El Obelisco, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Memorial, Monument and Square in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The Obelisk Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The Obelisk Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
All rights reserved / Tony Hernández

El Obelisco is a slim, vertical monument set in a busy urban plaza in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, making it an easy landmark to spot as you move between neighborhoods and main roads.

It’s not a “plan your whole day around it” attraction, but it works perfectly as a short stop: a place to pause, take a photo, and then continue on to the many museums, parks, shopping streets, and cafés nearby.

History and Significance of the El Obelisco

El Obelisco is a civic monument tied to the city's identity and public life. Locals often describe it as historically meaningful rather than spectacular, which is exactly how it functions: a marker of place and memory in the everyday flow of Las Palmas.

It’s also a good example of how the city uses public squares to frame monuments and create meeting points. Even if you don’t linger long, seeing it helps you understand the “city as lived-in space” feeling that defines central Las Palmas.

Things to See and Do in the El Obelisco

Start by circling the plaza to view the obelisk from different angles; the surrounding streets and buildings change the backdrop, and on bright days the monument reads much more dramatically against the sky.

Because it sits in an active part of town, the best “activity” here is pairing it with a walking route. Use it as a waypoint between nearby cultural stops, a coffee break, or a casual stroll that samples the city beyond the beach.

If you’re into people-watching, note the rhythm: weekdays can feel busy and functional, while weekends tend to be calmer and better for unhurried photos.

How to Get to the El Obelisco

The nearest airport is Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), with frequent connections to mainland Spain and other European cities. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Booking.com.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria does not have intercity passenger rail service like mainland Spanish cities, so most visitors arrive by plane or ferry and then use local buses (guaguas), taxis, or walking to get around. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for public parking garages in central Las Palmas and finish the last stretch on foot, as traffic and curbside parking can be limited around busy plazas. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the El Obelisco

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 hours
  • Best time to visit: Go on a clear morning or late afternoon for better light and a more relaxed feel; weekends are often quieter than weekdays.
  • How long to spend: 10-20 minutes is enough for a look and photos, unless you’re using it as a starting point for a longer walk.
  • Accessibility: The monument is viewed from public streets and plaza paving; expect typical city curb cuts and occasional uneven surfaces.
  • Facilities: No dedicated visitor facilities on-site; rely on nearby cafés, shops, and public services in the surrounding streets.

Where to Stay Close to the El Obelisco

Base yourself in central Las Palmas if you want the easiest access to sights, shopping streets, and transport connections without relying on a car.

Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel A classic, upscale choice near Parque Doramas, ideal if you want a resort-like feel while staying close to the city.

AC Hotel Gran Canaria by Marriott Great for harbor views and a polished business-style stay, with easy access to the waterfront and quick taxi rides into the center.

Hotel Cristina by Tigotan Las Palmas A strong pick if you want beach access at Las Canteras while still being well connected to central neighborhoods.

Hotel LIVVO Lumm Modern and convenient for exploring on foot, with a contemporary vibe that suits short city breaks.

Sercotel Hotel Parque Practical and well located for transport links and quick access to central sights, ideal if you’re planning day trips around the island.

Is the El Obelisco Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you treat it as a quick, low-effort landmark stop while exploring central Las Palmas. It’s visually pleasing in good weather, easy to reach, and works well as a waypoint in a broader walking itinerary.

Honest Pivot: if you're short on time and only want “wow-factor” attractions, you can skip it and focus on the beach, Vegueta's historic core, or a museum visit instead. El Obelisco is more about context and city atmosphere than a standalone highlight.

For Different Travelers

El Obelisco fits best into trips where you're already exploring the city on foot. Think of it as a small, free add-on that helps stitch together nearby neighborhoods and attractions.

Families with Kids

Kids may find it “just a tall monument,” so it helps to frame it as a quick stop on the way to something more interactive like a park, the beach, or a museum with hands-on elements.

Choose a calmer time (often weekends) so you can take photos and explain what monuments are for without feeling rushed by weekday crowds and traffic.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, it’s a simple photo stop that can be paired with a café break and a stroll through central streets. The best moments tend to be when the light is soft and the plaza feels less hectic.

Use it as a waypoint on a self-guided walk that ends at a scenic viewpoint, a nice dinner spot, or a sunset by the water.

Budget Travelers

This is an easy win: it’s free, always accessible, and doesn’t require a ticket or timed entry. It also helps you build a satisfying walking day without spending much beyond coffee or transit.

Pair it with other free city experiences like wandering neighborhoods, public parks, and viewpoints to get a fuller sense of Las Palmas on a tight budget.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (103)

Reviews are very positive overall (4.5/5 from 100+ ratings), with visitors appreciating El Obelisco as a pleasant, historic city landmark that adds character to the plaza—especially on sunny days. Many like that it's easy to stop by while exploring nearby attractions, and some note the area can be busy on weekdays but calmer on weekends. The main downside is that several travelers find it modest and not particularly “special” on its own, describing it as simply a tall monument.

JCT
2 years ago
"This is not an extraordinary or wonderful but a significant monument."
Linda Ozoliņa
a year ago
"Nothing special, just tall mounument."
Juan Francisco Barroso Rodríguez
2 weeks ago
"The area is busy on weekdays, but very quiet on weekends. There's an obelisk in the square, hence its name, and not much else. However, there arequite a few places to visit nearby...."

FAQs for Visiting El Obelisco

Getting There

  • Is El Obelisco easy to reach without a car?
    Yes, it’s in an urban area that’s well served by city buses and taxis, and it’s straightforward to include on a walking route. Plan to do the final approach on foot.
  • Can I park right next to the monument?
    Usually not conveniently, as the surrounding streets can be busy and parking is limited. A nearby parking garage is typically the least stressful option.
  • Is it walkable from other central sights?
    Yes, it works well as a waypoint between central neighborhoods and nearby attractions. Expect typical city walking conditions with crossings and traffic.

Tickets & Entry

  • Do I need a ticket to see El Obelisco?
    No, it’s a public monument in an open plaza. You can view it freely at any time.
  • Are there any paid areas or gates?
    No, there’s no controlled entry area for the monument itself. Any costs you encounter would be for nearby attractions, not the obelisk.
  • Is there a guided visit specifically for the monument?
    Not usually as a standalone stop. It’s more commonly included as a brief point on broader city walking tours.

Visiting Experience

  • Is it worth going out of my way for?
    Only if you enjoy ticking off city landmarks or you’re already nearby. Most travelers will like it best as a quick stop rather than a main event.
  • When does it feel least crowded?
    Weekends often feel calmer than weekdays in the surrounding area. Early morning can also be quieter for photos.
  • What should I look for when I’m there?
    Focus on the monument’s setting in the plaza and how it anchors the surrounding streets. It’s a good moment to orient yourself before continuing your walk.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

  • How can I include El Obelisco in a half-day plan?
    Use it as a short pause between a museum or historic neighborhood and a café stop. It fits naturally into a central walking loop.
  • Is it near other major sights?
    Yes, there are plenty of places to visit in the surrounding area, so it’s easy to bundle with other stops. Plan your route so you’re not backtracking.
  • Do I need historical context to enjoy it?
    Not really; it’s visually straightforward. A quick read on the city’s civic history makes it more meaningful, but it’s still a pleasant landmark without it.

Photography

  • What’s the best angle for photos?
    Walk around the plaza and try a few distances so the obelisk stands out cleanly against the sky. Including a bit of street life can add scale.
  • Is it better on sunny days?
    Yes, the monument tends to look more striking with bright light and clear skies. Overcast conditions can make it feel flatter in photos.
  • Can I take photos at night?
    Yes, since it’s outdoors, but lighting can vary and traffic may be higher in some periods. Use normal city awareness and keep gear secure.

Accessibility & Facilities

  • Is the area wheelchair-friendly?
    Generally yes in the way most city plazas are, though curb ramps and pavement quality can vary by corner. If you have specific needs, approach from the flattest streets.
  • Are there benches or shade?
    Seating and shade depend on the exact plaza layout and nearby streets. If you need a guaranteed rest stop, plan a nearby café.
  • Are there public toilets on-site?
    Not typically at the monument itself. Use nearby cafés, shopping areas, or public facilities in the surrounding district.

Food & Breaks Nearby

  • Are there places to eat close by?
    Yes, the central location means you’ll find cafés and casual restaurants within a short walk. It’s easy to turn the stop into a coffee break.
  • Is it good for a quick snack stop?
    Yes, because you can pop in and out without committing much time. Grab something nearby and continue your route.
  • Do I need reservations for nearby restaurants?
    For casual spots, usually not. For popular restaurants at peak times, it’s smart to book ahead.

Safety & Timing

  • Is it safe to visit?
    It’s in a typical city setting, so standard urban awareness is enough. Watch traffic when crossing and keep an eye on belongings in busy periods.
  • What time of day is best for a calm visit?
    Early morning or weekends tend to feel less hectic. Late afternoon can be great for light and atmosphere.
  • Can I combine it with a beach day?
    Yes, it works well as a quick city stop before or after time at Las Canteras. Plan transit so you’re not zig-zagging across town.

Nearby Attractions to the El Obelisco

  • Parque Doramas: A leafy city park that’s great for a relaxing stroll and a break from traffic.
  • Pueblo Canario: A charming cultural complex showcasing Canarian-style architecture and occasional events.
  • Vegueta (Old Town): The historic heart of Las Palmas with atmospheric streets, heritage buildings, and museums.
  • Casa de Colón: A well-known museum in Vegueta focused on Columbus-era history and Atlantic connections.
  • Playa de Las Canteras: The city’s signature beach, ideal for swimming, sunsets, and an easy seaside promenade.

The El Obelisco appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 hours

Price:

Free

Address: 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 2 km

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