Palma de Mallorca City Guide: The best places in the city according to locals

I do not know whether there is any destination I have searched for more in recent months than Mallorca, and Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the island and of the entire Balearic archipelago, has an almost magnetic pull. It is as if someone is sitting on my shoulder, quietly whispering: you could live there!

“It’s paradise, if you can stand it”, was how the famous Gertrude Stein described Mallorca as a potential place of life and inspiration to the English poet Robert Graves, who, once he moved there, never left. The light of Palma de Mallorca struck Stein as deeply artistic, and for me too it is the trigger that makes me want to explore it more closely.

What is the best time to visit Palma de Mallorca?

Palma rewards you depending on the rhythm you are looking for. March and April offer quieter streets, green parks, and the opportunity to discover design hotels and local gastronomy. From May to June and in September and October, temperatures are pleasant, the sea is warm, and the city is a little calmer than at the height of the season, perfect for exploring the old town, beaches, and cafés. July and August bring the peak of summer, energy, and a lively, fairly crowded atmosphere, for those who enjoy it. Spring is quietly approaching, March is close, and I am starting to search for flights.

Toque de Queda

With a mild climate almost all year round, vibrant cafés and bars, and a relaxed Mediterranean rhythm, Palma, short for Palma de Mallorca, is a destination that is easy to return to, whether for an extended weekend or a seven day escape from everyday life. I have already mentioned the artistic side of the island that I want to explore, and as a starting point I asked creatives, artists, architects, designers, people who live the scene, which places in Palma de Mallorca they love most.

Edin Memic Kjellvertz and Lina Kjellvertz, founders of Dusty Deco

Place for a morning coffee with a good view: La Molienda

An excellent hipster coffee spot, located on a beautiful square in the centre of Palma. Perfect for people watching and admiring façades, and the coffee is outstanding.

Address: Carrer del Bisbe Campins, 11  /@lamoliendapalma

Place for brunch: El Bungalow

A classic Spanish spot for paella by the ocean, a 20 minute walk from Palma along the coast or a 5 minute taxi ride. You sit almost right on the shoreline, and the staff are as reserved as you would expect from a traditional Spanish establishment. The interior is as old as the staff, and the view is unforgettable. Be sure to book, especially on weekends and during the summer months, as it is very popular with locals and well informed visitors.

Address: Carrer d’Esculls, 2

Place for dinner: Toque de Queda

This has been our favourite restaurant since it opened. Excellent food, do not miss the zucchini carpaccio, it is truly addictive, wonderful staff, and a sweet little terrace tucked into a charming street in the old part of Palma.

Address: Carrer de Can Cavalleria, 15B, Centre / @toquedequedamallorca

Place for a glass of wine or a cocktail: bar La Sang

A cool, slightly rough, rock’n’roll style wine bar with natural wines and a great selection of small plates for sharing. Loud and fun, yet still not overly touristy.

Address: Carrer d’Antoni Frontera, 24 / @barlasang

Favourite place to go out: Door 13

In the same building as our Dusty Deco showroom is a small, fairly hidden bar with live music called Door 13. Seating is limited, so it is advisable to book in advance.

Address: Carrer de les Caputxines, 13 / @door13bar

Grason Mikal Ratowsky, painter

Favourite place for art: Baró Galeria, Fundació Miró and my own studio

Baró Galeria regularly presents a strong contemporary programme and is clearly connected to the international art scene. Fundació Miró is unmissable, not only for the works themselves, but also for the sense of peace, openness, and unique history. And of course there is my own studio in the heart of the island, open to visitors, a more intimate artistic counterpoint to the city bustle.

Addresses: C/ de Can Sanç, 13, Centre; C/ de Saridakis, 29 / @grasonratowsky

Place for a morning coffee with a view: Cappuccino

Although there are Cappuccino cafés all over the island, the one on Plaza de Cort is hard to beat for slow mornings. Sitting on the terrace of a beautifully designed hotel with a coffee, watching the quiet, elegant choreography of the square and the daily rituals unfolding around the oldest olive tree in Palma feels like a gentle yet refined way to ease into the day, especially before the city fully wakes up.

Address: Plaça de Cort, Centre / @cappuccinograndcafe

Place for lunch: Bar Rey Sancho

Unpretentious and deeply local, it is one of those places you return to without a plan. Ideal for a relaxed lunch, simple, well prepared food, generous portions, and an atmosphere that has not changed, and I mean that in the best possible way.

Address: Carrer del Rei Sanç, 18, Nord

Where to go for dinner: El Caminito

The little sister of El Camino, El Caminito has the warmth of a neighbourhood restaurant where it feels like everyone knows each other, but with a more refined touch. The kitchen is thoughtful, honest, and delicious, the space charming and lively, without ever feeling overcrowded. Dinners here often naturally stretch on longer than you planned.

Address: Carrer de les Caputxines, 3, Centre / @el_caminito_palma

Favourite places to go out: Selva Club Palma and Sous-Sol

Selva Club Palma is the address for evenings centred around music rather than spectacle. Sous-Sol, soon to be opened by dear friends, is already generating excitement as a new, slightly underground spot bringing something fresh and authentic to Palma’s nightlife scene.

Address: Gremi des Fusters, 44, Nord / @selvaclub.palma

Place for local design and tradition: Alpargatería La Concepción

This place is a reminder of Mallorca’s deeply rooted tradition of craftsmanship. Specialising in espadrilles, avarcas, patateras, porqueras, and other Balearic footwear, it feels timeless, practical, elegant, and strongly connected to local culture. And when you know that the Spanish queen shops here when she is on the island, it is clear that this is a trusted address.

Address: Calle Concepción, 17 / @alpargateria_laconcepcion

Leela Romeo, textile artist and founder of Desanuda Fiber Lab

Place for a morning coffee with a beautiful view: Bar Molinar

For morning coffee I love Bar Molinar. It is a traditional place with wonderful staff and reasonable prices. Sitting there with a coffee and watching the morning slowly arrive by the sea is the perfect start to the day.

Address: C/Vicario Joaquin Fuster nº111

Place for lunch or brunch: Boira

For brunch or a relaxed lunch, Boira is my first choice. They offer a great breakfast at a very good price, and the space itself is beautiful, cosy, bright, and full of good energy.

Address: Plaça Francesc García i Orell / @restauranteboira

Where to go for dinner: Bastian Contrari

When I want dinner to feel special, I go to Bastian Contrari. It is the best Italian cuisine in the city, and I also have a personal connection because the family of my friend Nico runs the restaurant. The food is authentic, the atmosphere warm, and every meal feels like a small celebration.

Address: Carrer de Villalonga, 7, Ponent / @bastiancontrarimallorca

Place for a glass of wine or a cocktail: Mas Amor

For cocktails, Mas Amor is a must. Charly and Calum run it with care and creativity, and the drinks are always prepared with great dedication. It is a place where you can linger, enjoy conversation, and truly unwind.

Address: Carrer de Bonaire, 21 / @masamorpalma

Favourite place for concerts or clubbing: OVERCLUB

For electronic music and dancing until morning, there is no better place than Overclub in Polígono Son Rossinyol. The sound is incredible, the energy unforgettable, and it is a place where you can truly surrender to the music.

Address: C/ Gremi de Passamaners, 17, Nord

Favourite place for art: Mallorca Makers

I love attending Mallorca Makers events, tours, and exhibitions. It is an association of the island’s best artists, designers, and craftspeople. Their networking events and early access presentations allow you to be among the first to see new collections and even purchase works in advance.

IG @mallorca.makers

Favourite local design spot: Desanuda Studio

Desanuda is my own studio, located in a typical Mallorcan possessió in the heart of the island. You can take part in workshops under the lemon tree or explore limited edition ceramics and jewellery. Visits are by appointment, and the experience of discovering the studio in this unique setting is something I love to share.

Address: Polígono 4, parcela 74 Sencellas / @desanuda.fiberlab

Paulo Valcic and Stefan Relic, founders of Rôck&Villa Studio

Place for a morning coffee with a beautiful view: Cappuccino Palau March

We love having our morning coffee at Cappuccino Palau March. As big admirers of the old part of Palma and its historic architecture, this place is particularly dear to us. It is located in a beautiful historic building and overlooks Passeig del Born, the city’s main pedestrian street, where you can truly feel the rhythm of Palma. Being so close to the sea, it perfectly blends the elegance of the old town with the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere that we love in life and work here.

Address: Carrer del Conquistador, 24 / @cappuccinograndcafe

Place for lunch or brunch: La Rosa Vermutería & Colmado

La Rosa Vermutería & Colmado was one of the first tapas spots we discovered when we moved to Palma a few years ago, and it remains our absolute favourite in the city. Located right in the centre, it offers a wonderful atmosphere and a laid back, lively energy that always feels authentic. The menu is simple and honest, and in our opinion some of the best tapas in Palma are found here, which is why we always return.

Address: Carrer de la Rosa, 5 / @larosavermuteriaycolmado

Place for dinner: El Camino

One of our favourite places for dinner is El Camino. The restaurant is organised around one long bar where everyone sits together, creating a lively and social atmosphere. You can watch part of the food being prepared in front of you, which makes the experience even more dynamic and engaging. The food is excellent, and the interior is beautifully designed, perfectly balancing sophistication and ease for a comfortable yet special dinner.

Address: Carrer de Can Brondo, 4 / @el_camino_palma

Place for cocktails: Bar Abaco

Bar Abaco is one of the most famous places in Palma and an unmissable destination for anyone visiting the city. Housed in a historic building, the space feels almost theatrical, with a rich baroque interior and classical music constantly playing in the background. The cocktails are excellent, but it is really the setting itself that creates a truly special atmosphere, turning every visit into a unique experience.

Address: Carrer de Sant Joan, 1 / @barabaco

Favourite place for art: Gallery Red

Gallery Red is one of the most respected galleries in Palma and a place we feel closely connected to. We often collaborate with them on various projects, and what we particularly love is their versatility in presenting artists. It is a space where you can discover a wide range of works, from young and emerging talents to icons such as Basquiat and Warhol, making every visit inspiring and dynamic.

Address: Plaça Frederic Chopin / @ galleryred_

Favourite local design spot: Gordiola Glass Factory Shop

We adore the Gordiola Glass Factory shop because it is deeply rooted in Mallorca’s design heritage. Founded in 1719, it is one of the oldest glass factories on the island, and to this day they still produce glass using traditional techniques, reinterpreted through a contemporary approach. For us as designers, it is a constant source of inspiration and a place we love to visit when searching for timeless, locally made objects.

Address: Carrer de la Victòria, 2

Favourite place to go out: DÔME

Palma is not particularly known for its nightlife, and personally we rarely go clubbing. Still, if we had to recommend one place, it would be DÔME. It is primarily a restaurant that works beautifully during the day and in the evening, but from time to time they organise DJ sessions in the basement that naturally turn into a relaxed social moment with music, light dancing, and a great atmosphere. It feels elegant and laid back rather than like a traditional club, which is exactly why we like it.

Address: Carrer Unió, 2A / @dome.mallorca

These are suggestions if you want to spend time outside the capital

Rosa Esteva, founder of the Cortana brand and creative director

Place for a morning coffee with a beautiful view: Es Racó d’Artà, Artà

Es Racó d’Artà is one of those magical places on the island where time seems to stand still. Located next to Parc Natural de Llevant, Es Racó, which in Mallorcan means “corner”, is a place that invites retreat and meditation.

IG @ esracodartadestino

Place for art: Potter’s House, Son Servera

Potter’s House is located in Son Servera, the town where I was born. It was once the home and studio of ceramic artist Maria Antònia Carrió, whose work I have loved since childhood. The space, filled with unique light and surrounded by nature, hosts a residency programme designed to encourage dialogue among creators.

IG @pottershousemallorca

Where to go for dinner: Ca Na Toneta, Caimari

At Ca Na Toneta, a family run restaurant, only seasonal and locally grown produce is used in order to preserve and contemporarily reinterpret Mallorcan recipes. Through their work, they revive the island’s landscape, customs, and even its character. Dinner at Ca Na Toneta is a truly magical experience, ideal for those seeking something different, yet authentic and deeply connected to the spirit of the island.

IG @canatoneta