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About Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the largest city of the Canary Islands by population and the capital of the island of Gran Canaria. It combines the colonial streets of Vegueta, the pedestrian shops of Triana, a working Atlantic port and the 3 km Playa de Las Canteras city beach, with mild weather all year.
- Capital
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of Gran Canaria and, with Santa Cruz de Tenerife, co-capital of the Canary Islands autonomous community.
- Largest city
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Population
- Approximately 380,000 residents (municipality)
- Languages
- Spanish (Canarian dialect), English widely understood in tourism, German and Dutch in visitor areas
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- Western European Time (UTC+0), UTC+1 in summer (Atlantic/Canary)
Explore Las Palmas de Gran Canaria by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The 18 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Casa de Colón (Columbus House Museum)
Plaza de Santa Ana
El Museo Canario
Mercado de Vegueta
Playa de Las Canteras
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Days 1-2Las Palmas de Gran Canaria city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Days 1-3Las Palmas de Gran Canaria comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, departure
Where to stay in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EUR 45-80 (about USD 52-92)/day
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EUR 110-180 (about USD 127-207)/day
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EUR 300-600 (about USD 345-690)/day
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
5-star Gran Lujo hotel in Ciudad Jardín (beside Parque Doramas), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, at Calle León y Castillo 227. Neo-Canarian landmark hotel beside Parque Doramas and Pueblo Canario.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Cristina by Tigotan Las Palmas (Adults Only)
5-star hotel in Santa Catalina / Puerto de la Luz, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, at Calle Gomera 6. Adults only.
Check rates on Booking.comBull Reina Isabel & Spa
4-star hotel in Playa de Las Canteras / Santa Catalina, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, at Calle Alfredo L. Jones 40. Seafront position at the south end of Las Canteras, about 0.7 km from the beach according to listings.
Check rates on Booking.comNH Imperial Playa
4-star hotel in Playa de Las Canteras, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, at Calle Ferreras 1. Around 5 minutes' walk from Playa de Las Canteras per listings.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Casa Montesdeoca
Tasca El Canalla de Vegueta
El Vasco de Vegueta
Deliciosa Marta
Mestizo Arroz & Brasas
El Churrasco
Book a food tour in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is compact between Vegueta in the south and Las Canteras in the north, with the city bus network (Guaguas Municipales) connecting them along the isthmus. Intercity buses run from the San Telmo and Santa Catalina stations. The airport (LPA) is about 18 km south.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 18-40 (about USD 21-46)/night hostel or guesthouse | EUR 65-120 (about USD 75-138)/night | EUR 200-450 (about USD 230-518)/night |
| Food (per day) | EUR 15-25 (about USD 17-29)/day | EUR 35-60 (about USD 40-69)/day | EUR 80-200 (about USD 92-230)/day |
| Transportation | EUR 3-6 (about USD 3.50-7)/day | EUR 5-12 (about USD 6-14)/day | EUR 20-60 (about USD 23-69)/day |
| Activities | EUR 0-10 (about USD 0-11.50)/day | EUR 15-35 (about USD 17-40)/day | EUR 40-100 (about USD 46-115)/day |
| Daily total | EUR 45-80 (about USD 52-92)/day | EUR 110-180 (about USD 127-207)/day | EUR 300-600 (about USD 345-690)/day |
Best time to visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Weather through the year in Spain
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Spain.
Year-round; October to May for mild city-walking weather, and July to October for the warmest sea
The city is a 12-month destination. Bring a light jacket for evenings and a windproof layer for the promenade.
Essential travel tips
- Use Global line 60 from the airport instead of a taxi.
- Lunch is the main meal; dinner after 20:30.
- Walk the old town in the morning and the beach in the afternoon.
- Carry a light jacket for evenings.
- Pay in euros and decline currency conversion.
- Confirm opening hours before visiting museums.
Safety information
Keep wallet and phone in front pockets or zipped bags in crowds.
Do not leave valuables on the beach while swimming; take turns watching items.
Use the lifeguarded section of Las Canteras for swimming and obey flag colours.
Lock rental cars and leave nothing visible.
Use official taxis or booking apps rather than unlicensed offers at the port.
Carry a copy of your passport; keep the original secure.
Know that 112 is the emergency number and that English-speaking operators are available.
Avoid empty parks and the port edge late at night.
Frequently asked questions
Is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria safe to visit in 2026?
Violent crime against tourists is uncommon. The main risks are pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded places (Parque Santa Catalina, Las Canteras promenade, Calle Mayor de Triana), theft from parked cars and from unattended beach belongings, and strong Atlantic currents at beaches outside the pr
What is the best time to visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
The best time to visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is Year. Las Palmas has one of Europe's mildest climates: subtropical desert-influenced with highs around 21-27 C (70-81 F) all year, little rain and constant trade winds. Summer mornings can be cloudy on the
Do I need a visa to visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no visa. US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens: visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Schengen rules; verify ETIAS/EES requirements before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
The currency in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the Euro (EUR) (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
The main language(s) spoken in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Spanish (Canarian dialect), English widely understood in tourism, German and Dutch in visitor areas. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
The top attractions in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria include Catedral de Canarias (Santa Ana Cathedral), Casa de Colón (Columbus House Museum), Plaza de Santa Ana, El Museo Canario, and Mercado de Vegueta. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.