Mallorca – the Balearic Islands’ biggest island – has been a top Mediterranean destination for as long as anyone can remember. Loads of people visit to soak up the sun on the beaches or take in the breathtaking scenery of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, but the island’s capital, Palma, gets overlooked as a city break destination. Which is a shame, as it offers a completely different vibe from the island’s holiday hotspots.
Instead of the big resort zones, Palma has a beautiful, old town with elegant plazas, stunning historic buildings like the La Seu Cathedral and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and a beach promenade that’s picture postcard perfect. The city also has lively local markets showcasing the best of Mallorcan cuisine and a totally relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. It’s a bit like a condensed version of the entire island experience, all wrapped up in a compact, walkable city setting.
1. Visit La Seu Cathedral (Palma Cathedral)
The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, known locally as “La Seu,” is the most iconic landmark of Palma de Mallorca and dominates the waterfront skyline with its dramatic Gothic structure and towering buttresses. Built after the Christian conquest under King Jaume I, it stands on the site of a former mosque and reflects centuries of architectural evolution, blending medieval craftsmanship with later artistic updates. Its scale, position by the sea, and intricate design make it the most visited attraction in Palma.
Inside, the cathedral is defined by its immense vertical space and the famous rose window, which fills the nave with coloured light when the sun shines through. The interior also features later artistic interventions and modern design elements that contrast with the original Gothic structure, making it both historic and visually unique.
- General entry tickets typically cost around €9–€10 per person
- Guided tours and combined experiences range from approximately €20–€60 depending on inclusions
- Terrace access (when available) is usually around €20–€25 and offers panoramic city and sea views
- Skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended during peak season to avoid long queues
- Opening hours vary seasonally, generally 10:00–17:15 on weekdays and shorter hours on Saturdays
- Sundays are usually closed for sightseeing due to religious services
- Best time to visit is early morning for softer light and fewer crowds
Visiting La Seu is not just about the architecture, but also about experiencing its atmosphere, light, and scale in person, making it the highlight of any trip to Palma.
Book :- Cathedral of Mallorca Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
2. Explore the Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Just next to the cathedral, you’ll find the Royal Palace of La Almudaina – another seriously important historical monument in Palma’s Old Town. Entry’s a snip at around €8, and its proximity to the cathedral makes it a no-brainer. The palace has had a pretty varied past, with Moorish roots and a later transformation into a Spanish royal residence. It’s a bit of a time capsule, with a wealth of history packed in, from Islamic design to Gothic additions.
Inside, you can wander through the royal apartments, ceremonial halls, and historic rooms that are just chock-full of tapestries, antique furniture, and art that really give you a flavour of the island’s royal past.
The views from the palace are pretty special too – the terrace offers panoramic views over the harbour, the marina and the Med. And when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside, the quiet courtyard areas provide a lovely peaceful spot to take a breather.
3. Walk Through the Narrow Medieval Streets of Palma Old Town
Palma’s Old Town is one of those places that’s best explored on foot. This maze of narrow medieval streets is just chock-full of character, with ancient buildings, shaded passageways and small, tucked-away squares. As you wander through the streets, you get a real feel for the city’s history – and not just from the big landmarks, but from all the tiny details that make the place tick.
Deeper into the Old Town, you start to find some really interesting local places to shop, eat and drink – the kind of independent boutiques, artisan shops and old-fashioned cafés that give you a real taste of local life. It’s also one of the best areas to find local brands and creative, independent shops, all nestled in centuries-old buildings.This part of the city is really about soaking up the local vibe & getting a feel for how the people of Palma live their daily lives, all within the context of a rich historical setting. Taking a stroll without a set plan can lead to all sorts of unexpected finds, whether it’s a stylish boutique or a traditional bakery that’s been around for years
- Visit Rialto Living, a well-known lifestyle and design concept store
- Explore Rialto Living Café for a stylish break inside a historic building
- Discover Masscob boutique for contemporary Spanish fashion
- Stop at Cappuccino Grand Café for a classic Palma coffee experience
- Browse small artisan shops selling leather goods, ceramics, and local crafts
- Walk through Carrer de Sant Feliu and surrounding boutique streets
- Experience a mix of luxury brands and independent Mallorcan stores
4. Relax at Parc de la Mar in Palma Old Town
Parc de la Mar is a lovely big open waterfront park right down below La Seu Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca. The park was designed to open up the historic Old Town to the sea, creating a modern public space that really makes the most of the cathedral’s stunning Gothic silhouette. At the heart of the park is a big artificial saltwater lake that adds a splash of visual interest – it also makes the cathedral itself look even more amazing when it’s reflected in the water.
The park is a great contrast to the narrow streets of the Old Town – it’s wide open & full of spaces to sit back & relax. There are palm-lined walkways, seating areas & lovely views of the sea and the ancient city walls. You can look up & see the cathedral towering above you, or the old fortifications nearby or the Med stretching out on the other side – it’s a really unique blend of nature and history all in one.
The best time to visit Parc de la Mar is either early morning or late afternoon, when the light really brings out the reflections on the water & softens the stone tones on La Seu. It’s a great place to take a break from all that sightseeing, soak up the coastal atmosphere & grab some amazing photos of the cathedral & Palma’s harbour all at the same time
5. Visit Plaça Major in Palma Old Town
Plaça Major is the main square of the Old Town in Palma de Mallorca and it’s one of the most vibrant public spaces in the city. The square is built on the site of a former monastery, surrounded by beautiful arcaded buildings with cafes, shops & terraces that really create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s one of the best places to stop for a coffee or a snack, sit down & watch the local rhythm of life go by
The square changes character as the day goes on, starting off quiet in the morning, then gradually getting more lively as street performers, musicians & artists start to appear. In the evening, it’s especially atmospheric, with all the lights on, outdoor seating & a steady stream of people having dinner or just enjoying a drink. From Plaça Major, you can also explore some of the Old Town’s best shopping streets, making it a great place to start your next adventure
Inside & around Plaça Major, you’ll find loads of great places to grab a bite to eat or a coffee. There are traditional cafes serving up coffee & pastries, or restaurants serving up tapas, traditional Mallorcan dishes & all sorts of international cuisine
- Café Cappuccino Grand Café for stylish coffee and people-watching
- Bar España nearby for classic tapas and local flavours
- Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo (short walk away) for traditional Mallorcan pastries and ice cream
- Mercat de l’Olivar (close by) for fresh seafood and market dining experiences
- Small terrace cafés inside the square for casual drinks and snacks
The best things to see in Plaça Major include the surrounding arcaded architecture, frequent street performances, and temporary art or craft stalls that appear throughout the year. The square itself is also a great viewpoint for observing daily life in Palma, especially from one of the outdoor terraces where you can take in the full atmosphere of the Old Town.
6. Discover Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Es Baluard Museum in Palma de Mallorca is one of the most important modern cultural spaces in the city, combining contemporary art with the historic structure of Palma’s old defensive city walls. Located close to the waterfront, it offers a calm contrast to the busy Old Town and provides a different perspective on the city through modern artistic expression and open architectural design. It is a great stop for visitors who want to experience both art and history in one place.
What to See at Es Baluard Museum
- Modern and contemporary art collections from Spanish and international artists
- Historic stone city walls integrated into the museum structure
- Rotating exhibitions that change throughout the year
- Spacious, light-filled galleries with modern design
- Rooftop terraces overlooking Palma’s harbor and sea
- Panoramic viewpoints ideal for sunset and photography
From the rooftop areas, visitors can enjoy wide open views over Palma’s harbor, the Mediterranean coastline, and the Old Town skyline. The combination of sea views, historic walls, and modern architecture makes Es Baluard one of the most peaceful and visually impressive cultural spots in the city.
7. See the Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs) in Palma Old Town
The Arab Baths, or Banys Àrabs, in Palma de Mallorca are one of the most important surviving remnants from the city’s Islamic era. They date back to the 10th century, when Palma was still known as Medina Mayurqa under Moorish rule. At that time, bathhouses were an essential part of daily life, used not just for washing but also for social gatherings and relaxation. Although most of the original complex has disappeared over time, this small structure remains a valuable link to that early chapter of the city’s history.
Inside, the highlight is the central chamber supported by slim columns and topped with a distinctive horseshoe-arched dome. Sunlight filters through small openings above, creating shifting patterns on the stone walls and giving the space a calm, almost timeless atmosphere. You can still identify different areas of the original bath system, including the warm and steam rooms, even though only fragments remain today.
Entry is around €3.50, making it an easy and affordable stop while exploring Palma’s Old Town. It’s a compact site, so the visit is usually quick, but it stands out for its peaceful garden surroundings and the contrast it offers to the busier streets nearby.
8. Palma Seafront Walk: Marina Views, Beaches and Coastal Life
The coastline of Palma de Mallorca offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s historic centre, stretching along a wide bay where modern marinas, open promenades, and sea views define the experience. The Paseo Marítimo is the main waterfront route, linking lively harbour areas with quieter seaside stretches, making it ideal for walking, cycling, or simply sitting by the water and watching daily life unfold around the port.
What makes this area special is how Palma’s maritime identity comes to life in a single continuous scene. You’ll see everything from fishing boats and private yachts to cruise ships arriving in the harbour, all set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. It’s also one of the best places in the city for sunset views, when the light reflects across the water and the skyline begins to glow.
Highlights of Palma’s Seafront
- Walk or cycle along the long Paseo Marítimo waterfront route
- Watch luxury yachts and cruise ships in Palma’s main marina
- Enjoy sunset views across the Bay of Palma
- Explore Portopí for modern waterfront dining and bars
- Visit Portixol and Es Molinar for a quieter seaside atmosphere
- Take a boat trip to see the coastline from the water
- Experience the Palma City Cruise with Iconic Sights for panoramic views of La Seu Cathedral, the harbour, and the city skyline
This coastal stretch is perfect for slowing down after sightseeing, offering a more relaxed and scenic side of Palma focused on the sea, open space, and beautiful views.
9. Palma Beaches Near the City: Swim, Sunbathe and Relax by the Sea
Palma de Mallorca isn’t just about marinas and promenades – it also has some cracking beaches within walking distance of the Old Town. So you can combine sightseeing with some proper beach time without leaving the city. The beaches here are relaxed, scenic and perfect for a quick dip or a full day soaking up the sun with views of Palma’s skyline.
One of the most convenient options is Can Pere Antoni, a small urban beach just east of La Seu Cathedral. It’s close enough to walk to from the city centre and is popular for its clear views of the cathedral rising up from the waterfront. It’s a simple stretch of sand where visitors often come to swim, sunbathe, or grab a drink at one of the nearby beach bars, such as Anima Beach Club.
If you carry on along the coast, you’ll reach the Portixol area, where you’ll find several smaller coves and sandy sections that give it a more local, laid-back feel. This part of the coastline feels a bit more residential and quiet, making it perfect for a relaxed seaside amble or a break from the main tourist spots.
Want a bigger, more developed beach experience? Playa de Palma is about 4km from the city centre and has got sunbeds, water sports, beach clubs – the whole shebang. It’s easily reachable by bus or taxi, so it’s a popular choice for a full-on beach day.
Best Time to Visit Palma de Mallorca: Weather and Seasonal Guide
The climate in Palma de Mallorca is mild and sunny for most of the year, making it a reliable destination in any season. Summers are hot and vibrant, while spring and autumn offer more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Even in winter, Palma remains relatively warm compared to much of Europe, making it a popular off-season city break option.
Seasonal overview
- Summer (June to August): hot and sunny, around 30–31°C, best for beaches but very warm for sightseeing
- Spring (April to May): pleasant temperatures around 20–23°C, ideal for walking tours and exploring the Old Town
- Autumn (September to October): still warm with sea-friendly temperatures, but occasional short rain showers
- Winter (November to February): mild weather around 15°C, quieter streets and lower hotel prices
Spring and early autumn are often considered the best times to visit, as the weather is warm but not overwhelming, and the city is less crowded. Summer suits beach lovers, while winter is perfect for a relaxed and budget-friendly city escape.
Best Place to Stay in Palma Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
When it comes to choosing the best place to stay in Palma Old Town, one option stands above the rest for its combination of location, design, comfort, and overall experience:
Casa Roca – Palma Old Town Elegance
Casa Roca is widely considered the best place to stay in Palma if you want to experience the city at its finest. It is not just a hotel, but a Boutique Maison of luxury suites and apartments, created through the careful restoration of one of the Old Town’s most emblematic historic buildings.
Ten years in the making, Casa Roca brings together Mallorcan heritage and modern living, offering a refined, peaceful, and highly central base in the heart of the city.
What makes Casa Roca the best choice
- Luxury boutique apartments (20–80 m²)
- Suites designed for 2–6 guests, ideal for couples, families, or groups
- Daily homemade breakfast made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- A quiet residential setting ensuring a great night’s sleep
- Beautiful interiors featuring original local artwork and traditional Mallorcan balconies
- Full comfort with air conditioning and heating
The best location in Palma
Casa Roca offers one of the most convenient locations in the entire city:
- Just 2 minutes from Plaça Major
- 4 minutes from Mercat de l’Olivar
- 6 minutes from Plaça d’Espanya (train to Sóller)
- Walking distance to La Seu Cathedral, top shopping streets, cafés, and restaurants
- Only 750 metres from the nearest beach
