Mallorca is one of my favourite places in Europe, and it seems to have something for everyone. Gorgeous beaches, jaw-dropping mountain villages, wonderful food, typical Balearics nightlife (I’m looking at you Magaluf), and an inviting and authentic historical capital city.
Although I love spending time in all corners of the island, whenever I’m visiting Mallorca I make sure to spend at least one night in Palma. Here are some of my favourite things to do.
Explore the Palma Cathedral
Palma’s 14th century Cathedral La Seu is a real gem of the city, and when driving in from the airport, it dominates the skyline. It’s one of Europe’s tallest Gothic structures, and is well worth a visit when in Palma. If you don’t want to shell out 8 euros per person to get inside, simply walking outside the grounds and overlooking the sea is a spectacle in itself.
Eat amazing food
Palma is a food lover’s paradise, with excellent eateries throughout the city. One of my personal favourites is the innovative tapas restaurant Ombu, situated at the bottom of the popular Passeig des Born and opposite the cathedral (reservations strongly recommended). It also sits at the edge of Carrer dep Apuntadors and it’s adjoining streets, which is the start of Palma’s buzzy bar and restaurant area, La Lonja. Great tapas and set menus can be found around every corner, and don’t miss out on the beautiful ice cream bar Rivareno overlooking the harbour. Delicious!
For something a bit more special, I love Restaurant Marc Fosh. One of the top rated restaurants on the island, it used to offer one of the best value set menus going, at around 25 euros for a 3 course lunch, however, as of 2021 this has increased to 46 euros. Still good value for a Michelin starred lunch!
Top tip: If someone is standing outside a restaurant, waving a plastic menu at you, keep walking. Although Palma food is largely authentic, some restaurants will be geared towards tourists, with inflated prices (and lower quality).
Wander down Palma’s Passeig des Born
Take a stroll down this pretty street, people watching and taking in the atmosphere as you go. The shopping on either side of the street is impressive, but the architecture is the real star of the show.
Top tip: Although pretty at anytime of the year, this tree-filled street is especially picturesque during the cooler (but never really cold) winter months when Christmas lights make Mallorcan evenings sparkle.
Walk, cycle, scooter or skate along Palma’s Port
Another tick for Palma’s infrastructure is its excellent pedestrianised path along the port. Often palm-lined with excellent surfaces, it also includes some all important benches to sit and watch the world go by. With boats and glistening blue sea to one side, and the hustle and bustle of Palma to the other, it’s a joyful way to spend an hour or so, or simply to get from A to B.
Embrace the historic architecture
Palma can trace its history back to before the Roman era, but the majority of history on show will come from the late Middle Ages, between the 13th and 14th Century. Ditch the map and spend an afternoon walking through the maze of old streets that make up Palma’s infrastructure. Good starting points are the Plaça Major and most obviously the Cathedral.
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