This three-day plan is organised by geography so you spend your time exploring, not commuting. Day 1 covers the medieval old town and the cathedral, Day 2 takes in fashionable Santa Catalina, the museums, Bellver Castle, and the bay at sunset, and Day 3 slows down for the city's quieter squares, a beach afternoon, and a final sunset under La Seu. The centre is walkable; you will only need a bus or two for Bellver, the Miro foundation, and the beach. Save any stop to drop it into your own itinerary with dates and a map.
3 Days in Palma de Mallorca: The Perfect Itinerary
Day 1
The Old Town & La Seu Cathedral
Must visit
09:30Museum5.0
La Seu Cathedral
Start at Palma's monumental Gothic cathedral before the crowds, with its colossal rose window, Gaudi's iron canopy, and Miquel Barcelo's ceramic chapel.
Casco Antiguo
Tip: Go right at opening; the rooftop terrace tour is a separate, limited-slot ticket worth booking ahead.
10:45Museum4.0
Palau de l'Almudaina
Cross the square to the Royal Palace, a Moorish alcazar turned Gothic royal residence with state rooms and tranquil port-facing gardens.
Casco Antiguo
Tip: Free on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons for EU citizens; the gardens are the highlight.
11:45Museum4.0
Banys Arabs (Arab Baths)
Duck into the 10th-century Arab Baths, the island's only surviving Moorish structure, and its secret walled garden of palms and citrus.
Casco Antiguo
Tip: Entry is just 3 euros and the garden is near-empty in the first hour after opening.
Must visit
13:00Market5.0
Mercat de l'Olivar
Lunch at Palma's biggest covered market, grazing fresh oysters, jamon, and tapas at the counter bars among the produce stalls.
Centre
Tip: The seafood and oyster bar at the back is the local secret; go before the lunchtime rush.
15:00Temple4.0
Convent de Sant Francesc
Visit the Franciscan convent for the tomb of philosopher Ramon Llull and one of the most beautiful Gothic cloisters in the Balearics.
Casco Antiguo
Tip: Closed on Sundays; the orange-tree cloister is often blissfully empty despite being in the heart of the old town.
Must visit
16:15Other5.0
Llotja de Palma
A short walk away, step inside the Llotja, a 15th-century trade hall whose spiralling columns branch into vaults like a forest of stone palms.
Casco Antiguo
Tip: Free to enter, though hours vary with the temporary exhibitions inside; check before you go.
18:30Landmark
Passeig des Born Boulevard
Join the evening paseo on the tree-lined Born, Palma's grand boulevard of mansions, boutiques, and historic cafe terraces.
Passeig des Born, Palma centre
Tip: Grab a terrace table for an aperitivo and people-watch as the city comes out to stroll.
20:30Bar4.0
La Rosa Vermuteria
End the day with house vermouth on tap and small bites at this cosy old-town vermuteria tucked down a narrow lane.
Casco Antiguo
Tip: It is a tiny space, so arrive early or be ready to stand with a glass and a plate of olives.
Day 2
Santa Catalina, the Museums & the Bay
09:30Cafe4.0
El Camino
Fuel up with specialty coffee and Aussie-style brunch in the heart of trendy Santa Catalina.
Santa Catalina
Tip: Expect a queue on weekend mornings; the terrace on Carrer de Sant Magi is the spot to wait it out.
11:00Market4.0
Mercat de Santa Catalina
Browse the neighbourhood's local food market, then wander the pastel streets of the former fishermen's quarter.
Santa Catalina
Tip: Carrer de la Fabrica and Carrer de Sant Magi are the most photogenic and the densest with cafes.
12:15Museum4.0
Es Baluard Museu d'Art Contemporani
See contemporary art (Picasso, Miro, Barcelo) inside the Renaissance city walls, with a free rooftop terrace over the port.
Santa Catalina
Tip: Free admission on Tuesdays; the rooftop views toward the cathedral and Tramuntana are worth the climb alone.
14:30Museum5.0
Castell de Bellver
Head up to the 14th-century circular castle, one of only three round castles in Europe, for a 360-degree panorama over city and bay.
El Terreno
Tip: Walk up through the pine forest from Placa Gomila, or take bus 50; entry is free on Sundays.
Must visit
16:30Museum5.0
Fundacio Pilar i Joan Miro
Visit Joan Miro's preserved Mallorcan studio and foundation, with paint-splattered workspaces and a sculpture garden by the sea.
Cala Major
Tip: Take bus 46 or 3 from the centre; the untouched Son Boter studio is the emotional high point.
19:30Sunset Spot
Port de Palma Sunset
Walk or cycle the Passeig Maritim as the sun drops over the sea and the sailboat masts and cathedral fall into silhouette.
Passeig Maritim, Palma
Tip: Stay for blue hour, when the cathedral floodlights switch on behind you.
21:00Club4.0
Anima Beach Club
Finish with a waterfront dinner and cocktails at this laid-back beach club on the city shoreline.
Portixol
Tip: Sunset sessions are the highlight; book a table on summer weekends.
Day 3
Quiet Squares, the Beach & a Final Sunset
09:30Photography
La Seu Cathedral from Parc de la Mar
Start with the classic cathedral-reflection view across the still lake of Parc de la Mar before the breeze picks up.
Parc de la Mar, Casco Antiguo
Tip: Mornings give the calmest water and the cleanest mirror image; a wide lens catches the whole reflection.
10:15Landmark
Placa de Cort
Walk up to the civic heart of the old town, the City Hall square with its cantilevered wooden eave and a 600-year-old olive tree.
Placa de Cort, Casco Antiguo
Tip: A relaxed cafe terrace here makes a good mid-morning coffee stop between the lanes.
10:45Street
Placa Major
Continue to the grand arcaded square built over the old Inquisition site, lively with terraces and a craft market.
Placa Major, Centre
Tip: The artisan market runs Monday, Friday, and Saturday mornings under the arcades.
11:15Other4.0
Can Forteza Rey
Look up at Palma's finest Art Nouveau facade, a riot of ironwork, ceramics, and carved gargoyles most passersby miss.
Centre
Tip: The most elaborate decoration is on the corner with Carrer de Colom, just off the square.
Must visit
13:30Restaurant5.0
Simply Fosh
Treat yourself to a Michelin-recognised lunch by chef Marc Fosh inside a 17th-century convent refectory.
Casco Antiguo
Tip: The lunch tasting menu is far better value than dinner; book ahead, especially on weekends.
15:30Other4.0
Playa de Palma
Bus down to the long city beach for an afternoon of sand, shallow turquoise water, and a beachfront drink.
Platja de Palma
Tip: Bus 25 from Placa d'Espanya; head to the quieter western end near Can Pastilla to escape the party stretch.
20:00Sunset Spot
Parc de la Mar at Sunset
Return for a farewell sunset below the floodlit cathedral, the bay glowing and the sandstone turning amber.
Parc de la Mar, below La Seu Cathedral
Tip: Linger 20 minutes after sunset for the floodlights, then walk up into the old town for a final drink.
FAQ
- Is 3 days enough for Palma de Mallorca?
- Yes, three days comfortably covers the city: the old town and cathedral, Santa Catalina and the museums, Bellver Castle, the bay, and a beach afternoon. If you want to explore the wider island, the Tramuntana villages, the Soller train, or the wild beaches, add a fourth or fifth day for day trips.
- Can I do this Palma itinerary without a car?
- Absolutely. The whole city itinerary works on foot plus a few cheap EMT bus rides for Bellver Castle, the Miro foundation, and the beach. You only need a rental car if you add the island day trips to the Tramuntana mountains or the southern beaches.
- What should I swap in if it rains in Palma?
- Palma is a great rainy-day city: lean into the indoor sights, the cathedral, the Almudaina Palace, Es Baluard and the Miro foundation, the covered Mercat de l'Olivar, and the Llotja, and save the beach and Bellver viewpoint for a clearer day.
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