Palma de Mallorca: The Complete Honest Guide for First-Time Visitors
Palma de Mallorca from above — the old town, harbour, and La Seu Cathedral
Palma de Mallorca guide — this is the one you've been looking for. Whether you're arriving by plane or ferry, for a weekend or a whole summer, Palma rewards every kind of visitor. It is simultaneously a working Mediterranean city, a UNESCO-recognised cultural destination, and the gateway to one of Europe's most beautiful islands.
This guide covers everything a first-time visitor needs to know — from the historic old town and the famous cathedral to the best markets, restaurants, and hidden corners that most tourists miss.
Palma de Mallorca Guide: The Old Town
Palma de Mallorca's old town — known as the Casc Antic — is one of the Mediterranean's finest historic centres. Walking its narrow streets, you move through layers of history: Roman walls, Arab baths, medieval palaces, and Gothic churches all within a few hundred metres of each other.
The old town's centrepiece is, without question, La Seu Cathedral — one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, rising dramatically above the seafront. But the streets around it are equally worth exploring. The Almudaina Palace, the Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs), and the maze of narrow lanes in the Santa Catalina neighbourhood all reward slow, unhurried exploration.
💡 Tip: The old town is best explored on foot in the early morning, before the cruise ship visitors arrive. The light on the cathedral at 8am is extraordinary.
Getting to and Around Palma
Palma de Mallorca is served by Son Sant Joan Airport — one of the busiest airports in Spain, with direct connections to most European cities. The airport is approximately 11km from the city centre, accessible by bus (line 1), taxi, or hire car.
Within the city, Palma is very walkable. The old town, the seafront promenade, the main shopping street (Passeig del Born), and the famous Mercat de l'Olivar are all within comfortable walking distance of each other. For longer journeys, EMT buses and the metro serve the wider city. According to Wikipedia, Palma is the capital and largest city of the Balearic Islands, with a population of around 400,000 — large enough to feel like a real city, small enough to explore comfortably.
La Seu Cathedral dominates the Palma skyline — Gothic architecture at its most dramatic
Where to Eat in Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca's food scene is exceptional — a mix of traditional Mallorcan cooking, modern Mediterranean cuisine, and market-fresh ingredients that would satisfy the most demanding food lover. The city's markets are the best starting point. Our favourite, naturally, is the Mercat de l'Olivar — where Olivar Bistro is located.
For a deeper dive into what to eat while you're here, read our traditional Mallorcan food guide — it covers everything from tumbet and sobrasada to the famous ensaimada pastry.
If you're looking for a lunch spot in the heart of the market, reserve a table at Olivar Bistro — we serve fresh, market-inspired Mediterranean food Monday to Saturday, 12:00–16:00.
For Turkish cuisine in Palma, we also recommend Maka Istanbul — authentic homemade Turkish food in the heart of the city.
Best Things to Do in Palma
- Visit La Seu Cathedral — allow at least an hour, and pay attention to the extraordinary rose window and the Gaudí restoration work
- Explore Mercat de l'Olivar — Palma's best market, open Monday to Saturday mornings
- Walk the seafront promenade — from the cathedral to the Parc de la Mar, especially beautiful at sunset
- Discover the Arab Baths — one of the best-preserved examples of Arab architecture in Spain
- Explore Bellver Castle — a unique circular Gothic castle with panoramic views of the bay
- Visit Fundació Miró — a world-class collection of Joan Miró's work in the city where he lived
- Shop on Passeig del Born — Palma's most elegant boulevard, lined with cafés and designer boutiques
When to Visit Palma
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| March–May | Mild, 18–22°C | Low–Medium | Sightseeing, hiking |
| June–August | Hot, 28–35°C | High | Beach, nightlife |
| September–October | Warm, 22–27°C | Medium | Best all-round |
| November–February | Cool, 12–17°C | Very Low | Culture, food, peace |
"September and October are Palma's best-kept secret. The crowds thin, the light turns golden, and the city belongs to those who know."
Palma de Mallorca Guide: Practical Information
Palma is located on the southwest coast of Mallorca, capital of the Balearic Islands autonomous community of Spain. The currency is the Euro (€). The local language is Catalan (mallorquí dialect), though Spanish and English are widely spoken. Most restaurants and shops are open year-round, though some close on Sundays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two to three days is enough to see the main highlights of Palma. If you want to combine city sightseeing with beach trips and day excursions around the island, plan for five to seven days minimum.
Palma is moderate by European standards. A market lunch with wine typically costs €12–20 per person. High-end restaurants and beach clubs can be significantly more. The famous Menú del Día (daily set menu) is excellent value at €10–20.
Palma is famous for La Seu Cathedral, its historic old town, the Mercat de l'Olivar market, Bellver Castle, and its position as the gateway to Mallorca's world-class beaches and countryside.
The Mercat de l'Olivar area is one of the best places to eat in Palma — fresh market ingredients, local atmosphere, and a range of options from tapas to full sit-down meals. Olivar Bistro serves creative Mediterranean food at the heart of the market, Monday to Saturday for lunch.
Looking for something different in Palma? Maka Istanbul serves authentic homemade Turkish cuisine in the heart of the city.