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German The capital of Mallorca is worth a visit at any time of year – and these are the spots you shouldn't miss!
Palma has always felt like my second home. In this article, I’ll share the 15 most stunning sights in Palma, along with a couple of insider tips! You might be curious to know: the official name of Mallorca’s capital was changed from “Palma de Mallorca” to just “Palma” in 2016. But don’t worry—that change doesn’t diminish the charm of this wonderful city! I’m thrilled to take you on a tour of Palma’s most beautiful spots, giving you some friendly tips to make your visit even more special.
1. Royal Palace La Almudaina
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina has a long history: it was built in the 13th century during the Moorish occupation. Today, La Almudaina is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, who spend their summer vacation on Mallorca every year and use the palace for representative purposes. However, they live in the newer Palacio Marivent in Cala Mayor, whose gardens you can also visit.
The Palacio Almudaina, with its many exhibits from the eventful history of Mallorca and its extraordinary architecture, is one of Palma’s most popular attractions. At its foot you will find a small garden, the Jardines de S’Hort del Rei – a great photo spot and perfect for a short break from sightseeing.
Tip: Admission is free on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons.
2. Cathedral La Seu
The Gothic cathedral La Seu is the landmark of Palma. It dates back to the 13th century and cannot be overlooked due to its location on a hill. From here you also have a fantastic view of the sea. To see the cathedral from the inside, you need to buy a ticket – due to the crowds, especially in summer, I recommend booking your ticket online in advance.
Beat the crowds: Buy your admission ticket for Palma Cathedral in advance here*
By the way: from April to October, you can also take part in a guided tour on the roof of the cathedral for an additional fee – a truly special experience!
3. Passeig des Born
Did you know that Palma is the perfect place for shopping? You’ll find everything from expensive designer boutiques to all kinds of branches of the big fashion chains. And the pompous Passeig des Born with its dreamy avenue is something very special: stores such as Zara Home or H&M are even housed here in beautiful old buildings.
Hey, I’m Tatiana & the blogger behind The Happy Jetlagger. I write honestly, passionately and authentically about my travels. All tips have been researched by myself!
During Christmas and New Year, the trees here are particularly decorated, making the entire street sparkle and twinkle every evening.
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4. Plaza Mayor
As in many Spanish cities, the Plaza Mayor is the heart of Palma. When strolling through the old town, sooner or later you’ll pass this striking square. You’ll find many cafés and restaurants here, but most of them are tourist traps. It’s worth looking in the side streets or the smaller squares around it. You’re guaranteed to find better alternatives there.
Are you looking for great accommodation in Palma?
Here you will find hotels for every budget
5. The Old Town of Palma
Palma’s old town offers a wonderfully immersive experience. You can enjoy lively shopping streets like Carrer Sant Miquel and Carrer Sindicat, full of charming stores and boutiques. At the same time, there are peaceful corners with beautiful squares and cozy alleyways, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere.
My favorite places include the Plaça del Banc de l’Oli and the small square with cafés in front of the Església de Sant Nicolau.
6. Paseo MarÃtimo
The Paseo MarÃtimo is the perfect place for an evening stroll. Enjoy the view of the luxury yachts and visit the many bars and restaurants. Especially at the weekend, the Paseo MarÃtimo between Avinguda de l’Argentina and Porto PÃ turns into a lively party mile. And the vibe here is much more pleasant than on Playa de Palma!
Tip: The sunset from the Varadero restaurant is the most beautiful! It is somewhat hidden at the entrance to Palma’s marina. Unlike many other high-priced restaurants around the harbor, the vibe is rather down-to-earth and many Palmesans meet here for a sundowner.
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On my blog, you’ll discover a variety of helpful articles covering both popular and hidden gems of Mallorca!
My tips for Mallorca
7. The Trendy District of Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina used to be an unadorned fishing village. Today, with its lively gastronomic scene, it is one of Palma’s trendy districts! You will also find one of the city’s last remaining windmills here, which once shaped the island. You should also not miss a visit to the Mercat de Santa Catalina, the district’s market hall.
8. Ca’n Pere Antoni Beach
Ca’n Pere Antoni city beach is located just a short walk from the cathedral at the end of Paseo MarÃtimo. I especially enjoy this beach because it always has a very laid-back vibe, and you can swim comfortably here, despite its central location and proximity to the Palma port. On weekends or after work, locals often gather here to play volleyball or enjoy picnics.
Tip: If you want to treat yourself, simply spend the day at Assaona with good drinks and delicious food. This beach club also has stylish sun loungers to chill.
Want to see more of Mallorca? Here you will find the 20 most beautiful sights in the rest of the island!
9. Playa de Palma
Playa de Palma is situated east of Palma outside the city center. Famous for the lively nightlife near Ballermann 6, this four-and-a-half-kilometer-long beach has undergone significant changes recently. While partying continues, you can now also discover a few trendy venues along the promenade. The gently sloping shoreline makes it ideal for swimming.
I wouldn’t recommend spending the night at Playa de Palma, as there are many prettier spots in Palma and across the island. Personally, I find it hard to get into the party mood with all the noise, beer, and sadly, the trash that sometimes comes with it.
Tip: Rent a bike and ride along the coast from Palma. It’s the best way to reach Playa de Palma via well-maintained cycle paths while enjoying the stunning sea views!
You will also automatically pass by the charming Portixol marina and the neighboring district of Molinar, one of Palma’s most beautiful spots!
10. Banys Arabs (Arab baths)
The centuries-old Arab Baths (Banys Arabs) are tucked away on a small side street near the cathedral and stand as one of the few remaining examples of Moorish architecture in Palma. The steam bath, illuminated by skylights, offers a fantastic photo opportunity!
Tip: The Arab Baths are located in the middle of an enchanting garden. Here you can take a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of the old town or the cathedral.
11. Ferrocarril de Sóller
A must-do experience is riding the historic train to Sóller, known as the “Red Lightning”. Despite its name, there’s nothing lightning-fast about this train: the wooden carriages offer a comfortable journey through the stunning Mallorcan scenery from Plaza España in Palma’s center to Sóller. From there, you can hop on a historic streetcar to Port de Sóller. Make sure to allocate a full day to enjoy the entire trip.
The tickets are quite costly, but they are definitely worth the money! Tip: Opt for a return ticket that includes the streetcar ride, as it’s the most affordable choice.
If you want to see even more of the island, there are other tours from Palma that only include one route on the Red Lightning, but also take you to Lluc Monastery and Sa Calobra – a nice alternative!
12. Sa Llotja
The former Sa Llotja stock exchange is one of the most beautiful buildings in Palma. During the day you can just go inside and admire the great architecture; sometimes the large hall is also used for art exhibitions. There are many bars and restaurants in the square around it and the whole place has a lovely atmosphere. Perfect for a little Aperol Spritz or some delicious tapas.
13. Mercat de l’Olivar
The Mercat de l’Olivar is a traditional market hall right in the center of Palma. If you are looking for a local culinary experience, this is the place for you! Especially in the mornings, you will find everything from fresh vegetables to fish, seafood and delicacies such as cheese and ham.
Tip: At lunchtime, there are also many stalls offering a typical “menú del dÃa“, a budget-friendly meal with a starter, a main course, and a dessert. Drinks like water, a soda, or a glass of house wine are usually included.
There are also some other great market halls and weekly markets in Palma: The most beautiful markets in Palma
If you love strolling through markets as much as I do, then there are a few really big and well-known farmers’ markets on the island that you shouldn’t miss out on: The most beautiful markets on Mallorca
14. Museum Es Baluard
From Es Baluard, you not only have a fantastic view of the port of Palma, but you can also admire an impressive collection of modern artworks by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Salvador DalÃ. Other highlights include works by contemporary artists such as Banksy and Ai Weiwei. Interesting temporary exhibitions are also held regularly.
Tip: Admission is free on Thursday evenings.
By the way: If you are interested in modern art and you are making a detour to the north of Mallorca, you should also pay a visit to the Museo Sa Bassa Blanca in Alcúdia!
15. Pueblo Español
The Pueblo Español is a popular tourist site where visitors can enjoy a miniature version of Spain. It features reconstructions of Spain’s most famous landmarks in the form of a small village.
Tip: This place becomes especially stunning during Christmas. In December, the Pueblo Español turns into Palma’s most charming Christmas Market, where you can feel festive with a mug of mulled wine and browse for Christmas gifts at numerous small stalls offering arts and crafts.
Bonus tip: Museu Fundación Juan March
You will probably pass by one way or another, as the Museu Fundación Juan March is located in the middle of the pedestrian zone of Carrer Sant Miquel in the heart of Palma’s old town. However, most tourists simply walk past here, which is why this spot is a real insider tip!
The museum hosts works by 20th-century Spanish artists and regularly organizes cultural events. Even if museums aren’t your main interest, it’s worth visiting—especially the patio of the old town house, which is truly impressive.
Best of all: admission is free.
Even more insider tips for Palma: Palma is a city close to my heart and there is always something new to discover. If you need more up-to-date tips from the island’s capital, follow me on Instagram or browse through my ever-growing collection of blog articles about Palma.
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