The main and largest town of the island can be found in the southwest, about 5 km from the airport. The old town has beautiful streets that you can walk through endlessly. You will find plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants and of course souvenir shops.
If you arrive by bus, you will probably get off at Plaza España, from there you can walk to the old town and the cathedral, or change buses here (underground bus station or public transport).
The 10 best hotels in Palma de Mallorca
Sights and attractions
La Seu Cathedral - The landmark of the city is undoubtedly the Cathedral of Our Lady or La Seu Cathedral. Its foundation stone was laid in 1230 on the ruins of an Arab mosque, but it wasn't completed until 1601. Legend has it that King James I the Conqueror had it built when he promised the gods that if he could escape the storm that caught him sailing to Mallorca to free it from Arab rule, he would build a cathedral.
Inside there is a remarkable use of space and play of light, and you will also find the largest rose window, whose mosaic is projected twice a year onto the opposite wall, where it forms, together with a smaller stained-glass window, an eight, the symbol of infinity. This is why the cathedral is also known as the "Cathedral of Light". People flock from all over the island to see this "miracle" (Espectacle de Vuit) and if you want to see it, you must visit the cathedral on February 2 or November 11 at 8:00 am.
There are long queues and the cathedral tends to be really full, so it's worth getting there early, there is no entrance fee.
Also be sure to pay attention to the canopy at the high altar, it was designed by Antoni Gaudí himself. In 2007, statues and sculptures by the famous Mallorcan artist Miquel Barceló were installed in the Chapel of the Holy Father.
Admission is €7/person, closed Sundays, otherwise open April-May + October 10:00-17:15, June-September 10:00-18:15, November-March 10:00-15:15, Saturdays and holidays 10:00-14:15. During the summer months, the terraces are open for a spectacular view.
Almudaina Palace - This is a Moorish palace found next to the cathedral. It once functioned as the residence of the Moorish viziers, today it houses a historical museum with a breathtaking throne room. When the king is staying on the island, the south wing is not open to the public. This is one of the official residences of the Spanish royal family. In addition to the 4 typical towers, note the Archangel Gabriel, the bronze statue that "supervises" the entire palace.
Admission is €7 per person, open October-May 10:00-18:00, June-September 10:00-20:00.
Parc de la Mar - A favorite park among locals. You'll find lush greenery with sculptures by local artists and views of the cathedral and palace. You'll often find people here practicing yoga or picnicking together and just chatting. If you want to relax before exploring more of Palma's beauty, you won't find a better place.
Plaza Mayor - The centre of the old town is this typical rectangular square. You'll find stalls, bars and often cultural events here.
Forn Teatre Bakery - Under the Plaza Mayor you'll find what is probably the most famous bakery on the island, which, apart from a small hiatus, has been operating for 100 years. Its entrance and shop window are captured on many postcards and if you want to try something typical, be sure to visit it.
Abaco cocktail bar - Located in the heart of the old town, its fame extends far beyond Europe. Behind the old wooden doors you will see a whole different world full of colour, flavour, fruit, parrots, fountains, waiters like in the old days and very loud music. You can sit inside or on the terrace and be sure not to be shy to explore the whole building. They are open from 8pm, see the official website.
Paseo Maritimo - This is a promenade along the harbour full of restaurants and bars. The nightlife happens here (the most famous clubs include Titos, Social, Shamrock).
Oliver market - A short walk from Plaza España you'll find one of the largest indoor markets. The ground floor is the market where you can get everything from fresh vegetables and fruit to fish and typical Spanish cold cuts. On the top floor there is a supermarket and tapas bars where you can sample local dishes, sit back and enjoy the typical Spanish atmosphere.
Bellver Castle - An imposing Gothic castle perched on a hill on the outskirts of town. It served as the residence of the royal family until 1349 and later as a prison with an underground torture chamber until 1914. It now houses the town's museum. The upper terrace offers a beautiful view of the city and the harbour.
Admission costs EUR 4 per person, children under 14 free, open April-September 10:00-19:00, October-March 10:00-18:00. Closed Mondays, Sundays and public holidays 10:00-15:00.
Pueblo Español Museum - This open-air museum will be of particular interest to lovers of Spain, as you can find dozens of reproductions of famous streets, buildings or squares. You can see Cordoba, Madrid, Granada and many other locations in one day.
Admission costs €14/adult, €7/child 4-12 years old. You can buy discounted tickets with a 10% discount online at the official website.
Accommodation
Palma de Mallorca is the largest city on the island and serves well as a starting point for excursions around the area. You'll find the largest concentration of accommodation here, with smaller hotels or private apartments right in town and larger hotel resorts along the beaches outside the city.
Stay in Palma if you want to explore the island and have strategically located accommodation with good transport links.
Transport and public transport
Public transport in Palma is mainly provided by EMT buses in the centre and two metro lines from the outskirts and towns nearby.
Tickets cost 2 eur for one journey without changing buses. For the metro, the price is calculated according to the distance travelled.
For detailed information about transport in Palma de Mallorca and Mallorca in general, please see the Transport chapter.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Mallorca.
