Palma de Mallorca Attractions - Top 12

Palma de Mallorca is far more than just the gateway to the island. The capital of the Balearics is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire Mediterranean and could easily hold its own against Barcelona or Lisbon. The Palma de Mallorca attractions range from Gothic cathedrals to Moorish baths and lively market halls, all in a compact area that is easy to explore on foot. In this article you get all the key highlights, with practical visitor tips for 2026.

La Seu Cathedral - Palma's landmark

No visit to Palma is complete without seeing La Seu Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece sits right by the harbour and can be spotted from far away. Construction began in the 13th century and dragged on for nearly 400 years. Inside, a modern addition comes as a surprise: at the start of the 20th century, Antoni Gaudi redesigned the canopy above the main altar, creating a fascinating contrast between the Gothic heritage and Catalan Modernisme.

The play of light through the large rose windows is especially impressive. In the early morning the sun hits the western window and casts a colourful pattern on the floor, a sight that makes getting up early worthwhile.

Palau de l'Almudaina - the royal palace by the harbour

Right next to the cathedral stands the Almudaina royal palace. This Moorish fortress was converted into a ruler's residence after the Christian reconquest of Mallorca in the 13th century, and today it is still an official residence of the Spanish royal family. When the flag is raised, members of the royal family really are staying there.

The magnificent halls and medieval tapestries are worth seeing. The loveliest part is the inner courtyard with its arcades and small fountain. You can find more on Palma's historic buildings in our guide to leisure and sport on Mallorca.

The old town - alleys, patios, and hidden cafes

Palma's old town is one of the liveliest in all of Spain. The maze of narrow alleys, historic city palaces, and busy squares can keep you exploring for hours. Especially charming are the old aristocratic mansions with their splendid courtyards (patios). Many of them are open to the public; you just have to find them.

The most important streets in the old town:

• Carrer de Sant Miquel: A busy shopping street with boutiques and cafes
• Carrer dels Apuntadors: The heart of the La Llotja nightlife district
• Placa de Cort: A central square with the town hall and an ancient olive tree
• Carrer de la Portella: Romantic, quiet, and ideal for photos
• Paseo del Born: An elegant promenade with terraces and designer shops

Sa Llotja and the harbour district

The Gothic merchants' exchange Sa Llotja, from the 15th century, is considered one of the most beautiful secular Gothic buildings in the Balearic Islands. It sits right by the harbour in the La Llotja district of the same name, which today is home to Palma's liveliest bar and restaurant scene. In the evening the alleys around the Llotja fill up with locals and visitors.

The building itself is only open inside during exhibitions, but even the facade, with its twisted columns and mythical creature sculptures, is well worth seeing. Nearby you will find the official information portal of the city of Palma with current opening hours.

Bellver Castle - panorama over all of Palma

If you want to see Palma from above, Bellver Castle is the place to go. This circular castle from the 14th century sits on a wooded hill west of the city centre and offers a breathtaking view over the whole bay of Palma all the way to the Tramuntana mountains.

The castle is the only one of its shape in all of Spain and today houses a museum of city history. The visit is worth it for the courtyard and the view alone. On Sundays, entry is free.

The Arab Baths (Banys Arabs) - a touch of Moorish Palma

Hidden in the middle of the old town is a small but fascinating piece of Moorish history: the Arab Baths from the 10th century. The baths are well preserved and give a sense of how Palma - back then still called "Medina Mayurqa" - looked during Arab rule. The horseshoe-shaped vaulted room and the green courtyard are atmospheric and comparatively quiet.

Entry costs just 2.50 euros and most tourists walk right past, so this is a real insider tip.

Es Baluard Museum - contemporary art above the rooftops

Built right into the medieval city wall, the Es Baluard museum of contemporary art is a highlight in itself. The architecture alone is worth a visit: modern concrete structures meet centuries-old bastions, and the roof terrace offers a unique view over Palma and the harbour. The collection shows works by Picasso, Miro, Barcelo, and others.

Es Baluard is one of the best museum addresses on Mallorca, with information provided in several languages on the official Es Baluard website.

Mercat de l'Olivar - Palma's largest market hall

For food lovers, the Mercat de l'Olivar is a must. This covered market hall from the 1950s is the city's largest food market and a feast for the senses. Here locals buy their fresh vegetables, fish, and meat, and you can join in.

The early morning (8 to 11 a.m.) is especially recommended, when the market is at its liveliest. The ground floor is dominated by fresh fish and seafood, while upstairs there are tapas bars where you can eat with fresh ingredients straight away. You will find more culinary tips in our guide to the best restaurants on Mallorca.

Santa Catalina district - the new hipster Palma

The Santa Catalina district, west of the centre, has become Palma's trendiest neighbourhood in recent years. Once a simple working-class area, today it is full of cool cafes, international restaurants, vintage shops, and a lively nightlife. The weekly market at Placa de la Navegacio is worth a visit every Saturday.

Santa Catalina is only a 15 minute walk from the centre and makes an ideal end to a city stroll.

Fundacio Joan Miro - art and nature combined

The Fundacio Pilar i Joan Miro is in Cala Major, a few kilometres west of the centre. This is where the Catalan artist Joan Miro lived and worked until his death in 1983. The studio is still preserved in its original state, and the foundation displays an extensive collection of his work in a modern museum complex. The blend of art, nature, and the special atmosphere of his real workspace is unique.

Botanical garden and Parc de la Mar

If you need a break from sightseeing, the Parc de la Mar, right below the cathedral, is a beautiful green oasis with an artificial lake. The park offers one of the best views of La Seu and is perfect for a rest or a picnic. In the evening, the Parc de la Mar is a popular meeting point for Palmenos.

Practical info for your visit: how to get there

Palma is easy to reach by public transport. Most attractions are within the old town and within walking distance. From the airport, metro line 1 runs straight to the centre (about 17 minutes, 1.60 euros). You can read more in our guide to public transport on Mallorca.

For trips to attractions further out, such as Bellver Castle or the Fundacio Miro, the buses of the city operator EMT Palma are a good option.

Conclusion: Palma deserves more than a day

The Palma de Mallorca attractions are so varied that a single day is barely enough. Plan at least two days if you really want to experience the city, from the big highlights like the cathedral and the Almudaina to hidden gems like the Arab Baths or lively Santa Catalina. If you prefer a guided tour so you do not miss any highlights, you will find many local options on GetYourGuide, from architecture walks to culinary tours through the market halls.