Things to do in Palma de Mallorca in one day

Palma has a way of turning one day into something unforgettable — if you know where to go.

When you think about paradise, what comes to mind? For me, it is Mallorca. Locals and visitors agree on one thing: the island has it all. The cosmopolitan hub of Mallorca is Palma de Mallorca, a city connecting the world to stunning beaches, incredible food and endless events.

My name is LJ, and alongside my day job at TUI, I am working on becoming less of an expat and more of a local in Palma. Moving to the city had been my dream for over two years, so finally being here and experiencing all there is to offer still often feels like a fever dream.

Keep reading to learn how I have been spending my days and throwing myself into my dream local life here.

8.00 a.m. – Take a run in Palma’s city centre

Whenever I travel, I always bring my running shoes – it is my go-to way to stay active and explore a new place. You can even use it as an excuse to eat more, not that you need one on holiday, of course!

And if you get used to it, you might even sign up for the TUI Palma Marathon in October.

Pro tip for running in Palma

In Palma, I recommend running along Paseo Marítimo to enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean and the harbour.

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9.00 a.m. – Explore the Librería del Mar near Portixol – you can end your run here!

Supporting local businesses is very important to me, and the Librería del Mar is as local as it gets. Every weekend, the bookshop is set up by the seashore and offers an array of books. If you are not a reader, still include this in your itinerary, as seeing it will calm something in your soul.

10.00 a.m – Have breakfast at Fornet de la Soca in Palma

One traditional Mallorcan breakfast item is the ensaïmada. This is the island’s signature pastry and can be plain or filled with cream, chocolate or even pumpkin. Fornet de la Soca is a quirky gem where you can find a range of ensaïmadas, as well as other local pastries. Grab your pastry and a coffee from across the street at Mistral Coffee House, then sit along Passeig des Born to people-watch and enjoy.

Pro tip for breakfast in Palma

Also try pa amb oli, a simple classic of bread, tomato, olive oil and salt, or a llonguet, a small filled oval bread roll.

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12.00 p.m. – Check out the events in Palma de Mallorca

Two of my favourite things about Palma are the events and the sense of community here. If you know where to look and are open to meeting others, you won’t struggle to feel like a local. There is always an array of events happening throughout the city.

I recommend having a little scroll on Instagram, finding one that interests you, heading along and making the most of it!

4.00 p.m. – Enjoy una copa y una charleta on a terrace in Palma

Sitting with a drink in hand on a streetside terrace or plaza is undoubtedly European. In Palma, there are so many places to take a break from the sun and embrace a slower lifestyle, where you can pause a bit longer and take it all in.

I’d recommend Plaça del Mercat, where you can find Bar Gibson or Bar Nicolás — two great spots for una copa (a drink) and una charleta (a chat).

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6.00 p.m. – Take a guided tour of Palma de Mallorca

You are always allowed to be a tourist in your own home, and I think that is a good thing, as it allows you to learn more about your surroundings and see the city from a different perspective. So, after almost three months of living in Palma, I took a guided tour through TUI Musement. It was a beautiful way to learn about the history of this once-medieval place.

Pro Tip about visiting Palma

If you haven’t seen the famous Gothic Cathedral, La Seu, book a daytime tour with a visit included, or buy tickets separately.

9.00 p.m. – End your day in Palma with tapas

I feel pretty confident that when you think about Spain, you think about tapas. So, of course, that is the ideal way to end a day of exercising, exploring and getting to know the city and its people.

If you are looking for an authentic tapas experience, head to Bar Espanya. For something a bit fancier, I’d recommend El Camino but make sure to book in advance. However, if you want a twist on traditional tapas, there is Ombu, with two locations in Palma.

Pro Tip about nightlife in Palma

And if that wasn’t enough, and you want to experience Spain’s nightlife and happen to choose Ombu for tapas, head to their Santa Catalina location, where you can find a hub of bars and clubs for afterwards.