The best bars in Las Palmas

Friday, 27 August 2021

Las Palmas, the beautiful capital of Gran Canaria, is a favourite amongst those who have chosen to book Winter cruises to sunnier climates and it’s not hard to see why. With its duty-free shopping, picturesque harbour, and lovely, sandy beaches, there’s plenty of reasons to add it to your holiday bucket list. Las Palmas also has a very healthy bar scene, from epic rooftop hangouts to must try cocktail experiences, there’s something to suit all tastes and styles. In this guide, we are going to highlight a selection of the very best bars in Las Palmas, informing you about where to stop for a refreshing drink or after dinner beverage during your holiday.

Before we discover what’s on offer, we first wanted to bring you the words of travel blogger Karl from the website KHL Lifestyle. Karl is a big fan of Las Palmas and has shared his thoughts on why it’s a must-visit: “When visiting the Canary island of Gran Canaria, you should not miss its capital Las Palmas. This cosmopolitan city is blessed with a bay and a marvellous sandy beach that reminds me of the famous Copacabana in Rio.

“Las Palmas is also a destination with a rich gastronomy scene. Typical local food (also with a modern touch) can be found in many restaurants, either at Las Canteras beach or in the historic neighbourhoods of Triana and Vegueta. Last but not least, this city has one of the best climates in the world. All in all – enough reasons to visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria!”

Cory, from the travel blog You Could Travel, has spent time in Las Palmas as well and told us why she believes it’s such an attractive destination: “Las Palmas is a must-see destination when visiting Gran Canaria. Many head to the beach for the whole duration of their stay, but we recommend venturing out to visit the city of Las Palmas.

“The city itself is a vibrant destination with restaurants, cocktail bars and excellent nightlife. But it also offers culture to those interested in immersing themselves in the local lifestyle. For example, we recommend going to the annual Las Palmas de Gran Canaria carnival, which brings together flamboyantly costumed performers, music and dancing.”

La Azotea de Benito Cocktail Bar

Image credit: La Azotea

The dynamic cocktail bar known as La Azotea de Benito makes its trade with classic cocktail making techniques while also successfully implementing the latest trends. From its rooftop perch, this special bar provides top views of the beautiful surroundings – perfect for relaxing under the warm Canary Island’s sun. When you then mix in top customer service and a menu comprised of speciality gin & tonics and an array of quality cocktails, it’s really the perfect package. Take a seat on a comfy sofa and enjoy the company with good music and even better drinks.

The team at La Azotea de Benito shared with us what they believe makes them a must-visit: “La Azotea de Benito has become a fashionable place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and opens its doors every day in the early afternoon. The good service, the taste for detail and the good quality products are the maxims under which this open-air terrace located in the old town of Las Palmas (Vegueta) is governed. It is an ideal place to have a drink in a good atmosphere and enjoy the best views of the city.”

8 CANES

Image credit: 8 CANES

Universally recognised as one of the very best bars in Las Palmas, 8 CANES is a stylish and modern hotspot with a classically charming exterior - perfect for evening drinks and a delicious bite to eat at dinner or brunch. Praised as having some of the most exquisite cocktails around, 8 CANES specialise in unique concoctions prepared with both local and natural products. Speaking to us about what visitors can look forward to, the team at 8 CANES said:

“Any traveller on the Gran Canary island will not be able to miss a visit to Vegueta, a neighbourhood in Las Palmas contemplated by five centuries of history. At some point through this journey, when passing by the cathedral, there is the opportunity to discover 8 CANES, a cocktail gastro bar designed for the enjoyment of the most exquisite mixtures and premium cocktails and accompanied by homemade tapas in a welcoming atmosphere.

“8 CANES offers its innovative and traditional signature cocktails, with or without alcohol, prepared with the best in-house syrups and purées, which are the essence of our speciality. Portions, tapas and pinchos are elaborated in an artisanal way and cooked with natural and local product. Moreover, if you are one of those who like to try new things or be surprised, the adventurous spirit and expertise in the latest mixology trends of our bartenders will lead you through a varied menu to choose what best meets each one’s particular taste.”

When we asked Cory from the travel blog You Could Travel for her favourite bar in Las Palmas, she sang the praises of 8 CANES: “8 CANES Cocktail Bar offers fantastic cocktails. For those interested in great service, brilliant ambience and some fantastic cocktails, 8 CANES Cocktail Bar is the place to be. The cocktails are mixed to the highest standard and well decorated for lovely pictures as well.”

Allende Muelle

Image credit: Allende Muelle

Next up on our list is the bistro bar by the sea known as Allende Muelle. Their slogan is “flavours with views” and it more than delivers on this front. This bar comes highly recommended by Karl-Heinz of KHL Lifestyle, who has some fond memories of visiting during his time in Las Palmas. Speaking to us about the bar, he said:

“Las Palmas is offering a wide array of gastronomic delights. Typical Canary dishes (with lots of seafood as you can imagine) are fused with modern cuisine. Over the past years, the yacht harbour just opposite Parque Dorama has become a hotspot for those who love to enjoy great food and a cool drink just next to the Atlantic Ocean. The fabulous bistro bar Allende Muelle is one of my favourites.

“Innovative cuisine with a local touch, excellent wines (including local ones) and a fresh, modern interior style. A cool hangout for locals and not yet a tourist spot. Vegetarian and vegan options are available – and a priceless view over the sports harbour as well.”

La Bohême Cocktail Bar

Image credit: La Bohême Cocktail Bar

Situated in the heart of Triana-Veueta, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, La Bohême Cocktail Bar boasts a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy a relaxed drink with friends and loved ones throughout the day and into the night. Their comfortable lounge and large terrace provide plenty of options depending on your mood and the tasty dishes being served up along with an extensive range of contemporary and classic cocktails complete the experience.

The team at La Bohême Cocktail Bar told us why they believe their bar is a must-visit in Las Palmas: “The Bohême Cocktail Bar is a cosmopolitan place where you can taste a selection of more than 35 cocktails from the most classic to the original, as well as a select selection of spirits. If you are hungry, you can also taste different typical dishes of Spain and the Canary Islands. There is a great terrace and interior lounge with attractive decor.”

Sitting out on the terrace after exploring the old town, you might even have the joy of hearing live music from a local street musician for a unique Las Palmas experience.

Veintiuno Rooftop Bar

Image credit: Veintiuno

When in the relaxing and historic quarter of Vegueta, you should certainly make sure to stop by this amazing rooftop bar. Veintiuno’s rooftop bar is open to the public so you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to experience one of Las Palmas’ very best locations. Take a load off after exploring the delights of the city and sit back on a sun bed in this cabana-style bar. Surrounded by plants and greenery, you won’t find many more peaceful spots than this. The bar is well stocked with delicious wines and local beers, with numerous cocktails also on offer. For those on the hunt for the best bars in Gran Canaria, this is a spot well in consideration.

READ MORE: Lanzarote Wine Guide

What are the best bars in Las Palmas?

La Azotea de Benito Cocktail Bar
8 Canes
Allende Muelle
La Bohême Cocktail Bar
Veintiuno Rooftop Bar

If you are planning on visiting Las Palmas in the near future on a Canary Islands cruise, make sure to stop by one of the above bars. From rooftop delights to cosy cocktail experiences, there’s a lot to look forward to and plenty of excuses to enjoy a refreshing beverage.

For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our blog page.