Wherever you are staying on the island of Mallorca, you have to go to Palma for at least a day. I have created a map with highlights of Mallorca
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Shopping some of the best Spanish brands
If shopping is your thing, start at Avenida de Jaume III, home to El Corte Inglés and plenty of chic boutiques. From there, stroll down the elegant Passeig del Born, lined with flagship stores like Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Oysho—plus lots of other Spanish labels.
One stop I always recommend is Joyería Piña-Grau, a jewelry store that has been crafting pieces since 1951. What makes it special is that everything is designed and made in their own workshop. You can even request custom-made pieces—don’t be fooled by what’s in the window display. Just know that service works with a ticketing system (yes, like at the butcher’s!), so grab a number and wait your turn. If you want something created, go early in your holiday to allow enough time for them to finish your piece… or plan a good excuse to come back to Palma.
Beautiful Landmarks
One of my favorite ways to experience Palma is simply by wandering the backstreets—you’ll stumble upon stunning architecture and little squares at every turn.
If you want to cover more in a single day, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a great option. It gives you an overview of the city, lets you pick and choose where to stop, and is especially handy for avoiding the summer heat.
Some highlights not to miss:
- Plaça de Cort – home to Palma’s town hall and the ancient Olivera de Cort, a 600-year-old olive tree. Nearby is the Can Corbella building, a striking late-19th-century mix of pre-modernist and neo-Mudéjar style.
- Basílica de Sant Francesc and Can Barceló, a beautiful Art Nouveau house on Plaça Quadrado.
- Banys Àrabs – the Arab baths, a tranquil garden and one of the few remnants of Moorish rule.
- Catedral-Basílica de Santa María – Palma’s majestic cathedral, started in the 13th century and only finished in the 17th. Over the centuries, it has been enriched by modern influences—even Gaudí left his mark. If you’d rather not queue in the heat, book your tickets online in advance.
- Passeig Dalt Murada – part of the medieval ramparts with sweeping views, perfect for a late-afternoon stroll.
- Castell de Bellver – just outside the city, this 14th-century Gothic castle sits on a hill overlooking Palma Bay. Once a royal residence and later a prison, it’s said to be one of the most haunted castles in Europe!
Plaça de Cort
Plaça de Cort, 9
Plaça de Quadrado, 9
Plaça de Sant Francesc
Restaurants & Rooftops
Palma’s food scene is lively and full of character. I’ve marked some of my favorite spots on my map, but here are a few you shouldn’t miss:
- Rooftop Bars : For incredible views, head to the rooftops at Nakar Hotel or Can Alomar Urban Luxury Retreat. Perfect for sunset cocktails!
- Santa Catalina : This neighborhood is packed with restaurants and bars, plus the Mercat de Santa Catalina. Open Monday–Saturday (7:00–15:00, tapas bars until 17:00), it’s a must for local flavors.
- La Vieja de Jonay : My favorite dinner pick. The restaurant’s décor is striking (look out for the giant octopus graffiti), and chef Jonay Hernández creates imaginative dishes inspired by his Canarian roots with touches of Mexican influence. A must for seafood lovers.
- Ombu : Great any time of day, Ombu is perfect for sharing creative tapas with friends or family. Be sure to save room for their signature dessert: the golden chocolate egg.
- Periplo : In the old fisherman’s quarter of Molinar, this relaxed restaurant overlooks Palma Bay. The menu encourages sharing, which suits us perfectly, and the star of the table is the incredibly fresh fish and seafood, bought daily at the market and cooked simply on the open grill.
Whether you’re shopping, sightseeing, or simply soaking up the atmosphere from a rooftop bar, Palma is a city that deserves your time. Even if you’re only on Mallorca for the beaches, give yourself at least one day here, you won’t regret it.
