The old town of Palma de Mallorca: sights and hotels

The capital of Mallorca is next to dream beaches, full of modern restaurants and chic hotels. Those who take the time to stroll through the idyllic streets in addition to visiting the popular sights like Palma's cathedral will discover fragrant orange trees, lovingly restored mansions and charming shops. If you stay in a hotel with sea views and typical Mallorcan interiors, you’re sure to have an unforgettable holiday.

Landmarks of Palma's old town

The medieval old town of Palma has much to offer. Many of the city's sights are located in the Casco Antiguo (old town) neighbourhood and its surroundings. Among these you will find the famous cathedral, or “Seu” in Catalan, the Es Baluard museum and the Almudaina royal castle.

You can spot the cathedral, the landmark of the city, from afar. The sandstone construction is one of the tallest Gothic buildings in Europe. For those who like to shop, the Golden Mile, which includes the popular Passeig del Born and is located very close to the cathedral, is a good place to go.

Apart from the famous sights, you should definitely take the time to simply wander through the alleys and let the things you encounter around every corner be a surprise. You will be charmed by the architecturally delightful balconies, the beautifully designed fountains and the medieval squares.

And, of course, you should not miss out on the popular city beaches. The closest to the city centre is the Platja de Can Pere Antoni. You can also stroll, jog or cycle along the promenade.

All the sights in Palma's old town at a glance

• La Seu Cathedral and Parc de la Mar
• Almudaina Royal Castle
• Golden Mile including the Passeig del Born for shopping
• City beach Platja de Can Pere Antoni and promenade

Culture and museums in Palma

We always recommend a visit to one of the many museums and galleries in the city – and not only on rainy days. Contemporary art, old books and modern sculptures: Palma's museums offer a comprehensive selection for art lovers and those interested in culture.

The Almudaina royal castle is a must-see for those interested in the city's architecture and culture. The Arab baths, which date back to the 10th century and are reminiscent of the time of the Moors in Mallorca, are also worth a visit. Also worthwhile are the characteristic mansions. Many have been restored and are now boutique hotels.

• Es Baluard: the museum of contemporary art
• Calle San Miguel: the museum of modern Spanish art
• Palau March: former mansion full of art, sculptures and antique books
• Almudaina royal castle
• Arab Baths: banys àrabs
• Characteristic mansions, some of which have been converted into hotels

Shopping in Palma de Mallorca

The Golden Mile is the ideal place for all of those who want to update their wardrobe while on holiday. The popular Passeig del Born is also part of it. Nearby is the Avenida de Jaime III, where you will find shops of well-known luxury designer brands. For those who prefer more alternative stores, the city centre also offers vintage shops, boutiques with vegan fashion and fair trade goods.

Lovers of antique furniture or old bookshops will also be spoilt for choice. The best strategy is to just walk around the city and be surprised by the many small shops.

The Mercat de Santa Catalina< is a particularly nice grocery market. Palma's oldest food market has everything your belly might desire: from meat and fish to fruit and vegetables.

Restaurants in Palma de Mallorca

Palma has some of the best restaurants in Mallorca. Whether a typical Spanish tapas bar, Mallorcan cuisine, modern Mediterranean food or exclusive restaurants with a Michelin star: in the old town of Palma there is something for every taste and every pocket.

Near the old town is the popular neighbourhood of Santa Catalina, with countless modern restaurants and stylish bars. The former fisherman's quarter has developed into a modern trendy district in which tradition and modernity merge. In addition to bars and restaurants, you will find trendy boutiques, traditional houses in bright colours, and old windmills; the perfect combination of shopping, food and sightseeing. If you love the nightlife, you will feel at home in La Lonja or in the very nearby Ballermann 6.

Old town hotels

In Palma de Mallorca there is the right hotel for everyone, be it a luxury boutique hotel in one of Palma's historic mansions, a trendy design hotel, or a modern apartment. However, you will mainly find small city hotels, especially in the old town.

Hotels and accommodations with a roof terrace and sea views are especially popular. The tastefully furnished rooms of the hotels, the typical Mallorcan decor and the attention to detail show that the owners strive to offer their guests an excellent experience.

Events in Palma's old town

The event centres in the old town of Palma are the Parc de la Mar, the Plaça Major and the Passeig del Born. The fireworks on Sant Sebastian and Sant Joan against the backdrop of the cathedral are quite spectacular. In addition, most of Palma's neighbourhoods have their own local festival with street concerts, barbecue specialties and Mallorcan folk dance.

A visit to the Mallorcan capital is also worthwhile on public and popular holidays, be it during carnival in February, the Easter processions in April, or midnight mass on Christmas Eve. You don't have to wait for the peak summer season to pay Palma a visit.

In addition to the numerous musical events and festivals in the city, there are also regular gastronomic events and international sporting events. Palma also has a lot to offer for theatre, opera and ballet fans – events which can be wonderfully combined with a visit to the sights. It’s a smart idea to choose a hotel near the event you want to attend.

The sights of the capital of Mallorca: impressive regardless of the season

The capital of Mallorca attracts numerous visitors every year. With good reason, since Palma's old town is full of Mediterranean flair, sights such as the La Seu cathedral, hip restaurants, chic hotels and loads of variety. Near the city centre you will find the city beach Playa de Can Pere Antonio, so you can perfectly combine culture, entertainment and beach holidays. If you want to party, the famous nightclub Ballermann 6 is just a stone's throw away.