Things to do in Palma de Mallorca
Located on the south coast of Mallorca, Palma is the stunning capital of the Balearic islands. Although it’s a destination famous for its party life, Palma de Mallorca has a rich history and several places of interest. The city is an architectural gem; wherever you walk, you’ll come across stunning buildings narrating old stories. As you can imagine, there are plenty of things to do in Palma de Mallorca that will keep you occupied for days.
To get a better impression of its popularity, Palma attracts almost 30 million tourists annually. On the other hand, Palma has less than half a million inhabitants, which means that the travelers are sixty times its population. The most important thing, though, as you’ll see in this travel guide to Palma, is that there are great things to see for every kind of traveler.
Therefore, in this Palma de Mallorca travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting the city. Specifically, you’ll see how you can reach the island and the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca. Moreover, you’ll discover the best hotels in Palma along with food and budget tips. Last but not least, you’ll find some great ideas about guided tours and day trips out of the city.
So, let’s start now with the travel guide to Palma and how you can make the most out of your vacation. Simply navigate through the sections of this article and find out everything about Mallorca’s beautiful capital.
*Some of the links are affiliate links. It means that if you purchase something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
How to reach Palma de Mallorca
Palma attracts visitors from Northern Europe due to its beautiful weather all year. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the weather is always pleasant in Palma and while off-season you can expect some rain, freezing temperatures are inexistent here.
Palma is even more attractive to travelers because you can find insanely cheap flights from many European countries. The Balearic island sees loads of German and British tourists arriving with low-cost carriers. Several airlines fly directly to Palma’s international airport, and if you book in advance, you can find tickets for 10 or 20 euros.
Since Palma is located in the south of Europe, you should expect longer flight times to reach it. To get a better impression, here are the flight times between some major European capitals and Palma de Mallorca.
- The flight time from London to Palma is 2 hours and 25 minutes.
- You’ll need 1 hour and 55 minutes to travel between Paris and Palma.
- The flight time from Berlin to Palma is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The best way to find the cheapest flights from your hometown to Palma de Mallorca is via Kiwi. Kiwi is the best flight aggregator, comparing several itineraries and showing you the best flights for your dates. You can find the cheapest flights here.
From Palma airport to the city center
The international airport of Palma de Mallorca is 9 km away from the city. You have four options to travel between the airport and the city center. Let’s break them down together with their costs.
From Palma airport to the city by bus
That’s the cheapest way to reach the city center. The bus No. 21 starts outside the airport and the ticket costs 5 euros. You’ll need approximately 20-30 minutes to the center. There are currently two buses per hour.
From Palma airport to the city by taxi
That’s a more costly option, but it’s also more relaxed. You’ll need approximately 15 minutes to the city center and pay about 25 euros for your taxi ride.
Private transfer to/from Palma airport
If you don’t want to queue for a taxi and can afford the cost, a private transfer is ideal for traveling between Palma’s airport and the city center. Your driver will pick you up at the arrivals hall and drive you directly to your hotel. The service costs ~60 euros, and you can prebook the best private transfer here.
Rent a car
Last but not least, a car will make your life in Mallorca easier. The island is big, and you should consider renting a car if you don’t want to depend on public transport. You can book one beforehand and pick it up at the airport. You can check the best prices for renting a car in Mallorca here.
The best things to do in Palma de Mallorca
Most people travel to Palma de Mallorca to soak up the sun and have a relaxing holiday. However, there are fantastic things to do in Palma de Mallorca, and the curious traveler will discover places of unique beauty. That said, even if you visit Palma for the holidays, I can only encourage you to see (at least) some of the places mentioned below. In addition, doing Palma sightseeing will uncover various facts about the island and its history.
So, let’s start with the 10 best things to do in Palma.
Visit the Palma Cathedral
The most iconic building on the island is its stunning Cathedral. The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral, and it’s visible almost from every corner of Palma. The locals call it La Seu, and it’s 44 meters tall. The Notre Dame in Paris is “just” 33 meters tall to get a better impression.
Although its construction began in 1293, it was completed centuries later, in 1601. La Seu is located atop the Roman city’s former citadel. Due to its strategic location has a fantastic view over the Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent Parc de la Mar. And if you’d like to have a fun fact about Palma’s Cathedral, here’s one: in 1901, the famous architect Antonio Gaudi was invited to take over a restoration project. He had plenty of ideas but abandoned the project after arguing with the contractor.
The Palma Cathedral is the most visited landmark on the island, and the queues are long, even off-season. If you’d like to skip the line, you can pre-book a Cathedral ticket here.
Palma travel tip: Combine your visit to the Cathedral with a visit to the adjacent Royal Palace of La Almudaina. That’s the fortified palace of Palma (Spanish: Alcázar)
See the Arab Baths
One of the things to see in Palma de Mallorca is a visit to the Arab Baths. The Arab Baths date back to the 10th century, and you can find them integrated on the Can Fontirroig manor house premises. This was most likely part of a house belonging to a nobleman, and it’s one of the few examples of Moorish architecture you can still observe on the island.
After seeing (and relaxing) a beautiful garden full of orange trees, you can step into the 10th-century hammam. The room is small, but it features 12 columns. If you look at the dome, you’ll see several holes: that’s how the steam escaped the bathroom. The Arab Baths are one of the most relaxing places in the Old Town of Palma. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and also the place to see an example of Moorish architecture. See the Arab Baths on Google Maps.
Don’t miss the Es Baluard museum
If you only have time to visit one museum in Palma, this should be Es Baluard. The contemporary art gallery of Palma overlooks the city’s port and organizes various high-quality exhibitions throughout the year. Inaugurated in 2004, Es Baluard features the works of Balearic and international artists. The museum’s building is an architectural gem, consisting of open spaces and clean lines, making it one of the most beautiful buildings in Majorca.
The list of artists featured in Es Baluard is endless. For reference, you can see works of artists like Joan Miró, Robert Motherwell, Marina Abramović, Pilar Albarracín, and Pablo Picasso.
Travel tips: After visiting Es Baluard, cross the street and head over to Santa Catalina, the laid-back neighborhood of Palma, and explore its tiny streets. Santa Catalina also has Palma’s most famous street market.
Stroll around the Old Town of Palma
The Old Town of Palma de Mallorca is one of the most photogenic places you’ll see in Europe. Everything is very pleasing to the eye: narrow streets, high city walls, colorful facades. While modern Palma is home to expensive hotels, shops, and famous clubs, the Old City has retained its beauty and architecture. Numerous small cafes occupy the corners, and the vibe is pretty relaxing. Stroll around the narrow streets and find your way to Lonja, the liveliest area of the Old City, full of small shops and beautiful sea views.
To learn more about the capital of Mallorca, you can also join a walking tour around Palma. These guided tours will take you around the city’s historical center, and your tour guide will offer loads of information about the city. Most of them are reasonably priced and usually last 1,5-2 hours. You can book the best walking tour here. Alternatively, if you’re a group of people traveling, there’s also the option to book this private walking tour.
The Miro Museum
Of course, every art lover visiting Mallorca should not miss the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miro, a museum dedicated to the work and life of the iconic surrealist painter. That’s the place to learn about the artist, and nowadays, it serves as a cultural center located in the studios that artist Joan Miró bequeathed to the public.
Juan Miro lived and worked in this place for more than 30 years, and by walking through its premises, you can see how the artist’s creativity unfolded. Here’s everything about the process and art-making, and visiting the foundation will give you a rare insight into the life and work of one of the most iconic 20th-century painters.
To skip the line, you can pre-book your Miro Museum ticket here.
See Castell de Bellver
Located just off of Palma but still within walking distance from the city center, you can visit the Castell de Bellver, the famous 14th-century castle. That’s one of the few circular castles left in Europe; to reach it, you’ll have to walk a few hundred steps.
Initially the residence of the Kings of Mallorca, the Bellver Castle consists of a circular floor and several round towers attached to it. In the Middle Ages, the castle was the theater of intense battles and was even used as a prison. However, the main reason to see the Castell de Bellver is its stunning circular yard featuring a fountain in its middle. If you’re into architecture, that’s one of the must-sees in Palma.
Spend time at the beach
Since most people come to Mallorca for its climate, it’s only fair to recommend spending at least a few hours at one of the beaches. Palma’s waterfront is a mixture of the promenade, architecture, and beaches, and therefore you should try to soak up some sunshine, especially if you’re traveling from Nothern Europe.
The city enjoys a fantastic climate all year long, and even if you visit Palma de Mallorca off-season, you can still spend some hours sunbathing. The water will probably be relatively cold (at least for the locals), but the sun is always warm. The island has more than 200 beaches, but you don’t have to travel out of Palma to find one.
Palma has a beach straight in the city. The so-called Palma City Beach is the Ca’n Pere Antoni. It is a sandy beach almost a kilometer long and lies straight after the Cathedral. As for the nicest beach close to the city, that’s Cala Major: it lies 3-4 km out of Palma, and it has restaurants, bars, and a couple of resort hotels. Finally, if you have more time, visit the secluded Calo des Moro beach.
Visit the Palma Aquarium
While more people might find it dull, I encourage you to visit the Palma Aquarium. Apart from the impressive building and the sea life you’ll observe, the Palma Aquarium also spreads awareness about the relationship between human beings and the oceans. Subsequently, you’ll become truly aware of the importance of the ocean’s conservation.
Visiting the Aquarium is definitely among the fun things to do in Palma and a must for rainy days. Moreover, it’s an excellent activity if you’re a family with kids visiting Palma. You can skip the line and prebook a ticket for the Aquarium here.
Go clubbing
Clubbing is one of the most notable aspects of Mallorca’s capital. That’s the place to party all night long, and rumor has it that no day goes by here without a noteworthy DJ. Palma is one of the capitals of European nightlife, and walking down the promenade of Paseo Maritimo will bring you straight to Palma’s club scene.
On this side of Palma, you’ll find dozens of clubs next to each other. That’s also where the famous Tito’s Calvia nightclub is located. If you’re into parties, don’t miss the chance to spend a night dancing there.
A day out: ride the Orange Express
Last but definitely not least, one of the top things to do in Palma de Mallorca is to save one day for the Tren de Sóller. The so-called Orange Express is one of the island’s attractions: the small wooden train starts from the heart of Palma, close to Plaza Mayor, and one hour later, it reaches Sóller, a small village in the northwest of Mallorca. From there, you can take an even more old-fashioned tram and go to the Port de Sóller, a picturesque fishing village.
I wrote an extra article about the Tren de Soller. You can read my guide for the Tren de Sóller here.
Selected tours and day trips in Palma and beyond
In this section, you’ll find some of the best tours and day trips in Palma de Mallorca and beyond. If you want to make the most of your stay, you can join any of the tours mentioned below. I think enjoying a boat trip in Mallorca is a must, and there are currently plenty to choose from. Moreover, some of these guided tours will help you easily see some of Palma’s top attractions.
So, here are the best day trips and guided tours in Palma and beyond.
Half-day catamaran tour with a buffet meal. Enjoying the sea is always great, and spending half-day on a catamaran tour sounds even better. You’ll sail across the Bay of Palma and swim at Cala Vella and Cueva Verde. On board, there will be a delicious buffet. Book the half-day catamaran tour.
Sunset Catamaran excursion with buffet dinner. This tour lasts four hours, and you sail along the beaches of Mallorca and enjoy the magnificent views of the Bay of Palma. The difference from the previous trip is that it takes place in the evening -and a stunning sunset is included. See the prices for the Sunset Catamaran excursion here.
Scenic island tour from the South. Now, part of this tour includes the Tren de Soller that I talked about earlier. Apart from the train ride, this tour also offers a boat trip on a catamaran to La Calobra Cove. You will also stop for lunch and visit the Torrent de Pareis. Check the Scenic island tour here.
Five-Hour Catamaran Cruise. As you can easily imagine, sailing is integral to Mallorca’s tourism. On this cruise, you’ll sail along the south coast of Mallorca by catamaran, and you’ll stop twice. Drop anchor in Portals Vells or Cala Vella to swim and snorkel while a delicious barbecue meal will wait for you on board. Check the 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise here.
Wine & Tapas tour. If you love wine and tapas, that’s a must-do in Palma. Let yourself immerse in the culinary world of Mallorca and, taste traditional Mallorcan tapas, olive oil and do some wine tasting. Book the wine & tapas tour here.
Old Town Tour and Tapas Bar by night. A two-in-one tour: you will see the highlights of Palma while tasting delicious tapas. The tour takes place at night, and it will give you a different impression of the city. The tapas bars of Palma are beautiful, and the food is delicious. Check the Old Town & Tapas Bar by Night here.
The Caves of Drach. That’s the tour I didn’t manage to take, and I still regret it. On this tour, you’ll visit impressive caves, one of the island’s main tourist attractions. There’s also a large underground lake, and you’ll enjoy a live classical concert there. If you take this tour, please let me know how it was. Check the Caves of Drach Tour here.
Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca
The Old Town of Palma de Mallorca is an architectural gem. From the moment you step foot there, this fascinating city will surprise you. There are plenty of hotels in Palma, but since this is a relatively expensive destination, you should expect high prices. Apparently, visiting Palma off-season is a much better option: the costs will be significantly lower, and you’ll avoid the crowds.
So, in this subsection of the Palma travel guide, you’ll find the best hotels in Mallorca’s capital. Moreover, I’ll also share the hotel I stayed in and what I think about it. Finally, at the bottom of this subsection, you’ll find an interactive map featuring every accommodation in the city.
The best hotels in Palma de Mallorca
San Francesc Hotel Singular. Located in a 19th-century manor house straight at Plaza de Sant Francesc, Hotel Singular is a 5-star hotel just 300 meters from the Cathedral and Palma’s port. That’s one of the most elegant hotels in town, featuring 42 luxurious rooms with wood-beamed ceilings and covered verandas. Every room comes with a Nespresso coffee machine and satellite TV. See San Francesc Hotel Singular.
Hotel Gloria de Sant Jaume. The stunning Hotel Gloria will spoil you: it has a spa, an indoor pool, a sauna, and a rooftop terrace with a pool. The hotel rooms are beautiful, and they all have Nespresso machines and satellite television. Located just 2 minutes from the famous Paseo del Borne, Hotel Gloria is one of the best places to stay in downtown Palma. Book your room at Hotel Gloria.
Hotel Cappuccino. That’s one more great option for your accommodation in Palma. Hotel Cappuccino has a fantastic rooftop pool with city views, and it also has a cinema! The Palma Cathedral is half a kilometer away, and the hotel hosts an art collection. Moreover, it has an inner yard with palm trees, and its rooms are tastefully decorated. See Hotel Cappuccino.
Boutique Hotel Posada Terra Santa. That’s one more historic hotel in Palma’s Old Town. Set in a 16th-century manor, the hotel features a spa and health club. The rooms are spacious and have a dining table if you’d like to enjoy some time in the hotel. Plus, it has a 24-hour reception and a library. See the Boutique Hotel Posada Terra Santa.
Art Hotel Palma. Look no further if you’re after a unique accommodation for your Palma holiday. Art Hotel Palma is in Palma’s heart, at Plaza Mayor, and is set in a former antique shop. The hotel has art and antique collection, making it an ideal place for art lovers. Every room has a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. A continental breakfast is included in the price, and you can also rent bikes. Book your room at the AH Art Hotel.
Hotel Basilica. Located in the heart of Palma, Hotel Basilica is a 4-star hotel featuring spacious rooms and a sun terrace. Every attraction is just a few steps away from Hotel Basilica, and breakfast is included in the price. See Hotel Basilica.
Where I stayed in Palma
For my accommodation, I chose the Borne Suites in downtown Palma. I loved my stay there: it’s in the heart of the Old City of Palma, overlooking the Plaça de la Reina and its fountain. Borne Suites is just 200 meters away from the Cathedral, the architectural highlight of Palma. My flat was spacious, very clean, and the wi-fi was very reliable. The accommodation has no breakfast, but the apartments have a kitchen, and you can easily cook whatever you like. Moreover, less than 100 meters from the Borne Suites, there is a small supermarket that stays open till 9 pm.
There are also two more things that I would like to point out. First of all, the mattresses at Borne Suites are fantastic. I think I had the best sleep of my life there. Second, I must add here that the Plaça de la Reina can be a bit noisy. For me, this was not a problem because I love staying in vibrant neighborhoods. However, if you are a light sleeper and like to wake up late, you might find it a bit noisy. At night it’s tranquil, but in the morning, there’s street life.
Where to eat & drink in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
There are loads of places to eat and drink in Palma de Mallorca. Palma is one of the most visited islands in the Mediterranean Sea, and there are endless options to satisfy every taste. You might think it’s all about tapas in Spain, but that’s not the case. You actually have plenty of options, and here I’m going to share the ones I tried.
Two things before I share my list of places. First, you shouldn’t forget that Palma is not the cheapest destination: there are places where a burger and a beer might cost you easily 25 euros. Second, you don’t have to worry about the language barrier. I found the menus descriptive, written in Spanish and English.
So, here is my selection of where to eat and drink in Palma de Mallorca.
- Biscuiter. A tiny cafe at the Carrer de Can Asprer. The owners are great, and they are proud of their carrot cake. Give it a try. They also serve high-quality coffee and a selection of bagels. Plus, there’s outdoor seating. For the pricing standards of Palma, I found it relatively cheap. You can check Biscuiter on Instagram here.
- Lennox The Pub. I ate there the first night mainly because it was close to where I stayed. I wasn’t disappointed. The burger I ordered was tasty but served with plain chips instead of fries. For a 15 euros burger, I think the chips are a no-go. The waitress was very polite, though, and the pub also offers outdoor seating. If you are interested in sports, there is usually a TV outside too — overall, a decent option for food and a drink. Find more info about Lennox the Pub here.
- El Pilón. That’s a decent restaurant in the heart of Palma. I went there for the fish, and it was tasty.
- El Perrito. This is a cozy place in Santa Catalina. I had quiche with salmon and a cup of coffee: very friendly service and outdoor seating. See El Perrito’s Instagram here.
- Cafe Toni. That’s another restaurant in the heart of Palma, and it also offers outdoor seating. It’s located in a nice spot close to the center. The food was also good there -and I once again had fish. See the menu of Cafe Toni here.
- ES3. Cozy tapas bar located in one of the loveliest squares of the Old City of Parma, the Plaça de la Drassana. A wide selection of dishes and outdoor seating.
- La Ruta Martiana. Okay, that’s not a restaurant, but a collective of restaurants participating in a food incentive. The so-called “Tuesday Trail” (the English translation for Ruta Martiana) takes place mainly in the Sa Gerreria district. In this area near Plaça Mayor, many restaurants offer tapas at low prices. Following that route is among the very local things to do in Palma, and it’s popular among the youngsters. The food is good but here’s, it’s all about discovery. Try it out.
How to budget for Palma
In this section of the Palma travel guide, I’ll share my thoughts about how you should budget for Palma.
As you already read, Palma de Mallorca is not the cheapest destination, especially if you visit it during the summer. Traveling off-season to Palma is a much better idea if you’re into sightseeing and don’t mind skipping swimming.
Your primary expense in Palma will be the accommodation. Finding a regularly priced hotel in Palma Old Town will be challenging. You should expect to pay 70-90 euros off-season and anything beyond 150 euros during the summertime.
The food in Palma is not that cheap either, but at least there’s not so much different compared to European capitals. What might feel costlier if you choose to eat fish. Honestly, the Mallorcans cook delicious fish, so if you can afford the cost, you should go for it. However, this will elevate the price of your dinner. Long story short, you should calculate 20-25 euros for a main dish and a drink and an extra 10 euros if you’d like to have fish.
On the other hand, public transport is cheap. The bus tickets cost 1 euro except for the bus to Palma airport which costs 5 euros.
Finally, an extra expense in Palma will be the water. Although you won’t have any problems if you drink it, the water in Palma has a strong taste. However, the water in Palma is cheap, and buying a few bottles for your stay won’t be an issue. Depending on the brand you choose (from local water to Evian), you should calculate another 2-4 euros per day.
Q&A about Palma de Mallorca
In this section, you’ll find some answers to the most common questions about Palma de Mallorca. If you have more questions, feel free to add them at the bottom of this post.
When it’s the best time to visit Palma de Mallorca?
Shoulder months (June and September) are the best months to visit. The weather is not that hot, and the prices are more affordable.
Should I visit Palma off-season?
Palma is an excellent destination for an off-season holiday. The prices are low, the city is not crowded, and there are lots of things to do in Palma, even during the winter.
What do in Palma de Mallorca when it rains?
You can pick one of the following:
Visit the Es Baluard museum.
Go to the cinema (OV movies are available).
Is Palma safe?
Palma is a safe city. Just make sure to avoid dark alleys late at night and take care of your belongings in crowded places. Pickpocketing is a thing in touristy spots -but that’s the same everywhere in Europe. Just use common sense and avoid being too far from the center at night, like in the Son Riera district.
Final thoughts about Palma
Palma de Mallorca is one of the most beautiful European. The city’s architecture is a patchwork of civilizations, and walking through the narrow streets is a memorable experience. The beautiful Balearic capital enjoys fantastic weather all year long, making it an ideal destination for a spring city break or even a long weekend in the winter. On the other hand, Palma is not a cheap place.
That said, going on a holiday to Palma de Mallorca is a great thing; however, keep an eye on your budget. I had fantastic times in Palma, both off-season and during the summer. If you want a low-budget vacation, I recommend going to Palma off-season. On the other hand, if you want to swim, party at the island’s iconic clubs, and don’t mind spending some extra cash, then the summertime is for you.
Enjoy Palma!
More about Palma de Mallorca: Under the yellow lights of Palma, Tren de Sóller & Extra Photos
Pin it for later
Sharing is caring. Please share this article about the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca with your friends.
Last Updated on June 10, 2022 by George Pavlopoulos