These are the experiences worth building a Palma trip around, from the island's Gothic landmarks to its markets, art, and the Mediterranean itself. The list spans the unmissable icons and a few quieter gems that locals love, across the cathedral district, Santa Catalina, and the bay. Save the ones that appeal to you and slot them into your own itinerary with a map and dates.
The Best Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca
1Must visit
Museum5.0
La Seu Cathedral
Palma's monumental seafront cathedral, with one of the world's largest rose windows, Gaudi's interventions, and a Barcelo ceramic chapel. The essential visit.
Casco Antiguo
2
Museum5.0
Castell de Bellver
A 14th-century circular Gothic castle on a wooded hill, with a 360-degree panorama over the city, bay, and Tramuntana mountains.
El Terreno
3Must visit
Other5.0
Llotja de Palma
A masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture whose spiralling columns branch into vaults like a stone palm forest. Free, and often overlooked.
Casco Antiguo
4
Museum4.0
Banys Arabs (Arab Baths)
The island's only surviving Moorish building, a 10th-century bathhouse with a horseshoe-arched chamber and a serene hidden garden.
Casco Antiguo
5Must visit
Market5.0
Mercat de l'Olivar
Palma's largest covered market: 100-plus stalls of seafood, cured meats, and cheese, with tapas counters for a market-fresh lunch.
Centre
6
Museum4.0
Palau de l'Almudaina
The Royal Palace beside the cathedral, a Moorish alcazar reborn as a Gothic royal residence, with state rooms and tranquil gardens.
Casco Antiguo
7Must visit
Museum5.0
Fundacio Pilar i Joan Miro
Joan Miro's preserved Mallorcan studio and foundation, where you can stand in the creative chaos the master left behind.
Cala Major
8
Museum4.0
Es Baluard Museu d'Art Contemporani
Contemporary art inside the Renaissance city walls, with works by Picasso and Miro and a free rooftop terrace over the port.
Santa Catalina
9
Landmark
Passeig des Born Boulevard
Palma's elegant tree-lined boulevard, the traditional stage for the evening paseo, lined with mansions and historic cafes.
Passeig des Born, Palma centre
10
Temple4.0
Convent de Sant Francesc
A 13th-century Franciscan convent with a baroque facade and an exquisite Gothic cloister of slender arches and orange trees.
Casco Antiguo
11
Other4.0
Playa de Palma
The city's long beach: nearly five kilometres of fine sand and shallow turquoise water, with a cycling promenade and beach bars.
Platja de Palma
12
Street
Gothic Quarter Narrow Streets
The medieval maze itself: narrow stone lanes, hidden patios, and aristocratic courtyards glimpsed through open portals.
Casco Antiguo, between La Seu and Placa Major
FAQ
- What is the one thing not to miss in Palma?
- La Seu, the Gothic cathedral. Few buildings in Spain rival its scale and setting, rising straight from the bay, and its interior, with the great rose window, Gaudi's ironwork, and Miquel Barcelo's ceramic chapel, is extraordinary. Go early or book the rooftop terrace tour.
- What is free to do in Palma de Mallorca?
- Plenty: wandering the old town and the Born, the Llotja trade hall, the Es Baluard rooftop, the beach and the Passeig Maritim, Bellver Castle on Sundays, and the Almudaina Palace free on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons for EU citizens.
- Is Palma good for kids?
- Yes. The shallow, calm water at Playa de Palma is family-friendly, Bellver Castle is a real castle to explore, the flat waterfront cycle path is easy with children, and a coastal boat trip is an easy hit. The markets are a fun, low-cost outing too.
Make it your trip
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