy some free time
Parque Doramas
| Address | C. León y Castillo, 227, 35005 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Very beautiful park. Plenty of places to sit weather shaded or in the sun. Lively fountains and very cool weather. Lots of play grounds for kids and lots of grass for picnics. 1 cafe available inside. Nice to walk around and enjoy the scenery. Definitely a place to visit if you have kids. Young Kids can skate and bike no one will say anything.
Such a beautiful and tranquil park, it is a huge recommendation for a nice stroll through a very nice kept garden/park. They seems to take very good care of all the areas and there are many different trees, flower and plants.
The park is beautiful in the day but in the night when the lights are turned out it becomes even magical. It's a nice place to rest a bit while being in the city of Las Palmas without really leaving the city.
Most wonderful park in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to go for a walk, to relax, enjoy flowers, small animals, and nature in the city. They take care a lot, it is clean. There is a small "cafetería" and the hotel Santa Catalina is next to it, where I would recommend to go and see it, and you can drink something there too (it is expensive but a high quality one)
No monitored or free to access public toilets or drinking fountains. The park is Security patrolled and kept relatively clean for the visitor numbers. Great park to let the kids run around except on weekends and especially Sundays when public service is very light. Sadly on our last visit we discovered humans had used the cave area for toilet and toilet paper waste. We also saw rats climbing in a few of the trees in the daytime. Water quality in fountains is an organic waste mess with little oxygen and almost zero for native species. We did see a painted head turtle (not native species) which was cute. There is lovely flora and fauna. Nice for a stop when out for a city hike or bike as it is full of shade and there is usually a nice breeze. Wind however can bring other smells of human and animal waste and these smells can be overwhelming. A little open air cafe is located in the lower part and this does have toilet facilities if open. This Parque Doramas is part of a larger system of parks and trails dotting up and along the hillside connecting the lower neighborhoods by the upper neighborhoods. At the moment bike connections up / down the hillsides limited to sidewalks along car streets. Walking / hiking trails are nicely placed away from the car noise no signage to find hiking / bike path information though. The Secret Garden Trail is found 200m to the left (South) when looking uphill after a short walk through the urban core past the giant Social Security office or above along the Paseo Chil street that runs North - South with large sidewalks and bicycle trail. Directly above brings you to a lovely viewing area beside the church at the top of the hill and further towards the North along Paseo Chil street from Park Doramas you can reach the Plaza Mesa y Lopez and connect to Playa Las Canteras (top ten beach in the world) midway along its 3 km + stretch of sand and volcanic rock cliffs. Definitely worth a stop to Park Doramas. If your hungry you can splurge and dine at the newly renovated 5 star Parque Santa Catalina Hotel directly under Park Doramas and sharing its Eastern border. Enjoy. Sounds of the city disappear for the most part here and you can catch quite a few bird sounds and lizards sightings if lucky. Saw a turtle sunning on the rocks in the pond by the waterfalls too 🙂
Huge and maintained park in the middle of Las Palmas 🌺🌴 It could have more shade, at least in the park across the street there are more benches under the trees.
Plaza de las Ranas
| Address | Pl. Hurtado de Mendoza, 3, 35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Beautiful place to visit. Quiet so sat and relaxed.
The closest one to see when you hop out off the bus in Teatro. Do walk a bit to north and see the streets and get the vibe, then go down to Vegueta.
There are lots of museums, I didn't visit any of those, wanted the get the feels of the old town.
Stopped at scooters to peruse maps and tourist information with an enjoyable coffee.
Beautiful small place with many shaded benches, lots of greenery, the sound of bubbling water and chirping birds, and the convenience of restaurants nearby to grab a snack or drink.
À great little area with lots of things to look at. With the added suprise of small parrot there as well.
Museo Canario
| Address | Calle del Dr. Verneau, 2, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 928 33 68 00 |
I learnt a lot about the origin/life style of indignions people of gran canary..i was also assisted by an ai guide that allowed me to deepen that knowledge (focusing on their activities/funeral rituals)
Great place to visit and learn about the settlers who came to Gran Canaria. Lots to see and read about,also has audio description to help.
While the written information was in Spanish, there were audio guides which helped understand the significance of the items on display. Good place to explore.
The skull and bones room is unusual in the quantity and set up but worth it.
A private museum. Very well kept. Staff friendly and informative. 1 star lost as this museum is not wheelchair accessible and their building is not well connected by safe pedestrian access from the main tourist area of Santa Ana a short walk away. No drinking fountains. Pay to enter. Discounts for children and incapacitated persons. Augmented reality displays are interesting although we only observed these from a TV promo in the lobby as we didn't use the smartphone to view these during visit. Air conditioned building which is a bonus on very hot days.
Super little museum that is both interesting and sad at the same time. It tells the story of the island's history and the fate of its indigenous people.
There is a vast array of well-preserved artefacts on display, including a rather morbid but important display of mummies and skeletal remains.
The displays are fascinating and very well presented.
Not to be missed if you're in the city.
Casa de Colón
| Address | C. Colón, 1, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 928 31 23 73 |
This was a bug surprise. As South American women I knew about Cristobal Colon trips but did not know he actually stop in Las Palmas. The House have an incredible series of Mexican paintings decorated with Nácar, a real treat for an artist like me.
I love the building itself as it has so many original fittings from boats. If you are coming on weekend only come in Saturday morning as the rest of the centre will be almost closed for shopping and other visits.
Visited on a Sunday, when entrance is free. Even at 4 euros it's good value ( on other days). History of Columbus' voyages, together with exhibitions of paintings, instruments, memorabilia, maps, etc. Some in English but even if not, still able to get the gist of the explanations. Lovely building as well, so well worth a visit.
Cheap at €2 for seniors and pensioners. It’s not a large museum but definitely worth a quick visit if you’re in the old town looking around. Don’t forget to look up at the ceiling in the cartographer’s room. Very enjoyable.
A lovely little museum to wander through the old part of our town, which is delightful on its own. 2 euros for seniors and 4 for adults, there is also a gift shop with interesting local artisanal items.
Really good little museum with lovely courtyard. Interesting models of ships and information on the voayages. There is also an art museum upstairs included in the price. Some other really interesting stuff to see close to the museum. Reasonably priced for a small museum. You can also go on and visit the cathedral, square, balcony street and some local tapas bars from here. I would recyas a must as past of a visit to the old town.
Palacete Rodriguez Quegles
| Address | C. Escritor Benito Pérez Galdós, 4, 35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 928 21 35 80 |
Lovely place in Las Palmas old town district. Combine with many other sites of note by following a guided route on a map you can pick up at tourist kiosks ( eg, at San Telmo park)
Really nice building in the centre of the city. Be sure to watch the older not rebovated buildings in surrounding streets
Beautiful building didn't visit
Beautiful Concert by CiRa and Tania
Ok
Elder Museum of Science and Technology
| Address | Parque Santa Catalina, 35007 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 828 01 18 28 |
The museum is great for avgeeks, you can get inside a real military and passenger plane and see what it looks like. There are many other interesting things, the only complaint is that the car driving simulator and the planetarium didn't work, but definitely worth every cent
9/12/25 Tuesday afternoon- Museo of Technology
We two middle aged guys from London are interested in science and technology and had heard from a friend this was a good museum. In fact we were to meet him after our visit (about 5pm) as he was arriving from Maspolomas.
We arrived at 3:45 to an empty of people museum. I paid by card for the two of V us (only €4 each as both over 65).
Inside I saw a display of events and demonstrations. My friend needed a sit down after the long walk. I asked the reception about what was on and she explained a science based cooking session was on the first floor in a white room.
We checked out the colourful and informative exhibition on the creation of the Canary Islands and headed by lift to the first floor white kitchen room where we took a sat down on a tiered bench. A family of six also joined us.
At 4 a bubbly guy entered and processed to amaze us with cooking popcorn in a microwave and then chilling it in liquid nitrogen! 12 minutes later we were eating it. We thanked him and said we only partially understood his rapid delivery of his routine whereby he said we should have told him so he would have showed down and added English. He then gave us a personal tour of the skeletons from a veterinary school.
By then we had only half an hour to explore most of the museum. Whilst we were given the skeleton tour we noticed a presenter in one of the VR demonstrations waiting for participants. By the time we got to the display she was gone and I had to get the receptionist to call her back do we could fit in the Ricky's Plank Walk and the White Water Canoe experience before we had to leave to see our friend outside.
Luckily she came quickly and the activities were great, just try them. There is no judging if you 'fail'.
We only had a few minutes to take the lady to the top and work our way down by the back stairs.
The other exhibitions were very good and informative. The poisons one especially curated well as lots of information and artefacts with English translations.
We did not have time for the planetarium.
We saw our friend waiting outside from the top balcony and told him we needed another ten minutes.
This place deserves at least a couple of hours to do it justice. Unfortunately half the poisons exhibition was closed for some reason.
Even at €8 each it is worth it for the experiences alone!
Enjoy!
For such a looow price, this place is AWESOME! Perfect for children, students, or curious people. A lot of exhibits about science and also history! The interactive ones are such a great experience. The temporary exhibit was also really cool, each floor giving you many new different things to learn about. Also great staff! Very friendly and helpful.
The only downside would be the lack of English descriptions. Some exhibits do have English text.
I absolutely love this museum. It was a great get away from the heat and discovering the history of the Canary Islands 🇮🇨. With my little one really enjoyed how interactive this museum was with stimulation programmes, movies, knowing more about the starts with a projector presentation, checking our body composition. However some of the parts were closed, and not many things were translated to English. I know we were in Spain, I am desperate to speak Spanish.
The overall experience was great we spent 3 hours discovering the whole place.
OK but not spectacular. Have of the "atractions" weren't working. I'd rather go to the beach
Las Canteras
| Address | Playa de las Canteras, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Awesome place to go for swimming, relax and have fun with various activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking or volleyball. Also its a fantastic spot to go for a walk as the view is stunning, especially by night! There are lots of nice shops alongside the beach where you can grap a quick breakfast or a drink.
We visited here on March2026. The weather was windy and cloudy so we went to the south part of the island (Maspalomas) to get more sun. But it has a wide range of restaurants and stores along the shore.
Excellent place with good beach and pubs.
Really nice beach, but it's often windy so swimming isn't that easy. Walking on the beach is really lovely and it's long so it's nice to go barefoot.
Ideal for a stroll along the beach, but you'll need a swimsuit to cool off in the sea 🌊
Playa de las canteras
| Address | Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
There are many places to eat, drink, snack along this great boardwalk. The boardwalk is good for a long walk. The beach is expansive. The whole area is pleasant and welcoming.
The infrastructure is good - there are changing rooms, toilets, and showers all along the beach. The sand is clean (they maintain it properly), but people are always the same.
Excellent beach. Many pubs and restaurants was placed near beach. We will come again.
Awesome place to go for swimming, relax and have fun with various activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking or volleyball.
One of the nicest public beaches I've been to.
Mata Castle Museum
| Address | C. Domingo Guerra del Río, 147, 35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 828 90 45 11 |
More of an display venue than a museum. Not much about the castle itself. The top floor has a really interesting 100 year old film of Las Palmas and the people going about their lives. It's free and well worth the visit.
This is an interesting small castle. You can read a little of its history and visit the old walls and tower.
We were fortunate that there was also an exhibition of material from Alonso Quesada on the top floor.
Technically open, practically closed. There were about 40 random photos and one lonely sign about the port’s history, which apparently is enough to qualify as a “museum”. I left still having no idea what this castle is, was, or why it exists. Didn’t learn a thing about the history of Las Palmas either. Free entrance, which is fair, because there’s absolutely nothing to see. Gave it two stars anyway, because they did have a functioning toilet.
Visited yesterday. The Castle itself is an interesting place to visit and has modern, clean conveniences. There is no cafeteria. The arrangement of walkways both inside and out are well designed to explore the Castle. There are good views of Triana from the ramparts.
There is an art display on level 5 of excellent paintings. Pre 1900s in one room and post 1900s in another room. They are worthy of hanging in any National Gallery.
There is a small display along the lower outside walkway explaining the trading link and investment between the UK and Canaria.
All for free!
It's a small structure that houses the now excavated old round structure. Free entry, nice view of las Palmas
Playa de Las Alcaravaneras
| Address | 35006 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 928 44 60 00 |
It is a small beach located on the east coast of Las Palmas. I visited it in the afternoon on 9 March 2026. Though no one was swimming there, several groups of locals were playing different sports, including volleyball, canoeing and basketball (at a court next to the beach). While the sea view is partly blocked by the cargo terminal, it is quite well-utilised by the locals.
A nice beach area.
Currently they are doing some renovations.
It's got a good vibe, especially in the morning seeing people playing volleyball, basketball or football, plus the sun rises first here. Kinda nice, so far the nicest one I found in Las Palmas.
Great beach to meet locals. Not near as busy as Las Canteras. Water is calm, and view of port is nice if you’re into having sth to look at, trust than just an empty horizon
Central location, easy to reach. Perfect spot for meetups, sports, yoga and just relaxing at the beach. Very good for watching the sunrise!
Practical Tips for Visiting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
A little local knowledge goes a long way in this city, especially when it comes to timing, transport, and dining. These practical tips will help you avoid common tourist pitfalls and experience the city more like a local. Keep them in mind as you plan your daily routes and choose where to eat, swim, and explore.
First, use the city’s excellent public bus system, known as Guaguas Municipales, to move around cheaply and efficiently. The buses are clean, frequent, and connect the beach, historic center, and port areas without the hassle of parking. Second, remember that many shops and smaller museums close for a long lunch break, typically between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., so plan indoor activities accordingly. Third, swim only in areas with lifeguards and always check the flag system at Las Canteras Beach, as currents can change quickly. Fourth, bring a light jacket or sweater even in summer, because the trade winds can make evenings noticeably cooler near the coast. Fifth, learn a few basic Spanish phrases, as English is not as widely spoken in local markets and smaller restaurants as you might expect. Sixth, book popular restaurants ahead on weekends, especially those in Vegueta and Triana, since tables fill fast with local families. Finally, wear sturdy shoes for exploring the old town, because the cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks can be hard on flimsy sandals.
Once you settle into the city’s rhythm, it is easy to understand why so many visitors return year after year. The combination of reliable sunshine, walkable neighborhoods, and genuine local character makes Las Palmas feel like a place to live rather than just a place to tick off a sightseeing list. Give yourself time to wander without a strict agenda, and the city will reveal its quieter rewards.
Whether you spend your days surfing, museum-hopping, or simply watching the Atlantic from a terrace café, the city offers a depth that rewards curiosity. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is not a destination that demands a frantic schedule. It asks only that you slow down, look around, and let the island’s easygoing spirit set the pace.
