La Seu Cathedral — Palma de Mallorca's defining landmark

Mallorca Guide

Best Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca: 7 Essential Experiences

The best things to do in Palma de Mallorca combine centuries of history, extraordinary food, and the kind of unhurried Mediterranean atmosphere that makes visitors return year after year. Palma is not just a gateway to the island's beaches — it is one of the most rewarding cities in Spain, packed with things to see, eat, and experience at every turn.

This guide covers the seven essential things to do in Palma de Mallorca — chosen for their genuine quality, not their tourist popularity. Whether you have one day or one week, these are the experiences that make Palma unforgettable.

1. Visit La Seu Cathedral

No list of things to do in Palma de Mallorca is complete without La Seu — the Gothic cathedral that rises above the city's seafront with stunning authority. Construction began in 1229 after the Christian reconquest and was not completed until the 17th century, giving the building an extraordinary layering of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.

The interior is breathtaking — the nave is one of the tallest Gothic spaces in Europe, and the rose window above the altar is among the largest in the world. According to Wikipedia, it measures 11.5 metres in diameter and contains 1,236 pieces of glass. Go early morning for the best light.

2. Explore the Old Town on Foot

The historic centre of Palma de Mallorca — known as the Casc Antic — is one of the finest old towns in the Mediterranean. Walking through its narrow streets, past golden sandstone palaces, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old churches, is one of the great pleasures the city offers.

Key streets to explore include Carrer del Conqueridor, the area around the Plaça Major, and the labyrinthine streets of Sa Gerreria. Allow at least two hours to wander without a fixed route — getting slightly lost is part of the experience.

3. Spend a Morning at Mercat de l'Olivar

Mercat de l'Olivar is Palma's finest covered market and one of the best food markets in Spain. Built in 1951, it houses over 100 stalls selling fresh fish, meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, and a remarkable selection of local products. It is the best single place in Palma to understand what Mallorcan food is really about.

The market is also home to Olivar Bistro, one of Palma's most acclaimed restaurants, serving fresh Mediterranean cuisine inside the market building. If you are visiting Mercat de l'Olivar, a meal at Olivar Bistro is a natural companion to the morning.

4. Visit Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle is one of the most unusual castles in Europe — circular in plan, Gothic in style, built between 1300 and 1311 on a hill overlooking Palma. The views from the tower over the bay are among the best in the city, and the castle itself is a remarkable piece of medieval architecture.

Entry costs €4 (free on Sundays). The walk up through the pine forest from the city is pleasant and takes about 20 minutes. The castle also houses the city's history museum.

5. Take a Day Trip to the Beaches

Palma itself has several beaches — Playa de Palma is the main urban beach — but the most beautiful coves are a short drive away. Cala Major is 10 minutes from the centre; Es Trenc, arguably the finest beach on the island, is about 50 minutes. A day at the beach followed by dinner back in Palma is the classic Mallorca day.

6. Eat Your Way Through Palma

Among the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca, eating is non-negotiable. The city has one of the finest dining scenes in Spain — from traditional Mallorcan restaurants serving sobrassada and tumbet, to the international cuisine that reflects the island's cosmopolitan visitor mix.

For authentic Turkish food in Palma — including Angus beef döner, homemade bread, and halal options — Maka Istanbul on Carrer de Francesc Suau is an essential stop. Open every day for lunch and dinner.

7. Visit the Arab Baths

The Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs) in Palma's old town are among the best-preserved Moorish structures in Spain, dating from the 10th century. The main chamber with its domed ceiling and horseshoe arches is extraordinarily atmospheric — a reminder that Palma was once a major city of the Moorish world.

Entry is €2.50 and takes about 20 minutes. The surrounding garden is a quiet retreat from the city's busier streets.

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