Self guided audio tour in Palma de Mallorca

Besides our audio guides, there are many other ways to discover Palma de Mallorca. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit to this Mediterranean gem:

• Catedral de Mallorca (La Seu) - This magnificent Gothic cathedral dominates Palma's skyline. With one of the world's largest rose windows and fascinating Gaudí elements, it's a must-see place in Palma de Mallorca that deserves at least an hour of your time.
• Boat Trip along the Bay - See the city from a different perspective as you cruise along the beautiful Bay of Palma, offering spectacular views of the cathedral, Bellver Castle, and the coastline.
• Royal Palace of La Almudaina - Standing opposite the cathedral, this former Moorish fortress converted into a royal residence showcases an intriguing blend of Islamic and Gothic architecture. The palace remains one of the best tours in Palma de Mallorca for history enthusiasts.
• The Caves of Drach - Explore one of Mallorca's most spectacular natural attractions with an underground lake where you'll enjoy a short classical music concert performed on boats.
• Mercat de l'Olivar - Immerse yourself in local culture at this bustling food market. Sample fresh produce, regional specialties, and seafood at one of the hidden gems in Palma de Mallorca where locals do their daily shopping.
• Bellver Castle - This unique circular castle offers panoramic views over the entire city and bay. Built in the 14th century, it's one of the few circular castles in Europe and houses the city's history museum.
• Es Baluard Museum of Contemporary Art - Set within the renovated 16th-century sea walls, this modern art museum showcases Balearic and Mediterranean artists alongside international exhibitions, making it perfect for those exploring Palma de Mallorca without a guide.
• Palma Aquarium - Discover the marine life of the Mediterranean and beyond at this family-friendly attraction featuring Europe's deepest shark tank.
• Santa Catalina District - Once a fishermen's quarter, this trendy neighborhood now boasts some of the city's best restaurants, boutiques, and a vibrant food market. It's one of the best areas to explore in Palma de Mallorca for foodies.

Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions for Palma de Mallorca sightseeing tours with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer brings vibrant energy but also peak tourist numbers and heat, while winter remains mild (rarely below 10°C/50°F) with many attractions still open but shorter hours.

Getting There
Palma's airport is just 8km from the city center with frequent buses (Line A1, every 15 minutes) and reasonably priced taxis. Within the city, the EMT bus network is comprehensive, while the vintage wooden train to Sóller offers a scenic day trip. The compact old town is best explored on foot, with many must-see places in Palma de Mallorca within walking distance of each other.

Opening Hours and Holidays
Most shops open 10:00-20:00 Monday-Saturday, with many closing for siesta between 14:00-17:00. Museums typically close on Mondays, and the cathedral has limited visiting hours during religious services. Key local holidays include Sant Sebastià (January 20), Easter processions (dates vary), and Sant Joan (June 24) when many businesses close.

Comfort on the Go
Palma's Mediterranean climate means sun protection is essential year-round. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating the old town's cobblestone streets. Carry a water bottle as public fountains are available throughout the city. The Palma de Mallorca attractions map in our app helps you navigate efficiently while conserving phone battery.

Local Customs and Etiquette
Mallorcans typically eat lunch later (14:00-16:00) and dinner very late (21:00 onwards). A small tip (5-10%) is appreciated but not mandatory in restaurants. When greeting locals, a kiss on each cheek is common among friends. Learning a few basic Catalan phrases (not just Spanish) will be warmly received by islanders.

How much time should I plan for a visit to Palma de Mallorca?
You should plan at least one full day to experience Palma de Mallorca properly. Our self-guided tours Palma de Mallorca can be completed in 2-3 hours if walked continuously, but the beauty of our audio guide is that you can pause whenever you want to enjoy a coffee at Plaza Mayor, browse the boutiques along Passeig des Born, or visit the cathedral's interior.

What makes Palma de Mallorca different from other cities in Spain?
Palma de Mallorca uniquely blends mainland Spanish culture with distinct island traditions and international influences. Unlike Barcelona or Madrid, Palma offers a more relaxed Mediterranean pace while featuring a remarkable concentration of Gothic architecture, including over 20 historic patios (courtyards) hidden behind unassuming façades. The city also maintains its own dialect of Catalan called Mallorquí.

Why choose an audio guide instead of a guided tour in Palma de Mallorca?
An audio guide gives you complete flexibility to explore Palma de Mallorca without a guide's fixed schedule. You can start whenever you want, take breaks at the city's beautiful beaches or cafés, and explore hidden gems in Palma de Mallorca that large tour groups often miss. Plus, our audio stories provide deeper historical context than most rushed guided tours can offer.

Do I need internet while walking?
No, you don't need internet while using our Palma de Mallorca walking tours. After downloading the tour, everything works offline including maps, audio, and directions. Palma does offer good free WiFi in many public spaces and cafés if you need to connect during breaks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children, though it's primarily written for adults. Kids from about 12 years old will enjoy the stories about pirate attacks on the city, the legends of the cathedral's rose window, and tales of the island's colorful history. Younger children might enjoy the visual aspects but may not follow all the historical context.

Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Yes, you can share the Palma de Mallorca sightseeing tours experience with your travel companions. While each person can use their own phone for the best experience, we offer attractive discounts for multiple purchases. Check our product page for current offers and family packages.

What else is there to do in Palma de Mallorca?
Beyond our audio guide, Palma offers excellent culinary experiences at the traditional tapas bars in La Lonja district, wine tasting tours in nearby vineyards, and boat excursions along the dramatic coastline. The Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs) and the Royal Yacht Club are also worth visiting. See our "Things to Do" section for more recommendations.

Is there a free tour in Palma de Mallorca?
While there are "free" walking tours in Palma, these typically expect tips of €10-15 per person, often making them more expensive than our audio guide. These large group tours also can't access narrow streets and quiet corners that make discovering Palma special. Our fixed price ensures high-quality content with no pressure for tips.

Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of travelers passionate about sharing local stories. Our Palma de Mallorca content is crafted by historians who specialize in Balearic culture and residents who know which quiet plaza serves the best ensaïmada pastry. We believe technology should enhance travel experiences, not replace the joy of personal discovery.

How can I see Palma de Mallorca in one day?
To see Palma de Mallorca in one day, start early with our audio guide through the historic center, focusing on the cathedral area and Arab Quarter. After lunch, visit one major attraction like Bellver Castle, then spend late afternoon strolling the Paseo Marítimo waterfront. End with dinner in Santa Catalina neighborhood for an authentic local experience.

When is the best time to photograph Palma Cathedral?
The best time to photograph Palma Cathedral is during "golden hour" just after sunrise (around 7-8 AM) when the morning light illuminates the golden sandstone façade, or from across the bay during sunset (between 6-9 PM depending on season) when the cathedral is dramatically silhouetted. Both times offer fewer tourists and spectacular lighting conditions.

Are there good beaches within walking distance of Palma's center?
Yes, there are beaches within walking distance of Palma's center. Ca'n Pere Antoni beach is just a 15-minute walk east of the cathedral along the promenade, offering 750 meters of sandy shoreline with views back to the city. For a more spacious beach, Ciutat Jardí is about 30 minutes on foot or a quick bus ride, popular with locals and featuring several good seafood restaurants.

"Eu usei guias de áudio em várias cidades europeias, mas o aplicativo dos passeios a pé em Palma de Mallorca realmente se destaca. As histórias sobre o antigo bairro judeu e o comércio marítimo deram vida à cidade de uma maneira que nenhum guia turístico poderia." — Sierra, Portugal

"Wat ik het leukste vond aan het verkennen van Palma zonder gids was de vrijheid om een uur koffie te drinken op dat kleine pleintje met de fontein, om daarna de tour op mijn eigen tempo voort te zetten. De app maakte het zo makkelijk om de doolhofachtige oude stad te navigeren!" — Martijn, Nederland

"Als jemand, der Mallorca schon fünfmal besucht hat, dachte ich, alles über Palma zu wissen. Diese selbstgeführte Tour enthüllte versteckte Juwelen in Palma de Mallorca, an denen ich unzählige Male vorbeigegangen bin, ohne sie zu bemerken. Die Geschichten über die Seidenhändler und adligen Familien waren faszinierend!" — Peter, Deutschland