Whether you’re based in Palma or exploring Mallorca from elsewhere on the island, a visit to the capital is a must. While you could easily spend a week wandering its cobbled streets and soaking up the café culture, Palma offers much more. Steeped in history and firmly established as the best foodie destination in the Balearics, the city has a wealth of enticing neighbourhoods and plenty of things to do for visitors.
PALMA’S HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
La Seu Cathedral
Standing at a resplendent 44 metres high, La Seu is one of Europe’s tallest cathedrals. With origins dating back to the 13th century, the cathedral’s imposing Gothic style has evolved over the years with contributions from Antoni Gaudí and Miquel Barceló adding to La Seu’s inimitable character. From May to October, those with a head for heights can access the cathedral’s terraces, getting up close to the flying buttresses, rose window, and bell tower.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina was first commissioned as a residence in the early 14th century on the site of a Moorish citadel, and remains a royal summer residence to this day. Layer upon layer of intriguing historical features can be observed at the site, from Arab baths and Moorish arches to a Romanesque chapel and a striking Gothic reception hall. Positioned in a prime location in the Casco Antiguo, next to La Seu and looking out to the Bay of Palma, the palace makes a striking impression by day or night.
Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)
During your explorations of Palma’s Old Town, be sure to call into the former gardens of the Can Fontirroig manor house, where you’ll find a 10th century bathhouse. This small yet historically significant structure offers an intruiging glimpse into Palma’s Moorish past, and features the remains of a bathing room surrounded by columns, a caldarium and a tepidarium.
PALMA’S ARTISTIC & CULTURAL SCENE
Passeig des Born
This iconic tree-lined promenade can often feel like the beating heart of Palma. Also known as ‘The Golden Mile’ or ‘The Borne’, it’s a popular destination for boutique shopping, art galleries, great restaurants, and live music in the evening. The street is also bustling during Palma’s many fiestas.
Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
With over 800 works spanning from the late 19th century to the present day, Es Baluard is the largest contemporary art museum in the Balearics. The galleries surround a striking central courtyard, which often hosts cultural events, and the museum’s balcony offers panoramic city views.
Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró
Joan Miró, the renowned Spanish surrealist, spent the last 50 years of his life in Mallorca. The Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró was inaugurated when Miró and his wife bequeathed their studios and artworks to the island. The collection of Miró’s work spans from the 1930s to 1981 and has since been expanded to include work by other artists and fascinating exhibition spaces.
Teatre Principal de Palma
Palma’s ornate main theatre first opened in 1667, controversially staging comedies at the time. It was restored after a fire in the 1700s and still retains its historical charm. Throughout the year enjoy international and local performances including music, opera, dance and circus shows.
CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS OF PALMA
Mercat de l’Olivar
This purpose-built market opened in 1951 in the historical centre of Palma and is a haven for foodies. Stalls sell an array of fresh produce, meat, cheeses and seafood, while the food court offers local delicacies like ensaimadas and sobrassada. Culinary workshops and tasting sessions are also occasionally held.
Michelin-Starred Dining

Palma currently has three Michelin-starred restaurants offering fine dining with a modern twist. Be sure to book a table ahead of your stay:
- Marc Fosh: Exquisitely executed Mediterranean cuisine celebrating ingredients from local producers, served in a light and contemporary setting. De la Missió 7, 07003.
- DINS Santi Taura: Chef Santi Taura pays homage to traditional Mallorcan cuisine in his signature 11-course tasting menu which changes with the seasons. Plaza de Llorenç Villalonga 4, 07001.
- Zaranda: Highly innovative and drawing inspiration from the site’s heritage as a former leather tannery, the experience at Zaranda blends gastronomy and storytelling in a memorable way. Bala Roja 1, 07001.
There is a whole world of Mallorcan cuisine to be enjoyed beyond Palma’s Michelin-starred restaurants. To learn more about some of the some of the best dishes to try during your visit, check our guide to the culinary highlights of Mallorca.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES IN PALMA
Palma Aquarium
Palma Aquarium is one of the island’s most popular attractions for families. It features beautifully maintained habitats including Europe’s deepest shark tank and an extensive display of live corals. The attentive team are dedicated to educating visitors about ocean conservation and animal welfare.
Bellver Castle
Perched on a prominent hill with wide-reaching views, Bellver Castle was built in 1300 for defensive purposes, later becoming a prison. The castle’s circular Gothic design and four towers will evoke children’s imaginations and there are plenty of open spaces for them to explore.
Cycling along the Paseo Marítimo
This 2.5 mile promenade from Porto Pi to Portixol runs parallel to Palma’s seafront and has a dedicated cycle lane. Hire bikes from the city centre and cycle to Portixol, a former fishing village that is now a popular enclave with a small, sheltered beach.
BEST TIME TO VISIT PALMA
Given the wealth of cultural attractions on offer, Palma is very much a year-round destination. The most popular time to visit is during the summer season, for those seeking to combine explorations of the city with relaxation time on one of Mallorca’s many beautiful beaches.
Spring in Palma
From March to May, Palma comes to life with milder temperatures, spring blossoms, and bustling pavement cafes. If you happen to be visiting the city over Easter, Palma’s austere Holy Week parades bring the Old Town to a standstill and are a sight to behold.
Summer in Palma
Plentiful dry sunny days make Palma shine in a way that is difficult to resist. You will find yourself spending much of your time outdoors, enjoying the lively dining scene and the range of beaches within easy reach of the city.
Autumn in Palma
The months of September and October should not be overlooked when considering a visit to Palma. Outdoor dining is often still possible in the mild temperatures, and a number of seasonal festivals add a thoroughly enjoyable dimension to the city.
Winter in Palma
Though Palma takes on a different feel during the winter months, there are plenty of activities on offer if you are looking for a winter escape. With fabulous shopping, dining, museums, and galleries, Palma delivers the perfect change of scenery at this time of year. You may also wish to time a visit to coincide with the city’s wonderful artisan Christmas markets which run throughout December.