How to organize the day in Palma
Palma is a city that is easy to explore on foot: the old town, the Catedral, the Palau March and the Ayuntamiento are just a few minutes apart from each other, and from there the seafront promenade leads straight to the port. The key to making the most of a single day is to start early at the Catedral, have lunch in the old town, devote the afternoon to a panoramic view (the Castillo de Bellver or the sea) and save the evening for tapas and some music. Those traveling with children can swap the castle for the Aquarium, which is on the outskirts but is worth the whole afternoon.
Morning: old town and Catedral de La Seu
The essential starting point is the Catedral de Mallorca, known as La Seu, with its Gothic facade facing the sea and an interior remodeled by Gaudí in the early 20th century, featuring the large iron canopy over the altar and the stained-glass windows that tint the stone with color at midday. It's worth buying tickets online to avoid queues, especially during high season. Around it, the Palacio de la Almudaina, the Plaza de Cort with the Ayuntamiento and the alleys of Ca la Gran Cristiana make up a more than complete walk for one morning, with stops at a bakery to try a freshly made ensaimada.
Guided Walking Tour of Palma Old Town including Cathedral VisitCheck availability →Palau March, art and views over the Catedral
Two minutes from the Catedral, on Calle Palau Reial, the Palau March is a former residence of the March family turned into a museum, with sculptures by Rodin, Moore and Chillida scattered across the terrace and an 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene inside. The rooftop offers one of the best views of Palma, with the Catedral and the bay in the background, and it's a short stop that fits perfectly between the visit to La Seu and lunch.
Palma: Palau March admission ticket. Art, heritage & viewsCheck availability →Afternoon with views: the Castillo de Bellver
The Castillo de Bellver is one of the few circular castles in Europe and is surrounded by pine forest, about 3 km from the center (reachable by city bus or on a roughly 30-40 minute uphill walk). From its walls you can see the whole Bahía de Palma from one side to the other, and the visit itself around the courtyard and towers takes little more than an hour. It's a perfect alternative in the mid-afternoon for those who prefer history and panoramic views over the beach.
An alternative on the sea: catamaran around the Bahía de Palma
If the plan is to swap the asphalt for the sea, setting out by catamaran from the port of Palma is the most comfortable way to see the city, the Catedral and the Castillo de Bellver from the water in a couple of hours, with a swim stop included on most departures. It's an especially good option in the late afternoon, as the sun starts to set over the bay.
Experience the magic of Palma Bay on a catamaran cruiseCheck availability →With children: Palma Aquarium
If the group is traveling with young children, the Palma Aquarium (in the Can Pastilla area, next to the beach) can replace both the Castillo de Bellver and the catamaran: it has the deepest shark tunnel in Europe, more than 8,000 marine specimens and interactive areas designed to spend the whole afternoon there.
Evening in Palma: tapas and flamenco in the old town
To end the day, the old town between Plaza Mayor and Santa Catalina has the city's best selection of tapas bars and terraces, ideal for hopping from one place to another without settling down for dinner in just one. Those who want to finish with something more of a show have the option of a flamenco tablao right in the center, with dinner and live music.
Palma: Pure Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco AlmaCheck availability →Practical tips for the day
- The Catedral is closed on Sundays: if visiting that day, you'll need to reorganize the route starting with the Palau March or the Castillo de Bellver, which are open.
- Booking the Catedral ticket online saves queues, especially between May and October.
- The old town can be covered entirely on foot; for the Castillo de Bellver or the Aquarium, the city bus or a short taxi ride is best.
- The Castillo de Bellver is free on Sundays, a good option if the day's budget is tight.
- Wear comfortable footwear: the streets in the center are cobbled and there are slopes toward Bellver and some stretches of the old town.