Vegueta Walking Tour in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: History, Balconies and Columbus
If you want to understand where Las Palmas de Gran Canaria really began, Vegueta is the place to start. This guided walking tour takes you straight into the city’s oldest neighbourhood, through cobblestone streets, noble houses, and some of the most important historical landmarks on the island. It is short, easy, and surprisingly packed with stories.
I always say Vegueta is best explored on foot, and even better with someone who actually knows what they are talking about. This tour does exactly that.
🏛️ Step into the Original City of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Vegueta was founded in 1478 and became the first Castilian city in the Atlantic. On this one hour walking tour, you wander through narrow streets that still follow their original layout, passing houses with carved wooden balconies and thick stone walls that have seen centuries go by.
The area is currently under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status, and once you are there, it is easy to see why. Every corner feels layered with history, without feeling like an open air museum.
⛪ Cathedral of Santa Ana and Historic Squares
One of the highlights of the tour is the Cathedral of Santa Ana, one of the most important examples of Canarian architecture.
📍 Cathedral of Santa Ana
Plaza de Santa Ana, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Behind the cathedral, the guide takes you to Plaza del Pilar Nuevo, once a gathering point where local women collected water from a central well. These small details are what make the tour feel personal rather than generic.
🌍 Christopher Columbus and the Atlantic Routes
The tour continues towards Plaza de San Antonio Abad, where you will see the Casa Museo de Colón from the outside.
📍 Casa Museo de Colón
Calle Colón 1, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
This museum is dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his connections to the Canary Islands. Entry is not included, but the guide explains its importance and can help you with tickets at the end if you want to visit on your own. It is the most visited museum in the Canary Islands, and for good reason.
🗣️ Bilingual, Accessible and Well Run
One thing that really stands out is how the tour is conducted. It runs in English and Spanish at the same time, without feeling rushed or confusing. Reviews often mention how smoothly this is handled, even with mixed groups and wheelchair users.
The tour is fully wheelchair accessible, which is still rare for historical city centres.
⭐ What Travelers Are Saying
Travelers consistently rate this tour very highly, especially praising the guides for their knowledge, humour, and passion for Vegueta.
People mention learning a lot in a short time, clear explanations in both languages, and a guide who genuinely loves sharing the city’s history. Several reviewers even say it was one of their highlights in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
📍 Practical Details Before You Go
Meeting point:
📍 Near the Guiniguada bus stop, close to Bar Tasca La Picadita
Calle Profesor Lozano, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Duration: About 1 hour
Languages: English and Spanish at the same time
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
What to bring: Comfortable shoes
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is always handy if your plans are still flexible.
🎟️ Should You Book It?
If you want a clear, engaging introduction to Vegueta without committing half a day, this tour is an excellent choice. It works well for first time visitors and for people who have already walked through the area but want more context.
Below this article, you will find the booking widget where you can check availability and reserve your spot directly. It is an easy addition to your Vegueta visit and a great way to start exploring the historic heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
