What to see and do in the cosmopolitan capital
Palma is rich in culture, entertainment and gastronomy. Being relatively compact makes it an attractive and viable option for visitors short on time. Explore the historic streets on foot and excite your senses in this vibrant capital.
What follows is our perfect plan for a day in Mallorca's capital, from breakfast to late night. Savour what the city has to offer in just 24 hours.
The elegant tree-lined avenue of Passeig des Born is where you'll find luxury brands like Louis Vuitton as well as high-street chains Zara, Massimo Dutti and H&M. For something a little more original head into Rialto Living, a beautiful lifestyle store set in a former theatre offering an exciting range of products from furniture to leather-bound notebooks and boutique designer labels. It also has a great little café, the perfect pit-stop to refuel.
The pedestrianised street of Calle Sant Miquel, leading off from Plaça Major, is one of Palma's main areas for shopping. Here you'll find familiar chains such as Mango and Pull & Bear as well as top brands from the Baleares. There are lots of eclectic, independent shops down narrow side streets so it's best to forget the map and follow your nose. If you're still hankering for more shops head to Avenida Jaume III where you'll find the popular Spanish department store, El Corte Inglés alongside even more high street names.
If you're looking for a place to start the day and enjoy some breakfast, then the picturesque neighbourhood of Santa Catalina is the perfect spot to begin a whirlwind tour of Palma. Time slows down as you breakfast in the sunshine on Calle Anibal, a charming street of brightly coloured facades and painted wooden shutters. There are plenty of breakfast options available in the area offering a typical Mallorcan breakfast consisting of 'café con leche', 'pan con tomate' or different types of 'ensaïmada'.
You could also head to El Mercat de Santa Catalina, Palma's oldest food market where you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the early market whilst enjoying a coffee, or if it takes your fancy, you can buy your own breakfast ingredients there and have a picnic at the nearby Parque de la Feixina.
Cappuccino Café - Palau March is an elegant café and restaurant in the heart of Palma, offering a refined spot to relax while exploring the city centre. Housed in a beautiful historic building, the venue combines classic charm with modern style, providing a welcoming space both indoors and on its terrace.
This lovely restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike and is situated in the heart of Mallorca close to the main shopping streets of San Miguel, Jamie II and Sindicato.
Rialto Cafe is based within Rialto Living, a designer store focussing on stylish and relaxed living. It is the perfect place for a relaxing break after a bit of retail therapy.
Housed in a striking colonial-style building at the edge of Palma’s trendy Santa Catalina district, this is a long-standing local favourite that blends good food, great views and a vibrant social scene. Having made its mark in recent years as one of the more sophisticated venues within the hip city district, its Sky Bar is undoubtedly a great choice in which to start your night. Just a few blocks from the island’s best-known food market, the kitchen makes the most of fresh, seasonal produce, creating a menu of healthy, flavourful dishes served from breakfast through to late dinner.
Cappuccino has a number of stylish cafes in Mallorca, some of which are housed in the most beautiful historic buildings. This branch is located in the heart of the city, right by the town hall and the Plaça's famous olive tree.
Cappuccino Café Borne is a stylish bistro in Palma, offering a light, airy interior and a large terrace. Open all day, it’s an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simply a coffee or cocktail after a morning of shopping or a day at the beach.
From Santa Catalina, it's a five-minute stroll to Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art where you'll find works by major artists including Picasso and Miró. It's well worth climbing the stairs up to the decked terrace beside the museum for a spectacular view of the 800-year-old Cathedral La Seu and the port.
Rialto Living is Palma's most famous interior design and concept store. Located right in the heart of the city, it has a small art gallery inside with temporary art exhibitions.
A wonderful 18th-century Baroque building with feature courtyard and decorative touches, Casal Solleric is now home to temporary exhibitions specialising in contemporary art and photography.
The Museu Fundación Juan March houses a small collection of 20th century Spanish art shich belonged to the Mallorcan banker Joan March, once one of the world's richest men.
Spain gets the theme-park treatment at this 'village' in the outskirts of Palma, where reproductions of famous buildings from Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid are gathered together with typical houses from the Spanish regions.
The Gran Hotel was Palma's first luxury hotel when it opened in 1903. Designed by the Catalan architect Lluis Domenech I Montaner, it was the building that began the craze for modernists (art nouveau) architecture in the city.
With twin turrets and an angel over the door, this 15th-century seafront building looks half-castle, half-church. In fact it is neither.
The wonderful thing about dining on tapas is that you can try out lots of different restaurants, not to mention countless flavours, in one evening. La Ruta Martiana is a popular tapas route that takes place in the Sa Gerreria neighbourhood every Tuesday. However, don't let arriving on a different day stop you indulging in one of the favourite rituals of the island.
La Vermutería De Can Cera offers a refined taste of Mallorca in the heart of Palma’s old town. Nestled within the courtyard of the elegant Can Cera boutique hotel, the restaurant blends Mediterranean flavours with a stylish, art-filled setting.
La Despensa del Barón, located in the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca, offers a true taste of the island’s gastronomy. Situated within the charming Posada Terra Santa, this Mediterranean restaurant goes beyond simple dining, inviting guests to connect with the local history, traditions, and ingredients sourced just a few kilometres away.
This gem of a restaurant is situated in Palma's old town. It has a simple yet charming interior as well as tables outside which are a popular choice on warm summer evenings.
La Paloma restaurant, nestled in the heart of La Lonja, Mallorca, offers a dining experience that combines history and flavour. Housed in a charming medieval building, the restaurant provides a unique setting where guests can enjoy the best of Spanish cuisine while surrounded by centuries of architectural heritage.
Bar and restaurant in a contemporary styled setting on C/Fabrica in trendy Santa Catalina.
Buscando el Norte is a charming tapas restaurant in the heart of Palma, offering a unique dining experience on bustling Calle San Miguel. Inspired by a quirky antique store filled with curious objects, the restaurant invites guests to escape the city’s rhythm and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Palma has a vibrant nightlife, however, many bars don't get animated until well after midnight so there's plenty of time for a show before the dancing starts. For an evening of entertainment check out the Teatre Principal where an assortment of shows take place. Alternatively, you'll find listings for ballets, plays and flamenco at the Auditorium on the Paseo Maritimo, which is where the main partying breaks out. Jazz lovers might be interested in visiting one of Palma’s jazz clubs.
Perhaps some cocktails could be on the cards before hitting the dance floor? Head to the Old town and once you are ready to throw some shapes on the dance floor direct yourself to the late-night bars and clubs dotted along the Paseo Maritimo.
Housed in a striking colonial-style building at the edge of Palma’s trendy Santa Catalina district, this is a long-standing local favourite that blends good food, great views and a vibrant social scene. Having made its mark in recent years as one of the more sophisticated venues within the hip city district, its Sky Bar is undoubtedly a great choice in which to start your night. Just a few blocks from the island’s best-known food market, the kitchen makes the most of fresh, seasonal produce, creating a menu of healthy, flavourful dishes served from breakfast through to late dinner.
Beatnik Bar and Restaurant, located in the heart of Palma at Purohotel, offers a globally inspired dining experience with a playful, adventurous edge. The menu blends bright Mediterranean flavours with exotic spices from Asia and Latin America, creating a fusion that is both fresh and exciting.
De Tokio a Lima Bar in Palma offers a relaxed rooftop experience with a focus on exceptional cocktails. Located above the iconic Paseo del Borne, the bar combines city views with a menu of drinks designed to impress. Each cocktail is carefully prepared using quality spirits, fresh ingredients, and inventive combinations that highlight flavour and balance.
A great traditional bar in the centre of Palma with a good selection of wines and beers.
Also popular with Palma's sailing community, this sports bar and pub is situated in Plaça de la Drassana, in the nightlife hub that is La Llonja.
Locally owned wine and tapas bar serving Mallorcan wines to be enjoyed with local produce.
Even with limited time in Palma, there is no need for a hasty lunch. There are plenty of options a short walk away from Passeig des Born. Our advice is to look out for boards announcing 'Menu del Día', a three-course menu which will cost between €9 and €30, including a bottle of wine.
Housed in a striking colonial-style building at the edge of Palma’s trendy Santa Catalina district, this is a long-standing local favourite that blends good food, great views and a vibrant social scene. Having made its mark in recent years as one of the more sophisticated venues within the hip city district, its Sky Bar is undoubtedly a great choice in which to start your night. Just a few blocks from the island’s best-known food market, the kitchen makes the most of fresh, seasonal produce, creating a menu of healthy, flavourful dishes served from breakfast through to late dinner.
La Vermutería De Can Cera offers a refined taste of Mallorca in the heart of Palma’s old town. Nestled within the courtyard of the elegant Can Cera boutique hotel, the restaurant blends Mediterranean flavours with a stylish, art-filled setting.
La Despensa del Barón, located in the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca, offers a true taste of the island’s gastronomy. Situated within the charming Posada Terra Santa, this Mediterranean restaurant goes beyond simple dining, inviting guests to connect with the local history, traditions, and ingredients sourced just a few kilometres away.
This gem of a restaurant is situated in Palma's old town. It has a simple yet charming interior as well as tables outside which are a popular choice on warm summer evenings.
Located inside the Sant Francesc Hotel, in Palma's old town, this restaurant serves gastronomic Mediterranean cuisine in their chic dining room or lush garden.
Adrián Quetglas Restaurant in Palma de Mallorca offers a modern, Mediterranean dining experience shaped by the chef’s international journey. Born in Buenos Aires to Majorcan roots, Adrián’s passion for the island and its cuisine began with his first job in Mallorca and was later enriched by a decade of experience in the competitive dining scene of Moscow, as well as time spent in London and Paris.
Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.
See allLatest News & ReviewsThe island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.
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