LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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HOW TO SPEND ONE WONDERFUL DAY IN PALMA DE MALLORCA: OUR PICKS.

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A day in Palma offers just a peak behind the curtain of the city, enough to spark curiosity and perhaps a promise to return. Despite being a capital, it never feels overwhelming or overloaded with things to do and it is a very walkable city.

That said, it does have its share of tourist traps quietly waiting in the wings. So when planning your day, it is worth being intentional about where you spend your time and energy, and what you can happily skip.

In this guide, you will find our favourite ways to get a true taste of Palma, sometimes quite literally, without ever feeling rushed.

Is one day in Palma enough?

Honestly, no. It is not enough. Palma is a city with lots of layers and plenty to entertain a longer stay.

But as every traveller knows, sometimes a single day is all you have. And in the case, it is enough to feel its rhythm.

With one day in Palma de Mallorca, you can take in its most striking sights, wander the old town’s sun streets, and settle briefly into its unhurried pace.

The key is not to do everything. Pick a few places that genuinely draw you in, leave space between them, and allow time to pause for a coffee or a glass of something cold.

Morning

COFFEE

I don’t know about you, but absolutely the first thing I want to do in a new city, is grab a lovely cup of coffee and watch the world go by for a bit. A chance to decompress after a flight and ponder the day ahead.

If you’re staying in central Palma, consider Café la Lonja (indoors) or Bar Cafe Coto (outdoors). Or in Santa Catalina head for quirky joint Edibles (cinnamon roll consumption is basically mandatory.)

PALMA CATHEDRAL

Palma Cathedral (La Seu) is a real showstopper and not something we would ever suggest skipping. It rises above the waterfront in all its towering, slightly quirky grandeur and is one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in Europe.

Even from the outside, it is worth taking your time to circle it. The walk along the waterfront offers some of the best aspects in the city.

Inside, it becomes even more impressive. Look out for the subtle yet striking touches by Antoni Gaudí, the vast stained glass window known as the “Eye of the Gothic”, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, and the modern intervention by Miquel Barceló that adds a surprising contemporary layer.

Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the door, though it does get busy, so allow yourself time to experience it properly.

CASTILLO DE BELLVER

If the cathedral is not calling, or you simply want a change of pace, head up to Castell de Bellver instead.

It is one of the few circular castles in Europe and sits just outside the city centre, surrounded by pine forest. The views over Palma Bay are especially beautiful in the morning light when everything feels calm and unhurried. Admission is €4 if you want to enter.

The walk up takes around 15 minutes, but it is located to the west of Palma. If time is tight, a taxi up and a slow walk around the castle grounds is more than enough to take it in.

Afternoon

FOOD TOUR

If there is one thing we always recommend when time is short, it is a food tour. It gives you context, flavour and direction all at once, plus a local guide who brings the city alive.

Mallorcan cuisine is not just Spanish food. It has its own identity, ingredients and its own beloved traditions.

We joined a tour with No Frills Excursions and it turned into a highlight of the trip. There were more stops than we could comfortably count: convent baked cookies, traditional ensaïmada from one of Palma’s oldest serveries, empanadas, sobrasada and wine from a tiny island vineyard.

In short, it was generous, delicious, fun and absolutely worth it.

If you prefer something lighter, a budget friendly walking tour is also a great way to explore the city with context.

MERCARDO DEL OLIVAR

If a full food tour feels like too much, head instead to Mercado del Olivar.

Of all the indoor markets we have visited, this one sits comfortably near the top. It is lively, especially around lunchtime, even on weekdays, and strikes a perfect balance between local life and curious visitors.

Take your time wandering the stalls first, then settle at one of the counters for a bite and a glass of something cold. It is informal, unfussy and very Palma.

ART GALLERIES

The one way that Palma really surprised us, was the art scene. You don’t need days to enjoy it, nor did you need to spend a fortune. Here are some suggestions:

• Casal Solleric: always free, often contemporary exhibitions in a beautiful historic palace
• Fundació Joan March: small but thoughtful modern art collection, also free. You can even find pieces by Moro, Dali and other famous Spanish artists here.
• Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma: the most significant modern art museum in the city, with sea views from the terrace
• Museu de Mallorca: for a deeper historical perspective in a beautiful setting.

SHOPPING

Palma is full of charming streets lined with independent boutiques, especially in the old town. You’ll find everything from handcrafted jewellery to relaxed Mediterranean fashion.

Focus your wandering around Carrer de Sant Feliu, Passeig del Born, and the surrounding lanes. Carrer de Sant Nicolau hosts some of the most tantalising store fronts.

Evening

TAPAS & WINE

You’ve got two great options depending on the mood you want:

Santa Catalina
A buzzy neighbourhood full of bars, small restaurants, and locals out for tapas and drinks. It’s relaxed, social, and ideal if you want a slightly more modern Palma feel.

OR central Palma classics
Stay closer to the old town and head for spots like:

• La Rosa Vermuteria & Colmado: excellent vermouth and small plates
• Bar España: lively, traditional tapas spot with a loyal local following
• El Camino: modern tapas with a slightly more polished feel.

Getting to Palma from the airport

Palma’s airport is just a short distance from the city, making arrival refreshingly straightforward. A taxi will take around 15–20 minutes depending on traffic and drops you right into the centre, which is often the easiest option if you’re short on time.

There’s also a regular airport bus that runs into the city, stopping near the port and old town. If you’re planning to explore more of the island, hiring a car from the airport can be worthwhile, though for a single day in Palma itself, having one would be a hindrance.

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Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

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*Our experience with nofrills excursions was gifted. All opinions are our own.

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