Experience in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain by Toni Limi

What is it like to live in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It is a great and open city, the weather is considered to be the best of the world and it is a lively city with a lot to do. It also has a great reference which is "Las Canteras" beach, a 5 kms long beach with an amazing promenade. About 7-8 minutes away by car from the capital there is another city, which is much more quiet and is a lovely place to live, this is Telde and all its beaches, 4 or 5 beaches connected by a long promenade where you can walk and enjoy your favourite sports (sea-sports), etc...

What is the student lifestyle like in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

Great atmosphere! You have Erasmus parties almost everyday.

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How much does it cost to live in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

You can have all type of prices, it all depends on what you are looking for... obviously it is not as expensive as the most important cities or capitals but it is not as cheap as living in a village.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? Is there any advice you can give?

Yes, you have all kinds of accommodations and you can find them all over the island, the problem with students sometimes is that they want to stay right in the centre of the city, and this is a bit contradictory if you want to concentrate on your studies.... I have a spare room on the coast in Telde, you can get a direct bus to Las Palmas GC and you will be there in no time, but at the same time you will have the tranquillity to live in a normal way and be able to study.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

As in any other city, it depends on your pocket, but overall you have a lot of places where you can eat properly and an excellent quality/price ratio.

What places would you recommend visiting in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

That is a long story, because you have to visit a lot of spots in the island... But you have to go to Las Canteras and the auditourim, this is compulsory, and then the theaters and the old city Vegueta which is an amazing place. And now you have every Thursday an outside party with all kind of wines and beers and pinchitos, which are like small dishes; it is cheap and fun. You also have the "mercadillo del puerto", and some parks, different kinds of museums...

Is it good to eat out in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Great city to eat out, you can go to amazing restaurants like:

• Novillo Precoz
• Rias Baixas, amazing restaurant but be prepared for the bill
• El Coto, average prices
• Casa de Antonio
• Allende, there are 3 or 4 around the city, do not miss it
• Don Quijote, great steaks
• La despensa, Vegueta, the owner is a great guy and a friend of mine, do not miss the burgers and paella!

Is the nightlife good in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? Where is good to go?

The nightlife depends on you! There are a lot of spots, but try to learn the language and socialise... you can't miss live concerts, the tours every Saturday and the big party terraces like Copas or Tau. You also have the old city and discos, bars everywhere from the old city to the port... You cannot get bored!

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What advice would you give future students headed to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

Try to socialise and get accommodation in residential places so you can study more and go out less....because you don't have to forget what you are here for! Your main aim is to pass the exams with the best possible marks and get your degree!

Try to learn aquatics sports or martial arts... or something that you feel comfortable with and makes you feel good and happy.

I wouldn't advice to share accommodation with foreigners if you want to take advantage of this opportunity to learn Spanish. In that case you should hang around with local people.

Good luck!