Your cruise ship just anchored in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s harbour. And while getting a first view over the island’s capital you’re wondering what you’re going to do now.

In case your tour guide pitched you on board, chances are they push you in a bus that will drive you to a lonesome place. A place in the mountain world for eating, buying souvenirs and making some photos.

That’s a dream for those whose only exercise is standing up in queues in front of the ship’s buffet three times a day. (Yes, yes, you’re on holiday. I got that)

But what if you can still think yourself, and want to enter the city jungle on your own?

Here are 5 ways for a splendid day out in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (and getting back in time to your cruise ship)

After stepping on dry land and heading over to the city’s gateway, you get your first choices. A 2-minute-walk leads to the main square. Take a coach ride, book a rickshaw, or even make a city round trip with the Guiri Express.

Watch out for the fingerpost that shows you how to get to the main tourist hot spots. Because there you already have a day full of pleasant activity.

The question is...Do you love to see something different? Places that most cruise ship passengers will never see?

If so, then here’s what to do:

1. Visit El Confital

El Confital’s the upper north end of the island. There are no bars, restaurants, nor toilets. Only pure and rough no-man's-land with fantastic panoramic views.

You can overlook the entire area from the Las Canteras beach to the mountain of Galdar. Sometimes, you even see Tenerife’s Teide showing up at the horizon.

Nice place for swim, or a relaxing sunbath (And a hotspot for nudists).

Since you’re already in the area, go up to the peak to see some ancient caves most folks never heard about.

While taking a picnic in front of the caves, you have the best views over the entire area and the capital. It’s in a walking distance from your ship. Follow the signs that direct you to the Las Canteras beach. Then turn right and follow the shore until you pass the last buildings.

2. Visit San Cristóbal

The former fisher village is a scenic place to see something different as the well-known touristic areas.

Eat for reasonable prices, sunbath at the city's smallest sandy beach, or learn something about the island’s history.

It’s the place where locals go to enjoy some Canarian food just a few meters back from the ocean. Accompanied by the sound of waves and pebbles tossing against the shore.

All in one, San Cristóbal with its snug setting is a picture postcard quarter you don’t want to miss out.

Take the tuk-tuk, or a pedelec with a driver to get to San Cristóbal.

3. Visit the city’s most scenic viewpoint

When your cruise ship enters the Las Palmas port, you already have a great view over the whole capital. But seeing the whole pride from above is even more worth a visit.

The paseo de la cornisa will give you a real idea of the city’s jungle and most of its quarters.

Besides the 180° view over the Atlantic ocean. Perfect weather conditions let you see the island Fuerteventura showing up at the horizon.

Visiting the paseo de la cornisa is like looking into your city map. See in detail where your ship lays and take a look above the scenes of the capital’s urban canyons.

4. Visit the Mercado Central

You might have heard about it already. We have some quite good farmers markets strayed around the capital. Most famous one is the Mercado de Vegueta, of course.

But the Mercado Central is the biggest market in the capital. That’s the place to get freshest and local fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits.

Now, of course you might ask, why you should visit a market when you eat at your cruiseship anyway.

Well, for sure you wanna get some souvenirs for your peeps at home. Maybe a good local wine or some authentic handcraft. Some Canarian sweets and other special stuff that’s connected with the Canary Islands.

And this is the place to get it for a reasonable price.

5. Visit the capital’s central park

The upper part of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a modern area. Take a breath in the city’s biggest green park (26.000 sqm). Surrounded by 5-floor towers, uncountable little stores left and right the main street.

It’s not only the main spot for the sports addicted. It’s a fabulous park for big and small kids. Small kids can play in the playground while you have a coffee in the open-air bar besides it. Or watching swans and ducks swimming around in the pond.

Big kids can take a relaxing siesta in the patches of grass, covered by the shadows of palm trees.

For sure you will find a tranquilizing place for listening to the birds chants.

Enjoy your stay in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 

Title Photo Flickr CC Image via Matti Mattila