Mercado del Puerto, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Pepelopex

Mercado del Puerto is a compact, modern market hall in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, best known today as a lively collection of food and drink counters rather than a traditional produce-heavy market. It sits just inland from Las Canteras Beach, making it an easy add-on to a beach day, sunset stroll, or cruise-port stop.

Inside, you’ll find a mix of small kiosks serving tapas, pinchos, seafood bites, sweets, and drinks, with plenty of standing space for casual grazing. The vibe is social and upbeat, and it’s the kind of place where you can try a few different dishes without committing to a full sit-down meal.

History and Significance of the Mercado del Puerto

Mercado del Puerto is part of Las Palmas' long tradition of neighborhood markets that connect daily life with local food culture. While many markets began as practical places to buy fish, meat, fruit, and vegetables, this one has increasingly evolved into a social food-hall style stop that suits modern city breaks.

Its location near the port and the Las Canteras area gives it a special role as a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. It’s less about doing a big grocery shop and more about tasting, chatting, and sharing plates.

Today, the market’s significance is in how it showcases Gran Canaria’s casual dining culture: small bites, seafood, cured meats, and a drink in hand, all in an easy, walk-in setting.

Things to See and Do in the Mercado del Puerto

The main “must-do” here is to build your own tapas crawl. Start with a couple of savory bites (pinchos, jamón, or seafood), then move to another counter for something fried or grilled, and finish with a sweet stop like churros with chocolate if you spot a good queue.

Look out for standout stalls and chef-led counters that put extra care into a small menu; many travelers end up returning more than once because it’s so easy to sample different places. If you enjoy seafood, this is a strong pick for trying classic fried options like calamari.

Beyond eating, Mercado del Puerto is also a great atmosphere stop: come for a casual drink, people-watch, and get a feel for the neighborhood's rhythm, especially later in the day when it becomes more of a social hub.

How to Get to the Mercado del Puerto

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, so you'll typically arrive by plane and then use buses, taxis, or rideshares to get around the city. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for parking in the Las Canteras/La Isleta area and walk the last stretch, as streets can be busy and parking fills quickly at peak dining times. 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 Mercado del Puerto

• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
• Official website: http://www.mercadodelpuerto.net/
• Best time to visit: Go in the early evening for the liveliest atmosphere, or at lunchtime if you want an easier time finding space at popular counters.
• How long to spend: 45-90 minutes works well for a few stops; allow 2 hours if you want a relaxed crawl with drinks.
• Accessibility: Generally step-free inside like a modern hall, but it can feel tight when crowded; visit earlier for easier movement.
• Facilities: Multiple food and drink counters with casual standing space; nearby streets offer additional cafés, shops, and services.

Where to Stay Close to the Mercado del Puerto

Base yourself in the Las Canteras area for the easiest walk to the market plus beach access and plenty of dining options.

AC Hotel Gran Canaria by Marriott A reliable, well-known option close to the waterfront, ideal if you want a polished stay with quick access to the market and the port-side area.

Hotel Cristina by Tigotan Las Palmas A strong pick for beach-first travelers who still want an easy walk to Mercado del Puerto for evening tapas.

Sercotel Playa Canteras Great for a comfortable, mid-range base near Las Canteras, balancing convenience, value, and a straightforward route to the market.

Hotel Silken Saaj Las Palmas A stylish choice if you prefer a slightly quieter feel while staying well connected to the beach and food spots.

Occidental Las Canteras A practical, modern option that suits short stays and food-focused trips, with an easy walk to Mercado del Puerto.

Is the Mercado del Puerto Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you like informal food experiences: it’s an easy, low-commitment way to try multiple bites, enjoy a drink, and soak up a lively local atmosphere near Las Canteras. It’s also a smart stop if you’re short on time and want a “one roof” tasting session rather than researching restaurants.

Honest Pivot: if you’re expecting a traditional market packed with produce stalls and local shopping, you may find it more like a curated food-hall with a few fresh counters. It can also feel crowded and a bit noisy at peak times, so travelers seeking a quiet meal may prefer a sit-down restaurant nearby.

For Different Travelers

Mercado del Puerto works best as a flexible stop: drop in for one dish or build a full mini-crawl. Your experience depends a lot on timing, since the atmosphere shifts from relaxed to bustling as the day goes on.

Families with Kids

Families can do well here because it’s informal and you can quickly find something that suits picky eaters, from simple fried bites to sweets. Going earlier helps you avoid the densest crowds and makes it easier to move around.

Plan a “one savory, one sweet” approach and keep it short and fun. If you’re traveling with a stroller, aim for off-peak hours so you’re not navigating tight clusters of people.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is a great pre- or post-beach stop for shared plates and a casual drink without the formality of a reservation. The best move is to pick two or three counters and split everything.

If you want a more romantic feel, treat it as the start of your evening rather than the whole night. Do a tasting here, then walk toward Las Canteras for sunset and finish with a quieter sit-down dinner nearby.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can eat well here by focusing on a couple of filling staples (like pinchos or fried seafood) and skipping multiple rounds of drinks. It’s also a good place to sample variety without paying for a full restaurant experience.

Go at lunchtime for better value and a calmer pace. If you’re watching costs, set a small “per counter” limit and treat it like a DIY tasting menu.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (6,906)

Google reviewers rate Mercado del Puerto very positively overall (4.3/5 from thousands of reviews), highlighting it as a fun, compact food-hall-style stop near Las Canteras for tapas, pinchos, seafood bites, and drinks. Many mention the lively atmosphere, the ease of sampling multiple stalls, and standout counters that keep them coming back, with specific praise often going to fried seafood and sweet treats like churros. Common drawbacks are that it feels less like a traditional produce market and more like a modern collection of food stands, and it can get crowded at peak times, making it harder to find space and move around.

Cameron Davis

2 weeks ago

"I loved all the stands at Mercado delnPuerto! Anti-q-Cho was my personal favorite. Went back multiple times during my trip. My favorite dish were thecalmar Fritos...."

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Tsarina

3 months ago

"Really great place to enjoy tapas and drinks at the end of the week! Our absolute favourite was : Local 17 (look it up!!) and its passionate Italianchef!..."

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Patrik Krizek

8 months ago

"Mercato del Porto is a compact, well-designed food hall just off Las Canteras beach, near the southern end by the cruise terminal. It mixes a fewfresh produce stalls with a handful of food and wine kiosks, giving it a modern, laid-back feel that’s good for grazing or casual drinks. You won’t find rows of traditional market stands here, it’s more of a gourmet stop than a local supply market. Expect wine bars, tapas, fresh oysters, and some international bites, all served in a space that feels clean and contemporary. There’s indoor and semi-outdoor seating, and it gets livelier in the late afternoon and evenings. It's not huge, but it’s a welcome option if you’re looking for something a bit more local than the usual beachfront restaurants. Close enough for a lunch stop if you're at Las Canteras, and relaxed enough for an early evening drink with decent food. Good for: casual dining, small groups, something quick but nicer than fast food...."

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FAQs for Visiting Mercado del Puerto

Getting There

• Is Mercado del Puerto walkable from Las Canteras Beach?
  Yes, it’s very close to Las Canteras and works well as a quick walk-in stop before or after the beach. Use a map app to choose the easiest route from your exact beach access point.
• Can I get there easily from the cruise area?
  Yes, it’s near the port-side part of the city and is often a convenient first food stop for cruise visitors. A short taxi ride can save time if you’re on a tight schedule.
• Is it easy to reach by public transport?
  Yes, city buses and taxis cover the area well, and the neighborhood is generally walk-friendly. If you’re staying near Las Canteras, walking is often simplest.

Tickets & Entry

• Do I need a ticket to enter Mercado del Puerto?
  No, you can walk in freely and pay per stall for what you order. Costs depend on what and how much you eat and drink.
• Do I need to book a table?
  Typically no, since it’s more of a counter-and-standing-space setup. If you want a guaranteed seated meal, consider a nearby restaurant instead.
• Can I pay by card at the stalls?
  Many stalls accept cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash for small purchases. If you plan to sample multiple counters, cash can speed things up.

Visiting Experience

• What kind of food is it best for?
  It’s best for tapas-style grazing: pinchos, cured meats, seafood bites, and sweets. It’s ideal when you want variety rather than one big dish.
• Is it more of a market or a food hall?
  Most visitors experience it as a food hall with a few fresh counters rather than a traditional produce market. Go with “snack crawl” expectations for the best time.
• Does it get crowded?
  Yes, it can get busy, especially in the early evening and on weekends. Visiting earlier makes it easier to move around and order quickly.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

• Can I combine it with a Las Canteras day?
  Yes, it pairs perfectly with a beach morning and a tapas-style lunch or early dinner. It’s also a good fallback if the weather turns.
• Is it worth stopping here on a short city break?
  Yes, because it’s efficient: you can taste several local-style bites in under an hour. It’s a good “first-night” stop to get oriented.
• Do food tours include Mercado del Puerto?
  Some city food experiences may pass through market-style venues, but it varies by operator. If you want a guided tasting, check tour descriptions for specific stops.

Photography

• Can I take photos of the food and stalls?
  Yes, casual photography is usually fine, especially of your own dishes. Be mindful of crowds and avoid blocking ordering areas.
• Is it good for evening atmosphere shots?
  Yes, the lively crowd and counter lighting can make for great candid travel photos. A phone camera does well if you arrive before it gets too packed.
• Should I ask before photographing staff?
  Yes, if you want close-up shots of staff or behind-the-counter action, ask first. It’s a simple courtesy that usually gets a better response.

Accessibility & Facilities

• Is it suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
  Generally yes, but it can feel tight when busy and may require patience to navigate between groups. Off-peak visits are more comfortable.
• Are there places to sit?
  Expect mostly casual standing or limited perches rather than full restaurant seating. If you need a guaranteed seat, plan a nearby café as a backup.
• Is it stroller-friendly?
  It can be, but crowds make it harder at peak times. Go earlier and keep your route simple to avoid bottlenecks.

Food & Breaks Nearby

• What should I try if I only pick one or two things?
  Seafood bites and classic tapas-style options are popular choices, and many visitors also go for a sweet finish like churros. If you’re unsure, choose the busiest counter with a short, focused menu.
• Is it good for a quick drink?
  Yes, it’s a convenient place for a casual drink without committing to a long meal. It works well as a pre-dinner stop.
• Are there vegetarian-friendly options?
  Often yes, but selection varies by stall and day. Do a quick lap first to spot the best choices before ordering.

Safety & Timing

• Is it safe to visit in the evening?
  The area is generally lively and well-trafficked, especially around dining hours. Use normal city awareness and keep valuables secure in crowds.
• When is the calmest time to visit?
  Late morning or early lunchtime is usually calmer than the early evening rush. Weekdays tend to be easier than weekends.
• What’s the best strategy when it’s busy?
  Split up if you’re in a group: one person orders while another holds a spot. Keep your first order simple, then do a second round once you’ve scoped out the best counters.

Nearby Attractions to the Mercado del Puerto

• Las Canteras Beach: The city's main beach promenade, perfect for swimming, sunset walks, and people-watching.
• Alfredo Kraus Auditorium: A landmark waterfront venue hosting concerts and events with striking ocean views.
• Santa Catalina Park: A central plaza and event space that’s a common meeting point near shopping and transport.
• Poema del Mar Aquarium: A modern aquarium with large tanks and family-friendly exhibits.
• Castillo de la Luz: A historic coastal fort that adds a quick cultural stop near the port area.

The Mercado del Puerto appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria!

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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Nearby Attractions

• Poema del Mar Aquarium (0.4) km
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• Castillo de la Luz (0.5) km
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• Elder Museum of Science and Technology (0.7) km
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