Old Town: Cathedral – Almudaina – Plaza Cort

This neighborhood oozes luxury and history. Here is where you will find a lot of the city’s most famous sights within a pedestrian labyrinth. It is a beautiful area, but also a very expensive part of town. There are a lot of fancy boutique hotels and high-end jewelry shops. The narrow streets are lined with the world’s best examples of Mallorcan courtyards and their glittering architectural details. Highlights: La Seu Cathedral, Royal Palace of Almudaina, Arab Baths, Plaza Mayor, and the historic Jewish Quarter.

Paseo del Borne: “Golden Mile” – Jaime III

The area around Paseo del Borne is one of the busiest, most commercial areas of Palma, home to luxury department stores and designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Rolex. Heading west you will find Avenida Jaime III, which is the epicenter of high-street shopping and city life. Shopping aside, the Borne is a cultural destination, home to majestic palaces and the Casal Solleric art space. This is a neighborhood where afternoon people-watching from a terrace cafe is a key part of the daily fabric.

La Lonja: Gastronomy – Nightlife

La Lonja is considered to be the “social center” of the waterfront, and most of the city’s best tapas bars are within walking distance of the historic maritime exchange building. The neighborhood is a winding maze of multi-faceted streets that beg to be explored. It bursts with quaint boutiques, historic buildings, and welcoming traditional restaurants. Around each corner, you’ll discover little gems of Gothic architecture. The area can be loud well into the early hours of the morning, especially during the summer when people hang out in the narrow alleys.

Santa Catalina: Market – Trendy Hub

Situated on the western edge of the center, this vibrant section used to be known as the fisherman’s quarter. Now it’s one of the more chic, beautiful and sought-after areas in Palma, with a high concentration of international restaurants and art galleries. The neighborhood is also home to the famous Santa Catalina Market, the hangout spot for foodies seeking fresh local produce. This is a neighborhood where afternoon “vermouth” at a local bar or browsing independent boutiques are key parts of the daily fabric.

Calatrava: Seaside – Serenity

The Calatrava Quarter is situated on the ancient walls overlooking the sea and is considered one of the smallest, quietest areas of Palma. This neighborhood contains the eastern part of the historic district and is known as “Old Palma” because it contains some of the city’s best-preserved mansions. It is a stylish, peaceful area filled with hidden courtyards and luxury residences. The narrow, winding streets are lined with old architecture and lead to the Parc de la Mar. It is known for its discreet charm and lack of tourists compared to the main cathedral area.

Portixol – Molinar: Seaside Promenade

The area around the old fishing harbor of Portixol, situated east along the coast, contains a stunning seaside promenade. Built originally for the fishing community, it is now one of the trendiest spots on the island and gives access to city beaches. It is located close to the city center via a flat coastal path. This neighborhood is home to many different nationalities and has a reputation for being super hip. This is where you’ll find numerous trendy seafood restaurants and bars full of active locals wanting to soak in the Mediterranean breeze.

Son Espanyolet: Residential – Village Vibe

The former hangout of local families, Son Espanyolet is now a calm and peaceful neighborhood with plenty of low-rise houses and gardens. There are a few notable attractions nearby, such as the Pueblo Español architectural museum. This is the area to stay to experience how real Mallorcans live while also being close to the action of Santa Catalina and the city center. One up-and-coming section in particular is popular with creative professionals and families looking for a quiet enclave with independent shops.