Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Things to Do Tips by BruceDunning Top 5 Page for this destination

SAnta Catalina area

The Santa Catalina area is the working peoples' area to live and shop. There are few tourist attraction here, and it is close to the park area that stretches the length of the water edge.

Narrow Streets Abound

All around the city there are very small streets that are so narrow, barely one vehicle can pass, while the parked cars hug the sidewalks. It is a picture to see, but I surely would not want to be driving in this type of environment.

Art Deco Neoclassic Architecture

Around the Vegueta and Triana area are buildings mostly form the early 1900's; late 1800's period. They are decorative, ornate and well preserved. These are a few of those structures.

Plaza Espiritu SAnto-Episcopal Palace

The structures in the Plaza Espiritu Santo (square of Holy Spirit)are now mostly administrative occupancy, and special city exhibits for events. The plaza is nice to sit and watch the people and day go by. The cathedral envelops one end, while the other is part of the Bishop's Palace complex

Directions: In Vegueta area

Website: http://www.spain-grancanaria.com/uk/places/vegueta.html

CAthedral Santa Ana

Apparently people are able to go inside the church; but it appears to be closed some of the time, but the tower is open for views of the area. It has a Sacred Art museum and entry to this if 2.50 Euro, which then allows access to the main church vestibule. The tower, having 176 steps is 1.50 Euro.
The church may, or may not be open, and most likely open 10-5:30PM daily, even though the tower is open. It took 400 hundred years to complete the church, and construction began in early 1500, so there is Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles in the structure.

Website: http://www.spain-grancanaria.com/uk/places/catedral.html

Museo Canaria-City Museum

This museum was much more than I expected with many exhibits ranging from 500BC to 15th century. The main theme is presentation of the Gauche aborigine people that occupied this island for centuries. They lived in carved out "pueblos" in the rock face, and subsisted on agriculture and hunting. There is a collection said to be the largest in the world of Cro Magnon skulls, in addition to a number of mummy burial crypts, and a variety of other pieces spanning over 1,000 years.

The museum is open Monday-Friday from 10-8PM, and the fee is Euro 5. The tour can take 1 1/2 hours for those of interest.

Directions: Two blocks west of the cathedral off Espiritu Santo Ave

Website: http://www.spain-grancanaria.com/uk/places/el-museo.html

Colon House Inside

The real treat is to look around inside and take in the architecture of the building. It has a balcony ringing around the courtyard on the second floor. Each room entered has another unique display of old day navigation pieces or archaeological items. A tour takes over one hour, for one that enjoys history and old things to look at.
The museum is open 9-7PM Monday through Friday.

Address: In Plaza del Pilar

Directions: Next to the cathdedral SAnta Ana

Columbus House-CAsa de Colon

It is one of the city's more attractive buildings, having ornate doorways, courtyards, carved woo ceilings, in addition to it being the signature place claiming that Christopher Columbus stayed here on the way to America in 1492. It served as residence for the the island's governors, and the original structure was rebuilt in 1777.
The museum has 13 exhibit rooms with a range of artifacts from prehistoric to the 1800 time frame. Artwork of paintings are unique in style from painters not so well known in fame, but have great works of art. There is also a lot of maritime treasures.
The museum entry is free, and it is open Monday-Friday 9AM to 7PM. Watch out for tour groups that tour this because of no charge to enter

Directions: In plaza next to the Cathedral Santa Ana

Website: http://www.spain-grancanaria.com/uk/places/casa-colon.html

Shopping on the Triana-major avenue

This is a wide and long avenue stretching from old town area called Vegueta for about 10 blocks to the north, and ending at residential areas. There are many varieties of shops for upscale items in all types of desired merchandise, and some medium level places to possibly find a more moderate gift/trinket.
The walk is very nice, and people take their time to window shop or stop off for a bite to eat/drink. It still has that old avenue charm back from the 1700-1900's era. It is very nice to look up at the elegant buildings and the ornate styles.

Address: Major Triana

Directions: Five blocks W of the main road and waterfront; Ave Canaria.

Website: http://www.grancanariainfo.co.uk/triana.asp

Shopping is the Major Draw for Tourists

This shopping center is within walking distance of cruise ships docked in port. It has 60 shops, 30 restaurants, bars, and an open area disco as well as a bowling alley, and 11 movie theaters.
This attracts locals besides the tourists coming to the city, with all it has to offer.

Address: On main highway-at SAnta Catalina Park

Directions: In the new cosmopolitan sector to the North of the city old town; about 3 miles

Other Contact: http://www.seacoast-grancanaria.

Website: http://www.justgrancanaria.com/en/shopping/el_muelle.htm