10 Best Things to Do and See in Palma de Mallorca

Discover the best things to do and see in Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, and why so many people love this Mediterranean jewel!

Visiting this vivid (and touristy) seaside town means experiencing a pleasant mix of sun, beach vibes, history, culture, gastronomic variety, shops, and vibrant nightlife. It is, in fact, quite difficult not to have a great time in Palma. 

From impressive monuments like the Cathedral of Mallorca, widely known as La Seu, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and Bellver Castle to the charming historic center, Palma is a city you can easily fall in love with and always want to return to. 

Continue reading and get to know the essential places as well as the most notable museums to visit in Palma. Additionally, you will get ideas about top-rated activities and food places as an add-on to your trip for an unforgettable holiday!

Best Things to Do and See in Palma de Mallorca

#1 Visit the Cathedral of Santa Palma María de Mallorca

You can’t leave Palma without seeing its sandstone Cathedral of St. Mary of Palma (Spanish: Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Palma), commonly known as La Seu.

The magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral, built in the 14th Century, is one of Europe’s tallest Gothic monuments and the only one located by the sea. Visiting this masterpiece is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca and a real gem for any architecture and history enthusiasts!  

Admire the cathedral’s facade from the outside and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of its surroundings. For example, sit on a bench while enjoying an ice cream. In the interior, witness how the sun shines through the stained-glass windows, making the floor look like a kaleidoscope, creating the most beautiful colors and ambiance!

TIP: Purchase your entrance tickets before going and skip the line / Go upstairs for panoramic views / Check out the nearby garden, “Jardi del Bisbe”

➜ Cathedral of Mallorca Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

➜ Check Opening Hours and Prices

Top Food Places near the Cathedral: Ice Cream Shop Rivareno Catedral / Bodega Morey

#2 Explore the Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Located opposite Palma Cathedral is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, a historical monument from the 14th Century that is well worth a visit.

With the help of an audio guide, you can learn everything about its history while admiring the palace’s beautiful inner courtyard, facade, and interior, inspired by Islamic architecture. Moreover, from La Almudaina, you can enjoy fantastic bay views!

Depending on the floor you are on, you will see a different decoration. For example, you can see a medieval interior on the lower floor, whereas on the upper floor, you can see the Royal Family’s furniture coming from other places.

Since the palace is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family during their stays in Mallorca – especially in Summer – check the opening hours beforehand as the palace might be closed. 

➜ La Almudaina Palace Entry Ticket

➜ Check Opening Hours and Prices

TIP: Check out the nearby Gardens of S’Hort del Rei

Top Food Places near Almudaina: Vegan Restaurant Ca n’Ela   Restaurant El Rinconcito del Norte 

#3 Have Ensaimada for Breakfast

One of the best things about visiting new places is being able to try the local specialties. On the island of Mallorca, one of them is the ensaimada (Majorcan: Ensaïmada).

The spiral-shaped pastry covered with powdered sugar is sweet and typically eaten for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack accompanied by a good coffee (or tea or hot chocolate). 

From the most classic without a filling, you can also find many varieties with a filling like cream, chocolate, or “Cabello de Angel,” which translates into “angel’s hair” and is, basically, threaded jam made from the candied fibers of squash.

Top Places for having Ensaimada: Forn el Santo Cristo / Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo / Forn Fondo

#4 Learn more about the Llotja de Mallorca

Located close to the La Almudaina and La Seu, you can visit the well-maintained Gothic-style building, Llotja de Palma, from the 15th Century and learn more about its history.

The city’s former trade center is a historical landmark that is free to the public and worth checking out. It especially stands out for its eye-catching spiral columns in the interior! The most exciting part, however, is the rooftop from where you have scenic bay views! It is a great place to take photos!

Outside the Llotja is a charming square surrounded by many bars and restaurants, ideal for having a coffee break. 

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 – 13:30 and 17:30 – 21:00 / Closed on Mondays

Top Food Places near Llotja de Palma: Ice Cream Shop Rivareno Gela eria / Restaurant Tinto Palma

#5 Walk through the Charming Old Town

Walking through the narrow streets of the historic center is the best way to get to know Palma de Mallorca!

Explore imposing historic buildings, monuments, and local craft shops on a pleasant walk without a rush. Stop any time you like when stumbling over a picturesque corner with a cozy café or bar, and have a break while soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere around you.

Continue by exploring the best places in the old town, such as the famous Mallorcan patios, Basilica of San Miquel de Palma, the tree-lined promenade “Paseo del Born”, the remains of the Arab Baths, and the Jewish Quarter located between “Plaza de Santa Eulalia and Porta d’es Camp. 

#6 Sample Local Produce at the Olivar Market

Visiting a local food market when traveling to a new place is always one of the best things you can do to get to know the local cuisine. In Palma, the well-known Olivar Market is a must-stop for any foodie! 

Be excited to explore the various stalls selling local and fresh produce like vegetables, fruits, flowers, seafood, fish, marinated olives, cheese, and meat. There are also some fantastic bars in the market, great for having freshly cooked meals or tapas (small appetizers) with a lovely glass of local wine. 

Even if you don’t have lunch here, just walking around the different stalls and watching the locals doing their weekly groceries – shouting and talking – is a pleasant experience.  

TIP: Arrive before 11:00 to explore the market at your own pace before it gets crowded

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 14:30 / Saturdays from 7:00 to 15:00 / Closed on Sundays

#7 Explore Bellver Castle

Visiting Bellver Castle is unquestionably one of the best things to do and see in Palma de Mallorca. Moreover, it is also one of the best places to learn about the city’s and island’s detailed history! You can easily spend up to 2 hours here and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. 

Just hiking up to the castle, surrounded by the Bellver forest, and enjoying the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views is worth the experience. At the top, you will be rewarded with superb photography spots!

On a hot day, I suggest taking the City Sightseeing Bus. The castle is on the bus tour route, including the entrance, making it an excellent option during summer and saving you lots of energy!

➜ Check Opening Hours and Prices

#8 Relax at Cala Major

Cala Major is a beautiful beach only 5 kilometers outside Palma! You can get here quickly by public transport by taking bus number 4. 

The sandy beach is very popular with tourists because of its proximity to the city center and the scenery that adds unique charm, with buildings and rocks in the background! Moreover, you can rent parasols and lounge chairs and lock your personal belongings in a box, which is fantastic.

TIP: Check out Mirador Santa Eugenia for panoramic views!

Top Food Places at Cala Major: Restaurant La Tapera / Restaurant The Crow’s Nest / Ice Cream Shop Los Iannini

#9 Disconnect Body and Mind at Hammam Al Andalus

The Hammam Al Andalus is one of five traditional Arab Baths with massage treatments in Spain. They are also in Granada, Cordoba, Malaga, and Madrid. 

It is not just a usual spa but, in fact, a unique experience for body and mind that you are still going to think of when you are back home. The Arabic ambiance, with soft lights, aromatic Middle Eastern scents, and soothing music in the background, transports you to another world, creating a peaceful atmosphere.  

Besides their hammam rituals and beautiful massages, you can enjoy the different steam rooms with cold, medium, and hot baths. After your treatment, you can sip on a delicious Arabic tea. 

Adding a relaxing spa treatment to your Palma holiday, especially at the end of your trip, is worth every penny. You will leave the wellness center relaxed and brand new!

Top Food Places near Hammam Al Andalus: Restaurant Es Brot

#10 Take the Historic Wooden Train to Soller

For a relaxed and beautiful experience, take the wooden train (inaugurated in 1912) from “Plaza de España” in Palma de Mallorca to the charming town of Soller in the Tramuntana Mountains. Travel back in time while enjoying lovely views of the island’s western countryside and the beautiful orange groves you will see on the way. 

Once you arrive in Soller, walk around, have a coffee or a drink and tapas. Continuing your journey by tram from Soller town to the Port of Soller is a highly recommended add-on to your trip. Here, you can witness breathtaking panoramic sea views and check out the restaurants for lunch or dinner by the waterfront. 

For a unique experience away from the crowded sites, check out this day trip to the hidden gems of Tramuntana. On this top-rated tour, you can discover some of Mallorca’s most authentic, secret, and unexplored parts.

TIP: Purchase your tickets in advance to skip the line / Sit on the left side for the best views (Palma-Soller) 

➜ Check Train and Tram Schedules (Palma – Soller / Soller – Port of Soller)

Top Food Places in Soller: Restaurant Kingfisher / Restaurant Espiritu Libre 

Museums in Palma de Mallorca

Browse through the list below for some of the best museums in Palma de Mallorca, and check entrance fees, opening hours, and location.