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Barri Gòtic The narrow lanes of the city’s medieval old town are the main attraction of Palma and merit repeated visits. Visit the splendid cathedral, the 10th century Moorish baths and the fabulous 15th century Gothic Llotja exchange building. Discover delightful squares and a great selection of shops, cafes, tapas bars and restaurants.
Food Palma is packed with characterful places to eat and offers tremendous variety. You will find everything from unpretentious cafes and brilliant tapas bars, to superb seafood, trendy gay hangouts and classy gourmet restaurants. There are plenty of Palma restaurants catering to tourists but the city also offers an outstanding choice of authentic Spanish dining at typically Spanish hours. Try areas like Sa Llotja, the Barri Gòtic, Santa Catalina and Passeig Maritim.
Nightlife Palma nightlife is extremely varied, highly enjoyable and far more authentically Spanish than the Majorca beach resorts. Explore the buzzing Sa Llotja area and then head for the late-night discos on the Passeig Maritim like the spectacular Pacha nightclub. Plenty of live music bars like Cafe Barcelona and Blues Ville, specialist bars offering everything from Indie rock to Brazilian music, and lots of fun, good-natured Spanish-style nights out with Spanish music. Palma nightlife continues throughout the winter.
Art For art in Palma head to excellent Palma art galleries like Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani: 20th-century art, including Picasso, Miró, Dalí and Juan Gris. The Museu de Mallorca in a fine 17th century palace has prehistoric and Moorish remains as well as medieval religious paintings.
History Worthwhile Palma sights include the Palau de l'Almudaina, a Moorish fortress with fine gardens and fountains and well-preserved 14th century Bellver Castle, which has a small museum and some of the best views of Palma.
Beaches Residents and visitors alike choose nearby Majorca beach resorts like S’Arenal, Palma Nova, C’an Pastilla, Illetes, Puerto Portal, Cala Mayor and Sant Elm. The famously lively British favourite of Magalluf makes a fun contrast to the sophistication of Palma
People Watching Palma promenade, harbour and swish marina are superb spots for a typically Spanish late-afternoon paseo. Palma attracts the Spanish rich and famous, from celebrities and la gente guapa to the Spanish royal family.
The Gay Scene The gay scene in Palma is not nearly as famous as Ibiza but new cafes, bars and discos are constantly opening. Gay listings magazines will have the details.
Shopping Palma shopping enjoys an excellent reputation, with plenty of stylish boutiques and famous designer labels. Good shops near the Plaza Mayor and San Miguel plus street and weekend markets with excellent leather goods and lace.
Attractions Popular Palma attractions for children include Marineland at the resort of Palma Nova, which has rides, amusements, zoo and dolphin, sea lion and parrot shows. The Poble Espanyol represents Spain in miniature. Magulluf has a popular waterpark and fun casino.
The Mountains A superb way to clear the head after enjoying Palma nightlife. The Serra de Tramuntana has some of the best scenery in Majorca. Drop down to resorts like Puerto de Soller or visit characterful towns like Pollença.
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