No visit to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is complete without a wander through Vegueta, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, where cobbled lanes and colonial façades transport you back to the late 15th century Lonely Planet. Founded after the Castilian conquest in 1478, this compact district is home to some of Spain’s finest examples of colonial architecture and remains the spiritual heart of the city.
Begin at the Plaza Santa Ana, an elegant square ringed by pastel-coloured buildings, cafés, and the imposing Santa Ana Cathedral. Construction began in 1497 and wasn’t fully completed until the late 20th century, resulting in a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and neoclassical styles. Don’t miss the cloister’s intricately carved wooden balconies—one of only a handful remaining in Spain—and the cathedral towers, which offer panoramic views across Vegueta’s rooftops sanetraveler.
Just a stone’s throw away sits the Casa de Colón, Christopher Columbus’ former residence on his return from the New World. The 500-year-old mansion now houses a museum dedicated to the islands’ role as a staging post for Atlantic voyages, displaying navigational instruments, period maps, and artefacts that chart the early Atlantic trade routes sanetraveler. Seasonal exhibitions and multimedia displays bring the Age of Discovery to life, making it a favourite among history buffs.
Elaborate archways and hidden patios abound in Vegueta, and you’ll often stumble on small boutiques and antique shops selling local ceramics, jewellery, and Canarian lace. Pause at one of the many sidewalk cafés for a cortado (espresso with a dash of milk) or a glass of local rum—perfect for people-watching as parishioners file into the cathedral below.
As you meander southward, explore Calle San Agustín—a pedestrianised thoroughfare lined with tapas bars and gelato shops. In the evenings, it comes alive with locals sipping vino tinto and sampling pintxos (Basque-style tapas). Finish your stroll at Parque Doramas, just outside Vegueta, where lush tropical gardens offer a welcome respite from the city’s bustle, complete with dragon trees and serene fountains sanetraveler.
Traveler tips:
- Guided walking tours (in English and Dutch) depart daily from Plaza Santa Ana.
- Look out for the eight cast-iron dog statues scattered around the square—local legend has it they were a gift from a British sea captain.
- Many wines and tapas bars in Vegueta close early (around 22:00), so plan dinners accordingly.