Exploring Palma, with its heady mix of Moorish, medieval and Gothic sights, and galleries, museums and historic churches, is always a pleasure, whether for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. But there is so much more to experience in this compact and beautiful coastal city.
In the labyrinth of cobbled streets of the old town are ancient former palaces, monasteries, gardens and craft workshops packed with charm and authenticity. There are bustling and colorful markets, cultural events and annual celebrations in abundance, while you can enjoy vibrant boutiques all over the city, from glitzy and designer to vintage and boho chic. Here are the top attractions.
For more inspiration, see our guide to a weekend away in Palma, plus the best hotels, nightlife and restaurants in the city.
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Calatrava
Admire the Gothic splendor of the city's cathedral
Towering above the tranquil lake of Parc de la Mar and visible from land and sea, lies the capital's pride and joy, La Seu Cathedral. This beautiful sandstone building carries the weight of eight centuries of history and also showcases the craftsmanship of modernist architect Antoni Gaudí, and more recently contemporary artist Miguel Barceló.
Insider tip: The cathedral has one of the largest rose windows in the world, known as 'The Gothic eye'. Visit early in the morning to watch the sunlight flood all seven rose windows. Twice a year, on November 11 and February 2, when the sky is clear and the sun is bright, a fantastic reflection of light is cast from the main rosette - a result of the mathematical design that ties in with the winter solstice.
Stroll through the picturesque old town
Get lost in the winding, cobbled streets of the city's historic district, split between the La Lonja and Calatrava neighborhoods. Prepare to be surprised by unexpected sights, from craft workshops and galleries to ancient palaces and courtyards. Visit the charming Arab Baths and the spectacular Gothic Basilica of Sant Francesc to see the cloisters and tomb of mystic and philosopher Ramon Llull.
Insider tip: Stop by the chapel of Convent de Santa Clara to listen to the choir in the afternoon or to buy their delicious cookies. Since you won't see these nuns, all you have to do is ring the bell and place your order through a turnstile in a window.
Try a traditional Mallorcan pastry
Steeped in history with its 18th century references, Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo is the city's oldest and best-loved café. Every chocoholic's dream, it serves thick and tasty hot chocolate, Mallorcan style, and all kinds of delicious fresh pastries. Don't miss the chance to taste Mallorca's famous light and crispy ensaïmada pastries or the delicious homemade ice cream on offer.
Insider tip: Although the café has opened two other branches in Palma, nothing can beat the atmosphere of the original in Carrer de Can Sant. It's like stepping back in time and entering a traditional family salon with matching historical objects.
Relax on the lake shore in the city's emblematic fortress
Adjacent to La Seu Cathedral is the elegant Almudaina Palace, and although the original 10th century alcazar was all but demolished, this building is a Gothic architectural masterpiece in its own right. Head upstairs, past the lavishly decorated historic rooms on the ground floor, to see the Pyrenean marble portal in St. Anne's Chapel, a rare example of Romanesque-style art in Mallorca.
Insider tip: Don't forget to visit the exceptionally beautiful courtyard of the palace, with its palm trees and elegant colonnades overlooking the cathedral. Later, visit the small walled green garden where swans take a serene tour of the lake.
Discover the capital's modernist masterpiece
The imposing, modernist Gran Hotel on Plaça Weyler, which dates back to 1903, was the capital's first luxury hotel. With polychrome ceramics, ornate tiles and striking wrought iron work, it is one of the city's most emblematic buildings. It is now the cultural center of Fundación La Caixa and includes both permanent and temporary art collections. The most important is that of the modernist Catalan painter Hermen Anglada-Camarasa.
Insider tip: For another touch of impressive Art Nouveau architecture, visit the Forn des Teatre bakery with its colorful decorative facade, a few minutes' walk away on Carrer de la Unió. Tasting the ice cream cookies is a must.
Mercat
Enjoy fresh seafood in the heart of the market
The emblematic Olivar Market in Plaça Mercat, conveniently close to the central bus station, was built in 1951. With its squat twin towers, it is not to be missed and offers an enjoyable morning browsing and browsing the numerous fish, vegetable and meat stalls pottery, wicker baskets and leather goods for a good price. Head to the dining room for lunch treats such as fresh seafood, meats and cheeses.
Insider tip: Visit the famous market restaurant Olivar Bistro for the freshest seafood or fish of the day, as well as meat and pasta dishes and paella. Be careful when taking photos of exhibitors as some may expect a purchase.
Cort
Explore the square where the city's town hall is located
The elegant and picturesque three-storey medieval town hall with its enormous carved wooden canopy and bright flags dominates the bustling and cheerful Plaça de Cort. It is well worth going inside to see the two impressive giant figures in traditional peasant clothing that are wheeled out for most major annual celebrations.
Insider tip: Another major attraction in the lively square is Olivera de Cort, an olive tree of enormous size that is said to have witnessed six centuries of history. Claims that it is 1000 years old are way off, but it makes for a good yarn.
Saint Catalina
Look at modern art in a medieval fortress
Once a medieval seaside fortress, Es Baluard was transformed in 2004 into a sleek and contemporary architectural den for modern art. It is formed from concrete, glass and steel and has metal walkways and ramparts that give it a quirky look. The collection spans neoclassical, abstract and modernist periods and includes beautiful works by Picasso, Joan Miró, Antoni Tapies and Salvador Dali.
Insider tip: Stop by the museum's beautiful back patio to view the sculptures and enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the craftsmanship of the colossal medieval city walls. This is the perfect spot to take a photo of the palm tree-covered Paseo Maritimo below.
El Terreno
Walk through Spain's unique round castle
Bellver Castle is located on a wooded hill just outside the city. With stunning views of the Bay of Palma and surrounded by lush pine forests, this perfectly preserved and round Gothic gem served as a royal fortress and also a prison. A highlight is the central courtyard with views to the sky, as well as the beautiful moat and drawbridge.
Insider tip: In summer, a classical music festival is held in the central, balmy courtyard under a starry sky. Regular performances by the Balearic Symphony Orchestra start at 9:30 PM.
Cala Mayor
Step inside the studio and home of prolific artist Joan Miró
Just a five-minute drive from Palma, the Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation offers a fascinating insight into the work and life of the respected Catalan artist. In addition to the 6,000 paintings, sculptures and ceramics on display, the center also includes the artist's original studio, and Son Boter, his 18th-century finca whose walls feature the artist's charcoal graffiti.
Insider tip: For diehard Miró fans, consider taking a private tour outside of public hours with a member of the artist's family. It's available for individuals and groups of up to 10 people and isn't cheap - but it would certainly prove an unforgettable experience.
Paseo Maritimo
Get on your bike
A fun and healthy way to explore Palma's coast is to rent a bike and take the easy coastal cycle path from Paseo Maritimo all the way to Es Molinar, a distance of about 5.5 km. The more adventurous can continue to the resort of Playa de Palma with its long and golden sandy beach, and return the same way, a round trip of about 30 km.
Insider tip: For foodies, there is a 2.5-hour tapas bike tour visiting interesting sights, with a few pit stops for tasting local gastronomic delicacies. Costs €40 per person.
