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.
