Day 1: Cathedral, Old Town & Harbour in a Day
La Seu Cathedral & Old Town
Start at La Seu — Palma's spectacular Gothic cathedral rising above the harbour, with a Gaudí-redesigned interior and Miquel Barceló's surreal ceramic chapel. Entry €9. Walk through the old town's honey-coloured lanes past aristocratic courtyards (peek through the gates of the casas senyorials on Carrer de Can Savellà). Coffee at Can Joan de s'Aigo — Palma's oldest café since 1700, famous for hot chocolate and ensaimada pastries.
Mercat de l'Olivar & Santa Catalina
Lunch at the Mercat de l'Olivar — Palma's main food market with fresh seafood counters, tapas bars, and local produce. Try pa amb oli (bread with olive oil and tomato, €3–5) — the Mallorcan national dish. Walk to the Santa Catalina neighbourhood — a former fishing village now lined with brunch spots, wine bars, and independent boutiques. The narrow streets around Carrer de Sant Magí are full of charm.
Harbour Sunset & Tapas
Walk the Passeig Marítim seafront promenade as the sun sets behind the harbour — the cathedral lit up against the darkening sky is magical. Tapas at La Rosa Vermutería on Carrer de la Rosa for excellent vermut and small plates (€4–8 per tapa). Then to the Lonja district for drinks — La Lonja de Palma (the 15th-century exchange building) is beautifully lit at night, and the surrounding streets buzz with bars.
