Gin, cocktails and old town views above Centro Comercial Monopol
Set two floors above a historic shopping arcade in Vegueta, Azotea de Benito has poured cocktails with a view since 2012. Expect a huge gin selection, cathedral views and a lively crowd, especially on Thursday pincho nights.
Azotea de Benito is the bar that started it all. Opened in 2012 on top of the Centro Comercial Monopol, a historic shopping arcade at the edge of Vegueta, it was the first dedicated cocktail bar in the whole of the Canary Islands. Today it is still one of the most talked-about rooftop terraces in Las Palmas, and its position — right on the line between the old districts of Triana and Vegueta — makes it one of the best-placed rooftop bars in the city for sightseeing views.
A Rooftop Pioneer in the Old Town
The terrace sits on the second floor of the Monopol building, on Plaza Hurtado de Mendoza, at the point where Calle Mayor de Triana meets the historic core of Vegueta. From here, guests look out over the terracotta roofs of the old town towards the Catedral de Santa Ana, the Guiniguada park and the public library. The mix of comfy lounge seating, warm lighting and smartly dressed staff gives the bar a stylish, slightly grown-up feel compared with some of the more casual beach-area terraces in Las Palmas.
Atmosphere and Drinks
Gin and tonic is the house speciality: the bar stocks more than 60 types of gin alongside a wider list of over 250 spirits, and its classic and signature cocktails have picked up several awards over the years. The tagline "we cook your drinks" says it all — cocktails here are treated as something to be crafted, not just poured. If you prefer something simpler, there's also a solid list of wine and beer.
Food
Light bites are available on the terrace itself, and 200 Gramos, a popular burger restaurant, operates on the ground floor of the same building if you fancy something more substantial before heading up.
Best Time to Visit
The bar is at its liveliest on Thursday evenings, when it coincides with Vegueta's "Ruta de Pinchos" tapas trail, and at weekends. <!-- CHECK: aktuelle Öffnungszeiten vor Veröffentlichung prüfen, Quellen widersprüchlich (variiert je nach Wochentag) --> It's worth booking a table in advance if you're visiting on a busy night, and note that as one of the city's best-known rooftop spots, prices sit a little above the old town average.
Getting There / Transport Connections
Azotea de Benito is in the heart of the old town, within easy walking distance of the Catedral de Santa Ana and the Casa de Colón. <!-- CHECK: genaue Guaguas-Municipales-Buslinien und Haltestellennamen für Vegueta/Triana vor Veröffentlichung verifizieren --> Local city buses (Guaguas Municipales) serve the Vegueta and Triana area, and the bar is also a comfortable walk from the Santa Catalina and Las Canteras districts for those staying near the beach. A private transfer from Gran Canaria Airport can drop you close to the old town if you'd rather not deal with luggage and public transport on arrival.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance |
|---|---|
| Catedral de Santa Ana | ~3 min walk |
| Casa de Colón | ~4 min walk |
| Plaza de Santa Ana | ~3 min walk |
| Vegueta old town streets | Immediate surroundings |
| Triana shopping street | ~5 min walk |
Why is Azotea de Benito famous in Las Palmas?
It was the first dedicated cocktail bar to open in the Canary Islands, back in 2012, and helped start the rooftop bar trend in Las Palmas.
Where exactly is the bar located?
It's on the second floor of the Centro Comercial Monopol, on Plaza Hurtado de Mendoza, right where Triana meets the old town of Vegueta.
What is the bar known for?
Gin and tonics are the speciality, with more than 60 gins on offer, alongside a wide range of classic and signature cocktails.
Do I need to book a table?
It's a good idea, especially on Thursday evenings and at weekends, when the terrace gets busy with both locals and visitors.
Can I get food there?
The terrace serves light bites, and 200 Gramos, a burger restaurant, is on the ground floor of the same building.