Palma De Mallorca (Old Town) Holidays

🏛️ Why Visit Palma's Old Town?

Palma's Old Town (El Casco Antiguo) is where Majorca shows its proper Spanish side – away from the beach resorts, this is centuries-old cobbled streets, stunning Gothic architecture, and that brilliant Mediterranean vibe. It's compact enough to explore on foot in a day or two, but you could easily spend longer getting lost in its maze of narrow lanes, discovering hidden courtyards, and soaking up the café culture.

This is where you'll find most of Palma's must-see sights all within walking distance of each other: the jaw-dropping La Seu Cathedral, the Royal Palace, ancient Arab baths, and loads of atmospheric squares perfect for a cold one and people-watching. Unlike some old towns that feel like tourist museums, this one's still buzzing with locals – proper tapas bars, artisan shops, and that authentic Spanish energy.

Top reasons to visit Palma's Old Town:

🏰 Historic Heart – Gothic cathedral, Moorish palace, medieval streets packed with centuries of history
☕ Café Culture – Gorgeous squares and hidden courtyards perfect for lazy afternoons
🍷 Food Scene – Traditional tapas bars, Tapas Tuesday deals, and brilliant local restaurants
🛍️ Shopping – From high street to artisan boutiques on San Miguel street
🌅 Parc de la Mar – Stunning waterfront park between the cathedral and sea, brilliant for sunset views

🏨 Where to Stay for Palma Old Town Holidays

While the Old Town itself is stunning for exploring, staying right in Palma city gives you brilliant options with better value and proper hotel facilities. You'll be within easy walking distance of all the Old Town sights, but with pools, spas, and more space to relax. Have a look at some of our top options below or Browse all our Palma hotels to find your perfect base.

Hotels Perfect for Exploring the Old Town:

🏨 Nivia Born Boutique Hotel - Right in the heart of Paseo del Born, this Art Deco beauty is literally IN the Old Town action. The rooftop terrace has cathedral views that are absolutely stunning, and the 1950s-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar are proper stylish. You're surrounded by tapas bars and designer shops, plus it's one of Palma's most elegant streets.

🏨 Icon Roseto - Slap bang in the historical centre, this boutique spot blends classic Mallorcan charm with modern style. You're 200 metres from Plaza Mayor, 250 metres from Paseo del Born, and a short stroll to the cathedral. The garden, sun terrace, and solarium are brilliant for chilling after pounding those cobbles all day.

🏨 M House Hotel - Located metres from all the major Old Town streets and squares – San Miguel shopping street, Plaza Mayor, Cort Square, and the cathedral are all on your doorstep. The courtyard's a lovely spot for meals and drinks, and you're perfectly positioned for exploring everything on foot.

🏨 Hotel Santa Clara Urban Hotel & Spa - This charming hotel sits right in the historical heart, with the cathedral, Arab baths, and town hall all within walking distance. The sun terrace has wonderful views over the cathedral and Palma Bay, plus there's a spa with hot tub, sauna, and steam room for when you need to properly unwind.

💡 Top Tip: These hotels put you right where the action is, so you can stumble back to your room after Tapas Tuesday or evening drinks in the Old Town squares. No faffing about with taxis or buses!

🎭 Top Things to Do in Palma's Old Town

Must-See Landmarks

🏛️ La Seu Cathedral – This Gothic masterpiece is absolutely massive and towers over the waterfront. Built over 400 years starting in 1230 (they took their time!), it's got stunning rose windows and Gaudí even had a hand in the interior redesign. The views from here over the bay are properly spectacular. Worth going inside if you can – the light through those stained glass windows is something else.

👑 Royal Palace of La Almudaina – Right next to the cathedral, this Moorish fortress-turned-royal palace is still used by the Spanish royal family when they're visiting. It's a brilliant mix of Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, with gorgeous courtyards and gardens. The views from here over the harbour are cracking.

🛁 Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths) – These 10th-century Moorish baths are a peaceful little oasis tucked away behind the cathedral. They're small but atmospheric, with original columns and a lovely garden. Perfect for a quick cultural stop without spending hours.

🏛️ La Lonja – This 15th-century building was Palma's medieval trading hub, and the Gothic architecture inside is stunning – twisted columns holding up vaulted ceilings. Now it hosts art exhibitions, so check what's on when you visit.

Atmospheric Spots

🏛️ Plaça Major – The Old Town's main square is where everyone ends up at some point. Street performers, cafés with outdoor seating, and a proper Spanish square vibe. Gets busy but that's part of the charm.

⛪ Sant Francesc Church & Cloister – Often overlooked but absolutely gorgeous. The Gothic cloister is peaceful and beautiful, and it's free to wander around.

🌳 Parc de la Mar – This seafront park sits between the cathedral and the sea, with a man-made saltwater lake, fountains, and palm trees. Brilliant spot for a breather after pounding the cobbles, and in summer they put on concerts and events here.

Hidden Gems

🚪 Historic Courtyards – The Old Town's famous for its stunning interior courtyards (you'll spot them through ornate doorways). Some are grand palatial affairs, others are simpler, but they're all gorgeous. Many are open to peek into – just be respectful as people live there.

🛍️ San Miguel Street – The main shopping drag through the Old Town, with a mix of high street brands and local boutiques. Buzzing with locals and always lively.

🍴 Eating & Drinking in the Old Town

The food scene here is brilliant. You've got everything from traditional Mallorcan restaurants to trendy tapas bars and smart cafés.

Tapas Tuesday is an absolute must-do. Every Tuesday in the Gerreria area (right in the Old Town), bars serve up a drink plus tapas dish for just €2-3. It's basically a tapas crawl and you can eat your way through the evening without spending much at all. Locals love it, tourists love it, you'll love it.

For traditional Mallorcan food, look for places serving ensaimada (the island's famous sweet pastry – absolutely delicious with your morning coffee), sobrassada (spreadable cured sausage), and tumbet (vegetable dish). The café culture here is strong, so take your time over a coffee in one of the historic squares.

🗓️ When to Visit

Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October) are ideal – warm weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, and everything's open. Summer (July-August) is hot and busy but brilliant for the outdoor evening vibe. Winter's mild and quiet, with most places still open (unlike some Majorca resorts that shut down).

The Old Town hosts festivals throughout the year, with Sant Joan (June) and Sant Sebastià (January) being the big ones with street parties, concerts, and fireworks around the cathedral area.

💰 Budget Tips

• Walk everywhere – The Old Town's tiny and everything's within 10-15 minutes on foot

• Tapas Tuesday – Seriously, mark it in your calendar

• Coffee at the bar – €1.50 standing vs €3+ sitting at a table

• Free attractions – Many churches are free, courtyards are free to peek into, wandering the streets costs nothing

• Market shopping – Mercat de l'Olivar has brilliant fresh food for picnic supplies