Palma de Mallorca

Written by Celine Fournier, David Garcia, Javier Garcia
31/08/2025
Stunning view of the Gothic Palma Cathedral reflecting in the water under a clear blue sky.
David Vives, Pexels

Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Mallorca, offers a compelling blend of rich history, vibrant cultural experiences, and inviting Mediterranean coastal charm. Visitors can explore architectural wonders and a picturesque Old Town, alongside opportunities for relaxation by the sea.

The Old Town and the trendy Santa Catalina district are central hubs for social interaction, featuring a variety of cafes, restaurants, and lively bars. These areas provide an engaging atmosphere where visitors can mingle and experience local social scenes.

Top 6 Things to do in Palma de Mallorca

One can experience a rich blend of historical architecture, vibrant market atmospheres, and scenic coastal strolls.

1. Explore Palma Cathedral (La Seu)

Standing majestically by the sea, the Palma Cathedral, known as La Seu, presents an awe-inspiring example of Gothic architecture. Entering, one is struck by its immense scale, including one of the world's largest rose windows that bathes the interior in a spectrum of colours on sunny days. Contributions from Antoni Gaudí in the early 20th century add unique modernist touches. It is a profound experience to wander through this historic edifice and feel its centuries of history.

Cost: A standard entry ticket typically costs around €10. Skip-the-line tickets are available, sometimes bundled with other attractions like a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. Children under 9 often enter for free.

Transport: The Cathedral is centrally located and easily walkable from most parts of Palma's Old Town. From Plaça d'Espanya, one can take bus lines 3, 4, 7, or 35, with stops like 'Pl. de la Reina - Catedral' or 'Pl. de Joan Carles I - Catedral' being very close. A taxi from a central point would be a short, inexpensive ride.

2. Visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Adjacent to the Cathedral, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina offers a journey through Mallorca's royal past. This historic residence, still used by the Spanish monarchy for ceremonies, showcases a fascinating blend of Moorish fortress and Gothic palace architecture. Exploring its grand rooms, royal apartments, and tranquil gardens provides insights into the island's rulers and offers impressive views of Palma Bay.

Cost: Entry is approximately €7 for a basic ticket. Reduced fees are available, and it is free on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons from 3 PM to 7 PM. Audio guides are an additional cost.

Transport: Being next to the Cathedral, the Palace is easily accessible on foot from the Old Town. Public buses also stop nearby, similar to the Cathedral, for example, bus line 15.

3. Discover Bellver Castle

Perched on a hill overlooking Palma Bay, Bellver Castle stands out as one of Europe's few circular Gothic castles. Its unique design and commanding position offer breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the city, surrounding pine woodlands, and the Mediterranean Sea. Walking along its ancient walls and exploring the museum inside, which details Palma's history, is an enriching experience, especially at sunset.

Cost: General admission is around €4. It is free to enter on Sundays and for children under 14.

Transport: While a climb from the city centre, one can take the EMT local bus line 4 to reach the castle. The journey takes approximately 11-24 minutes from central Palma stops like 'Pl. de Joan Carles I' to 'Plaça Gomila' near the castle. A taxi would cost around €9-€11.

4. Stroll through Palma's Old Town

Getting lost in the labyrinthine, narrow cobbled streets of Palma's Old Town is an essential experience. One discovers hidden courtyards, charming squares like Plaça Cort and Plaça Major, and boutique shops nestled within historic buildings. The atmosphere is authentically Spanish, with opportunities to stumble upon traditional architecture and quiet restaurant alleyways. It is a delightful way to soak in the local culture and historical ambiance at one's own pace.

Cost: Free to explore. Any costs would be for personal purchases, food, or drinks.

Transport: The Old Town is a pedestrian-friendly area. It is best explored on foot, as many streets are too narrow for cars. It is easily accessible from various central bus stops.

5. Experience the Santa Catalina Market and Neighborhood

The Santa Catalina neighborhood, known for its bohemian vibe, centres around its bustling indoor market. Here, one can witness locals going about their daily shopping, browse stalls laden with fresh produce, seafood, meats, and gourmet delicacies, and sample local tapas and wines. The vibrant energy of the market, combined with the trendy restaurants, cafes, and unique shops in the surrounding streets, offers a genuine taste of Palma's modern culinary and social scene.

Cost: Entry to the market is free. Costs depend on purchases and dining choices. Tapas and drinks can range from a few euros upwards per item.

Transport: Santa Catalina Market is about a 10-minute walk from Palma's Old Town. Public buses like lines 3, 5, or 20 serve the Santa Catalina area.

6. Walk or Cycle along the Passeig Marítim and Relax at a City Beach

The expansive Passeig Marítim stretches along Palma's waterfront, offering a picturesque route for walking or cycling. One can enjoy views of luxury yachts in the harbour, palm-lined promenades, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Reaching Ca'n Pere Antoni beach, closest to the city centre, allows for a relaxing break on the sand with stunning views back towards the Cathedral, providing a perfect blend of city and seaside.

Cost: Free to walk or cycle. Bicycle rentals are available in Palma, with costs varying but typically starting from around €10-€15 for a half-day. Public beaches are free to access.

Transport: The Passeig Marítim is easily accessible on foot from the Old Town. Ca'n Pere Antoni beach is a short walk east of the Cathedral. Buses also run along the promenade, such as line 25 connecting Palma to Playa de Palma. A bus ticket costs €1-€3.

Check out our other pages on Palma de Mallorca

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Spain

Andalusia
Catalonia & The East Coast
Central Spain
Northern Spain
The Balearic Islands
The Canary Islands