If you are going to visit the island of Mallorca this summer, take the opportunity to visit the balearic capital. We will show you the best places to visit in the city of Palma de Mallorca: monuments, museums, neighborhoods, castles… Get ready to live a unique experience!

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria

One of the most emblematic places in Palma de Mallorca is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, also known as La Seu. This Levantine Gothic style church was built in 1229 and is the most important religious temple in the Balearic Islands.

It stands out for its enormous dimensions, with a vault that reaches a height of 45 meters. Inside, you can find the largest Gothic rose window in the world, with a diameter of 13 meters, and a large number of windows that fill the cathedral with light and colors.

According to legend, King Jaume I promised to build this cathedral in honor of Santa Maria for surviving a huge storm during his journey to the island of Mallorca. After the conquest, the king of the Crown of Aragon demolished an old mosque to build this temple.

2. Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Another building you can’t miss in Palma de Mallorca is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, located next to the cathedral. A historically rich building that can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

It originated in the 10th century, during Muslim domination, although it was during the Kingdom of Mallorca that it was transformed into a Christian Gothic style palace. It is currently the summer residence of the Spanish Royal Family.

Crossing the walls leads to S’Hort del Rei, which leads to the different rooms of the kings and common areas, decorated with furniture, paintings, and tapestries from the time. On the terrace, you can enjoy unique views of the seafront with the Bellver Castle in the background.

3. S’Hort del Rei

Next to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina is S’Hort del Rei, also known as King’s Gardens. Although it was formerly only accessible to the royal family, the gardens were remodeled in the 1960s based on traditional Andalusian gardens and became a public space.

The Muslim arched entrance over the pond and three sculptures by Llorenç Rosselló, Josep Marίa Subirachs, and Alexander Calder stand out.

4. Jewish Quarter

One of the places that still maintains its essence is the old Jewish quarter of the city, known as El Call, where a community of 5,000 Jews lived. The streets Sòl, Montesión, del Vent, Torre de l’Amor, and Seminari Vell still preserve an interesting legacy of this traditionally discriminated and persecuted community.

In the 15th century, the Jews were expelled from the city or were ordered to convert to Christianity, although some of them continued to maintain their customs in secret.

5. Sa Llotja

One of the most beautiful buildings in the city is Sa Llotja, in the center of Palma de Mallorca. It was built in 1426 as a meeting and business point for merchants, due to the great activity of the city’s port at that time.

Its interior is composed of three naves of the same height, separated by six helical columns without capitals. This model was later imitated in the Valencia market, the Santiago de Villena church, and the base of the San Giorgio towers of Castel Nuovo in Naples.

The space usually hosts different exhibitions throughout the year and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 9 pm.

6. Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor of Palma de Mallorca is located in the former convent of San Felipe Neri, in the heart of the city.

It has a rectangular shape and colonnaded perimeter, with buildings of three or four floors. It is worth noting its resemblance to the Plaza Mayor of Madrid, with arcades and buildings with green-painted shutters.

It is a space full of cafes and terraces, ideal for stopping to recharge and have a drink. A curious fact about this square is that it was the headquarters of the Inquisition until 1823, when the headquarters was demolished.

7. Arab Baths

One of the hidden treasures of Palma de Mallorca are the Arab baths. They are located in the alley of Can Serra and were part of a private residence.

They are the best-preserved construction from the Islamic period and one of the few witnesses of the Moorish architecture of the city that have survived. After passing through the horseshoe arch portal, you enter a central square room surrounded by 12 columns and a semispherical dome, intended for the hot baths.

They can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 8 pm (and until 7 pm from December to March).

8. Es Baluard Museum

The modern and contemporary art museum Es Baluard is located on the city’s old defensive wall. It has a collection of more than 700 works of art, a true architectural gem that houses paintings and sculptures by artists such as Joan Miró, Picasso, or Miquel Barceló.

It also hosts temporary exhibitions, cultural activities, and educational and training cycles in the former water tanks. Before entering, don’t miss the views from its terrace or from the viewpoint.

It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm.

9. Santa Catalina Neighborhood

One of the trendiest neighborhoods in Palma de Mallorca is the Santa Catalina neighborhood, a former fishing district located between the Paseo Marítimo and the Es Baluard modern and contemporary art museum.

Its traditional houses are characterized by their colorful facades, Mallorcan-style wooden shutters, and decorative elements from the period. Despite the preservation of traditional architecture, behind those facades there is a mix of various businesses.

It is worth walking to Industria Street to see the windmills or going to the Santa Catalina market to find the best local products.

10. Bellver Castle

The last place you can’t miss in Palma de Mallorca is the Bellver Castle, a peculiar Gothic-style fortress located on a small hill about 3 kilometers from the Mallorcan capital. It is known for its circular shape with three attached towers and a separate circular tribute tower. We recommend accessing the interior of the castle to see its spectacular central courtyard.

It was built in the 14th century and was intended as a royal residence for powerful nobles. Currently, it is the headquarters of the city’s History Museum and has a terrace with the best views of Palma de Mallorca.

The most comfortable way to get there is by tourist bus, which leaves you at the castle entrance. The visiting hours are from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm (from October to March, it closes an hour earlier).

Hotel in Mallorca

Book your vacation or getaway to Mallorca at Hotel Rosella by Intelier, the first hotel of Intelier Hotels & Suites in the Balearic Islands. The hotel is located in Cala Millor, between the towns of Son Servera and San Lorenzo del Cardezar.

The rooms have a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and some have a balcony. The hotel also has a gym, swimming pool, and buffet restaurant, as well as services and facilities designed for children, such as entertainment, the kids’ club, or a playground.

Come and discover the island of Mallorca with Intelier Hotels & Suites!