Playa de la Laja

Founded in 1879, this museum has the largest collections of objects from the island from the pre-Spanish era, with the oldest objects from about 500 BC. There are models of traditional houses, a replica of the Cueva Pintada cave in Gáldar complete with mummies and a cabinet with skulls.

The square in the front of the cathedral has eight statues out of green rock depicting dogs. It's also lined by other grand buildings: Casa Consistorial (old town hall), Casa Regental, and the Palacio Episcopal (bishop's palace).

Embodying several centuries of history, the cathedral can be seen from almost any point in the city centre. Building began in 1497, and went on for several centuries and as such it's built in many different styles - gothic, baroque and classicism - and includes many works of art. The main part is open to the public during services, otherwise access is through the Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro (requires a €3 ticket). On the roof, between the towers there's a viewing platform, and you can walk up stairs to the right hand tower to have great views over the city.

The former Banco de España building has been a modern art museum since 1989, housing a collection of about 2,500 works mainly from Europe, Africa and the Americas.

The house where Columbus lived when his ships were repaired and improved for his first journey to the West Indies, at the time the house was the residence of the governor. It was remodeled in 1777 so it looks a bit different now and like the cathedral you can see details from many architectural styles. Opera tenor Alfredo Kraus (whose name the local concert hall bears) was born in this house in 1927. In 1952 the house was turned into a museum presenting the travels of Columbus with ship models, a replica of a cabin of La Niña (one of Columbus three ships) and objects one could find onboard a ship in the late 15th century. There's also an exhibition of the history of the Canary Islands, and art gallery presenting art from the 16th to the 20th century and a library with about 25,000 volumes.

A former church built in 1757 on the site of a chapel where according to legend Columbus prayed before setting sail westwards. It is used as an exhibition space for the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno.