Palma de Mallorca Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Palma de Mallorca showing a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca showing outdoor eating and general coastal views as well as a large group of people
Palma de Mallorca which includes a beach as well as a small group of people
Palma de Mallorca featuring cycling as well as a couple

With historical sites, countless art galleries and plentiful restaurants and bars, this Mallorca gem can easily fill several days of exploration.

The jewel of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca captivates visitors with its enchanting blend of historical heritage and modern attractions. Travellers can easily go from Old World wonders to contemporary galleries and restaurants in one day, relishing the vibrant culture and welcoming ambience.

Honey-coloured stone buildings define the capital city where it sits on the banks of the Badia de Palma, inviting visitors to wander its medieval streets, past aristocratic residences and Baroque churches, and through street markets and bohemian neighbourhoods. Careful city planning and extensive renovations in the Old Town area have ensured that even those returning for a second or third visit will find new treasures they’ve yet to discover.

Things to do in Palma de Mallorca

The best way to immerse oneself in Palma de Mallorca is a stroll along the Paseo del Borne and the Avenida Jaume III, where tradition and modern sophistication meet. The latter is one of Palma’s busiest streets and part of the shopping area known as the Golden Mile. Encounter a tapestry of boutiques, cafes and local artisan studios, each contributing to the city’s remarkable character. Paseo del Borne is one of the most elegant thoroughfares in the city, with a variety of high-end designer stores.

Step away from the boutiques to shop at the Mercat de l’Olivar and Mercat de Santa Catalina, where you’ll find fresh island produce, Mallorcan wine and traditional crafts. Then, wander along Palma Promenade, which hugs the glistening bay.

Palma de Mallorca’s history and culture

Palma de Mallorca can trace its roots to the 13th century Christian reconquest of the island, and back even further to Moorish, Roman and Talayot civilisations. To feel history come to life, take a walk around Palma’s Old Town, where you’ll find the Gothic-style La Seu (Palma) Cathedral that graces the city skyline, the Royal Palace of Almudaina, a medieval fortress turned royal residence, and Es Caluard Contemporary Art Museum.

Nearby, 14th-century Bellver Castle, a Catalan Gothic masterpiece and Spain’s only round castle, offers a different perspective and striking views from its hilltop location of the Bay of Palma and the Tramuntana mountains.

Dining and nightlife in Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca’s dining scene wholeheartedly embraces the Mediterranean lifestyle with its focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavours. From the renowned ensaimada pastry to the savoury tumbet dish, to three-gourmet lunches and tapas crawls, you’ll find inventive combinations and traditional tastes throughout the island. Make your way to Santa Catalina and La Lonja streets, or the Paseo del Borne and Calle San Miguel for the most robust dining options.

In the evening, the historic centre comes alive in beachfront bars, lounges and atmospheric spots that invite you to unwind. The Auditorium de Palma, as well as the Es Gremi, host live music, mesmerising flamenco shows and more, providing a chance to be immersed in the rhythms and melodies of Mallorca.

Getting around Palma de Mallorca

Fly into Madrid or Valencia, Spain, then take a connecting flight to Palma de Mallorca Airport. The best way to get around is by rental car, but there are plenty of taxis and buses around as well. Service can be limited on the weekends. Car and passenger ferry service to Palma from Barcelona, Ibiza and Valencia is available, as well.

Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca

Plaza Mayor de Palma featuring heritage architecture, a square or plaza and outdoor eating

Palma de Mallorca Old Town

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Churches, art galleries and architecture are just a few things travellers like about Palma de Mallorca Old Town. Sights like Plaza de Mercat and Plaza Mayor de Palma are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Palma de Mallorca area at Intermodal Station.

Palma de Mallorca Old Town
Palma Aquarium showing marine life and interior views

Can Pastilla

4.5/5(214 area reviews)

Can Pastilla is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Platja d'Or and Platja de Can Pastilla, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Palma de Mallorca.

Can Pastilla
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Cala Mayor

Cala Mayor is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Cala Mayor Beach or Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation in Mallorca while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Cala Mayor
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Santa Catalina

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Unique features of Santa Catalina include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Municipal Market of Santa Catalina or Paseo Maritimo while you're exploring the area.

Santa Catalina
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Es Coll d'en Rabassa

If you're spending some time in Es Coll d'en Rabassa, Playa Ciudad Jardín and FAN Mallorca Shopping are top sights worth seeing.

Es Coll d'en Rabassa
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El Molinar

While visiting El Molinar, you might make a stop by sights like Passeig Born d'es Molinar and Cala Portixol.

El Molinar
Grupotel Playa de Palma Suites & Spa
Grupotel Playa de Palma Suites & Spa
4 out of 5
C/ Ramal Ca na Gabriela, 4, Palma de Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca
The price is £132 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
£132
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (546 reviews)
"This is a lovely hotel with top quality furnishings. We were slightly disappointed with the food but we still had a good time"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Grupotel Playa de Palma Suites & Spa
Hotel THB El Cid - Adults Only
Hotel THB El Cid - Adults Only
4 out of 5
Calle Vaixell 2, Palma de Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca
The price is £240 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£240
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Great hotel
"Lovely hotel. Staff very friendly and always helpful. Beautiful pool great breakfast and very clean. I would defo recommended."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Hotel THB El Cid - Adults Only
Hotel Aubamar Bali - New Opening 2025
Hotel Aubamar Bali - New Opening 2025
4.5 out of 5
Avda. Fra Joan Llabrés 10, Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Playa de Palma and El Arenal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
"Lovely hotel staff are all so nice and h!!"

Reviewed on 6 May 2025

Hotel Aubamar Bali - New Opening 2025
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Fontanellas Playa
Aparthotel Fontanellas Playa
4 out of 5
Calle Caravel la, S/N, Palma de Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,400 reviews)
"Great location, entertainment and staff were great"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Aparthotel Fontanellas Playa
Apartamentos Mix Bahia Real
Apartamentos Mix Bahia Real
3 out of 5
Calle Trasime, 44, Palma de Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy Wi-Fi (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and a garden. Popular attractions El Arenal Beach and ...
"the property is old and don't believe the pictures which you see on the website, there no wifi. I booked the property because I wanted to cook there. But I really didn't feel like cooking on that kitchen, so we stayed only 2 nights. but I would never come back."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2024

Apartamentos Mix Bahia Real
Apartamentos Jade - Adults Only +16
Apartamentos Jade - Adults Only +16
3 out of 5
Carrer de Agusti Catany, 8, Palma de Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a sauna and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (186 reviews)
"Apartments were very clean, well equip and had very friendly and helpful staff. Location is next to noisy German Bars and in busy season has music until 4am. Not ideal for families but cannot fault actual apartments and staff."

Reviewed on 4 Sep 2023

Apartamentos Jade - Adults Only +16
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Palma de Mallorca

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
400
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
151
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

we aren't beach type of holiday goers, so only wanted to go to the city. To be honest I wasn't expecting much at all. But we absolutely loved the place.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing city with beautiful buildings, great shops and plenty of stylish restaurants, cafes and bars.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Palma plenty to see and do on foot. Lots of bars, tapas and shopping. Friendly locals. Good vibes

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice pedestrianised areas.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved Palma go there often. Excellent eating places and shopping with plenty of places to visit. Thoroughly recommend.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city with mountain ranges, coastal beaches and a vibrant city. Love it....

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