Sun-kissed shores, historical treasures, and idyllic architecture harmonize in this dazzling capital of Mallorca, Spain. Palma has an irresistible charm that you can’t resist when visiting Mallorca. Prepare to get lost in the centuries-old alleys, spend the day on the glimmering coastline, and savor mouthwatering tapas. Whether you are a sun-seeking beach lover or a dedicated party animal, Palma has something special for you. Let’s dive into the top things to do in Palma, where every corner has a fantastic surprise.
Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca – Summary
- See the Iconic La Seu Cathedral
- Stop by the Royal Palace of La Almudaina
- Visit Castell de Bellver
- Discover the Arab Baths
- Explore Palma Old Town
- Stroll Through Santa Catalina
- Admire Art Pieces in Es Baluard Museum
- Spoil Your Tastebuds in San Juan Mercado Gastronomico
- Hit the Beaches
- Go Out and Party
- Munch on Seafood at a Seafront Restaurant
- Check Out Gordiola Glassware
- Hop on a Boat Excursion
- Take a Day Trip to Soller
See the Iconic La Seu Cathedral
Standing proudly in the heart of Palma, La Seu Cathedral or Palma Cathedral is a primadonna. The cathedral displays a distinguished Gothic-styled facade, with intricate carvings and impressive pillars. It dates back to the 13th century when the medieval kingdom of Aragon ruled. La Seu’s Cathedral looks dazzling from the outside, but the interior will take your breath away. Witness a towering chamber adorned with intricate pillars, blazing chandeliers, and beautiful stained glass windows. Make sure to see the La Seu Cathedral as it is one of the best things to do in Palma.
La Seu Cathedral is situated in the busiest neighborhood of Palma. With its strategic location and impressive facade, travelers can’t help but stop at the cathedral. Visitors can enter the cathedral by paying a €9 entrance fee. Moreover, the cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday.
Stop by the Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Feel like royalty as you wander around the Royal Palace of Almudaina. This dazzling palace has been the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family since the 14th century. So, it is no surprise that the palace looks outstanding with its Moorish-styled facade and Gothic towers. Tucked on the promenades of Palma, the palace offers a gorgeous view of the city’s waterfront.
At a glance, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina sure looks gorgeous. However, wait until you enter the palace. Moorish, Gothic, and Northern European architectural styles harmonize inside the palace’s unique interior. Middle Eastern-styled gardens, classic Renaissance paintings, and elegant chambers with high-class furniture are easy to spot. Therefore, it is one of the best things to do in Palma.
Visit Castell de Bellver
We can’t get enough of history when visiting Palma de Mallorca. Castell de Bellver is another unmissable historical structure. Dating back to the 14th century, Castell de Belver tells a long history of the kings of Mallorca. The castle looks different from other ornate palaces in Mallorca. It has a distinguished architecture made out of bricks and clay. The castle features a ring-like shape, which makes it unique and worth visiting.
Now, Castell de Bellver houses the History Museum. It tells a tale about Mallorca’s kings, life in the Middle Ages, and the castle’s status as a military prison. Thus, you can wander around the castle and see its mighty defense walls. The grounds of Castell de Bellver also keep a chapel dedicated to Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez. Unique and enigmatic – visiting Castell de Bellver is one of the top things to do in Palma de Mallorca.
Discover the Arab Baths
Get a glance at Palma’s multicultural history in the Arab Baths. This ancient construction keeps a record of the Muslim occupation in Mallorca, which happened in the 11th century. Entering the baths will make you feel like you are in an Indiana Jones movie. Dark chambers adorned with stone arches, cold stone walls, and centuries-old pottery make up the Arab Baths. It gives out mysterious yet enchanting vibes.
Nestled in Palma Old Town, Arab Baths are almost unmissable. Travelers stop by the place to see the elegant structure. Make sure to snap a lot of pictures in the structure, as it is quite photogenic. Moreover, you can dive deeper into the history of Arab Baths by taking a guided tour. It is one of the best things to do in Palma.
Explore Palma Old Town
Travel back in time as you stroll through the marvelous Palma Old Town. Earth-colored buildings line the cobblestone streets, along with centuries-old arches and antique churches. Hundred-year-old trees scattered around the area, keeping a record of the town’s long history. Moreover, Palma Old Town displays the harmony between different cultures. European-styled houses stand beside distinctive Moorish structures, defining Palma’s diversity. Therefore, Palma Old Town is for everyone who wants to experience the raw Mallorca.
Exploring the Old Town is one of the most popular things to do in Palma. There is no shortage of places to visit in the area. From the regal Royal Palace to the mysterious Arab Baths, there is always something special. Alternatively, you can spend a relaxing noon in a cafe or restaurant in Plaza del Mercat. As the sun goes down, you can immerse yourself in the glamorous atmosphere of Placa Major.
Stroll Through Santa Catalina
Ending the day with some nice cocktails sure sounds good, right? If you are down for it, look no further than the Santa Catalina neighborhood. The streets are lined with buzzing bars, crowded restaurants, and dazzling boutiques. The vibrant and modern scene blends perfectly with the neighborhood’s antique facade. Old boat houses with wooden shutters and old, flower-decorated buildings add to the charm. Therefore, Santa Catalina is the beating heart of Palma.
Immersing yourself in Santa Catalina’s vibrant scene is one of the best things to do in Palma. Travelers and locals pack the streets during any time of the day. Glitzy bars blast funky music and are ready to offer you specially-crafted cocktails. Restaurants serve flavorful paellas and delicious tapas for everyone who is craving tasty Spanish food. Also, shopaholics will be happy with the wide choice of boutiques and shops in Santa Catalina.
Admire Art Pieces in Es Baluard Museum
See the artistic side of Mallorca in the Es Baluard Museum. The Moorish-styled architecture, fringed with swaying palm trees, looks artsy and aesthetically pleasing from the outside. However, as you enter the museum, you will be captivated by gaudy artworks. Es Baluard celebrates the masterpieces of Mallorcan artists, starting from the 20th century. Whether you are an art lover or a casual traveler, Es Baluard Museum is worth visiting.
Es Baluard Museum has around 800 art pieces, ranging from paintings to ceramics. They keep the legacy of impressive 20th-century artists, such as Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso. Moreover, it has become an important place for emerging artists in Mallorca. You can expect temporary exhibitions showcasing paintings, crafts, or sculptures from modern artists. Therefore, visiting Es Baluard is one of the best things to do in Palma.
For more information about the museum, check out their official website here.
Spoil Your Tastebuds in San Juan Mercado Gastronomico
Step into a feast for the senses in San Juan Mercado Gastronomico. Food stalls line neatly in this indoor market. From authentic Spanish tapas to unique Japanese fusion food, the market displays a scene of diversity in Palma. Moreover, it is home to some of the freshest seafood in town, ranging from oysters to prawns. With all it has to offer, San Juan Mercado Gastronomico is well-loved by both locals and tourists.
San Juan Mercado Gastronomico is a must-visit place in Palma de Mallorca, especially if you love food. There are 17 stalls offering different kinds of food in the market. From crunchy bite-sized croquettes to filling paellas, everything is a party for your tastebuds. Moreover, the market is a great place to find affordable and delicious wine. Therefore, food hunting in San Juan Mercado Gastronomico is one of the best things to do in Palma.
Hit the Beaches
What makes a sunny day in Palma de Mallorca better? Yes, the beaches! Tucked in the southwestern shores of Mallorca, Palma gets its portion of beautiful beaches. Stretching a few meters from the city center, Palma’s City Beach is the most popular one. The golden-sand beach is lined with trendy beach clubs, amazing restaurants, and adorable cafes. On the other hand, it stays flawless with its turquoise waters and powdery sand.
If you are looking for a more quaint beach close to the city, you can head to Playa de Mago. Surrounded by rugged stones, the untouched cove looks like a little oasis. Dip your feet into the crystal-clear waters while enjoying the serene atmosphere. Additionally, you can check out Cala Major, a small and quiet resort beach.
Go Out and Party
We all know that Spain is made for partying, especially Mallorca. In Palma, nightclubs and bars beat with fantastic music and crazy parties. They invite you to dance the night away and enjoy a sizzling time after sunset on the gorgeous island. Not to mention, with a great booze in your hand. So, going out and partying is one of the unmissable things to do in Palma de Mallorca.
Where are the best party spots in Palma? – you might ask. La Lonja neighborhood is at the top of the list. From enjoyable jazz clubs to vibrant techno nightclubs, the night never ends in La Lonja. Besides that, you can check out Social Club in Paleo Maritimo, which is considered one of the most sophisticated clubs in Palma.
Munch on Seafood at a Seafront Restaurant
Make sure to try out seafood in Mallorca – that’s a rule! Then, nothing matches munching on freshly caught seafood while enjoying an exquisite view of the Mediterranean Sea. You can get this experience in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Paseo Maritimo, a 3 km-long seaside promenade that is lined with restaurants and cafes. Besides that, you can find a fish market that sells freshly caught seafood at affordable prices. Make sure to stop by one of the restaurants and order some seafood. It is one of the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca.
Check Out Gordiola Glass
Are you looking for an authentic souvenir to bring home from Mallorca? Then, head to Gordiola Glass Factory. Specializing in glass-based crafts, Gordiola is at the top of the class. The company has run for nearly 300 years and preserves an impressive Venetian glassmaking tradition. When visiting the workshop, you can see various artistic decorative glasswares, ranging from colored vases to dining utensils. Besides that, you can also witness the whole process of glass-making in the workshop. It is a unique thing to do in Palma, especially if you are interested in arts and crafts.
Hop on a Boat Excursion
The Mediterranean Sea is too fabulous to miss. Then, the best way to enjoy the glimmering ocean is by going on a boat excursion. Whether you hop on a gorgeous sailboat or glamorous catamaran, it is an amazing experience you shouldn’t miss. Spend a few hours under the sun while sailing through the Mediterranean Sea. Play exciting music and dance with your travel buddies – maybe with some cold drinks. The excursion lasts for 1-5 hours. Thus, we recommend you to do a sunset cruise, so you can get an exquisite view of the Mediterranean sunset. Therefore, it is one of the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca.