Palma is a bit of a trickster. You land, you see the massive sandstone cathedral looming over the water, and you think, "Okay, I get it." But honestly, most people just do the 'big three'—the church, the palace, and the shopping street—and then wonder why everyone raves about this place so much.
If you want to know what to visit in Palma de Mallorca without feeling like you’re stuck in a postcard factory, you’ve gotta look at the city as a series of layers. It’s a Roman settlement buried under a Moorish capital, wrapped in a Gothic fortress, and currently being overtaken by some of the best fusion chefs in the Mediterranean.
The Cathedral "La Seu" (And the Trick to Seeing It)
Look, you can’t skip the Cathedral. It’s huge. It’s 44 meters high inside, which makes it one of the tallest Gothic naves in the world. But here’s what most people get wrong: they show up at noon when the sun is harsh and the cruise ship crowds are at their peak.
If you’re visiting in 2026, you should aim for a very specific phenomenon. Twice a year, on February 2nd and November 11th, the "Vuit de la Seu" happens. Around 8:00 AM, the morning sun hits the massive rose window just right, projecting a perfect figure-eight of colored light onto the opposite wall. It’s basically magic. Even if you aren't there for those specific dates, always book the terrace access. Standing on the roof of a 14th-century cathedral while looking out over the Bay of Palma is probably the single best view in the city.
The interior had a massive facelift by Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s. It’s kinda weird—you’ll see these modernist wrought-iron details mixed with ancient stone. Most recently, Miquel Barceló added a contemporary ceramic mural in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. It’s polarizing. Some locals hate it; others think it’s a masterpiece.
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Beyond the Palace Walls
Right next door is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. It’s the official residence of the King of Spain when he’s in town, though they usually stay at Marivent Palace down the road.
The vibe here is very "Moorish-fortress-meets-Christian-kings." You’ve got these incredibly ornate tapestries hanging in rooms where Islamic emirs once held court. If you’re into history, it’s a must. If you aren't, at least walk through the S’Hort del Rei gardens just below it. It’s a public park with fountains and sculptures that feels ten degrees cooler than the rest of the city on a July afternoon.
Why You Should Hike to Bellver Castle
Most cities have a castle. Palma has a round one. Castell de Bellver is one of the only circular Gothic castles in Europe.
It’s about 3 kilometers from the center. You could take the bus, but honestly, walking up through the pine forest (the Bosque de Bellver) is half the fun. It’s where the locals go to jog and let their dogs run.
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- The History: It was a royal summer home, then a prison.
- The View: 360-degree views. You can see the whole city, the harbor, and the Tramuntana mountains.
- 2026 Update: They often host classical concerts in the central courtyard during summer nights. If you can snag a ticket for one of those, do it.
The Real Soul: Santa Catalina and Sa Gerreria
If you spend all your time in the Casco Antiguo (Old Town), you're seeing the "museum" version of Palma. To see where people actually live and eat, head to Santa Catalina.
It used to be a fisherman's village. Now? It’s basically the Soho of Mallorca. The Mercat de Santa Catalina is the place to go for breakfast. Don't look for a fancy sit-down spot; just find a stall selling ensaïmadas (the local spiral pastry) and a coffee.
Then there’s Sa Gerreria. It’s an old artisan district that’s become the hub for "Ruta Martiana." Every Tuesday night, the bars in this neighborhood offer a caña (small beer) and a pincho (snack) for a few euros. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s the most authentic Palma experience you’ll get.
Hidden Courtyards and Arab Baths
The Old Town is a maze. Seriously, put your phone away and just get lost. You’ll eventually stumble upon the Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths). They’re tiny. It takes maybe ten minutes to see them. But they’re one of the few surviving remnants of the Moorish city of Medina Mayurqa. The garden there is incredibly peaceful.
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While you're walking, peek into the open doorways of the grand houses. Palma is famous for its patios (aristocratic courtyards). Look for Can Vivot or Can Oleza. These aren't museums; people still live there, but many leave their heavy wooden doors open so you can admire the marble columns and ironwork from the street.
Things to Keep in Mind for 2026
If you’re planning a trip, keep an eye on the calendar for August 12, 2026. There is a total solar eclipse that will be visible from Palma. The city is going to be absolutely packed, so if you're coming for that, book your stuff now.
Also, the dining scene is shifting. Everyone used to go to the Paseo Marítimo for dinner, but lately, the "it" spots are further inland. El Camino is still the legendary spot for tapas—it’s got this insanely long bar—but you might also want to try Bondo Cocina for something more low-key and Argentinian-inspired.
Practical Steps for Your Visit:
- Book Cathedral tickets online: Do not wait in the sun for an hour. Use the skip-the-line option with terrace access.
- Stay in a Boutique Hotel: The city has seen a surge in converted palaces. Check out places like Ocho Suites or Can Bordoy.
- Rent a Bike: The promenade from Palma to Portixol is about 16km of flat, seaside bliss. It’s the best way to see the coastline without a car.
- Ditch the Sundays: Most of the local markets and even the Cathedral’s cultural visits are closed on Sundays. Plan your big sightseeing for mid-week.
Palma isn't just a stopover on the way to the beach. It’s a city that rewards the people who are willing to walk an extra block past the souvenir shops. Get away from the main square, find a courtyard with a lemon tree, and just sit for a second. That's when you'll actually find what you're looking for.