A local's guide to the city's rooftop terraces, from the old town to the beach
From a converted 1930s bank in the old town to beach-club terraces on Las Canteras, this guide takes you up onto the roofs of Las Palmas for cocktails, tapas and sunset views, with notes on dress code, prices and the best time to go.
Not many cities in Spain mix cocktails and sea views quite as naturally as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Between the historic old town of Vegueta and Triana and the coastal stretch from Santa Catalina to Las Canteras beach, a dozen rooftop terraces have opened over the past few years. They all serve the same basic promise: cocktails, tapas and a view over the cathedral, the harbour or the Atlantic Ocean. Mild evenings all year round make rooftop bars a fixed part of life here – for a sundowner, an aperitivo, or just watching the city cool down after another warm day.
From Washing Line to Cocktail Bar: The Azotea Story
The name of many Canarian roof terraces gives away their original job. "El Tendedero" simply means washing line – for a long time, the flat roofs of the old town were used mainly for drying laundry, not for serving mojitos. The rooftop bar scene we see today only became possible after Las Palmas City Council passed a new building ordinance on 9 January 2018, allowing cafés and bars to open on the roofs of hotels and cultural buildings. There are two conditions worth knowing before you go: no live music, and a closing time of 11pm. What used to be purely functional rooftops has, since then, turned into one of the liveliest bar scenes in the city.
Rooftop Bars in the Old Town (Vegueta & Triana)
In Vegueta and Triana, the historic heart of the city, the roof terraces usually sit on top of protected heritage buildings, looking out over the cathedral, red-tiled roofs and narrow lanes below.
- Azotea de Benito – the longest-running rooftop bar in the city, set above the Centro Monopol shopping centre, with a straight-on view of the Santa Ana Cathedral.
- La Terraza de Malteses – a small, intimate terrace in a building from 1890, known for its wine list, tapas and coffee specialities.
- Rock Top La Peregrina – a minimalist rooftop with a small pool, looking down over the lower part of Triana.
Rooftop Bars near Santa Catalina, the Port and Las Canteras
Around Parque Santa Catalina, the cruise port and the Las Canteras seafront promenade, the views change from old-town rooftops to harbour basins, open Atlantic and city skyline.
- El Tendedero de Catalina – an easy-going, music-led terrace right above Parque Santa Catalina, no dress code required.
- Ibex Rooftop Bar – a 360° view over the port and city centre from the top floor of a former Art Deco bank building.
- Sky Bar Lumm Rooftop – a chilled-out terrace with a pool, directly opposite the cruise terminal.
- Alis Rooftop Bar – the most elegant address on this list, with an infinity pool and 360° views over Puerto de la Luz and Parque Doramas.
- Catalina Plaza Rooftop Bar and Rooftop Sercotel Puerto de la Luz – two further hotel roof terraces in the harbour district.
- Exe Las Palmas Sunset Bar – close to the centre, with the sunset as the main event.
- Occidental Las Canteras Rooftop Bar – beach-club atmosphere with a direct view over Las Canteras beach.
- Rooftop & Terrace Aloe Hotel – a warm, welcoming terrace with tapas and sunset views over the seafront promenade.
Dress Code, Prices and the Best Time to Go
Most rooftop bars in Las Palmas do not enforce a strict dress code – smart casual is a safe bet. The exception is a more exclusive address like Alis Rooftop, where guests tend to dress up a little more. Cocktails usually cost between 9 and 14 euros. The best time to visit is the last hour before sunset: because of the 11pm closing time and the ban on live music, most terraces are built for a relaxed aperitivo rather than a long night out. At weekends, it is worth booking ahead, especially for the smaller terraces in the old town.
Getting There / Transport Connections
The rooftop bars in Vegueta and Triana are within walking distance of San Telmo bus station and are also served by the city's Guaguas Municipales lines through the old town. The terraces around Santa Catalina, Puerto de la Luz and Las Canteras sit within easy reach of Santa Catalina bus station and the Guaguas Municipales routes along the seafront promenade. Coming from the airport, the airport bus line 60 runs to Santa Catalina, from where you can continue by city bus.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Area | Good to combine with |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana Cathedral | Vegueta | Azotea de Benito, La Terraza de Malteses |
| Casa de Colón | Vegueta | Old town rooftop bars |
| Parque Santa Catalina | Santa Catalina | El Tendedero de Catalina, Catalina Plaza |
| Puerto de la Luz & cruise terminal | Santa Catalina / Puerto | Ibex, Sky Bar Lumm, Alis Rooftop Bar |
| Las Canteras beach & promenade | Las Canteras | Occidental Las Canteras, Rooftop & Terrace Aloe |
Map of Rooftop Bars in Las Palmas
Do rooftop bars in Las Palmas have a dress code?
Most terraces are smart casual, with no strict dress code. A few upscale hotel bars, such as Alis Rooftop, expect slightly smarter evening wear.
How much do drinks cost on a rooftop terrace in Las Palmas?
Cocktails typically cost between 9 and 14 euros, depending on the bar.
Do I need to book a table in advance?
At weekends, yes, especially for the smaller old-town terraces. On weekdays, you can usually walk in.
What is the best time to visit a rooftop bar in Las Palmas?
The hour before sunset. Most bars close at 11pm and do not play live music, so they suit an early evening drink rather than a late night out.
Are rooftop bars in the old town different from those near the beach?
Yes. Old-town terraces in Vegueta and Triana look out over the cathedral and heritage rooftops, while bars near Santa Catalina and Las Canteras face the harbour, the Atlantic and the beach.