12 essentials: what to see and do in the city of Palma (Mallorca) in 1 or 2 days

If there is a destination in Spain which in recent decades has benefited from the great tourist boom of our country those are the Balearic islands, and in particular, Mallorca.

But beyond the attractiveness of its beaches and coves and the great festive atmosphere that is experienced during the most holiday seasons, our recent trip to the island of Mallorca has had a different objective.

The reason was to discover the attractions of the island's capital, Palma de Mallorca (until very recently known as Palma de Mallorca) as a destination to make a cultural getaway at any time of the year, and not exactly in summer.

And at the outset I will tell you that we loved it, because although we had good expectations, they have been clearly exceeded.

Tips for visiting Palma de Mallorca

After this trip, below I am going to leave you our best tips for visiting Palma de Mallorca in a cultural getaway.

This information will also be useful if you are going to visit Palma in one day during the stopover of a cruise.

How to get to Palma in Mallorca

One of the great advantages of the aforementioned tourist boom of this island is that for get to Palma de Mallorca you have numerous air connections from the main Spanish cities.

And also from the most remote European airports.

If you arrive by plane, don't be surprised to find a large airport terminal, which is explained with the fact that the airport of the island of Mallorca It is the one with the most passenger traffic among those in Spain, only surpassed by Madrid and Barcelona.

Therefore this facilitates the possibility of finding a good connection at any time of the year to make a city ​​break In this city.

But also, if you visit to Palma You want to fit it into a longer stay on the island, and if possible, you like to travel with your own car, you also have the option of use the ferries that connect it from places like Barcelona, ​​Valencia or Denia.

How to get from the airport to Palma de Mallorca

For go from the airport to the center of Palma you have the option of the line city ​​bus 1, which from the airport passes through the center and ends at the Port.

This bus has a frequency service every 13-15 minutes and the price of the bill it is 5 euros.

Here you can consult the Palma de Mallorca airport bus schedules.

You also have the option of taxi, a service for which you will have to pay about 20 euros when transferring to the center of Palma.

What to see and do when visiting Palma in Mallorca

When visiting the city, there are several areas of it where you are going to move, the main one being the historic center that is located on the hill known as High Palm.

You should also walk through the old fishing neighborhood of Santa Catalina that extends around the Slice, as well as the promenade and port area.

You should also go to enclaves further away from the center such as the Bellver Castle or Marivent Palace Gardens.

And finally, you will surely walk through the commercial axis that makes up the Born Avenue and Jaume III street, at the foot of the historic center, where the establishments of the most luxurious brands are concentrated.

Seu Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca

The heritage heart of Palma de Mallorca It is configured by its imposing Gothic cathedral that looks at the sea together with him Royal Palace of Almudaina.

La Cathedral Seu de Palma It is an imposing building that will catch your attention due to its high location overlooking the sea, and in fact it is the only Gothic cathedral that exists on the seashore.

I can tell you that you will be impressed by the dimensions of its central nave, the second tallest among European Gothic cathedrals.

Almudaina Royal Palace in Palma de Mallorca

El Royal Palace of Almudaina It is located in front of the main façade of the cathedral and has its origins in a Muslim fortress from 1281.

It was headquarters of mallorcan kingdom from the 14th century and later became the headquarters Kingdom of Aragon, and is currently the official headquarters of the Royal House for ceremonies and events during your summer holidays in Mallorca.

Sea Park in Palma de Mallorca

At the foot of the cathedral and royal palace is the one known as Sea Park, which was designed with the purpose of maintaining the image of the cathedral next to the sea in the face of the need to gain ground from the latter.

Historic center in Palma Alta

From this area, which is characterized by the preserved sections of the old city wall, you will enter the historic center towards the Plaza Mayor of Palma.

In the narrow streets through which you will walk you will be able to see beautiful corners, and above all you must look at the patios of the old stately homes of the city, which are recovering little by little.

Stately homes in Palma Alta

As a curious fact you should know that in the 19th century in the High Palm there were up to 600 manor houses, and currently about 60 remain, some of which are occupied by urban hotels that are emerging in the city, restaurants, shops or art galleries.

One of the most beautiful patios in this area of ​​the historic center is that of Can Vivot.

When you reach the Santa Eulalia square You will find the place where there was one of the first mosques in Palma, a space now occupied by a church.

In the Town Hall Square the center of attention of tourists is a big olive tree which is 600 years old, which has been installed there for about 25 years when it was given to the city by its owner.

Centenary olive tree in Palma City Hall square

Also to note that in the very commercial St. Michael's Street, near the Plaza Mayor, you find the church of san miguel which stands out for its circular plan.

And also don't forget to look out to see the Cloister of San Antonio which opens in a historic building that is now owned by BBVA.

Rialto Living in Palma de Mallorca

On the way to the old Sailor's quarter of Palma, on your walk through the commercial hubs of the Born Avenue and Jaume III street it should be noted Rialto Living, an old manor house, which was also a cinema and theater.

It now houses this interesting and exclusive decoration and design center which you will surely be tempted to visit, and which is the main exponent of what is known as Golden Mile by luxurious shops that extend through said commercial hubs.

Fishing neighborhood of Palma de Mallorca

The old Fisherman's Quarter of the city, known as It's Jonquet o Santa Catalina, in recent years it has been experiencing a recovery process because it was a very depressed area.

Now it is a corner of the city where boutique hotels or art galleries are emerging, and where you can also see beautiful patios of stately homes like those of Canis Minor o Can Salas Burgués (what was the most expensive house in Palma).

Or also that of Can Montenegro, a Renaissance-style patio with baroque elements.

The heritage center of this area of ​​the city is the Slice, a building that was a meeting place for merchants, and during the War of independence a barracks and cannon factory.

The Lonja of Palma de Mallorca

From the mid-14th century, its enormous helical columns will remind you of the Valencia Silk Exchange.

Behind the Lonja is the building of the old Consulate of the Sea, current headquarters of Balearic Government.

The square where the Lonja is located and its surroundings is now a lively area for tapas during the day and entertainment at night.

Following the promenade you get to It is Baluard, an old fortification converted into Contemporary Art Museum, where the very lively terrace of the café-restaurant stands out with beautiful views of the port and the aforementioned promenade.

Bellver Castle in Palma de Mallorca

Another essential visit in your cultural getaway to Palma de Mallorca is Bellver Castle.

It is a curious fortification built in the year 1300 located on top of a hill in front of the port of Palma, with an original circular floor plan and four towers around a central circular patio.

From this castle you have the best panoramic views of Palma de Mallorca, its port and the bay.

You can get to Bellver by tourist bus.

Gardens of the Marivent Palace in Palma de Mallorca

A little further from the center you have the Marivent Palace Gardens.

This palace is the Royal residence during the summer holidays Kings of Spain and his family, and although you cannot visit it, you can walk through its gardens where you can see some sculptures of Joan Miró.

Miró Mallorca Foundation in Palma de Mallorca

Precisely near this palace it is worth visiting the headquarters of the Miró Mallorca Foundation, located in the place where the great contemporary artist spent the last years of his life.

In addition to the museum, you can visit Son Boter, the 18th century mansion house where the artist made sketches of great works, which can be seen on its walls.

For get to Marivent and the Miró museum You can go on municipal bus lines 46, 3 and 20 and also on the tourist bus, although in the latter case the frequency is very limited.

You also have the option of taxi from the center and it will cost you about 7 euros.

What to eat and where in Palma de Mallorca

As you can imagine, the gastronomy It is another outstanding attraction of a getaway to Palma in the Majorca island.

During it you can taste the Mediterranean gastronomy, with fresh local fish as the main protagonists.

Where to buy Mallorcan ensaimadas

But also diverse specialties of the Balearic Islands, such as the sobrassada or the delicious Mallorcan ensaimadas.

In this regard Can Joan de s'Aigo It is the place that has the reputation of serving the best ensaimadas in Palma, which continue to be made by hand.

In Palma you find a varied offer of Mallorcan cuisine restaurants, and a piece of advice is that you should also visit the main market in the city, the Olive grove, a visit always recommended when visiting cities.

Where to sleep in Palma de Mallorca

Looking ahead to your getaway, the offer of hotel establishments in Palma It is very big, and you have everything from large and luxurious hotels to small ones. boutique hotels that are establishing themselves in the oldest neighborhoods.

Tours and excursions in Palma and the island of Mallorca

Si tu visit of Palma If you want to extend it with a longer stay at the ranch, it will surely be useful for you to know these excursions in Mallorca which you can sign up for.

In the city you have from tour bus ride until the guided tour of the Tour of mysteries and legends of Palma, but you may also be interested in excursions to different places on the island or the boat travel o nautical activities that can be done.