A city trip to Palma de Mallorca is the ideal way to explore the fascinating Balearic capital. Palma offers the ideal combination of urban flair and Mediterranean ambience. No wonder the city has become a popular weekend destination. Here is my little family-friendly city guide for a three-day stay in Palma. Have fun!
Day 1: Family-friendly attractions
Your city trip to Palma de Mallorca with children will be an unforgettable experience…
🥐 Breakfast: Start the day with a delicious breakfast in Palma at Café Es Pes de Sa Palla. The café offers a wide selection of breakfast dishes with a focus on longuets and products from the Forn Pes de Sa Palla bakery. The café has a cosy interior and a nice terrace on a large plaza. Both the café and the bakery are run by the Esment Foundation, which enables people with intellectual disabilities to take part in everyday working life.
✨ Palma Cathedral: First things first! The Catedral de Mallorca La Seu is Palma’s best-known and oldest monument. A Gothic building overlooking the sea, with a large rose window and characteristic Gaudí features. Also discover the charming side streets around the cathedral.
🛍️ Paseo del Borne: Stroll along the Paseo del Borne shopping street and also wander through the side streets. There are some lovely corners and small boutiques here. Take a break at the playground if necessary. Parc de la Mar is the perfect place for this.
🥑 Lunch: Enjoy a snack and excellent coffee at La Molienda.
🦈 Palma Aquarium: Palma Aquarium can be reached by bus from the city centre. This takes around half an hour. The underwater world is impressive for both children and adults. The aquarium offers an interactive exhibition and an underwater tunnel that leads through the shark aquarium.
🫒 Dinner: Stop off for dinner at La Rosa Vermutería. Here you’ll find the ideal combination of Mediterranean ambience, delicious tapas and good wine.
Day 2: Palma’s green heart
Nature lovers will also get their fun on a weekend trip to Palma…
🥞 Breakfast: Enjoy a healthy breakfast at Mama Carmen’s. They offer delicious bowls, tostadas, pancakes and, above all, good tea and coffee for the perfect start to the day.
💚 Castell de Bellver: Visit the Castell de Bellver: a round castle dating back to 1300, situated on a wooded hill above Palma. The phenomenal view of the city alone is worth the visit. Children will love exploring the castle. Afterwards, take a stroll through the neighbouring forest, Palma’s green heart, to Palma’s most beautiful playground.
🥗 Lunch: For lunch, head back towards the city, to Palma’s trendy Santa Catalina neighbourhood. There are several restaurants and cafés here, such as Santina or El Perrito. Then take a look at the Mercat de Santa Catalina, a small market hall with Mediterranean specialities and fresh products.
🛥️ Palma harbour: Stroll down to the harbour, along the Paseo Marítimo. It is currently being transformed into a green recreational area by the sea. Enjoy the sea breeze while you look at the boats and yachts. Reward yourself for all those steps with an ice cream at Rivareno.
🍕 Dinner: Fancy a pizza? Rikito will not disappoint you! You can also have homemade pasta and antipasti here. The restaurant is not only delicious, but also super cosy and stylish. If you prefer tapas, you can find the best tapas bars in Palma de Mallorca here.
Day 3: Sea, beach and relaxation
Probably the best thing about a city trip to Palma de Mallorca? The combination of city and beach!
☕️ Breakfast: Go to a Spanish bar around the corner from your accommodation. They usually serve very tasty coffee and a simple but good breakfast. Try the pan con tomate (toasted bread with tomatoes), a baguette with ham and cheese or a croissant. The more locals there are, the better and, above all, the more authentic!
🐚 Beach time: relax on the beach. Even in winter, Mallorca’s beaches invite you to relax, walk and play. Can Pere Antoni beach is located directly in the city. Alternatively, you can also take the bus to Cala Major beach which is particularly popular among families in summer. Look for a restaurant on the beach or around the corner for lunch or take a picnic with you and eat right next to the sea.
⚓️ Portixol harbour: If you have chosen the city beach, then walk a little further towards Portixol. On the promenade you will find original fishermen’s houses, numerous bars and restaurants and a lovely playground.
🍽️ Dinner: You will surely have been inspired by culinary delights during your stay and discovered a restaurant in Palma that you would like to visit.
