Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca: The Local's Guide (2026)

Palma Cathedral (La Seu) — the one you don't skip

Palma's Cathedral of Santa María — La Seu — is the sight everything else orbits. A vast Gothic pile begun in the 13th century and finished more than 400 years later, it stands dramatically above the seafront, and inside holds one of the largest rose windows in the world plus a striking early-20th-century reworking by Antoni Gaudí. Time your visit for mid-morning, when the sun throws the rose window's colours across the far wall. The separately-booked rooftop terrace tour is the standout if you want views over the old town and bay. Buy tickets online to skip the queue, and check the current hours — it opens only limited hours on Sundays and holidays.

The old town, on foot

The old town (Casco Antiguo) is one of the best-preserved in Spain, and the trick is simply to get lost in it. Keep your walk around the cathedral and you'll cover most of the landmarks: - Royal Palace of La Almudaina — a 14th-century palace of Moorish origin beside the cathedral, still the royal family's official residence in Palma. - Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs) — a rare 10th-century remnant of Moorish Palma, tucked into a quiet garden. - Basílica de Sant Francesc — a Gothic church with a beautiful cloister. - The patios — Palma has over 60 historic courtyards behind its noble houses; peer through the gates around Carrer de Can Savellà and Carrer de la Portella. - Passeig del Born — the palm-lined boulevard for people-watching and (pricey) shopping. Free, and the natural spine of a wander.

Give it a half-day on foot — it's compact and flat.

Bellver Castle — the best view in the city

For the view that ends up on every postcard, head up to Bellver Castle, a 14th-century hilltop fortress about 3 km west of the centre and, unusually, completely circular — said to be the oldest round castle in Europe. From its ramparts, 112 m up, you get the whole picture: the cathedral, the harbour, the city and the Tramuntana mountains behind. It's closed on Mondays; go late afternoon for the light. The uphill walk through the pine woods is pleasant but real, so a taxi is fair game if it's hot.

Santa Catalina — eat, drink, repeat

Santa Catalina is Palma's most fun neighbourhood — a former fishermen's quarter turned buzzy grid of brunch spots, wine bars, boutiques and some of the city's best restaurants, all anchored by the Mercat de Santa Catalina food market (go before 2pm, when the tapas counters inside are in full swing). It's also where much of Palma's nightlife lives. For where to actually eat, see our verified picks for Santa Catalina and Palma overall, ranked by real reviews.

Beaches and the sea, right on the doorstep

You don't need to leave the city for a swim. Playa de Palma and Cala Major are a short bus ride from the centre, with a string of coves just west. For the full picture — including the best calas within reach — see our Mallorca beaches guide. And to see Palma the way it looks best, from the water with the cathedral rising behind the marina, a boat trip or rental is worth the splurge.

Practical: how long, getting around, when to go

How long you need: a day covers the cathedral, old town and a Santa Catalina lunch; two days lets you add Bellver, a beach and a slower pace — and Palma makes an easy base for day trips to the rest of the island.

Getting around: the centre is walkable and flat, and you won't want a car in Palma itself (parking is a headache). Buses and the airport link are easy — see getting around without a car. Pairing Palma with the rest of the island? Rent a car for the days you head out.

When to go: spring and autumn are ideal — the full breakdown is in our weather by month guide. Summer is hot and busy, and the old town's stone streets hold the heat. For neighbourhoods, see where to stay in Mallorca.