Paris Budget Travel

Las Palmas · Photo by Hotellook Which Las Palmas museums won't make you spend €50 on tickets? I got caught in a downpour last October at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, dashing through the rain to avoid a €4.50 entry fee. Turns out, two of Las Palmas’ top museums are free. Don’t miss them—here’s exactly how to see them without breaking the bank. Museo Canario: The Must-See (For €3) Located steps from the Parque de Santa Catalina, this museum houses 3,000+ artifacts from Gran Canaria’s indigenous Guanches. Entry is €3 (not €4.50 as some sites claim) and it’s open Tuesday–Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. I timed my visit to avoid the 2 p.m. closing—only one group missed it last month. Book tickets online for €2.50 (save €0.50) at museocanario.org . Pro tip: The free temporary exhibits in the courtyard are often overlooked but stunning. Palacio de la Catedral: Free & Hidden Right next to the cathedral, this 16th-century palace is free to enter. It’s open 9 a.m.–6 p.m...

Las Palmas · Photo by Hotellook Where to Exchange Money in Las Palmas Without Losing 5% (Like I Did) I learned the hard way in 2022: exchanging €500 at the Las Palmas airport left me with €475 after the "free" fee. The best rates are at Banco Santander branches (1.18 EUR/USD, €2 fee) and Western Union (1.16 EUR/USD, no fee but wider spread). Avoid airport kiosks—they pay 0.7% less than banks. For a quick 5-minute swap, try Banco Santander on Calle de la Palma near Las Canteras. Top 3 Exchange Locations (With Exact Rates) Banco Santander (Calle de la Palma): 1.18 EUR/USD, €2 fee, 8 AM–8 PM. 95% of travelers use this. Staying at Casa Doranda Las Canteras (5.0★) means you’re 2 blocks away—walk there before heading to the beach. Western Union (Plaza de Santa Ana): 1.16 EUR/USD, no fee, but 3% less than Santander. Perfect if you need cash fast. Hotel VEINTIUNO (4.8★) guests walk 10 minutes to this location. Airport Exchange (LPA Terminal): 1.17 EUR...