Things to do in Palma

Palma is a city for walking. You can see the old town in a morning: Mallorca Cathedral, La Seu, rising over the sea, the Almudaina palace beside it, the courtyards of the old mansions and the narrow streets running down to La Llotja and the Born. Along the way there are bakeries that have been there for generations, like Horno Santo Cristo, where people buy ensaïmadas to take away, and small bars such as Bodega Morey, a few steps from the cathedral.

Beyond the historic centre, Palma is its neighbourhoods. Santa Catalina, with its market and restaurants, is the old fishermen's quarter; in Pere Garau or on Carrer d'Andrea Doria, Palma locals eat out, and Bar Taxi, with its variat, is a good example. Bellver Castle looks over the bay from a pine wood, and the seafront promenade takes you on foot or by bike to Portixol and Ciutat Jardí, with beaches and fish restaurants.

There's plenty of art too: CaixaForum in the former Gran Hotel, and galleries such as Pelaires in the old town. At sunset, a rooftop such as Sky Bar Hotel Saratoga, then dinner, from Mallorcan cooking to tables like Zaranda.

Getting there

The airport is about 15–20 minutes from the centre by car or taxi, and the EMT airport bus goes to Plaça d'Espanya, home to the Estació Intermodal for trains and TIB buses. If you drive, be careful: the centre is a low emission zone and many old-town streets are ACIRE zones, with cameras and fines. Leave the car in a public car park and walk in.

When to go

March to June and September to November, when it's pleasantly warm and less crowded. In summer, see the old town early in the morning or at sunset; it gets packed on cruise ship days. The Olivar and Santa Catalina markets open in the mornings, Monday to Saturday. 20 January is Sant Sebastià, the city's patron saint, with festivities across town.