Things to do in Palma for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAll self-guided activities
Take a break from Mallorca's beach bars and make your way into the mountains to discover an enchanting garden oasis of ornate fountains, atmospheric walkways, and botanical delights. It'll take your holiday snaps to the next level. The Jardines de Alfabia's blend of Moorish and classic English landscaping, combined with elements of Rococo, Gothic, Roman, and Renaissance architecture, makes for a timeless spectacle that's just as gloriously photogenic as it is rich in cultural history.
Dive into the world of oceanic life at the Palma Aquarium, where hundreds of species of sea creatures are making a splash in Majorca. Get up close to Europe's largest living coral collection, and see sharks in Europe's deepest shark tank. An aquatic adventure for kids and adults alike!
Across four unique spaces, enjoy the process of Joan Miró's artistic endeavors during his time in Mallorca. Step inside Sert Studio and the preserved rural house, Son Boter – creative spaces where time has stood still – plus, see the fluid blending of art and architecture at the Moneo Building. Besides Miró's paintings, which often go against conventional techniques; visitors can also enjoy his large-scale sculptures and the warm Mediterranean climate in the surrounding gardens.
Speleothemas coraloide might not sound too interesting unless you've got a degree in geology... but no matter what you call it, seeing a colorful cauliflower-shaped rock deep in the belly of the earth is a unique experience. The Genova Caves contain a number of subterranean galleries linked by natural corridors. During your tour you'll walk about a kilometer and descend up to 36 meters underground. You will learn how these unbelievable bodies formed and how nature produced the dazzling colors that play on them.
Why stay dry when wetter is better? Get the whole family to the Aqualand El Arenal and cool off in the biggest water park in all of Mallorca! There are over 20 splash-tastic attractions, waterslides, a _Congo River_, and loads for the little kids!
What do you get when you combine cowboys and waterslides? Rootin' tootin' watery good times, that's what! Cannonball into a wild frontier of fun at Western Water Park in Magaluf, and find out for yourself. With 16 waterslides, two gigantic pools, lazy rivers, wave machines, areas for kids to splash about and play, and lots more, this sun-drenched paradise has something for everyone.
Discover the hidden wonders of Campanet Caves with a self-guided tour that allows you to explore at your own pace. Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Mallorca, these enchanting caves offer a captivating underground experience. You'll embark on a fascinating journey through ancient chambers, impressive stalactites, and stalagmites, all while getting immresed in the rich geological history of the region. Follow the well-marked pathways as they wind through the mysterious caverns, and let an optional audio guide (not included - available to purchase onsite for a €3 surcharge) provide insightful commentary about the cave's formation, the unique rock formations, and the intriguing stories behind them. As you navigate through the illuminated chambers, you'll be amazed by the otherworldly atmosphere and the stunning display of nature's artistry.
Experience faster entry into Palma Aquarium with these exclusive tickets and delve into an immersive marine wonderland that unveils the hidden treasures of the underwater realm, captivating both families and adults alike. Embark on an enlightening journey spanning over 1 km, where you'll explore and learn from our team of Ocean Experts as they guide you through eight captivating thematic habitats, including the Mediterranean, Tropical, Jungle, and Medusarium. Discover the perfect blend of education and entertainment as you immerse yourself in this extraordinary marine experience at one of the most interactive and engaging aquariums. With optional activities available for a small additional fee, be prepared to witness the majesty of our oceans unfold within the expansive 24,000 m2 facility.
Enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Rafa Nadal Museum and venture into the life and career of one of the best tennis players in the world. The Rafa Nadal Museum has two floors where you can learn and have fun. It is equipped with the latest technologies in the audiovisual sector, with interactive screens and sports simulators that give you the opportunity to try your hand at being a tennis star. Admire all the trophies won during Rafa Nadal's sports career, and visit the hall of the great stars, where you can sharpen your senses alongside Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt, Sebastian Vettel, Tiger Woods, and many other sports legends.
Make a splash in Mallorca's magnificent Marineland, and get up-close-and-personal with the ocean's most charming animals. You'll learn all about the park's dolphins and sea lions, then get to see them doing their watery thing in spectacular live shows. And with a giant aquarium, aviary, and Tropical House, it's a wildly good day out!
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About Palma
The best tours to do in Palma with kids are:
The must-see attractions in Palma for a first visit are:
Insider tips for visiting Palma
Mallorca Quest2020When I visit Palma, I mostly get around on foot—Palma’s old town is compact, shaded, and full of little passages where I always find something new, from bakery stops near Plaça de Cort to quiet corners behind La Seu. For longer stretches, I recommend the EMT buses; they’re reliable and locals use them to reach Santa Catalina, El Terreno, and Cala Major without the parking headache. If I want sea views, I rent a bike and follow the promenade from Portixol into Palma. In my travel guide Palma tip: skip driving in the center. It saves time and leaves more room for the best things to do in Palma when you visit Palma.
When I visit Palma for a night out, I usually head to Santa Catalina. It has the best mix of small cocktail bars, late kitchens, and local energy, especially on the streets around Carrer de Sant Magí and the old market. Palma feels more relaxed here than along the flashy waterfront, and I can easily bar-hop without long walks. If I want wine and a quieter start, I go first to La Llonja, then move over to Santa Catalina later. In any travel guide Palma locals would trust, this area stands out because it blends nightlife with real neighborhood life. For me, it’s one of the best things to do in Palma when you visit Palma.
When I spend a day in Palma, I usually split it between three areas. The old town is where I go for the classic attractions in Palma: narrow lanes around Plaça de Cort, hidden patios, and quiet stretches near the Arab Baths. For food and evening energy, I recommend Santa Catalina, especially the streets behind the market where Palma feels lived-in, not staged. If I want sea air, I walk out toward Portixol and Molinar, where locals linger on the promenade at sunset. For anyone wondering what to see in Palma, these neighborhoods give the best feel for the city. Even many tours in Palma skim past the small details I love.
When I visit Palma, I usually tell friends to stay in the old town if they want to step straight into the city’s character. Around La Lonja, Calatrava, or the lanes near Plaça de Cort, Palma feels intimate in the early morning and you can walk almost everywhere. If you prefer evenings out, I recommend the edge of Santa Catalina—close to bars and restaurants, but quieter than the busiest streets. In my travel guide Palma advice, I’d avoid relying on a car in the center. Staying central makes it much easier to enjoy the best things to do in Palma, especially on a short visit Palma travelers often plan.
When I visit Palma, I always look for the island dishes locals actually eat: pa amb oli with good olive oil and ramallet tomatoes, coca de trampó, and tumbet when it’s on the menu. Palma is also known for ensaïmada, but I prefer buying it early from a neighborhood bakery rather than grabbing a boxed one later. If you eat pork, sobrasada shows up everywhere, often in simple, satisfying ways. In any travel guide Palma should mention the markets too—Santa Catalina Market is great for tasting local produce. For me, trying these flavors is one of the best things to do in Palma when you visit Palma.
When I want quieter attractions in Palma, I slip away from the cathedral area and wander the backstreets of Calatrava, where old stone houses, tiny convent squares, and bits of medieval wall still shape Palma’s mood. I also recommend the gardens at Hort del Rei early in the day, before the shade fills with people. One spot many visitors miss is the Banys Àrabs area—not just the site itself, but the peaceful lanes around it. If you’re wondering what to see in Palma beyond the obvious, these corners feel more personal. Even some tours in Palma pass by too quickly to notice the carved doorways and hidden courtyards I love.
When I’m in Palma with my partner, my favorite of all the things to do in Palma is a slow evening walk from La Seu through the old town and out toward the Parc de la Mar waterfront. Palma softens beautifully at dusk, especially in the lanes around Calatrava where the stone walls hold the last light. I usually stop for a drink in a quiet square rather than on the busy front. For couples, that mix of sea views, hidden streets, and unhurried tapas feels more memorable than rushing through attractions in Palma. It’s also one of the most romantic ways to figure out what to see in Palma, beyond the usual tours in Palma.