Palma Old Town Walking Guide: 15 Things to See in the Casco Antiguo
Hidden courtyards, Moorish baths, Gothic churches, and the best streets to explore on foot
Ticket Prices
Opening Hours
Getting There
Key Takeaways
- Palma's Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval quarters in the Mediterranean — and it's free to explore
- Over 20 hidden aristocratic courtyards (patios) behind unassuming facades — peek through open doors for a glimpse of Mallorcan noble life
- Must-sees: Arab Baths (3.50 EUR), La Lonja (free), Basilica Sant Francesc (3 EUR), Placa Major, and the ancient olive tree at Placa de Cort
- Two food markets for authentic Mallorcan cuisine: Mercat de l'Olivar and Mercat de Santa Catalina
- Best explored on foot in 3-5 hours — start early morning to beat the heat and the cruise ship crowds
- Combine with visits to La Seu Cathedral, the Almudaina Palace, and Bellver Castle for the ultimate Palma day
Why Palma's Old Town Is Special
Palma's Casco Antiguo (Old Town) is a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets packed into just one square kilometre — yet it contains more history, architecture, and hidden beauty per step than almost any other city in the Mediterranean. Roman foundations, Moorish arches, Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces, and vibrant modern cafes all coexist within its ancient walls.
Unlike many European old towns that have been over-restored for tourists, Palma's historic quarter remains a living, breathing neighbourhood. Locals still live here, shop at the markets, drink coffee in the squares, and walk their dogs through the same streets that Moorish governors, medieval kings, and Renaissance merchants once called home.
The Self-Guided Walking Route
This route covers the 15 best things to see in the Old Town, in a logical walking order. Total distance: approximately 3-4 kilometres. Total time: 3-5 hours depending on how long you linger.
1. Placa d'Espanya — The Starting Point
Begin at Placa d'Espanya, the transport hub of Palma where buses, trains, and the metro converge. This lively square is the gateway between the modern city and the Old Town. From here, walk south down Carrer de Sant Miquel — one of the Old Town's main arteries, lined with shops, cafes, and churches.
2. Mercat de l'Olivar — Palma's Main Food Market
A two-minute detour east brings you to Mercat de l'Olivar, the largest and most authentic market in Mallorca. This is where Palmesanos actually shop — not a tourist market but the real thing:
- Fresh seafood counter with fish caught that morning
- Charcuterie stalls with sobrassada, Mallorcan cured meats, and local cheeses
- Tapas bars inside the market where you can eat at the counter
- Fruit and vegetable stalls bursting with Mediterranean colour
Tip: Go before 13:00 for the best selection. Saturday mornings are busiest but most atmospheric.
3. Carrer de Sant Miquel — Churches and Chocolate
Continue south down Carrer de Sant Miquel, one of Old Palma's longest streets. Along the way you'll pass:
- Església de Sant Miquel — one of the four original parish churches founded after the 1229 Christian conquest
- Can Forteza Rey — a stunning Art Nouveau building with colourful ceramic facades
- Traditional shops, artisan bakeries, and the scent of hot chocolate from Ca'n Joan de S'Aigo
4. Placa Major — The Main Square
Placa Major is Palma's largest square, surrounded by elegant yellow facades with green shutters and arcaded walkways. The square was built on the site of the former Inquisition headquarters (demolished in the 19th century) and today is a hub of:
- Outdoor cafes and restaurants
- Street performers and musicians
- A craft market on weekends
- An underground shopping centre below the square
From here, head south-east towards Placa de Cort.
5. Placa de Cort — The Ancient Olive Tree
This elegant square is home to Palma's Ajuntament (City Hall), a beautiful 17th-century Baroque building with an impressive carved wooden eave. But the real star is the ancient olive tree in the centre of the square — believed to be over 800 years old, it was transplanted here from the countryside and is one of Palma's most photographed landmarks.
6. Carrer de Colom and Carrer de Jaume II — Shopping Streets
These two parallel pedestrian streets connect Placa de Cort to the shopping district. Carrer de Jaume II features:
- Beautiful modernist shopfronts from the early 1900s
- Forn des Teatre — a legendary bakery famous for ensaimadas (Mallorca's signature spiral pastry)
- Independent boutiques, jewellers, and local fashion
7. Passeig des Born — The Boulevard
Passeig des Born is Palma's most elegant tree-lined boulevard — the local equivalent of Barcelona's La Rambla, but far more refined. Once a riverbed, it was converted into a promenade in the 19th century and is now lined with:
- Grand historic buildings and aristocratic mansions
- Designer boutiques and luxury shops
- Outdoor terraces perfect for people-watching
- The Can Solleric art gallery (free entry)
8. La Lonja — The Gothic Masterpiece
At the bottom of Passeig des Born, head towards the waterfront to find La Lonja (Sa Llotja), Palma's most beautiful Gothic building after the cathedral. Built in the 15th century by architect Guillem Sagrera as a maritime trade exchange, its interior features:
- A vast open hall with soaring twisted columns that resemble palm tree trunks
- Ribbed Gothic vaulting at a breathtaking height
- An angel sculpture above the entrance door
Entry is FREE. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00. The building now hosts art exhibitions.
9. Plaça de la Llotja — Terrace Time
The square surrounding La Lonja is lined with restaurant terraces — one of the best spots in Palma for a mid-walk lunch or coffee. The area was once the heart of Palma's maritime trade district, and the surrounding streets still have a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
10. La Seu Cathedral and the Almudaina Palace
From La Lonja, walk east along the waterfront to reach Palma's two most iconic landmarks side by side:
- La Seu Cathedral — The towering Gothic cathedral with the world's second-largest rose window, Gaudi's baldachin, and Barcelo's contemporary ceramic chapel
- Royal Palace of La Almudaina — Over 1,000 years of history from Moorish fortress to official residence of the King of Spain
Between them, don't miss the S'Hort del Rei gardens (free) with Joan Miro's Egg sculpture.
11. The Arab Baths (Banys Arabs)
From the cathedral, walk 5 minutes into the Old Town to find the Banys Arabs — hidden behind a garden wall on Carrer de Can Serra. These 10th-century Moorish baths are one of the few surviving remnants of Islamic Palma:
- A small domed chamber with horseshoe arches and columns reused from Roman and Byzantine buildings
- Star-shaped vents in the ceiling for light and steam
- A peaceful walled garden with citrus trees — a perfect oasis from the busy streets
Entry: 3.50 EUR (cash only). Open daily 10:00-18:30 (summer) / 10:00-17:30 (winter).
12. The Hidden Courtyards — Palma's Secret Patios
One of the Old Town's greatest treasures is its aristocratic courtyards (patios), hidden behind unassuming wooden doors. Palma has over 20 historic patios — more per square kilometre than almost any city in Spain. The best include:
- Can Vivot (Carrer de Can Savella) — One of Palma's oldest and most elegant courtyards, built in 1690 for the Marquis of Vivot. Grand staircase, carved columns, and a sense of timeless aristocratic elegance.
- Ca'n Oleza (Carrer de Morey) — Dating from the late 17th century, famous for its wide low arches, ionic columns, loggia, and wrought-iron railings. One of the best-preserved patios in the city.
- Can Bordils (Carrer de l'Almudaina) — Now houses the Municipal Archive, with a beautiful 16th-century courtyard open to visitors.
- Can Catlar del Llorer — Gothic patio with an impressive stone staircase.
Tip: Many courtyards are visible through open doors during business hours (roughly 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00). Peek respectfully — these are often private residences or offices. The best streets for patio-spotting are Carrer de Can Savella, Carrer de Morey, and Carrer de l'Almudaina.
13. Basilica de Sant Francesc
This 13th-century Gothic basilica is one of Palma's most beautiful churches, yet most tourists walk straight past it. Highlights:
- A stunning Baroque facade with an ornate rose window
- The Gothic cloisters — a peaceful courtyard surrounded by elegant arcades, orange and lemon trees, and a medieval well at the centre
- The tomb of Ramon Llull, Mallorca's most famous medieval philosopher and writer
- An atmospheric interior with side chapels and religious artwork
Entry: 3 EUR. The cloisters alone are worth the price.
14. The Jewish Quarter (Call Major)
The streets around Carrer de Montision and Carrer del Sol formed Palma's medieval Jewish Quarter (Call Major), home to a thriving community of Jewish merchants, scholars, and cartographers until the forced conversions and persecutions of the late 14th century. Today you can:
- Walk the narrow atmospheric streets where Jewish traders once worked
- Visit the small interpretation centre at Can Bordils
- See Montision Church — built on the site of the former Great Synagogue
15. Parc de la Mar — The Grand Finale
End your walk at Parc de la Mar below the cathedral and palace. This park features:
- A reflective lake where the cathedral and palace create the most iconic photo of Palma
- A large Joan Miro mural on the park wall
- Cafes and terraces with views up to the cathedral
- The perfect spot to rest your feet and watch the sunset
The Best Streets for Exploring
Beyond the main route, these streets reward curious wanderers:
- Carrer de la Portella — Narrow, atmospheric, with hidden patios behind every other door
- Carrer de la Puresa — One of the most photogenic streets, with stone walls and trailing bougainvillea
- Costa de la Seu — The steep street leading up to the cathedral, framed by medieval buildings
- Carrer de la Calatrava — In the Sa Calatrava neighbourhood, full of flower-filled balconies and urban art
- Carrer de Ca'n Anglada — Quiet, authentic, with some of the best-preserved medieval facades
Where to Eat in the Old Town
- Ca'n Joan de S'Aigo (Carrer de Can Sanc) — Palma's oldest cafe (since 1700!), legendary for thick hot chocolate and ensaimadas. A must-visit.
- Mercat de l'Olivar — Eat at the counter inside the market: fresh oysters, grilled fish, tapas, and local wine
- Forn des Teatre (Placa de Weyler) — Artisan bakery famous for ensaimadas with every filling imaginable
- La Lonja neighbourhood — Multiple terraces with seafood and harbour views
- Mercat de Santa Catalina (15 min walk) — Palma's trendy foodie market in the Santa Catalina neighbourhood
- Placa Major terraces — Great for people-watching over coffee (but pricier)
Accessibility
Palma's Old Town is a medieval quarter with narrow cobblestone streets and some steep slopes. It is not fully wheelchair accessible:
- The main squares (Placa Major, Placa de Cort, Passeig des Born) are accessible with smooth paving
- Side streets are often uneven cobblestones — challenging for wheelchairs and pushchairs
- La Seu Cathedral has ramp access; La Lonja has step-free entry
- The Arab Baths have steps at the entrance
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential for everyone — flip-flops and heels are not recommended on cobblestones
When to Walk — Timing Tips
- Best time: Start at 9:00-10:00 AM to beat the heat and cruise ship crowds
- Best months: April-June and September-November (pleasant walking weather)
- Summer tip: Walk in the morning, take a siesta break during 14:00-17:00 peak heat, then explore again in the evening
- Cruise ship days: The Old Town can feel crowded when 3+ ships dock — check the port schedule at cruisetimetables.com
- Sundays: Quieter streets but many shops closed. Markets closed on Sundays.
- Rainy days: The covered arcades of Placa Major and indoor markets provide shelter
Best Photo Spots in the Old Town
- Parc de la Mar — Cathedral and palace reflected in the lake (late afternoon golden light)
- Carrer de la Puresa — Narrow street with stone walls, bougainvillea, and medieval atmosphere
- Costa de la Seu — Looking up towards the cathedral from the steep street below
- Placa de Cort — The ancient olive tree with City Hall behind
- La Lonja interior — The twisted palm-tree columns are stunning
- Hidden courtyards — Frame your shot through the open doorway for a magical perspective
- Can Forteza Rey — The colourful Art Nouveau ceramic facade on Carrer de Sant Miquel
Pro Tips
- Start early (9-10 AM) before the cruise ship passengers arrive — by 11:00 the streets near the cathedral are packed
- Cash only at the Arab Baths (3.50 EUR) — there's no card machine, so bring coins
- The best courtyards are visible through open doors roughly 10:00-14:00 — by afternoon many close. Walk slowly and peek through every open wooden door
- Get an ensaimada from Forn des Teatre or Ca'n Joan de S'Aigo — this is Mallorca's signature pastry and both places are on the walking route
- Wear comfortable shoes with grip — cobblestones are uneven and slippery when wet
- The La Lonja neighbourhood terraces are perfect for a mid-walk lunch with harbour views — much better value than Placa Major
- Carry a light scarf for covering shoulders when entering churches
- For the best sunset photo, end your walk at Parc de la Mar — the cathedral glows golden and reflects in the lake
