There’s a hidden gem right in the heart of Palma’s historic center that most travelers overlook.
If you stroll slowly along its cobblestone streets and look closely at a large stone gate, you’ll discover a hidden treasure that has been part of the island’s living history for centuries. But don’t worry—I’ll reveal exactly what it is and how to find it a little later in this article.
Palma is a beautiful city, full of castles, beaches with crystal-clear waters, and spots with a unique charm. If you’re planning your trip and want to know everything there is to see in Palma de Mallorca, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we offer a clear, straightforward, and easy-to-follow guide to help you discover the best things to see in Palma de Mallorca without missing a thing.
Must-see monuments and sights in downtown Palma
The city center is perfect for exploring on foot. Almost all the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, including three spectacular buildings that you absolutely must visit.
The Cathedral of Santa María (La Seu): The iconic landmark facing the sea
This Gothic cathedral is so impressive and tall that it seemsit’s watching over the entire seaside promenade. It is the great icon of the island of Mallorca. The most beautiful feature of its interior is its main rose window, a giant circular window made of thousands of stained-glass panes.
When the morning sun streams through it, the entire temple is filled with magical reflections that will leave you speechless.
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the Gardens of s’Hort del Rei
It is located right next to the cathedral. This palace is a historic fortified building where the kings of Mallorca resided many centuries ago. From the outside, it looks like a strong defensive castle, and inside it hides some beautiful courtyards. On the lower level are the Jardines de s’Hort del Rei, a spot with fountains, sculptures, and trees where you can relax in the shade completely for free.
Bellver Castle: Unique in Spain for its circular layout
To visit this castle, you’ll have to travel a bit away from the city center and climb to the top of a wooded hill. It’s a truly special and unique fortress in Spain because it’s completely round.
There are almost no round castles in the whole world!
From the highest point of the terrace, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city, the port, and the bay—the perfect spot for taking amazing photos.
Strolls, culture, and charm in the Old Town
To experience the true essence of the capital, the best thing to do is to wander aimlessly through its pedestrian areas. It’s one of the most highly recommended ways to what to do in Palma de Mallorca to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere at a leisurely pace.
The Fish Market and Palma’s lively boardwalk
La Lonja is a masterpiece of Gothic civil architecture where merchants of old used to gather to conduct their business.
The interior will surprise you with its towering spiral columns that open up toward the ceiling, resembling stone palm trees. When you step outside, you can stroll along the seafront promenade, a long, winding path lined with palm trees, boats, and lively establishments.
The Tour of Traditional Mallorcan Patios
Do you remember the big secret I mentioned at the beginning of the article? It’s about traditional Mallorcan patios.
The old town is home to dozens of historic mansions that conceal these wonderful interiors.
Many gates are open, allowing you to peek inside for free from the sidewalk itself. These are very quiet spots, decorated with plants, columns, and stone arches that will transport you back in time.
Shopping along Paseo del Borne and San Miguel Street
If you feel like taking a stroll and window-shopping, Paseo del Borne is a wide, elegant avenue lined with large trees that provide pleasant shade. If you’re looking for more traditional shops, Calle San Miguel is a pedestrian street perfect for browsing local stores and picking up a souvenir of your trip.
Go at your own pace: Explore the area around Palma by car
If you limit yourself to visiting only the city center of Palma, you’ll be missing out on much of the island’s charm.
Mallorca is quite large, and public transportation doesn’t easily reach its wildest natural areas. For this reason, the best way to explore with complete freedom is to have your own vehicle.
When you land on the island, you can pick up your car directly at our facilities at Mallorca Airport with K10 Mobility. By avoiding middlemen and shared rides, you won’t be tied to fixed schedules and can comfortably store all your luggage in the trunk.
Nearby coves and charming villages just a few miles away
Thanks to the flexibility your rental car offers, you can take spectacular day trips starting from Palma:
- Valldemossa and Deià: Charming villages nestled in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana, with meticulously maintained cobblestone streets lined with flowers.
- Paradise-like beaches: You can head out to spend the day at beaches with white sand and spectacular turquoise waters, such as Es Trenc or Cala Mondragó.
- Andratx and Portals Nous: Perfect for visiting marinas and enjoying a lovely Mediterranean dinner while watching the sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Palma de Mallorca
How long does it take to see the main sights in Palma?
If you’re wondering what to see in Palma de Mallorca in one day, you should know that one day is enough time to visit the main highlights in this guide: stroll through the Old Town, visit the Cathedral, take photos of the Almudaina Palace, and climb up to Bellver Castle. However, we suggest setting aside a few more days of your vacation so you can take your time exploring the villages and coves on the rest of the island.
Where is the best place to park a rental car in the city center?
Finding free street parking in the heart of Palma is a challenge, as most streets are pedestrian-only or have metered parking zones. To save time and avoid unnecessary driving around, the most practical option is to drive directly to public paid underground parking garages, such as the one at Plaza Mayor or the one on Avenida de Antoni Maura (next to the Cathedral).
Can you drive into the historic district, or are there restrictions (ACIRE)?
You must pay very close attention to this point while driving. The historic center of Palma has restricted traffic areas known as ACIRE. These streets are monitored by security cameras that photograph license plates and only allow access to authorized resident vehicles. If you accidentally drive into an ACIRE zone with your rental car, you will be fined, so we recommend paying close attention to the signs before turning onto narrow streets.
Palma de Mallorca is a fantastic destination that perfectly balances a rich architectural heritage with magical spots. Plan your itinerary in advance, take a leisurely stroll through its historic neighborhoods to discover its hidden courtyards, and trust K10 Mobility to find the ideal rental car with coverage you need. That way, your only concern will be enjoying every mile of your adventure on the island.
