This Palma de Mallorca travel guide covers the best things to do in Palma, from the terraces of La Seu Cathedral and a forest walk up to Bellver Castle to a market cooking class in Santa Catalina and long tapas lunches by the sea. I’ve travelled to 58 countries, and Palma is one of the most complete city escapes I’ve ever experienced.
Palma is the capital of Mallorca, and it surprised me in the best way. In one weekend you can see a Gothic cathedral, walk through a royal palace, visit two world class art museums, eat at restaurants run by Michelin chefs and still be on a beach by the afternoon.
Below is everything I’d tell a friend before they go: the best things to do, where to eat, where to stay, the activities worth booking and the exact itinerary I followed.
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend hotels and experiences I would book myself.
Palma de Mallorca at a glance
- Best for: culture, food and a city break with beaches on the doorstep
- How long to stay: 3 to 4 days
- Best time to visit: May, June, September and October
- Best area to stay: the Old Town
- Getting there: Palma Airport is around 15 minutes from the centre by taxi
- Don’t miss: the La Seu Cathedral terraces and sunset at Bellver Castle
My top 3 hotels in Palma de Mallorca
1. Best overall: Can Bordoy Grand House and Garden
Where I stayed. A hidden garden with a pool in the heart of the old town, a rooftop plunge pool with cathedral views and Botànic downstairs.
Check prices and availability at Can Bordoy Grand House and Garden
2. Best for couples: Sant Francesc Hotel Singular
A restored 19th century mansion on a quiet old town square, with a rooftop pool and sunset views over the cathedral.
Check prices and availability at Sant Francesc Hotel Singular
3. Best value: Hotel Cort
A stylish boutique hotel on Plaça de Cort, a few minutes from the cathedral, for a fraction of five star prices.
Table of Contents
Best things to do in Palma de Mallorca
1. Visit La Seu Cathedral and walk its terraces
If you only do one thing in Palma, make it La Seu.
Palma Cathedral rises straight out of the old city walls above the sea, and it is one of the most spectacular Gothic buildings I’ve ever seen. Locals call it the Cathedral of Light, and once you step inside you understand why. The huge rose window throws colour across the nave, and you’ll spot details by Antoni Gaudí, who worked on the interior in the early 1900s.
The highlight for me was the guided visit to the terraces. You climb up onto the rooftop and walk between the flying buttresses with sweeping views across the old town, the harbour and the Mediterranean. It is completely different from anything you see at ground level.
Don’t miss: the terraces tour, which needs to be booked as a guided visit. Opening times and terrace dates are listed on the official cathedral website.
Palma Cathedral tickets and tours
2. Explore the Royal Palace of Almudaina
Right next to the cathedral is the Royal Palace of Almudaina, a former Moorish fortress that later became the residence of the Mallorcan kings.
Today it is still used by the Spanish royal family for official ceremonies, and you can visit its Gothic halls, royal apartments and courtyards. Seeing the cathedral and the palace side by side from the gardens of S’Hort del Rei is one of the best views in the city.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina entry tickets
3. Wander the old town and La Llotja
Palma’s old town is made for getting lost. Narrow stone streets open onto quiet squares, grand mansions hide beautiful inner courtyards, and every corner seems to have a café or a little boutique.
Make your way to La Llotja, the city’s former merchant exchange and one of the finest civil Gothic buildings in Spain. The neighbourhood around it is full of tapas bars and has a lovely atmosphere in the evening.
Old town walking tour with skip the line cathedral entry
4. Hike Bellver Forest up to Bellver Castle
Just 3 kilometres from the centre is Bellver Forest, a 126 hectare pine forest and the largest public green space in Palma.
I joined a guided walk with Martin Walks through its shaded paths, and it was the perfect way to slow down after a big lunch. At the top sits Bellver Castle, one of the very few circular castles in Europe, standing about 112 metres above sea level.
The views from the castle walls over the city, the cathedral and the whole Bay of Palma are breathtaking, especially in the late afternoon light.
Tip: go about two hours before sunset for the best light and cooler temperatures.
Bellver Castle tickets and tours
5. Shop at Mercado de Santa Catalina
Mercado de Santa Catalina is Palma’s oldest market and the heart of one of its coolest neighbourhoods.
Come hungry. You’ll find stalls piled with Sóller oranges, local cheeses, sobrassada, olives and fresh fish, plus little bars serving tapas and a glass of wine by mid morning.
If you love markets, also add Mercado del Olivar near Plaça d’Espanya and Mercado de Pere Garau, where you’ll see how locals really shop.
6. Take a traditional Mallorcan cooking class
This was one of my favourite experiences in Palma.
With Moltak, we started at Mercado de Santa Catalina, choosing the freshest local ingredients with our guide, then walked to their workshop to cook a traditional Mallorcan meal together. Over four hours we learnt about the island’s culinary traditions and then sat down to eat everything we had made.
If you want to understand Mallorca through its food, this is the best way to do it.
Browse cooking classes in Palma
7. See modern art at Es Baluard
Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is built into a Renaissance bastion on the old city walls, and the building is almost as impressive as the collection.
Inside you’ll find works by Miró, Picasso and Barceló alongside contemporary Balearic artists. Don’t skip the terraces, which look out over the marina and the cathedral.
Es Baluard Museum tickets and tours
8. Visit the Joan Miró Foundation
Joan Miró spent the last decades of his life in Palma, and the Miró Mallorca Foundation preserves the studios where he worked.
Walking through his studio, with canvases and brushes still in place, feels incredibly personal. The foundation is in Cala Major, so it pairs perfectly with an afternoon at the beach.
Miró Mallorca Foundation entrance ticket
9. Experience Spiritual Mallorca ELEMENTS
This was something I’d never seen before.
Spiritual Mallorca ELEMENTS transforms the Iglesia dels Sagrats Cors into an immersive audiovisual show, with video mapping projected across the church’s architecture, original music and 3D surround sound.
You journey through the four elements of nature, water, earth, fire and air, ending with a fifth element of light and word inspired by the Mallorcan philosopher Ramon Llull. It is a beautiful way to spend an early evening before dinner.
10. Stroll Passeig del Born and the Golden Mile
Passeig del Born is Palma’s most elegant boulevard, lined with plane trees, historic mansions and designer boutiques.
Together with the surrounding streets known as the Golden Mile, this is where you’ll find Palma’s best shopping. Continue up to La Rambla, a quieter tree lined boulevard filled with flower stalls.
11. Find local crafts in independent boutiques
Some of my favourite moments in Palma were simply wandering between small independent shops.
Look for Mallorcan ceramics, handwoven fabrics known as roba de llengües, espadrilles and leather goods. They make a far better souvenir than anything from the high street, and you’re supporting local makers.
12. Ride the Hop On Hop Off bus
It might sound touristy, but the open top bus is a brilliant way to see the city in a few hours, and it’s perfect for filming.
The route passes the cathedral, Passeig del Born, La Rambla, the seafront Passeig Marítim and climbs up to Bellver Castle, so it also saves you the walk uphill.
Palma Hop On Hop Off bus tickets
13. Spend a beach day at Cala Major
On my last day I took a short drive out of the centre to Cala Major, a small sandy beach with clear turquoise water and a relaxed, local feel.
It’s the easiest proper beach escape from the old town, and you can combine it with the Miró Foundation, which is just up the hill.
14. Relax on Playa de Palma
If you want a long stretch of white sand, head to Playa de Palma, east of the city. The water is crystal clear and shallow, and the promenade is perfect for a sunset walk or bike ride.
15. Sail the Bay of Palma at sunset
Seeing Palma from the water is something I’d add to any trip. Sunset catamaran cruises leave from the marina and give you incredible views of the cathedral and Bellver Castle glowing in golden light.
Sunset catamaran cruise in Palma
Where to eat in Palma de Mallorca
Palma has become one of the best food cities in the Mediterranean. Several of its restaurants are led by Michelin recognised chefs, and you’ll find everything from tasting menus to sandwich crawls and tapas festivals. These are the restaurants I ate at and loved.
Botànic
Botànic has been named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the forty most beautiful restaurants in the world, and the setting is stunning, filled with plants and natural light.
Chef Jhonatan Maldonado cooks with local produce from the island and Mediterranean flavours, with touches from his childhood in Chile. It’s attached to Can Bordoy Grand House and Garden, one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Palma.
Best for: a long, beautiful lunch.
De Tokio a Lima
De Tokio a Lima blends Mediterranean, Japanese and Peruvian flavours, built on fresh, seasonal produce from local farmers and fishermen.
Chef German de Bernardi has a real love for the sea, and the ceviches and nikkei dishes were outstanding. It’s a lovely walk from the old town too.
Best for: a lively first night dinner.
Dome
Dome is a brunch spot with specialty coffee by day and a modern bistro by night, serving honest, sustainable food with creative cocktails and sets from local DJs.
Best for: dinner with a buzzing atmosphere.
La Caña
La Caña sits across from the Passeig Marítim, with a terrace that’s perfect for a long lunch. Expect excellent tapas, fresh fish, Mediterranean rice dishes and cocktails.
Best for: rice dishes and seafood by the water.
Beatnik Tapas and Cocktails
Inside the Puro Grand Hotel in the heart of the old town, Beatnik serves creative, contemporary tapas inspired by travel, art and cultural diversity. It’s open to non hotel guests and has a great atmosphere for a final night.
Best for: creative tapas and cocktails.
Culinary tapas tour of Palma’s old town
Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca
Palma is a boutique hotel city, with beautifully restored mansions and design led hotels all over the old town, so you’re spoilt for choice. Use the map below to compare hotels and prices across every neighbourhood.
My top pick: Can Bordoy Grand House and Garden
If I could recommend just one hotel in Palma, it would be Can Bordoy Grand House and Garden.
Tucked away on a quiet street in the historic La Llotja quarter, it feels like stepping into a private mansion. The interiors are full of vintage Art Deco character and antique furniture, and every suite feels completely unique.
The real magic is the garden. Right in the middle of the old town you have a lush green hideaway with an outdoor pool, which is incredibly rare in Palma. Up on the roof there is a terrace with a plunge pool and views over the rooftops to the cathedral, and downstairs an underground spa offers holistic treatments.
It’s also home to Botànic, one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world, so some of the best food in the city is right on your doorstep. The cathedral, Passeig del Born and the marina are all an easy walk away.
Best for: a romantic, design led stay in the heart of the old town.
Don’t miss: the Sky Suite, with its private terrace and Jacuzzi.
Old Town
Best for: first time visitors and being close to the main sights.
Staying in the old town puts you within walking distance of the cathedral, the Almudaina, Passeig del Born and the best restaurants. This is where you’ll find most of Palma’s boutique hotels in restored mansions, including Can Bordoy Grand House and Garden and the Puro Grand Hotel.
Santa Catalina
Best for: foodies and a local, creative vibe.
Santa Catalina is Palma’s trendiest neighbourhood, built around its famous market, with cafés, cocktail bars and international restaurants. It’s a short walk from both the old town and the marina.
Passeig Marítim
Best for: sea views and nightlife.
The seafront boulevard has hotels overlooking the marina and the bay, and it’s easy to reach the old town on foot or by bike along the promenade.
Cala Major
Best for: combining a city break with beach time.
If you want to wake up by the sea but stay a short taxi ride from the centre, Cala Major is a great choice, with the Miró Foundation right on your doorstep.
Best activities to book in Palma
If you want to pre book experiences before your trip, these are the activities I’d look at first:
- Old town walking tour and cathedral skip the line entry
- Skip the line Palma Cathedral entry ticket
- Culinary tapas tour of the old town
- Gourmet tapas and wine tour
- Market visit and traditional cooking workshop
- Sunset catamaran cruise with canapés
- Luxury catamaran tour with lunch and DJ
- Hop On Hop Off bus tour
- Bellver Castle tickets and tours
- Royal Palace of La Almudaina entry ticket
- Miró Mallorca Foundation entrance ticket
- Tramuntana day tour with the vintage Sóller train
Best day trips from Palma de Mallorca
Palma is the perfect base for exploring the rest of Mallorca. If you have an extra day, these are the trips I’d book first.
Sóller and the vintage train
The wooden Sóller train has been running through the Serra de Tramuntana since 1912, winding through tunnels, lemon groves and mountain villages before the tram rolls down to Port de Sóller.
Tramuntana full day tour with the Sóller train and lunch
Valldemossa and the Tramuntana villages
Valldemossa is one of the prettiest villages on the island, with stone lanes, flower pots on every doorstep and the monastery where Chopin spent a winter. It pairs perfectly with Deià and Sóller.
Valldemossa, Sóller and Port de Sóller tour by bus and tram
Sa Calobra by land and sea
The road down to Sa Calobra is one of the most dramatic drives in Europe, and arriving by boat along the cliffs is just as spectacular. A full island tour combines the train, tram and boat in one day.
Mallorca full day island tour by train, tram and boat
How many days do you need in Palma?
One day in Palma
Focus on the old town. Visit the cathedral and its terraces, see the Almudaina, walk Passeig del Born and finish with tapas around La Llotja.
Two days in Palma
Add Mercado de Santa Catalina, Es Baluard and a sunset walk up to Bellver Castle, with a special dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants.
Three days in Palma
Three or four days is ideal. You’ll have time for a cooking class, the Miró Foundation, a boat trip and a slow beach day at Cala Major.
My Palma de Mallorca itinerary
This is the exact itinerary I followed, and I’d happily do it all again.
Day 1: Botànic and Bellver Forest
Lunch at Botànic with a tour of Can Bordoy, a little downtime at the hotel, then a guided walk through Bellver Forest up to Bellver Castle. Dinner at De Tokio a Lima.
Day 2: Markets, makers and ELEMENTS
Market tour and cooking class with Moltak at Mercado de Santa Catalina, an afternoon exploring independent shops and boutiques, then Spiritual Mallorca ELEMENTS and dinner at Dome.
Day 3: Cathedral, tapas and the open top bus
A historic walking tour taking in the cathedral and its terraces, La Llotja and Es Baluard, lunch at La Caña, the Hop On Hop Off bus in the afternoon and dinner at Beatnik.
Day 4: Beach day at Cala Major
A slow last morning on the sand at Cala Major before heading home.
When is the best time to visit Palma?
Palma is a year round destination, which is one of the things I love most about it.
For me, the best months are May, June, September and October. The weather is warm, the sea is still lovely for swimming and the city feels relaxed. July and August are hot and busy, while winter is mild and quiet, perfect for culture, food and museums.
How to get around Palma
Palma Airport is only around 15 minutes from the centre by taxi, and the A1 airport bus runs into the city regularly.
Once you’re there, the old town, Santa Catalina and the marina are all easily walkable. For Bellver Castle you can walk through the forest, take a taxi or use the Hop On Hop Off bus, and Cala Major is a short drive or bus ride along the coast.
Palma de Mallorca travel guide: my best tips
Book the cathedral terraces in advance
The terraces are only visited on guided tours with limited spaces, so reserve before you arrive.
Plan your meals around the markets
Mid morning tapas at Mercado de Santa Catalina is one of the most local experiences in the city.
Book top restaurants ahead
Places like Botànic and De Tokio a Lima fill up quickly, especially at weekends.
Go to Bellver before sunset
The light over the bay is magical, and the walk is much more pleasant once the heat drops.
Save a day for the beach
Palma is a city break, but Cala Major and Playa de Palma are so close it would be a shame to miss them.
Palma de Mallorca FAQs
Is Palma de Mallorca worth visiting?
Yes. Palma combines a beautiful historic old town, a Gothic cathedral, world class museums, an exciting food scene and beaches just minutes from the centre, which makes it one of the best city breaks in Europe.
How many days do you need in Palma?
Three to four days is ideal. That gives you time for the main sights, a cooking class or food tour, great restaurants and a relaxing beach day.
What is Palma best known for?
Palma is best known for La Seu Cathedral, its historic old town, Bellver Castle, its markets and its growing reputation as a world class food destination.
Is there a beach in Palma?
Yes. Cala Major is a short drive from the old town, and Playa de Palma offers a long stretch of white sand and clear water east of the city.
Is Palma walkable?
Very. The old town, Santa Catalina, Passeig del Born and the marina are all within easy walking distance of each other.
When is the best time to visit Palma?
May, June, September and October offer warm weather, swimmable sea and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
What are the best tours in Palma de Mallorca?
The best tours in Palma are the La Seu Cathedral terraces visit, a Mallorcan cooking class with a market visit, a tapas tour of the old town, a sunset catamaran cruise on the Bay of Palma and a day trip on the vintage Sóller train.
Do you need to book Palma Cathedral tickets in advance?
For the main cathedral, buying online saves time in the queue. The rooftop terraces can only be visited on guided tours with limited spaces, so book those before you arrive.
Final thoughts: why Palma de Mallorca is worth visiting
What makes Palma special is how much it packs into one small, walkable city. Gothic architecture, royal palaces, modern art, incredible food and the Mediterranean right on your doorstep.
See the cathedral. Climb up to Bellver Castle. Eat your way through Santa Catalina market.
But then slow down. Order another plate of tapas. Wander a street you’ve never heard of. Finish the day with your feet in the sand at Cala Major.
That balance of culture and pure relaxation is exactly why Palma de Mallorca is the ultimate city escape.
Planning more European city breaks? Read my Venice travel guide next.
Quick Palma travel checklist
Must see: La Seu Cathedral and its terraces, Royal Palace of Almudaina, Bellver Castle, La Llotja
Must eat: Botànic, De Tokio a Lima, La Caña, tapas at Mercado de Santa Catalina
Must do: a Mallorcan cooking class, Spiritual Mallorca ELEMENTS, a sunset catamaran cruise
Best beach: Cala Major
Best area to stay: the Old Town
