Are you looking to travel to a charming destination full of things to see in the heart of the Mediterranean? Well, look no further because Palma de Mallorca might just be the answer you’re looking for. This city has it all: idyllic beaches, a beautiful old town filled with winding streets, shops, and history, along with a charming port featuring terraces with sea views and a cuisine that’s pure temptation. And Palma de Mallorca’s cosmopolitan vibe doesn’t disappoint either, with designer shops, contemporary art, and a rich cultural offering all year round.
Are you convinced? Want to know what to see in Palma de Mallorca? Here’s a guide to get you started!
What to see in Palma de Mallorca
The first question that comes to mind when you’re brainstorming holiday destinations is, “What’s there to see?” And when you’re considering a trip to the Balearic capital, those doubts quickly vanish. There are so many things to see in Palma de Mallorca that it’s hardly worth debating whether or not it’s worth a visit.
And here are the sights you definitely shouldn’t miss!
Mallorca Cathedral
The Mallorca Cathedral (La Catedral de Mallorca), also known as La Seu, is the city’s undeniable symbol. It’s situated right by the sea, in the heart of Palma Bay, and was built on the site of an ancient Arab mosque. Construction began in the 13th century, but the cathedral has been modified over the centuries, incorporating Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic elements.
Inside, don’t miss the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, a modernist work by Antoni Gaudí, or the visual spectacle of the Corpus Christi Chapel, with its unique ceramic mural by artist Miquel Barceló.
Oh, and of course, you can’t leave without climbing up to the cathedral’s terrace, where you’ll get the best panoramic views of the city, the port, and the Mediterranean.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Right next to the cathedral is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, a place that perfectly combines history, elegance, and equally spectacular sea views as the cathedral.
The palace serves as an official residence for the royal family, although it was once an Arab fortress. This is why its architecture blends Islamic and Gothic elements. What will you find here? Plenty of tapestries, decorations, and furniture steeped in centuries of history. You can also stroll through its gardens, full of fountains, plants, and trees, and yes, it also has views of Palma’s port. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset, don’t you think?
Old Town of Palma de Mallorca and the Jewish Quarter
Palma’s old town (casco antiguo) is a maze of narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and picturesque little corners. The Jewish Quarter, or Call Jueu, is one of the most fascinating areas you must explore in Palma de Mallorca’s old town.
In the streets, façades and decorations still trace the remnants of the Jewish community that lived here during the Middle Ages. Must-visit spots include Santa Eulalia Square, one of the oldest in the city, and the Basilica of Sant Francesc. Don’t forget to enter one of the noble houses to admire their typical Mallorcan courtyards — many are open to the public!
La Lonja de Palma
La Lonja de Palma, or Sa Llotja, was built in the 15th century and is one of the finest examples of civil Gothic architecture in Mallorca. It’s a grand, symmetrical building, mesmerising with its column designs and warm colours. Once used as a trading exchange, where merchants gathered to negotiate and trade, today it serves as a cultural space hosting temporary exhibitions and a variety of events.
Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle (El Castillo de Bellver) is one of those must-see attractions just outside Palma de Mallorca, but it’s definitely worth the trip; it’s one of the few circular castles in Europe.
It was built in the 14th century to serve as a royal residence and later as a prison. Since 1931, it has housed the city’s History Museum. Its name, which means “beautiful view” in Catalan, is no accident — from its walls, you can see the city, the bay, and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains in a single stunning panorama.
One-day itinerary to explore Palma de Mallorca
Travelling to Mallorca but only have a day to explore the capital? Don’t worry; we’ve got the perfect one-day itinerary for seeing the best of Palma de Mallorca without missing a bit of its charm.
Start your day along the promenade (Paseo Marítimo) or in the Santa Catalina neighbourhood, known for its bohemian vibe, and enjoy a typical Mallorcan breakfast: a freshly baked ‘ensaïmada’ or a ‘pa amb oli’ — bread with tomato and olive oil. Afterwards, visit the Mallorca Cathedral and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, which are right next to each other. If you manage your time well, you’ll still have time before lunch to explore the old town and the Jewish Quarter, and take a break in the Plaza Mayor or stroll through Plaza de Cort, home to the historic thousand-year-old olive tree and Palma’s Town Hall.
To refuel, head to either the Olivar Market or the Santa Catalina Market — both are perfect places to savour the island’s true cuisine and are must-see stops in Palma de Mallorca.
After lunch, make your way to the La Lonja neighbourhood to visit Sa Llotja, and finish the day with a visit to Bellver Castle, which you can reach by taxi or bus. On your return to Palma, you can wrap up your day with a nice dinner or tapas in Santa Catalina, a neighbourhood filled with diverse dining options. And if you still have some energy left, why not top it all off with a cocktail stop on the promenade? Sounds good, right?
Ready to explore Palma de Mallorca?
We’re pretty sure you’re excited to explore all the attractions Palma de Mallorca has to offer, but hold on. Before anything else, make sure you know where you’ll be staying after a full day of sightseeing. And we’ve got the perfect solution for that too, just a click away! At 5 Stars Home, we have a wide range of accommodation options where you can rest and recharge to continue exploring Palma de Mallorca and the rest of the island.
Fancy a look? Head to our website, compare, pick your favourite, and get packing! Come and discover everything Palma de Mallorca has in store for you.