Palma travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Palma, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Palma.
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1
Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
A Gothic cathedral begun in 1229 after the Catalan conquest and finished in 1601, standing on the seafront above Parc de la Mar. It has one of the largest rose windows in Gothic architecture, a nave with some of the tallest Gothic columns in Europe, and interior work by Antoni Gaudí from 1904–1914. The Museum of Sacred Art is included in the general ticket.
Tip: Arrive near opening on a weekday to avoid cruise-ship and tour groups · Check catedraldemallorca.org for hours; sightseeing is closed on Sundays and public holidays · Consider the combined ticket if the roof terraces are of interest · Wear covered shoulders and knees; the cathedral is an active place of worship · Photograph the facade from the Parc de la Mar lake at sunrise or sunset
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2
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
A former Moorish fortress converted into a Gothic royal palace in the 14th century. It is the official Mallorca residence of the Spanish royal family for ceremonial use and houses state rooms, a Gothic hall with huge arches, a royal chapel (Capella de Santa Anna) and tapestries. The palace stands directly across the Parc de la Mar terrace from the cathedral.
Tip: Visit in the morning before groups arrive from the cathedral · Buy tickets from the official Patrimonio Nacional site and check reopening details · The palace is closed on Mondays and the ticket office closes an hour early · Pair it with the cathedral and Parc de la Mar for a compact half-day route · Reduced tickets are available for eligible visitors; carry identification
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3
Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver)
A circular Gothic castle built in the early 14th century for King Jaume II of Mallorca, on a 112 m hill 3 km west of the old town. It has a round central courtyard on two levels, a detached round tower and a rooftop with panoramic views of the bay, the city and the Serra de Tramuntana. It later served as a prison and now houses the Palma City History Museum.
Tip: Go in the late afternoon for bay views and softer light · Free entry on Sundays means larger crowds; weekdays are calmer · Take EMT bus line 3 or a taxi if the climb looks too steep · Last entry is 30 minutes before closing and the castle is closed on Mondays · Bring water and sun protection for the walk and the open roof
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4
Sa Llotja (La Llotja de Mallorca)
A Gothic civil building designed by the architect Guillem Sagrera and built between 1426 and 1447 as a merchants' exchange. Its interior has a large hall with slender twisted columns that rise into the vaults. It stands at the head of the Passeig de Sagrera waterfront and is the best surviving example of Mallorcan late Gothic civil architecture.
Tip: Check exhibition listings at visitpalma.com, as interior access depends on events · The exterior and square can be seen free at any hour · Visit in the evening for lighting and atmosphere · Combine with the Passeig del Born and the cathedral on one walking route · Entry prices vary by exhibition
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5
Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)
One of the few remaining structures of Moorish Mallorca, probably a 10th-century bathhouse. It has a domed hot room (caldarium) with 12 columns and openings in the roof, set in a small garden with palms and orange trees. The baths are a short stop, with no pool or spa service.
Tip: Carry small cash, as card payment may not be available · Allow 20 to 40 minutes; there is no pool or spa · Visit in the morning or mid-afternoon for quiet · Confirm opening hours on the day, as listings vary · Combine with the Museu de Mallorca, a short walk away
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6
Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
A museum of modern and contemporary art inside a restored bastion of the 16th-century Renaissance city walls. The permanent collection includes works by Miró, Picasso and Barceló; the terraces give open views over the port. A cafe and rooftop terraces are open to museum ticket holders.
Tip: Come in the late afternoon for terrace light and fewer visitors · Children under 12 enter free · Check esbaluard.org for Friday offers and exhibition changes · The museum is closed on Mondays and the ticket office closes 30 minutes early · Combine with a meal in the Santa Catalina neighbourhood
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7
Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró
The studio and home where Joan Miró lived and worked in Mallorca from 1956 until his death in 1983, with his collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings. The foundation includes Miró's original studio designed by Josep Lluís Sert, a modern gallery building by Rafael Moneo and the garden of the Son Abrines house.
Tip: Visit in the morning for a quieter experience · Check for free entry on the first Sunday of the month and confirm before going · Allow time for the studio, gallery and garden · Use the EMT bus toward Cala Major or a taxi from the centre · Combine with the Miró mural at the Parc de la Mar
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8
Passeig des Born
The main boulevard of old Palma, a tree-lined promenade running from Plaça de la Reina to Plaça de Joan Carles I with arcades, palaces and designer shops. Palma's principal stores, Mallorcan craft shops and terrace cafes cluster around it, and the Sa Llotja square and Santa Catalina neighbourhood start a few minutes away.
Tip: Come in the early evening for the liveliest atmosphere · Shops often close on Sundays, so plan shopping for other days · Weekday mornings are quiet for photography · Look up at the palace facades on the side streets · Link the walk with Sa Llotja and the cathedral
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9
Parc de la Mar
A park and artificial lake laid out below the old city walls, facing the cathedral and the Almudaina Palace. It has a mosaic by Joan Miró (the ceramic mural of the Parc de la Mar), fountains, a children's play area and views toward the Bay of Palma. It is a classic viewpoint for the Gothic skyline.
Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best reflections and light · Bring a hat and water in summer, as shade near the lake is limited · Pair with the cathedral and Almudaina Palace · The park is free and open at all hours · Keep children away from the water's edge
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10
Mercat de l'Olivar
Palma's main fresh-food market, a covered hall of fishmongers, butchers, cheese stalls and produce counters. The upper floor has tapas bars and a small cafe. It is the best place to see local products such as sobrassada, Mahón cheese and the Mallorcan ensaïmada pastry.
Tip: Visit mid-morning before stalls begin closing · The market is closed on Sundays · Ask a vendor before photographing their stall · Bring cash for small purchases · Try the upper-floor tapas bars for lunch
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Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
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Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Walk the old town on foot: the cathedral, Almudaina Palace, Arab Baths and Passeig des Born are within 15 minutes of each other.
Book the cathedral and Almudaina on the official sites in summer, since the cathedral is closed to sightseeing on Sundays and several monuments close on Mondays.
Visit between 10:00 and 13:00 in July and August, then rest through the midday heat; shops often close 14:00–17:00 outside the centre.
EMT bus line 3 reaches Bellver Castle; the A1 airport bus runs to Plaça d'Espanya.
Carry coins or a card for small entrances such as the Arab Baths.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed for Palma?
Two days cover the cathedral, Almudaina Palace, the old town, Bellver Castle and Es Baluard; a third day suits the Sóller train or a coast trip.
Is the cathedral open on Sundays?
Sources list the cathedral as closed to sightseeing on Sundays and holidays because services take place; check catedraldemallorca.org for current hours.
What is the cheapest way to see Palma's history?
Bellver Castle (about €4 / ~$4.6, free on Sundays), the Museu de Mallorca (about €2.50 / ~$2.88) and the free Parc de la Mar and Passeig des Born.
Can Palma's sights be reached without a car?
Yes. The old town is walkable and EMT buses reach Bellver Castle, Cala Major and the Palma Aquarium area from Plaça d'Espanya.