If you’re planning a city break to one of Spain’s most beautiful island capitals, you’re in for an absolute treat. Palma de Mallorca offers so much more than just a gateway to the island’s beaches – it’s a stunning city in its own right with incredible architecture, fantastic restaurants, and a rich history that spans over 2,000 years.
I’ve put together this complete guide to help you make the most of your time in Palma, from the must-see sights like the breathtaking cathedral to hidden local gems that most tourists miss. You’ll discover the best areas to stay, where to find the most delicious tapas, and how to get around this captivating Mediterranean city like a local.
Getting to Palma de Mallorca
Palma is incredibly well-connected, making it one of the easiest Spanish cities to reach from the UK and across Europe. Palma Airport (PMI) sits just 8 kilometres from the city centre, with frequent flights from major UK airports including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. The flight time is roughly 2.5 hours from the UK, making it perfect for a long weekend break.
From the airport, you can reach the city centre in several ways:
- Bus Line 1: Runs every 15 minutes and costs €5, taking about 20-30 minutes to reach the city centre
- Taxi: Around €25-30 and takes 15-20 minutes depending on traffic
Best areas to stay in Palma
Old town (Casc Antic)
The historic old town is where I’d recommend staying if it’s your first visit to Palma. You’ll be walking distance from the cathedral, the royal palace, and countless restaurants and bars tucked away in narrow medieval streets.
The area around Carrer Sant Jaume and Plaça Major puts you right in the heart of everything, though it can get lively in the evenings. For something quieter, look for accommodation near Santa Catalina neighbourhood, which has a more local feel while still being central.
Santa Catalina
This trendy neighbourhood sits just west of the old town and has become incredibly popular with both locals and visitors. The Mercat de Santa Catalina is brilliant for breakfast or lunch, and you’ll find some of Palma’s best restaurants here.
The area has a great mix of boutique hotels and apartment rentals, plus it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the cathedral and main sights.
Passeig del Born area
If you want to be near Palma’s main shopping street, this elegant area around the Passeig del Born is perfect. You’ll find upscale shops, cafés with outdoor terraces, and easy access to both the old town and the port area.
What to see and do in Palma
La Seu Cathedral
Palma’s cathedral is absolutely stunning and should be your first stop. This Gothic masterpiece took nearly 400 years to complete and dominates the city’s skyline with its impressive flying buttresses and towering spires.
Opening times: Monday-Friday 10am-5:15pm, Saturday 10am-2:15pm
Entry: €9 for adults, includes audio guide
Top tip: Visit late afternoon when the light streaming through the rose window creates an incredible display inside
The cathedral sits right on the waterfront, so after your visit you can walk along the Parc de la Mar below for fantastic photos of the building reflected in the artificial lake.
Palau de l’Almudaina
Right next to the cathedral, this royal palace is still used by the Spanish royal family during their visits to Mallorca. The building combines Islamic and Gothic architecture, reflecting Palma’s layered history under different rulers. Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm (April-September), 10am-5pm (October-March)
Entry: €7, free on Wednesday afternoons for EU residents
The palace gardens offer lovely views over the port, and you’ll learn about Mallorca’s fascinating history from Roman times through to the present day.
Old town wandering
Some of the best experiences in Palma come from simply wandering the narrow streets of the old town. Start at Plaça Major, the main square, then lose yourself in the maze of streets radiating outward. Don’t miss Carrer dels Banys Arabs, where you’ll find the Arab Baths – one of the few remaining examples of Islamic architecture in Palma. The small garden courtyard is particularly peaceful.
Plaça Sant Francesc is another lovely square, home to the Basilica of Sant Francesc with its beautiful Gothic façade and peaceful cloister inside.
Es Baluard Museum
This contemporary art museum sits in a beautifully restored fortress overlooking the port. The collection focuses on Mediterranean art from the 20th and 21st centuries, and the rooftop terrace offers some of the best views in Palma. Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-3pm Entry: €6, free on Friday evenings for residents
Even if you’re not particularly interested in modern art, the building itself and the views make it worth visiting.
Bellver Castle
This unique circular castle sits on a hill about 3 kilometres from the city centre and offers panoramic views over Palma and the bay. Built in the 14th century, it’s one of the few round castles in Europe. Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-3pm Entry: €4 Getting there: Bus line 3 or 20, or a pleasant 30-minute walk uphill from the centre
The castle houses a small history museum, but the real draw is the spectacular views from the ramparts – particularly beautiful at sunset.
Best restaurants and tapas bars in Palma
Traditional Mallorcan cuisine
Ca’n Joan de S’aigo has been serving traditional Mallorcan pastries and hot chocolate since 1700. Their ensaïmada (spiral pastry) is legendary, and the interior hasn’t changed much in centuries. You’ll find it on Carrer Baró de Viver in the old town.
La Boveda on Carrer Boteria is a tiny tapas bar that’s always packed with locals. They serve fantastic pa amb oli (bread with oil), local cheeses, and excellent Mallorcan wines. Arrive early or be prepared to wait – it’s worth it!
Modern dining
Adrian Quetglas offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting. The tasting menu showcases local ingredients with modern techniques, and it’s considered one of Palma’s finest restaurants. Forn de Sant Joan in the old town combines traditional Mallorcan recipes with creative presentation. Their tumbet (traditional vegetable dish) is exceptional, and they have a great selection of local wines.
Santa Catalina market area
The Mercat de Santa Catalina isn’t just great for shopping – the surrounding streets are packed with excellent restaurants and bars. Bar Central inside the market serves fantastic fresh seafood, while Patron Lunares just outside does brilliant tapas and natural wines.
Shopping in Palma
Passeig del Born
This elegant tree-lined avenue is Palma’s main shopping street, home to both international brands and local boutiques. You’ll find everything from Zara and Mango to unique Mallorcan leather goods and ceramics.
The street itself is lovely for strolling, with plenty of cafés where you can stop for coffee and people-watching.
Local markets
Mercat de l’Olivar is Palma’s main food market and brilliant for picking up local specialities like sobrassada (spicy sausage), local cheeses, and fresh produce. It’s open Monday-Saturday mornings. Mercat de Santa Catalina is smaller but has a more local feel. It’s perfect for breakfast or lunch, with several excellent bars inside the market building.
Artisan shops
The old town is full of small shops selling handmade goods. Look out for Rialto Living on Carrer Sant Feliu for beautiful homewares and gifts, or Teixits Vicens for traditional Mallorcan textiles that have been made using the same techniques for centuries.
Getting around Palma
Palma is a very walkable city, and you can easily see all the main sights on foot. The old town is compact, and most attractions are within a 15-minute walk of each other.
Public transport is excellent if you want to venture further afield:
- Bus: Single tickets cost €2, or buy a 10-trip card for €10
- Metro: Limited to just two lines, but useful for reaching the university area or some suburbs
- Taxis: Plentiful and reasonably priced, though can be hard to find during peak tourist season
Bike rental is popular, with several companies offering city bikes and electric bikes. The seafront promenade is perfect for cycling, though the old town’s narrow streets can be challenging.
Practical tips for visiting Palma
- Many shops and restaurants close for siesta between 2pm-5pm, so plan accordingly
- Dinner is typically eaten late – restaurants don’t usually fill up until 9pm or later
- The old town streets can be confusing – download an offline map or pick up a paper one from the tourist office
- Parking in the city centre is expensive and difficult – use public transport or stay somewhere walkable
- Most museums are closed on Mondays
- Tap water is safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled water
If you’re looking for an authentic Spanish city break with incredible architecture, fantastic food, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, Palma delivers on all fronts. Start early to beat the crowds at the cathedral, then spend your afternoon wandering the old town with frequent stops for coffee and tapas – that’s the Palma way of life!