City in Gran Canaria, Spain
Las Palmas
Spain's biggest Atlantic city beach, with a year-round mild climate, cheap living and Europe's biggest nomad scene. Calima dust and a grey, windy north coast in winter are minor trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,910–2,700Comfortable, one person · €1,700–2,400Details
- Value for money51/100Better value than 50% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goOct–AprWarmest: Sep, 24°CDetails
- Air quality8 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet263 MbpsFixed broadband, Spain medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated and legally potable, but salty-tasting; most residents and visitors drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–113Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCabifyVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere; markets and small kiosks may prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Las Palmas
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Las Canteras and Guanarteme | Nomads: city beach, cafés, coworking, surf and walking |
| Vegueta and Triana | Historic old town, culture, local food, quiet evenings |
| Alcaravaneras | Residential and central, near the Parque de San Telmo |
| Ciudad Jardín | Calm, leafy and a bit upscale |
| Santa Catalina and La Isleta | Port area: cheaper rent, nightlife and rougher edges |
Apps that work in Las Palmas
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Renfe: High-speed and regional train tickets
- ALSA: Long-distance bus tickets
- Taxis: Metered taxis are cheap and easy at ranks. Airport taxis have posted fixed rates.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Spain.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; markets and small kiosks may prefer cash.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many Spanish ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros per withdrawal; Euronet machines cost more. Always decline the conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Round up at bars and leave 5–10% for good restaurant service; check whether service is already included.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere. Bizum, used to split bills, needs a Spanish bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops and airport kiosks sell prepaid SIMs (Orange, Vodafone, Digi, Lebara); about €10–25 for 30–100 GB. Passport required to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Spain
Going to Las Palmas solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Las Palmas meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.