Triana, Harbor & Modern City
Between the historic Vegueta and the modern Las Canteras stretch the lively districts that give Las Palmas its vibrant metropolitan character.
Triana — Shopping & Art Nouveau
Triana is the historic shopping street of Las Palmas — a car-free promenade stretching almost a kilometer through the district of the same name. The Calle Mayor de Triana (main street) is lined with Art Nouveau facades from the early 20th century, behind which are local boutiques, bookstores, cafés, and the obligatory Spanish fashion chains. Particularly noteworthy: the Casa Museo Pérez Galdós, the birthplace of the great Canarian novelist Benito Pérez Galdós (1843–1920), considered the "Spanish Dickens." Admission: 3€, free on Sundays.
Mercado de Vegueta
The Mercado de Vegueta (market hall) has been the culinary center of the city since 1854. Under the wrought-iron roof, you will find everything that defines Canarian cuisine: freshly caught fish (Vieja, Cherne, Sama), tropical fruits (papayas, mangos, avocados — all local!), Canarian cheese, Mojo sauces, and Gofio (roasted flour). On weekends, there is also an organic market on the forecourt. The market is the ideal place to buy souvenirs and experience the local food culture.
Puerto de la Luz & Santa Catalina
The Puerto de la Luz is one of the most important ports in the Atlantic — a commercial port, cruise terminal, and fishing port all in one. In the adjacent district Santa Catalina lies the Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología — an interactive science museum in a former harbor warehouse, particularly exciting for families with children (admission: 6€). The Plaza de Santa Catalina is the starting point for the Carnival of Las Palmas — one of the largest and most colorful carnivals in the world, rivaling that of Rio.
Carnival of Las Palmas
The Carnaval de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (February/March) is the largest festival in the Canary Islands and one of the most important carnivals in Europe. For three weeks, the city transforms into a frenzy of music, dance, and costumes. Highlights: the Drag Queen Gala (a spectacular costume competition that attracts worldwide attention), the Mogollón (mass street party), and the Entierro de la Sardina (the burial of the sardine to conclude). Hotels in Las Palmas are booked weeks in advance during the carnival!
