Palma Old Town Walk: Cathedral, Hidden Patios & Waterfront
A relaxed self-guided loop through La Seu, the Arab Baths, hidden patios, and the seafront promenade. No tour guide needed.
Palma's old town is small enough to walk in a morning but dense enough that most visitors only scratch the surface. This loop takes about 3 hours at a relaxed pace — coffee stop included.
Start: La Seu Cathedral
There's no better opening act. La Seu sits right on the seafront and dominates the skyline from the bay. Arrive early (before 10am) to beat the tour groups.
What to know before you go:
- Entry is €8, but free on Sunday mornings before 10:15am
- The interior was partially redesigned by Gaudí — look for the wrought-iron canopy above the altar
- The rose window on the west facade is one of the largest Gothic rose windows in the world
Almudaina Palace
Directly opposite the cathedral. The royal palace has been here since Moorish times and is still officially a royal residence — which means it occasionally closes on short notice for state visits. Check before you go.
Admission is €7, or free on Wednesday afternoons for EU residents.
The Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)
A 5-minute walk north through the old town. One of the few remaining Moorish structures in Mallorca, dating to the 10th century. The small garden outside is genuinely lovely.
Carrer de Can Serra, 7 — open daily, €3 entry.
Patios Season (April–May)
If you're visiting in spring, keep an eye out for open doorways along Carrer de la Portella and the surrounding streets. Private courtyards (patios) open to the public during Palma's patio festival — orange trees, stone arches, stray cats. Free.
Outside patio season, the courtyard of Can Olesa (Carrer de la Morera, 9) is usually accessible during business hours and worth the detour.
Plaça Major & the Backstreets
The main square is touristy but unavoidable — grab a coffee at one of the terrace cafes and watch the city move. Then escape into the backstreets heading west toward El Born.
Look for:
- Plaça de la Reina — the long promenade leading to the port
- Carrer Unió — independent shops, good for browsing
- Mercat de l'Olivar — covered market two blocks north, excellent for lunch
Lunch: Mercat de l'Olivar
Palma's main covered market is the right place to eat. Not a tourist trap — locals actually shop here. The fish stalls at the back have a small counter where you can eat whatever they're cooking that day.
Plaça de l'Olivar, 1 — open Monday to Saturday until 2:30pm.
Finish: The Waterfront (Passeig del Born to Port)
Walk south from the market back toward the sea and join the Passeig des Born — the city's main boulevard, lined with plane trees. Follow it down to the Parc de la Mar, with the cathedral reflection in the artificial lake, and then along the seafront promenade as far as you like.
The walk back to the cathedral along the water is the best view of the whole old town.
Practical notes:
- Wear comfortable shoes — the old town streets are cobbled
- Most of the old town is car-free, so no traffic stress
- The route is fully walkable with a pushchair, though some streets are steep
- The cathedral, palace, and Arab Baths are the only paid stops; everything else is free