Spain

If you’re planning a visit to Mallorca, this guide to the best things to do in Palma will help you plan the perfect visit to this beautiful island.

I recently spent an week in Mallorca in search of the top things to do in Palma and elsewhere around the island.

During my visit I was able to explore all over Palma and even take a few day trips to nearby towns. Along the way I visited Mallorca’s most popular tourist attractions, beaches, restaurants and wineries.

I hope you enjoy discovering all the best places to visit in Palma and that you have an amazing time during your visit.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Best Things to do in Palma de Mallorca

When planning a visit to Mallorca I recommend spending about 5 to 7 days on the island. This will give you time to explore the capital city of Palma while also having time to see other parts of the island.

If you’re comfortable driving I recommend renting a car when you’re ready to take some day trips from Palma. I think you’ll find the roads are well maintained and easy to navigate.

For those of you who prefer not to rent a car, I’ve included links in this post to a few guided tours around the island. You’ll also find a few recommendations for local tours around Palma.

Mallorca is part of the Balearic Islands off the coast of southern Spain.

The easiest way to get to Mallorca is by air. You’ll find multiple flights per day between Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona. You can also find many flights to Mallorca from other cities around Europe.

If you’re coming from Barcelona, be sure to spend a few days there before heading to Mallorca. Barcelona is such a fun city with plenty to see and do.

I recently spend a week traveling alone in Barcelona and had the most incredible time. I think you will too.

1. Palma Beaches

When most people think of Mallorca, they think of beautiful beaches. So if you plan on visiting Palma during the warmer months, you’ll definitely need to plan for a beach day or two.

You’ll find two beaches right in Palma and a few more located a short drive from the city. The two beaches in Palma are:

• Platja de Can Pere Antoni (Palma City Beach): This is a short stretch of sandy beach (about half a mile) right across the street from the Convention Center and Melia Palma Bay Hotel. This beach is known for being very clean and comes with incredible views of the Palma Cathedral.
• Portixol Beach: This small beach is also in Palma not far from Palma City Beach. It’s not as photogenic but is another option if you prefer to stay in Palma.

If you’re willing to drive outside the Palma city center you’ll have fantastic beach options all around the island. Here are a few of the best beaches in Mallorca.

• Cala Major: This is a small sandy beach surrounded by resorts. Here you’ll find parasols and loungers to rent along with beach side restaurants and bars in the nearby hotels. Cala Major is just a 12 minute drive from Old Town Palma.
• S’Amarador: This is one of the prettiest beaches in Mallorca and is located 50 minutes east of Old Town Palma. Trust me, it’s worth the drive.
• Cala Mesquida: Another gorgeous beach located about an hour from Old Town Palma. This beach is located in the northeast part of the island.

To be honest, you’ll find beautiful beaches all around the island of Mallorca. If you have a car, take a drive around the island and see what you can find.

2. Best Tapas in Palma

You’ll find no shortage of traditional tapas bars in Palma including many great options in Old Town Palma. I recommend taking a walk through the Old Town area during the evening and stopping in to wherever looks good.

To get you started in the right direction, here are a few of the best tapas restaurants in Palma:

• Bar España
• Tast Union
• El Camino
• Casa Gallega

While out exploring Palma’s best tapas bars be sure to sample the classic Spanish dishes like jamon iberico, patatas bravas, croquetas, and chirozo al vino.

After you’ve sampled the classics, be sure to explore the menu a bit and find something new to try.

You’ll find all sorts of options including fish, cheese, pastries, mini sandwiches, potatoes, and my personal favorite pan con tomate. They even offer deserts like cookies and cakes to enjoy at the end of your meal.

After exploring the Old Town area you can also find many great tapas bars in the Santa Catalina neighborhood just a short walk from Old Town.

What I loved most about the tapas bars in Palma was the lively atmosphere. You’ll notice the locals don’t go out until later in the evening, but if you want to get an early start to beat the crowds, head out around 6:00 p.m. or so.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the food and culture in Palma you can also book a guided food tour. Click the button below for more information and to book your tour.

3. Gastronomy Experience at Tramuntia

If you’re looking for a unique food and wine experience in Mallorca where you can get away from the city and disconnect, consider booking a Gastronomy Experience with Tramuntia.

Tramuntia is located at Son Mesquida Vell in the town of Sant Llorenc des Cardassar, about an hour east of Palma.

The gastronomy experience takes place outdoors immersed in nature. During the experience you will enjoy a five course vegan meal with three wine pairings.

I can tell you from personal experience the food is incredible and so is the hospitality.

This experience is a great way to spend time out in the Mallorcan countryside while getting to enjoy a delicious healthy meal and some very good local wine.

4. Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle is a 14th century Gothic castle located on a hilltop about 10 minutes west of Old Town Palma.

The castle is one of the few circular castles in Europe and was originally built for King James II of Majorca. It was subsequently used as the residence for the various Kings of Majorca until it became a military prison from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Today, visitors can explore the castle interior and exterior along with the onsite museum and gardens. You’ll also get to enjoy some very impressive views of Palma down below.

Hours vary but Bellver Castle is typically open daily at 10:00 a.m. Admission is just a few Euros.

5. Royal Palace of Almundaina

Another of the most popular things to do in Palma de Mallorca is to visit the Royal Palace of Almudaina. The historic palace dates back to the early 14th century and remains the local residence of the Spanish monarch even today.

The Royal Palace of Almundaina is open to visitors Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The entrance fee is just a few Euro.

6. Arab Baths

The Arab Baths are located in the city’s historic Old Town area close to the Palace of Almundaina and the Palma Cathedral.

The Arab Baths, also known as Banys Arabs, date back to the 10th and 12th century and are one of the few remaining examples of Moorish architecture in Mallorca.

The Arab Baths are open daily beginning at 9:00 a.m. Closing times vary depending on the season.

7. Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma

One of the most popular things to see in Palma de Mallorca is the Palma Cathedral, the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. The cathedral is easily one of the island’s most important Palma attractions.

This beautiful cathedral sits atop a hill overlooking the city and Mediterranean Sea down below. You can see the cathedral from just about anywhere in the city, but it’s worth it to make the trip up the hill to see it close up.

The cathedral was finished in 1601 and was built on the location of a former Moorish era mosque.

The cathedral continues to provide worship services so visiting hours are limited. Tourists may visit the Palma Cathedral from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Both guided and audio tours are available.

8. Palma Museums

Another one of the best things to do in Palma is to visit the local museums. You’ll find all sorts of museums around Palma de Mallorca including those showcasing both art and history.

Here are a few of the most popular museums in Palma.

• Museum of Mallorca
• Military Museum of San Carlos
• Joan Miró Museum (Fundacio Miro Mallorca)
• Palau March Museum
• Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

The Museum of Mallorca and Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art were two of my favorites. I recommend stopping in for a visit when you’re in the area. The Mallorca museum is near the Old Town area and the art museum is near the city center.

9. Palma Markets

Palma, like many cities and towns across Europe, is home to many local markets. If you’re a foodie like I am or maybe just want to learn more about the local culture then you definitely want to check out the markets while in Palma.

As you walk around Palma you’ll find both indoor and outdoor markets including many in the Old Town area. Here is a short list of local markets I recommend visiting:

• Mercat 1930
• Mercat de l’Olivar
• Mercat de Santa Catalina

Mercat 1930 is especially cool. You’ll find all sorts of prepared food and drinks here. It’s a great place to go for dinner and a cocktail or two.

10. Go Sailing

Since you’re on an island in the Mediterranean, you might as well take full advantage of your location and spend some time out in and on the water.

If you enjoy viewing marine life, I recommend taking a boat trip out to do some snorkeling or scuba diving. You can also hire a sail boat to take you around the island to the various beaches and coastal areas.

You can click the button below to see available boating adventures around Palma.

11. Olive Oil Tasting at Son Moragues

If you’ve never been olive oil tasting before I recommend giving it a try while in Mallorca. During my visit I attended an olive oil tasting at Son Moragues, which is located about 25 minutes north of Palma Old Town.

Before our tasting we were led through the olive groves where we got to learn about how olives are grown and harvested. We then got to see where the olive oil is made and learn about the process of making olives into high quality, delicious olive oil.

Afterwards, we had a tasting of four different olive oils so we could taste the difference in quality and preparation between the various oils.

The tasting was also paired with fresh breads, jams, and cheeses. It was a delightful experience.

If you have the time and you’re interested in learning more about olive oil, I think you’ll enjoy this experience as well. You can learn more about options for olive oil tasting at Son Moragues.

12. Wine Tasting

One of my favorite things to do in Palma is to go wine tasting. Since the island of Mallorca is known for its incredible food and wine, you really should not skip this one.

During my visit I attended a wine tasting with Mesquida Mora. The tasting was paired with traditional Mallorcan dishes and we even got to dine in an old windmill (pictured above).

I think the most convenient way to experience the best wines in Mallorca is through a guided tour. This way you have someone to drive you while having the opportunity to sample all the best wines.

Plus, you’ll learn all about Mallorcan wines and a bit more about Mallorca in general on a tour like this. You can book a wine tour from Palma via the button below.

13. Old Town Palma de Mallorca

Exploring Old Town Palma is an incredibly good time. The Old Town area is beautiful and filled with historic buildings, local boutiques, markets, and tapas bars and restaurants.

One of my favorite things to do in Palma Old Town is to enjoy a night out on the town. This is the most fun part of the city on nights and weekends, so be sure to have a night out here while you’re in town.

In the evenings you can stroll through the narrow alley ways hopping from tapas bar to tapas bar just like the locals do.

I also enjoyed this area in the early morning hours. I recommend ordering a coffee from one of the local restaurants then grabbing a seat outside and just enjoying the view.

14. Palma Resorts and Hotels

If you’re looking for a nice place to stay, the city of Palma has many great hotels and resorts to choose from. You’ll find accommodations for any budget so I recommend finding a place to stay near the things you’d like to see.

Here are a few popular hotel options around the city.

• AC Hotel Palma: If you’re looking for an affordable Marriott property in Palma I recommend staying at the AC Hotel. This is where I stayed during my visit and I enjoyed my stay here. The only negative about this hotel is that it’s a 25 minute walk to the Old Town area.
• Es Princep: This is a luxury hotel located right between the water and Old Town area. They have a beautiful rooftop pool and nicely decorated and comfortable rooms.
• Hotel Basilica: This is another upscale hotel located steps from the Old Town area and a short walk from the Cathedral. They also have a rooftop pool with fantastic views of the cathedral.
• Melia Palma Bay: If you’d like to be close to the beach or the Palma Convention Center, this is the perfect hotel. This is a midrange hotel with modern rooms and ocean views.

If you didn’t find what you’re looking for above you can find more Palma hotel options here.

15. Day Trips From Palma

Since Mallorca is a fairly small island that’s easy to navigate, I recommend planning a few day trips from Palma during your visit.

Some of the most popular guided day trips from Palma include the following destinations:

• The Caves of Drach: These are sea caves carved out by the Mediterranean located one hour east of Palma near the coast. This is one of the most popular attractions on the island.
• Sóller: Soller is located about 30 minutes north of Palma in the Tramuntana Mountains and is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca. The best part is that you can get there via a historic wooden train that departs from Plaza Espana right in Old Town. You can also take the wooden train a bit further to Port Soller, an old fishing village along the coast.
• Bay of Alcudia: The Bay of Alcudia is located on the north end of Mallorca and is a popular destination for swimming and snorkeling.

If you have your own transportation I recommend visiting more of the beautiful coastal areas around the island. Here are a few popular destinations:

• Albercutx Watchtower
• Mirador es Colomer
• Cala Varques
• Sa Calobra
• Calo des Moro
• Cala Figuera

I think any of the above options will make for a great day trip. If you have extra time consider taking more than one or even spending a few days outside of Palma visiting the local towns.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to 15 Things to Do in Palma and that I’ve inspired you to plan a visit of your own. As always, thanks for reading.

Traveling alone in Barcelona was one of my favorite travel adventures of the past year.

I had such an incredible time exploring this new city on my own and immediately fell in love with its food, wine, and uniquely beautiful architecture.

If you’re considering a solo trip to Barcelona I suggest you book that trip right now and get ready for a great time. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

There are so many things to do in Barcelona alone it’s hard not to have a good time.

As a solo female traveler I felt completely safe in Barcelona and I believe you will too.

In this solo travel guide you’ll find my favorite things to do alone in Barcelona along with several tips on how to ensure you have a fantastic time.

I also include my favorite tip for meeting fellow travelers and enjoying a night out on the town with new friends.

Let’s get to exploring Barcelona, shall we?

Traveling Barcelona Alone

I promise you, traveling alone in Barcelona does not have to be lonely and it makes the perfect weekend getaway to Europe.

When planning your very own Barcelona solo trip I recommend putting together an itinerary in advance. This way you’ll know what you have coming up each day and it will keep you moving along so you see all the places you came to see.

For several of the activities and destinations I suggest below, you’ll want to purchase tickets in advance to avoid the crowds and long lines. I include the relevant link to book your tickets for each attraction.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

I saved my favorite activity for the very end, so be sure to read through to the bottom of this post.

When planning to solo travel to Barcelona I recommend staying for at least three full days.

You can add an additional day or two if you happen to have the time, but I think three days is necessary to see the many things on offer in Barcelona.

No matter how long you plan to stay I believe you’ll have an incredible time and leave this city with definite plans to return.

1. Gothic Quarter

The first place you’ll want to visit when travelling alone in Barcelona is the Gothic Quarter. In fact, this is also where I recommend booking your hotel or other accommodations.

The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona’s historic center and where you’ll find many of the city’s biggest attractions including local museums and historic landmarks.

Lucky for you this is also where you’ll find many of the city’s best restaurants and tapas bars. Believe me, you will eat very well while in Barcelona.

The other great thing about the Gothic Quarter is that it’s just beautiful to look at. The historic architecture here is an attraction all its own.

You can essentially make your own Gothic Quarter walking tour by setting out on foot on your won. Trust me, there is plenty to see.

I recommend some early mornings if possible so you can enjoy this part of the city without the crowds. Set your alarm for sunrise, grab a cup of coffee and just go for a walk.

2. La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is an absolute show stopper of an attraction. I’ve honestly never seen anything like it, and I’ve done a lot of traveling.

If you do just one “touristy” thing in Barcelona, make it this. Tickets to get in are about $35 (prices vary) and it’s worth every penny.

To visit you’ll need to book a timed entry and I recommend selecting the earliest time you can. The earlier you go the less crowded it will be generally speaking. Though of course that won’t always be the case.

When you visit plan to arrive early so you can enjoy the view from the outside first. You’ll want to walk around the entire perimeter to see the whole thing.

If you’re looking for a good photo spot, head to the park across the street (the one with the lake).

You can get a picture where I did (pictured above) or walk further into the park and take a picture with the water in front of the cathedral. Don’t worry, you’ll find it.

As you’re enjoying the view from the outside and taking photos, be sure not to miss your timed entry. There is only a short grace period for late arrivals and you do not want to miss the opportunity to see the interior.

Believe me when I tell you, the inside of La Sagrada is even more impressive than the outside.

When booking your visit you can choose either a self-guided tour or guided tour. I went with the self-guided so I could go at my own pace, but I’ve heard wonderful things about the guided tour as well.

You can book your visit to La Sagrada here:

3. Barcelona Cathedral

The Barcelona Cathedral, otherwise known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, is a towering Gothic Cathedral and one of Barcelona’s biggest attractions.

As you might have guessed, you’ll find the Barcelona Cathedral in the city’s Gothic Quarter. This stunning Cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and features a rooftop adorned with gargoyles and a variety of other animals.

Visitors to the Barcelona Cathedral can admire the exterior before heading inside to view the interior. Tickets to the cathedral are best purchased in advance and can be purchased online via the cathedral’s website.

4. Park Guell

Park Guell is another absolute must visit while in Barcelona, especially for first time visitors.

Park Guell is an UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Antoni Gaudi and is located atop Carmel Hill in Barcelona.

The park consists of uniquely designed buildings, benches, gardens, and mosaics. Park Guell was built between 1900 and 1914 and was originally intended for luxury housing. However, the site opened as a public park in 1926.

Today visitors can enjoy a morning or afternoon exploring the park’s many gardens and lookout points. One of my favorite viewpoints was from these colorful mosaic benches. You can’t miss them, just look for the crowd of people taking photos.

If you’d like to enjoy the park while it’s a bit more peaceful be sure to select the 9:30 a.m. arrival time.

9:30 a.m. is the earliest entrance time for the general public. However, Barcelona residents are able to enter the park earlier.

Tickets for Park Guell must be purchased in advance online. I recommend purchasing at least several days before your visit to ensure you get the entrance time you’d like.

5. Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo is another of Gaudi’s incredible creations and honestly, it’s a super fun place that I think everyone should see.

Casa Batllo is a building redesigned by Gaudi in 1904 that has since been designated a World Heritage Site.

Visitors to Casa Batllo can enjoy a self-guided audio tour through the building to learn about it’s design and about Gaudi himself. There are some very unique elements to this home that make it well worth the time and money to visit.

I enjoyed Casa Batllo as much as I enjoyed Park Guell and La Sagrada, all of which I would definitely visit again someday.

I don’t want to share too much about this one because I think it’s best experienced with an element of surprise. You’ll just have to check it out for yourself.

This property is just so quirky and unique, you really don’t want to miss it. Definitely bring your camera, and definitely book the first time slot in the morning.

Basa Batllo is considered one of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces and you’ll definitely see why if you visit. If you only plan to see one Gaudi house during your visit to Barcelona, make it this one.

6. Casa Mila

Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is another of Antoni Gaudi’s creations. This one is also a World Heritage Site and was built between 1906 and 1912.

I visited Casa Mila as part of their Night Experience, which included a guided tour of the property and a light show on the roof.

If you’re planning to visit both Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, I would opt for the Night Experience for this one. It added a bit of excitement and uniqueness to the experience which I really enjoyed.

The button below links to the Night Experience, but if you prefer you can buy tickets for the day tour here.

7. Parc de la Ciutadella

Parc de la Ciutadella is a large 70 acre city park in the center of Barcelona. This park is extremely popular with locals especially on the weekends.

During the daytime the park is often packed with local families enjoying some time outdoors together.

The park is also home to the Barcelona Zoo, the Museum of Natural Sciences, a lake, a fountain, the Parliament building, and all sorts of green spaces.

There’s a lot going on here on any given day. Be sure to stop by when you’re in the area.

Just outside the park you’ll also find lots of local street art on the side of the park heading towards the beaches.

8. Picasso Museum

If you’re into history, art, and artsy things you’ll enjoy a visit to Barcelona’s Picasso Museum.

In my opinion museum visits are perfect for Barcelona solo travel because you can immerse yourself in the exhibits and go at your own pace.

The Picasso Museum is located near the city center in the Gothic Quarter, so you’ll likely be within walking distance to the museum at some point during your stay in Barcelona.

As you’d expect, the Picasso Museum features the work of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. You’ll have the opportunity to view his most famous works while learning about his life and how he became such a celebrated artist.

Visitors to the museum can join a guided tour or simply explore on their own. During my visit I opted to enjoy the museum on my own and enjoyed moving at my own pace through the museum.

I didn’t plan ahead for my visit so I ended up waiting in line for about 45 minutes to get my ticket. If you plan to visit the Picasso Museum I recommend booking your ticket ahead of time.

9. Las Ramblas

La Rambla is a famous street in Barcelona known as a popular shopping and dining destination. You’ll find La Rambla right in the city center along the border between the Gothic Quarter and El Raval neighborhoods.

Fair warning, the restaurants here are touristy and over priced, if you’re hungry just head to the Gothic Quarter instead.

In addition to shops and restaurants, you’ll find mosaics, statues, and a few small museums along the street.

To be honest, La Rambla wasn’t my favorite place during my visit and perhaps you can tell by the way I’m writing about it.

I’m including it here because it’s a popular landmark that I think you should know about. However, I only recommend stopping to see La Rambla if it’s on your way to somewhere else, or if you’re heading to La Boqueria Food Market.

If you’re curious, La Boqueria Food Market is one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets. You’ll find all sorts of food and ingredients here from around the world. There are even prepared foods and some delicious tapas.

10. Tapas and Wine Tour

My best tip for visiting Barcelona alone is to book yourself a Tapas and Wine Tour during your visit.

Not only will you get to sample the best of Barcelona’s famous tapas, but you’ll also get to enjoy a night out on the town with some new friends.

Whenever I travel solo to a big city, I always try to find a local food tour. I love learning about the local culture and getting to try the city’s best food.

Plus, you’ll always meet other curious travelers on a food tour. Group tours like this are the perfect way to combat loneliness and meet new people at the same time.

Besides, who wouldn’t want to try Barcelona’s best tapas and wine? Whether you make some new friends or not, it’s bound to be a great time.

During my own trip in February 2022, the Barcelona food tour I took was by far one of my favorite experiences during my visit. I liked it so much I plan on joining another next time I’m in town.

I’ve linked the one I took down below if you’d like to give it a try.

Tips for Traveling to Barcelona Alone

1. Book your hotel near the things you wish to see during your visit.

Having your hotel near the city’s main attractions will reduce your time spent walking around or on public transportation. Not only is this safer, but it will save you a ton of time.

Whether you stay in a boutique hotel or chain hotel, you’ll find plenty of great options in the Gothic Quarter.

2. Plan to arrive during daylight hours.

It’s easier to get your bearings in a new place if you can see your surroundings when you arrive. Always try to arrive in a new city when the sun is up.

3. Adhere to the same common sense safety tips you’d adhere to anywhere else.

Basically just don’t flash your money around, don’t look lost, don’t walk alone at night in desolate areas, etc.

4. When eating alone in Barcelona be sure to bring a place holder item with you.

This tip goes for anywhere not just Barcelona.

When planning to visit a restaurant as a solo traveler, I’ll always bring something along that I can leave at my table in case I need to step away. I do this so my table doesn’t look abandoned if I need to use the restroom.

In my case, I often use a book, a magazine, or even my jacket as a place holder so my server knows I plan to return. Obviously never leave your bag, phone, or wallet unattended.

5. If you fear getting lonely, book a few group tours around the city.

I love joining group tours when I travel, it’s such an easy way to enjoy a little social time and meet new friends. Plus, you get to learn more about the city you’re visiting.

6. When traveling solo in Barcelona be sure to have an itinerary before you arrive.

If you’ve traveled solo before, you know that sometimes it can be hard to motivate yourself to get out and explore, especially if you’re tired or hungry.

Since there’s nobody else around to push you out the door, you’ll need to find your own motivation. That’s where your itinerary comes in. Even better if you’ve booked some activities in advance.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to traveling alone as a woman in Barcelona. If you have any questions about travelling Barcelona alone, feel free to send me a message via my Contact page or via Instagram.