Essential Palma de Mallorca Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Palma de Mallorca is more than a sunny island capital. Set beside a brilliant Mediterranean bay, the city brings together Roman foundations, Islamic heritage, Gothic architecture, and a relaxed modern lifestyle within a compact, walkable center. Its atmosphere shifts effortlessly from a lively waterfront to quiet lanes lined with stone courtyards.

A City Shaped by Many Civilizations

Palma began as the Roman settlement of Palmaria Palmensis in 123 BC. It later became an important Muslim city known as Madina Mayurqa, whose Islamic walls, irrigation systems, and street patterns still influence the Old Town.

After the Christian conquest in 1229, churches, palaces, and fortified buildings transformed the city. This layered history remains visible throughout Palma, where different architectural traditions stand side by side.

The Best Historic Landmarks in Palma

The landmark most travelers associate with Palma is La Seu, the immense Gothic cathedral overlooking the harbor. Nearby, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina preserves the form of an earlier Islamic fortress.

Other notable places to see in Palma de Mallorca include:

• Bellver Castle, a circular fortress rising above the city with sweeping views across Palma and the sea
• The atmospheric Arab Baths
• The medieval churches of Sant Nicolau and Santa Eulalia
• La Llotja, the former merchants’ exchange
• The elegant modernist façade of the Gran Hotel

Together, these landmarks reveal the city’s Roman, Islamic, medieval, Gothic, and modernist influences.

Exploring Palma’s Old Town

Exploring the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Palma. Narrow passages open onto peaceful plazas, artisan boutiques, galleries, cafés, and shaded patios built from warm local sandstone.

The historic center is compact and walkable, making it easy to experience Palma’s architectural character at a relaxed pace. Around each corner, monumental buildings are accompanied by quieter details, from stone courtyards to atmospheric lanes.

Waterfront Life and Mediterranean Atmosphere

Along the waterfront, promenades and marinas connect Palma’s historic core with its contemporary dining and nightlife scene. This creates a natural transition between the city’s monumental past and its relaxed modern lifestyle.

For travelers deciding what to see in Palma de Mallorca, the city’s appeal lies in this balance. Monumental history is always close to sea air, island cuisine, and unhurried street life. That combination gives Palma its distinctive charm and makes it a rewarding introduction to Mallorca.