More about: Gran Canaria Hop-On Hop-Off Buses
Gran Canaria is one of the favourite destinations for beach, sun and crystal clear water lovers. However, the city is much more than just its coastline, so what better way to get to know it than on board a tourist bus. You can hop on and off as many times as you like, while your guide tells you all about each of the places you visit in your own language.
There are so many things to do in Gran Canaria that the island receives no less than 5 million visitors every year. You can visit iconic places such as Santa Catalina Park, the Paseo de la Cornisa, the Pueblo Canario, the pier, the Perez Galdós Theatre, Vegueta and the beautiful Cathedral, among many others. Get ready for an incredible tour of the best of Gran Canaria - here we come!
City Sightseeing Bus
Getting on a tourist bus is the best way to get to know a city, which is why I never tire of recommending it as a first contact with the destination you have chosen. In the case of Gran Canaria, there is only one company in charge of these tours, Worldwide City Sightseeing, which offers a tour of the best of the city for only 23 euros per person.
On this tour you will visit the beautiful city of Las Palmas, capital of Gran Canaria. There you will be able to walk along the famous promenade, where you will have more than enough time to see the Alfredo Kraus concert hall and auditorium. The total time is 1 hour and 15 minutes, but you can go up and down as many times as you wish.
You will also visit places like the Santa Catalina Park, the Paseo La Cornisa and the Perez Galdós Theatre, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Ana de Canarias, the San Telmo station and the Santa Catalina wharf. This tour is among the best things to do in Gran Canaria in 4 days.
The tour includes an audio guide with 8 language options to choose from, which of course includes Spanish, a walking tour of Vegueta, the picturesque old town that you can't help but love, and entrance to the Cathedral. This is undoubtedly one of the best tours in Gran Canaria to enjoy alone, with friends or with your family.
Gran Canaria Tourist Bus Route Options
Usually in other tourist destinations there are different routes, which offer themed routes for all tastes. In the case of the city of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, there is a unique route available that will take you to the most emblematic points of this charming Spanish holiday destination.
Advantages of using the tourist bus in Gran Canaria
By opting for the tourist bus you will be able to enjoy the main attractions of the city, at the same time that you know where each one is located, so that you can return as many times as you want. It's a great way to get to know a new destination, and what's more, as you can hop on and off as many times as you like, you can travel at your own pace, without the fear of missing anything.
The tourist bus ticket is valid for 24 hours, which means that you can spend the whole day walking around Las Palmas. Without a doubt this is one of the top 10 things to do in Gran Canaria.
You will learn about the history of the city from your expert guide and discover all its secrets and treasures.
How long is the complete tour of Gran Canaria on the tourist bus?
The total bus tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, as it is hop-on hop-off, the duration will depend on the time you decide to dedicate to each of the places you visit.
You can spend the whole day enjoying the attractions of the island, listening to the explanations of the audio guide and relaxing while you ride on a comfortable open top bus, which will allow you to take amazing 360 degree pictures, while you feel the sun caressing your skin.
What I will see from the tourist bus in Gran Canaria
On this guided tour you will see the main attractions and places of interest in the city of Las Palmas, capital of Gran Canaria. The tour includes a visit to the pier and the promenade, the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium and the Cathedral, the mythical Perez Galdós Theatre, a walking tour through the old town of Vegueta and many more places, one more charming than the previous one.
Some of the points you will visit on the tour are:
Muelle y paseo marítimo, a must visit
An incredible place, perfect for strolling and enjoying the pleasant atmosphere, having a drink or some tapas on the shores of the Mediterranean. An extremely picturesque and Instagrammable space. Watching the sunset, with its multitude of boats and its lively rhythm is almost a must.
Visit the incredible Alfredo Kraus Auditorium
Considered an Asset of Cultural Interest in the Monument category, the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium is named after the important tenor of Canarian origin. It is located towards the end of Las Canteras beach, and the building was designed by the architect Óscar Tusquets. The original building was intended as a fortress and defensive lighthouse for the city of Las Palmas. Its construction at the end of the 20th century led to a revival of this somewhat remote part of the city.
Marvel at Gran Canaria's Santa Ana Cathedral
Undoubtedly one of the island's architectural jewels. Still unfinished, the cathedral took more than 500 years to build, which is why you will be able to observe the striking mixture of styles, both architectural and decorative. With strong tributes to nature and above all to the island's plant kingdom, the mouldings and walls are an absolute bastion of Gran Canaria. Located opposite the Plaza de Santa Ana, the Cathedral is one of those places you can't miss on your visit to the island.
Tour the Perez Galdós Theatre
Standing since 1890, the Perez Galdós Theatre has become a reference point for culture in Gran Canaria. Like the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, it has also been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. Its beauty has hosted numerous figures of international importance. A visit to the Saint-Saëns Hall is a must.
Stroll around the historic quarter of Vegueta
Your stay in Gran Canaria would not be complete without a carefree stroll through the historic quarter. I'm referring, of course, to the Vegueta district, a true marvel, with labyrinthine streets full of charm and some of the most beautiful corners of the city. A stroll through Vegueta is an invitation to take pictures, as everything here is picturesque. Thanks to the audio guide you can discover the secrets of this peculiar Canarian neighbourhood.
How much does the Gran Canaria tourist bus ticket cost?
The ticket for the tourist bus of Gran Canaria costs about 23 euros per person and is valid for 24 hours. The price includes an audio guide in 8 different languages, the walking tour of Vegueta, entrance to the Cathedral and the Perez Galdós Theatre, and the possibility to hop on and off as many times as you wish to visit at your own pace, without rushing and without having to fit in with the rest of the group. An ideal way to get to know the city of Las Palmas, in the heart of Gran Canaria.
Gran Canaria Tourist Bus Timetable
The tour starts every day at 10:30 am and ends at 4:30 pm, and every 30 minutes you will be able to get on a new bus at any of the designated stops along the route. Please note that after 2pm the frequency is one bus per hour.
How the Gran Canaria tourist bus works
The best way to buy a ticket is online, so you can be sure that the company providing the service is reputable and of high quality. In the case of Gran Canaria, as there is only one company in charge of the tour buses, you can rest assured that you are getting a first class tour. Furthermore, Worldwide City Sightseeing is a company that has tour buses all over the world.
When you buy your ticket online you can read reviews and comments from other travellers who have already been on the tour to see how the experience went, so you know if it's what you're looking for.
After you buy your ticket you have up to one year to use it. It is activated as soon as you get on the bus for the first time, from then on you can hop on and off as many times as you like for the next 24 hours. It's worth noting that you have unlimited hop-on hop-off, making it an excellent way to get the most out of the city.
What other tours and excursions are worthwhile in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is a perfect destination for a relaxing holiday, with its fine white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and good weather practically all year round (there are usually only 28 days of rain per year!), it is the preferred choice of many Spaniards and travellers from all over the world.
Among the tours that you cannot miss if you are passing through this island paradise, are:
- The best boat trips in Gran Canaria, a perfect tour to enjoy the sea and the beauty of its coasts. It is also perfect for snorkelling and other underwater activities.
- The best dolphin watching tours in Gran Canaria, another classic for sea lovers, and a good opportunity to enjoy the sun on board a luxury boat.
- Tours to the best theme parks in Gran Canaria, such as Sioux City Park or Holiday World Maspalomas, a unique experience.