Cathedral of Mallorca Palma – Best Activities, Highlights & Things to Do (2025)
Stand beneath the soaring Gothic vaults of the Cathedral of Mallorca (La Seu), rising above Palma’s waterfront. Admire its huge rose window, Mediterranean light, and Gaudí details, then explore Palma’s old town, seafront promenade, and nearby villages. This 2025 guide covers the best things to do in and around Palma Cathedral, from skip-the-line entry to walking tours and day trips.
Top Experiences Inside the Cathedral of Mallorca (La Seu)
The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma is more than a quick photo stop – it’s a place to slow down, look up, and enjoy one of the Mediterranean’s most impressive Gothic churches. Here’s what not to miss inside.
Gothic Nave & Giant Columns
Walk into the vast main nave and see how slender stone columns rise to a high vaulted ceiling. The open, light-filled interior is a classic example of Mediterranean Gothic design and feels surprisingly airy.
The “Eye of the Gothic” Rose Window
Look up to the famous rose window above the main altar – one of the largest in the world. On sunny mornings, its colored glass fills the nave with patterns of light, especially around equinox dates.
Gaudí’s Interventions
In the early 20th century, Antoni Gaudí reworked parts of the interior, adding a hanging canopy over the altar, new furnishings, and subtle lighting changes that highlight the building’s stone and glass.
Side Chapels & Altarpieces
Wander along the side aisles to discover richly decorated chapels with sculptures, altarpieces, tombs, and devotional art that reflect Mallorca’s religious history.
Museum & Cloister Spaces
Many ticket options include access to museum rooms and cloisters with liturgical objects, paintings, and archaeological pieces that explain how La Seu has evolved over centuries.
Rooftop & Terraces (Seasonal)
In season, special tickets allow you to climb up to the terraces and rooftop for sweeping views over Palma Bay, the old town roofs, and the cathedral’s flying buttresses.
Light Shows & Special Moments
On certain dates, like around the equinox, sunlight passes through windows to create spectacular light effects inside La Seu. These events are popular with both locals and photographers.
Audio & Guided Commentary
Using an audio guide or guided tour helps you understand the symbolism, architecture, and legends attached to key chapels, stained glass windows, and royal tombs.
Things to Do Around Palma Cathedral & Old Town
Palma Cathedral sits right where the historic city meets the sea. It’s the ideal base for exploring winding medieval streets, waterfront promenades, and nearby sights in a single day.
Parc de la Mar & Waterfront Views
After visiting La Seu, walk down to Parc de la Mar to see the cathedral reflected in the lake and enjoy wide views over Palma Bay and the city walls.
Palma Old Town Walking Tour
Join a guided walking tour through Palma’s old town to explore narrow streets, small squares, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old patios that you’d easily miss on your own.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Right next door to the cathedral, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina combines medieval fortifications with royal apartments and terraces overlooking the sea.
Arab Baths & Historic Quarters
Visit the well-preserved Arab Baths, one of Palma’s oldest surviving Islamic-era sites, and then wander through surrounding districts full of local character.
Passeig des Born & Shopping Streets
Stroll along Passeig des Born for a mix of designer shops and cafés, or duck into side streets around Plaça Mayor for smaller boutiques and artisan stores.
Harbour Promenade & Boat Trips
Head down towards the port for harbour walks, boat trips, and catamaran cruises around Palma Bay – perfect after a morning of culture at the cathedral.
Which Palma Cathedral Ticket or Tour Should You Choose?
You can visit the Cathedral of Mallorca on your own with a simple ticket or combine it with walking tours and day trips that show you more of Palma and the island. Here are popular options to look for:
Palma Cathedral Priority Entrance & Guided Tour
Skip the main ticket line and join a guided visit inside La Seu, learning how the cathedral was built, what makes its rose window unique, and where Gaudí left his mark.
Palma City Walking Tour with the Cathedral
Combine a guided old town walk with a visit to the cathedral. Explore key squares, shops, and historic buildings before stepping inside La Seu with a local guide.
Palma City, Cathedral & Valldemossa (With Pick-Up)
Ideal if you’re staying in a resort area. This type of tour usually includes hotel pick-up, a city tour with cathedral visit, and free time in the mountain village of Valldemossa.
Palma Cathedral & Old Town Self-Guided Options
Prefer to explore independently? Look for self-guided audio tours that include cathedral entry plus a walking route and GPS map around Palma’s historic centre.
Palma Bay Cruises & Sunset Catamarans
Round out your cathedral day with a cruise around Palma Bay. Many tours include swimming stops, tapas, or sunset views of the cathedral and city walls from the water.
Tip: Many Palma tours and cathedral tickets offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if the weather or your plans change.
Food & Drink Near Palma Cathedral
Around La Seu you’ll find everything from simple cafés to stylish terraces. Plan a meal or coffee stop to break up your sightseeing.
Cathedral-Side Terraces
Just outside the cathedral are terraces with views of La Seu and Parc de la Mar, perfect for a quick drink or snack while taking in the skyline.
Cafés in the Old Town
Duck into side streets near Plaça de la Reina or Plaça de Cort for small cafés serving coffee, ensaïmadas, and other Mallorcan pastries.
Tapas in La Lonja & Santa Catalina
In the evening, head a little further to La Lonja or Santa Catalina districts for lively tapas bars, wine, and seafood restaurants popular with locals.
Harbour & Rooftop Bars
For sunset views, look for rooftop bars or harbour-side venues where you can see the cathedral lit up above the city walls as night falls.
Quick Visitor Tips for Palma Cathedral
Best Time to Visit
Mornings are ideal for stained-glass light and cooler temperatures. Cruise-ship days can be busier, so consider visiting early or later in the afternoon.
How Long to Allow
Plan around 60–90 minutes inside the cathedral. Add extra time if you’re visiting the terraces, museum rooms, or walking the old town on the same ticket.
Dress Code & Respect
La Seu is an active place of worship. Cover shoulders and avoid beachwear, keep voices low, and follow staff instructions in chapels and during services.
Tickets & Entry
Buying skip-the-line or timed tickets online helps you avoid queues, especially in summer and on public holidays when visitor numbers are higher.
Photography Rules
Photography is often allowed without flash, but rules can vary by area and event. Always check on-site signs and avoid using tripods or bright lights.
Accessibility
The main interior is generally accessible, but older steps and uneven stone appear in some zones, especially on rooftop or tower visits. Check current details if mobility is an issue.
Weather & Heat
Palma gets hot in summer. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen for walking between the cathedral, Parc de la Mar, and the old town streets.
Combining with Day Trips
Many island tours leave from Palma. Consider visiting the cathedral before or after excursions to places like Valldemossa, Sóller, or the Tramuntana mountains.
Ready to Visit the Cathedral of Mallorca in Palma?
From its gigantic rose window to its rooftop terraces and sea views, La Seu is a highlight of any Mallorca trip. Book your Palma Cathedral tickets, add a city walking tour or day trip, and enjoy the best activities around Palma’s historic waterfront in 2025.