Things to do in Palma for self travelers
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Step into a world beneath the waves at Palma Aquarium with these fast-track tickets and dive into an immersive journey through the mysteries of the deep. From families with kids to adventure-seeking adults, everyone is set to get their feet wet in this aquatic wonderland. Over one kilometer of exploration awaits, where you'll dive into the lives of marine creatures in eight unique habitats - from the Mediterranean and the Tropics to the Jungle and the Jellyfish tank. Learning has never been this fun! Regarded as one of Europe's most interactive aquariums packed with optional activities (available at a small additional cost), Palma Aquarium promises an extraordinary marine adventure. Roam around the 24,000 square meters facility, which is home to over 8,000 specimens from 700 species of fauna and flora from all around the globe. So why wait? Come marvel at the beauty of our oceans. Reserve your tickets today!
This tour will guide you through a so-called «uptown» which is the oldest area in Palma. The tour starts at the most iconic spot — The Cathedral. Then you will leave the tourist trails to reach the small medieval streets. In the maze of old town alleys you will head to the center of the ancient Roman town Palmaria and treasures of the Knights Templar. You will pass through the Jewish Quarter of the city, enjoy the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and stroll trough the famous Parc de la Mar. You will get to see the wonderful patios and try a sorvet ball in a local ice cream parlor which is the oldest in the city. You will also have a chance to learn a historical name of the discoverer of America who was called the father of California, and much much more! The iconic landmarks and mystery corners of Palma will tell you the history of the city over various epochs.
Dive into the Big Blue, one of the deepest shark tanks in Europe. Along with a Palma Aquarium instructor, you'll dive among ten fin-tastic sharks, radical rays, and hundreds of colourful fish for up to two hours. This ticket also includes access to Palma Aquarium, where you can encounter an incredible array of sea creatures, from tropical fish to majestic sharks and even playful sea turtles. Walk through a massive shark tunnel and watch the other divers as these fearsome predators swim overhead, or visit the jellyfish exhibit and be dazzled by their delicate beauty! Beyond the marine life, Palma Aquarium is also known for its stunning architecture and design. The park's modern, eco-friendly facilities are a testament to its commitment to sustainability, and it's a great place for kids to learn about the importance of conservation and protecting our oceans.
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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 Quest is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2020 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Palma on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Palma.
When 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.