For atmosphere, Palma is hard to beat when the sun goes down. Whether on the busy thoroughfares or in the less touristy parts of the city, there are tapas and music bars in abundance, live performers and, if you're lucky, special events, dancing and parties taking place, especially on weekends .
There are countless ways to spend an evening, from relaxing with a glass of vermouth or sangria to enjoying local wines and freshly prepared tapas. Quirky music clubs and chic rooftop cocktail bars provide the perfect way to relax at the end of the day.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to spending the weekend in Palma, plus the best hotels, restaurants and things to do in the city.
Find bars by area
La Lonja
Abaco cocktail bar
Some call it kitsch, but that's part of the allure of this celebrated Palma institution, housed in a former 18th-century palace. The prices are astronomical, but it's worth taking a look, if only to marvel at the extravagant and lavish decor of fruit, flowers and baroque furniture. There are plenty of mourning candles to make Miss Havisham feel at home and cocktails like Abaco, a fusion of rum, whiskey and Grand Marnier, hit the spot. Every Friday evening, rose petals fall from the celling to the sound of classical music. Sure it's cheesy, but it's also strangely fascinating.
Wines
This innovative cocktail bar-cum-wine tasting emporium offers customers the opportunity to taste some of the most expensive local and global wines by the glass through enomatic machines. There is also plenty of choice for cocktail lovers and the champagne flows freely. An informal and tasty tapas menu with olives, pintxos, cheeses and charcuterie is on offer, as well as delicious desserts. There is a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere here and there is no pressure to take in expensive vintages. Everyone can enjoy a lovely glass of simple Mallorcan wine with some delicious snacks while soaking up the lively atmosphere and chatter.
Beatnik restaurant and bar
The hedonistic and sultry rooftop bar of the Puro Hotel, one of the city's hippest spots, attracts a stylish and cosmopolitan crowd. The onus is to look effortlessly urban while sipping a glass of champagne or Beatnik Spritz, the bar's signature fruity cocktail. Guests can enjoy a menu of tasty savory tapas and salads on the candlelit terrace or for a new experience in one of the twin roof towers. Various DJs play a funky selection of playlists with international pop, jazz and soul sounds. For late revelers, the downstairs bar is open until midnight on weekdays and until 2am on weekends.
Café Atlantico
Atlántico is a bar with flair that was founded in the 1950s and was originally called Texas Jack because of the many visiting US Marines stationed on ships nearby. In addition to a friendly and inviting atmosphere, a large bar and walls full of memorabilia, messages and photos, 40 tempting cocktails are on offer. Highlights include Labios Caliente (hot lips) - a spicy and floral concoction - and Dark Stormy, a heady blend of rum, lemon and ginger beer. Snacks are on offer, as well as a good selection of beers, spirits and vermouth. The bar plays a nice selection of rock from the seventies and eighties, which attracts a lively weekend crowd.
Door 13
Discreet Door 13 is the latest chic offering for the city's in-crowd. With a vintage 1920s atmosphere, Chesterfield sofas, low lighting and Persian style carpets, this is a cozy den in which to relax and unwind. The eclectic decor includes a pair of enormous feathered wings hanging from the ceiling. Gaining access takes courage. Established customers enter a secret access code, James Bond style, at the forbidding wrought iron door, while newbies have to ring the bell. Experienced mixologists prepare delicacies such as gin and organic cherry tomatoes, while live acoustic music is served on weekends from 11pm.
Contact: 00 34 602 63 80 94; facebook.com/door13bar
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 8pm - 2am
Price: ££
Getting in: Walk ins
Sant Jaume
La Rosa Vermuteria
Tucked away in Plaça Weyler, this cheerful meeting place is for vermouth lovers: it offers glasses by the barrel or from a selection of vermouth brands. Wines and beers are also served, but vermouth is king. Aromatic and seasonal tapas such as fresh shrimp, grilled artichokes, patatas bravas and crispy squid are prepared in a modern bar decorated with bunches of braided peppers and chunky garlic. With its soft background music, white brick walls and comfortable leather banquettes, the bar has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Staff are also helpful with menu choices. The perfect place for an aperitif or an informal dinner.
Saint Nicholas
El Camino
As the hottest, slickest and most talked about arrival in Palma, it's no surprise to hear that the co-creator of El Camino is Eddie Hart, founder of Barrafina in London. Balanced and stylish, this eatery exudes confidence with its speakeasy bar with marble top, mirrored wall and jaunty arrangement of red bar stools. The gold wall lamps have an old-style Parisian glamour, while the menu buzzes with tempting creations. Take your pick from tapas such as grilled artichokes or spicy ceviche and enjoy an inspired wine list with Mallorcan bodegas also receiving a star.
Mercat
Café L'Antiquari
Eclectic, eccentric, bohemian and packed with character, L'Antiquari is spread over two levels and is the ultimate laid-back, cozy retreat for an all-day snack, late-night beer or glass of wine. The place is a transformed antique shop, full of trinkets, vintage artefacts and curiosities, and has a warm and inviting atmosphere. Regulars come here for the homemade tapas and the famous quiche and salad, and there is also a wide choice of spirits and wine. If you can find a seat, head to the terrace to listen to live music thanks to the street musicians who play here regularly.
Saint Catalina
Hotelhostal Cuba and Skybar
The centuries-old monumental Hotel Hostal Cuba is located in a prized corner spot on the edge of trendy Santa Catalina. With its distinctive Art Nouveau facade and enviable location close to the coast, the rooftop Sky Bar offers fantastic views of the cathedral and marina. The faithful flock to this popular venue for its innovative cocktails, light snacks and chilled live performances from solo artists and groups. Sink into the comfortable chairs and enjoy the dreamy vistas while sipping a Sailor's mojito or Negroni on the rocks.
The Soho bar
With its cool sixties vibe and retro decor, the Soho bar is a magnet for fans of vintage and indie music and nostalgic board and video games. The bar has a cozy terrace and the interior is cozy and welcoming. The bar is open from 6pm to 3am and offers a wide choice of beers, gins and cocktails and is known for its delicious mojitos. Customers can order popcorn and nachos while trying out the old-fashioned video game consoles or enjoying a game of cards, Monopoly or Risk.
Jaume III
Blue Jazz Club
You don't have to be a jazz junkie to enjoy the famous Blue Jazz Club with its fantastic rooftop location overlooking the harbour. With regular performances from local and international artists from Thursday to Saturday and a jam session every Monday evening, this is one of the city's most vibrant and popular venues for a cocktail or dinner. The open plan restaurant has a stylish, modern design in neutral tones and comfortable wicker furniture, but the pièce de résistance is the beautiful terrace with its spectacular views. A leisurely dinner is offered with a menu including tartar and tatakis, and grilled meat and fish.
Brass club
Run by award-winning master cocktail maker Rafa Martín, Brassclub is one of the capital's most polished and urbane hangouts. It exudes class and confidence, from the smartly dressed bartenders in their aprons and bow ties, to the cool jazz sounds and exquisitely presented cocktail creations. Expert mixologists can create any concoction you desire, although signature cocktails like Mai Tai Egg, a rum, Ancho Reyes liqueur, and lime creation served in a nest are hard to beat. Platters of anchovies, local cheeses, sausages and Iberian ham are also offered. With its spectacular glass bottle ceiling that resembles a colorful undulating wave and subtly lit, rust-colored bar and elegant, comfortable chairs, you may never want to leave.
Parc de la Mar
Gremium & ALMAQ
The stylish Hotel Es Princep has built a reputation for great cocktails thanks to its cozy indoor Bar Gremium and ALMAQ rooftop bar, run by award-winning mixologist Andreu Genestar. The cocktails are well made and sometimes terribly experimental, but always made with flair and aplomb. Enjoy relaxing music and a dreamy view of the Bay of Palma on the roof terrace or curl up on a leather sofa in clubby Gremium with its extensive collection of gins.
