Discovering Palma

The historic heart of Palma is a labyrinth of narrow streets, Gothic churches, and stately city palaces (Palacios). At every turn, you encounter the famous patios — the courtyards of the noble houses with their sweeping staircases, columns, and fountains. Many are open to the public during the day (just peek through the open arches). The old town stretches from Paseo del Borne in the west to Plaça de la Porta del Camp in the east, bounded in the south by the cathedral and Parc de la Mar.

Highlight streets: Carrer de Sant Miquel (main shopping street), Carrer del Sindicat (lively, young scene), Carrer de Can Morey (most beautiful patios). The old town is car-free and most beautiful in the early morning when the streets are in the shade and the cafés set out their chairs.

The hippest district in Palma — a former fishing district, now a hotspot for foodies, creatives, and expats. Around the Mercat de Santa Catalina (market hall), tapas bars, concept stores, and wine bars line up. The low, brightly painted houses give the district an almost village-like charm, and the atmosphere is noticeably more relaxed and younger than in the old town.

In the evening, Santa Catalina becomes the nightlife district: The Carrer de Fàbrica and Carrer de Sant Magí are lined with restaurants and cocktail bars. This is where cosmopolitan Palma meets — Mallorcans next to Scandinavian residents, German long-term vacationers next to British foodies.

The area around the Gothic sea trade exchange La Llotja (15th century) is Palma's nightlife center. Tranquil during the day with galleries and antique shops, La Lonja transforms into a lively bar scene in the evening. The Carrer d'Apuntadors is the ultimate nightlife street — cocktail bars, gin-tonics, and live music until the early morning hours. Tip: The Gothic Llotja itself is accessible during free exhibitions and is an architectural masterpiece.

The waterfront promenade stretches over 4.5 km from the harbor to the Portixol district. Palma shows its maritime side here: marina, luxury hotels, restaurants with sea views. The Paseo Marítimo is perfect for jogging, cycling, or strolling — especially at sunset, when the cathedral glows in golden light. In recent years, the section by the harbor has been redesigned: wider walkways, more greenery, less car noise.

East of the city center lie the former fishing villages of Es Molinar and Portixol, which have become Palma's up-and-coming neighborhoods. Colorful boathouses, small waterfront cafés, and a growing restaurant scene make the area a hidden gem for those seeking the "real" Palma. Especially the Portixol harbor promenade with its fish restaurants is a dream — much quieter and cheaper than the old town.

A quiet residential area north of the center, slowly developing into the new trendy district. Mainly locals live here, rents are (still) affordable, and there are more and more independent cafés, bakeries, and small galleries. The Plaça del Pont is the unofficial meeting point. Son Espanyolet is ideal for those looking for a vacation rental in an authentic setting — central, but without tourist crowds.