Palma de Mallorca packs a lot into its sunlit bay: Gothic drama at La Seu, honeyed lanes in the Old Town, breezy waterfront strolls, and hilltop views from Bellver Castle. For things to do in Palma de Mallorca, think courtyard-hopping, contemporary art, and market bites, with beach time never far away.
- Best things to do in Palma de Mallorca
- Explore the Old Town and its patios
- La Seu cathedral and Parc de la Mar
- Palau de l’Almudaina and La Llotja
- Bellver Castle views over the bay
- Markets and Mallorcan bites
- Passeig del Born and shopping streets
- Waterfront walks: Paseo Marítimo to Portixol
- Beaches near the centre
- Museums and galleries
- Boat trips and water sports
- Vintage train to Sóller
- Living in Palma de Mallorca
Best things to do in Palma de Mallorca
Palma rewards unhurried wandering and snack-sized adventures: medieval lanes, breezy seafront paths, a skyline crowned by La Seu, and easy hops to beaches and viewpoints.
Explore the Old Town and its patios
Honey-coloured lanes weave past Gothic churches and Modernisme façades, with cool courtyards tucked behind heavy doors.
- Plaça Major and Carrer de Sant Miquel are lively for people-watching and indie boutiques. It is easiest to browse before lunch or after 5 pm when the heat and midday lull ease off.
- The Banys Àrabs offer a small but atmospheric stop with a shady garden, and arriving at opening time means you often get the domed chambers to yourself.
- Historic patios at Casal Balaguer and Can Vivot open on selected days, and checking local listings in spring and autumn helps you catch special patio routes.
- Forn des Teatre is a handy pit stop by Plaça Weyler, and ordering an ensaïmada with almond ice cream hits the spot on a hot day.
La Seu cathedral and Parc de la Mar
Palma’s Gothic showpiece rises above the bay, with a lakeside park that frames the classic postcard view.
- The interior of La Seu shows Gaudí’s interventions and a vast rose window. Booking online for early entry shortens queues and gives you softer light.
- Parc de la Mar is ideal for a shady pause with reflections of the cathedral. Late afternoon brings a flattering glow for photos without harsh shadows.
- The Museu Diocesà de Mallorca adds a compact dose of sacred art, and it is a cool, quiet refuge on hot or rainy days.
- A gentle promenade along the ancient city walls above the park gives you changing angles of the bay and the bastions.
Palau de l’Almudaina and La Llotja
Royal residence meets merchant power in two landmark buildings that tell Palma’s story in stone.
- The Palau de l’Almudaina mixes Moorish origins with royal state rooms and tapestries. Late afternoon visits are calmer once tour groups thin out.
- La Llotja is a masterpiece of civic Gothic with palm-tree columns. It is usually free to pop in when exhibitions are on, so it pays to check the door.
- The La Lonja quarter around it hides small galleries and wine bars. Wandering the side streets before dinner lets you pick a quieter terrace.
- Shaded Passeig de Sagrera links the quarter to the waterfront. The sculptures and benches make it a restful cut-through in the midday heat.
Bellver Castle views over the bay
A rare circular fortress sits in a fragrant pine forest, with far-reaching panoramas that glow at golden hour.
- The museum inside Bellver Castle is modest, but the ramparts deliver the payoff. A taxi up followed by a stroll down through the pines saves your legs.
- Trails in Bosc de Bellver are well-marked and dappled with shade.
- The views line up La Seu, the marina and the Serra in one sweep. Arriving one hour before sunset gives you soft light without walking back in the dark.
- From the castle, you can wind down to the Paseo Marítimo in 20–30 minutes and pick up the seafront path.
Markets and Mallorcan bites
Lively markets mix tapas counters with fresh produce, perfect for grazing and people-watching. Sample typical treats from the Balearic Islands, such as the porky sobresada or the marzipan-stuffed tortells.
- Mercat de l’Olivar hums in the morning with seafood bars and cheese stands. Iit is best to arrive before 1 pm because many stalls close after lunch and on Sundays.
- Santa Catalina Market is the local lunch favourite. Grabbing a stool at a pintxos or grill counter gives you faster service than waiting for a table.
- Classic flavours like ensaïmada, sobrasada and pa amb oli are well worth trying. Skimming for local cheese and olive varieties turns a snack into a tasting.
- Forn Fondo near Plaça d’Espanya is a solid bet for pastries. Order a soft coca de patata alongside your coffee for a gentle sugar hit.
Passeig del Born and shopping streets
Shaded plane trees, smart storefronts and grand façades make this the city’s stylish spine.
- Passeig del Born works well for a mid-morning amble beneath the trees. Grabbing a bench lets you soak up the flow without baking in full sun.
- The arcades around Avinguda de Jaume III bundle international brands with local design. Get a bargain during the summer or winter sales.
- Rialto Living blends island-made design with a calm café courtyard. It is a handy timeout between sights on warmer days.
- Pearl and craft shops near Plaça de la Reina showcase Majorcan brands. Asking about warranties will help you separate quality from tourist tat.
Waterfront walks: Paseo Marítimo to Portixol
Flat, palm-lined promenades join marinas to old fishing quarters turned café strips.
- The Paseo Marítimo is busiest with joggers and cyclists early and late.
- Portixol and Molinar line up terrace bars facing the sea. Book for weekend lunches to save a wait when the breeze pulls locals outside.
- The route is bike-friendly with BiciPalma docking stations en route. Download the app to speed up rentals on the day.
- A gentle loop that ends by Parc de la Mar gives you warm evening light on the cathedral and an easy walk back into the centre.
Beaches near the centre
Urban sands, clear-water coves, and Blue Flag beaches sit within easy reach for a quick swim or a full beach day. You have some of Mallorca's best beaches pretty much on your doorstep.
- Can Pere Antoni spreads below the city walls with showers and a promenade.
- Cala Major has soft sand, calm water and plenty of services. It's a good idea to arrive before 10 am in July and August so you can find shade and space.
- Illetas offers twin coves with crystalline water and beach clubs. Take cash for the sunbed rentals.
- Cala Comtesa is a small, rocky-fringed cove that suits snorkelling on calm days.
Museums and galleries
Contemporary art, island history and a touch of Miró give Palma cultural depth beyond the beach.
- Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma sits in a historic bastion. The terrace walkways double as a viewpoint over the marina and Old Town.
- Fundació Miró Mallorca preserves the artist’s studios and sculpture garden on the edge of town. Visiting late morning means the tour buses have usually moved on.
- The Museu de Mallorca offers a compact sweep from archaeology to fine art.
- Casal Solleric hosts rotating exhibitions, and popping in between shops adds a quiet cultural breather.
Boat trips and water sports
Calm bay waters suit leisurely cruises, paddle sessions and breezy sailing days.
- Half-day catamaran trips leave from the Port de Palma. Morning departures are smoother if the afternoon sea breeze picks up.
- SUP and kayak rentals around Portixol are straightforward via small beach kiosks.
- Small-group snorkel outings along the coast feel friendlier than big boats.
- Private yacht charters drop in price in shoulder season, and confirming fuel and catering in advance keeps costs transparent.
Vintage train to Sóller
A wooden train clacks through citrus groves and the Tramuntana foothills, turning travel into an experience.
- The Ferrocarril de Sóller departs near Plaça d’Espanya. Buy tickets ahead in high season to avoid the morning scrum at the station.
- The open-sided tram connects Sóller to Port de Sóller in about 15 minutes. A combined ticket saves you queuing twice on busy days.
- Sóller town repays a short stroll around the square and Carrer de la Luna. Duck into the modernist Can Prunera art museum if you have time.
Living in Palma de Mallorca
If the city gets under your skin, maybe living in Palma de Mallorca is something to consider. If premium postcodes like Son Vida are on your radar, Palma’s most exclusive neighbourhoods sketch out the luxury hotspots. Palma has also been ranked one of the world's best destinations for executive nomads, drawing in entrepreneurs and remote workers from all over.
Getting to grips with the cost of living and expat areas on the island of Mallorca, beyond the capital, will also give you a better idea of life here and what to expect.
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