Art, culture, leisure, commerce, history - you name it, Palma de Mallorca’s Old Town delivers!

The postcard-pretty Old Town of Palma, or Ciutat Antigua, is one of the best preserved historic centres in Europe, with architectural and cultural wonders. Imagine stepping through an ancient stone archway into a world where narrow lanes unfurl like ribbons of history beneath your feet. Every corner whisper tales of Roman settlers, medieval merchants, and Mallorcan royalty – the kings and queens who ruled the Kingdom of Majorca in the 13^th- 14th centuries. The old Arab and Jewish quarters, Christian churches and beautiful squares are all packed in an area of a square kilometre. This is the real Mallorca that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the island. Ciutat Antigua has been there for hundreds of years before any tourists came to the island. This historic heart pulses with Gothic spires, sunlit plazas, and a convivial energy that draws art lovers, globetrotters, and discerning buyers alike.  Celebrities like Brad Pitt, Boris Becker, Rafael Nadal (a native Mallorcan), Annie Lennox, Pierce Brosnan, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Michael Douglas have been known to frequent Palma de Mallorca, with some owning properties on the island. 

For those considering living in Palma Old Town, this article will immerse you in its cultural tapestry, illuminate the Palma de Mallorca real estate landscape, and show why moving to Palma Mallorca is a choice that marries heritage with modern comfort. 

• Table of contents
• A Living Museum: The Enchantment of Palma Old Town
• Savouring Everyday Luxury: Lifestyle in the Old Town
• Palma’s Daily Rhythms
• Palma de Mallorca Real Estate: Property Types and Pricing
• Spotlight: Apartment Born (HRB-01010P)
• Neighbourhoods of Note: La Lonja, Santa Eulàlia, Calatrava
• The Buyer’s Lens: Who Thrives in Palma Old Town?
• The Market Pulse: Palma de Mallorca Real Estate Outlook
• Tips for a Seamless Move to Mallorca: From Dream to Doorstep
• Foodie Tips in Palma's Old Town: 
• Things to Do in Palma Old Town
• Legends & Mysteries of Palma Old Town
• Conclusion: Your Chapter in Palma’s Timeless Story

Palma Old Town is the soul of the island capital. Enclosed by centuries-old stone walls, its labyrinthine streets reveal:

• Gothic Grandeur: The soaring buttresses of La Seu Cathedral reflect in the Mediterranean waters, while the lesser-known churches of Santa Eulàlia and Sant Francesc display intricate stonework, each portal an invitation to pause and ponder.

• Stone-Paved Pathways: Cobblestones laid by Roman hands guide us past baroque palaces, Renaissance courtyards, and wrought-iron balconies draped in bougainvillea.
• Walkability at Its Best: No car is needed here - every café, gallery, and boutique are just a leisurely stroll away, making living in Palma Old Town a seamless blend of exploration and ease.

Palma’s historic centre isn’t a relic behind glass; it’s a living, breathing stage where centuries collide in the vibrant hum of daily life. For anyone dreaming to buy an apartment Palma Old Town, this unparalleled sense of place is the first irresistible allure.

Palma Old Town is a captivating blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm. You can see it and feel it every minute of every day. Mornings begin with the fragrance of freshly baked ensaimadas drifting from neighbourhood panaderías. As you sip cortados at sun-dappled tables, the pedestrianized plazas come alive with:

• Local Cafés: From the rustic charm of Cappuccino Grand Café on Plaça Joan Carles I to the modern flair of Arabay Coworking Café, each spot offers alchemy of coffee, conversation, and community. Spanish relaxed Café Culture is deeply ingrained in daily life, with coffee being more than just a beverage, but a social ritual and a way to connect.
• Art Galleries: Discover Mallorca’s up-and-coming talents at contemporary spaces like Galería Pelaires or lose yourself in classical masterpieces at Fundación la Caixa’s Caixafòrum.
• Boutique Shopping: Hand-stitched leather goods at Antonio Miró, locally sourced jewellery at Astro Mallorca, and bespoke perfumeries hidden behind unmarked doors create a treasure hunt for style aficionados.
• Traditional Markets: In addition to the usual outdoor weekly markets, you’ll also find several indoor markets in Palma with a great selection. Mercat de l’Olivar in the Old Town, the biggest and best Palma’s shopping experience, pulses with colours and voices - towering displays of fresh seafood, heirloom vegetables, artisan cheeses, and the occasional flamenco guitarist weaving through the stalls.
• Boutique Hotels: Design-led stays like the Nobis Hotel Palma, Hotel Cappuccino, and Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden embody the district’s elegance. Restored palaces with rooftop pools, gourmet dining, and tranquil spas bring together Mallorca’s heritage and contemporary luxury, making Palma Old Town not only a place to visit but also a lifestyle to embrace.

For remote workers and culture lovers, living in Palma Old Town means days stitched together by gourmet lunches, impromptu gallery visits, and evening paseos under gas-lit lampposts - an invigorating antidote to cookie-cutter enclaves.

Mallorca’s reputation as a summer retreat with beautiful beaches and clear waters is well established. However, beyond the high season, the island is more than a summer retreat. Thanks to its strong year-round community, cultural events, outdoor activities, and a thriving property market, an increasing number of people are choosing to make Mallorca and its capital their permanent home year-round.

Public Transport & Connectivity

A network of reliable buses, taxi ranks, and the forthcoming tramline to Playa de Palma ensures you’re never far from suburban beaches, the airport, or the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.

Access to the Sea

Despite its medieval walls, Palma Old Town places you within a 10-minute stroll of Can Pere Antoni beach or the marina’s sailboat wakes. Morning dips, sunset sails, or weekend yacht charters - all await beyond the city gates.

Year-Round Events

• Nit de l’Art (June): Galleries throw open their doors to nocturnal explorers.
• Fira del Ram (March/April): Traditional rides and artisanal stalls set up shop in Plaça Espanya.
• Sant Sebastià (January): Fireworks light the sky as locals belt out folk songs in the cathedral square.
• Es Baluard, a dedicated to modern and contemporary art museum, sits on the remnants of a 16th-century fortress, offering a unique setting for its year-round events and exhibitions.

Local Schools, Medical Care & Family Life

Moving to Palma de Mallorca means embracing an ideal environment for children's education and free time. Palma's Old Town is home to several well-regarded international schools. Offering different educational programs, the Academy International School, and Palma College, a dedicated sixth form college providing a bridge between school and university, are both located in the heart of Palma's historic centre. Additionally, Lycée Français de Palma and Queen's College Palma are also located nearby, offering French and British curricula respectively. 

Mallorca has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals offering high-quality medical services. The Palma Clinic in the heart of Palma's Old Town is a well-regarded medical centre with patient-oriented care for international patients. Another option is the Juaneda Palma Medical Center, also the old town, with over 30 specialists across 20 areas, and 24/7 care. 

Old Town offers activities like walking tours, exploring the Passeig des Born, and enjoying the Plaza Mayor. You can also find lovely bike tours. Many sports and wellbeing activities can be found in Palma Old Town and nearby, including health and fitness clubs and gyms (Grit 'N' Glory Gym for weight training), yoga (Zunray yoga offers classes in Spanish and English), Pilates (including Corporate Pilates, and special Pilates for pregnant women). Woman Personal Trainers Studio (wptstudio). Several spas, both within hotels and as standalone establishments, provide a range of wellness experiences. Some popular options include the spa at INNSiDE by Meliá Palma Center, the BO Hotel, and AH Art Hotel Palma. Additionally, Can Cera Boutique Hotel has a tranquil spa in the heart of the Old Town, and El Llorenç Parc de la Mar offers a sleek adults-only spa with a Hammam, sauna, and vitality pool.  

Living in Palma Old Town is far more than a romantic notion or summer fun; it’s a fully realized lifestyle where the sea, sun, society, and luxurious amenities accent every moment.

In Palma Old Town, architectural heritage meets contemporary luxury. Savvy buyers deciding to buy apartment Palma Old Town can choose from:

• Townhouses: Often spanning multiple levels, these properties feature secret courtyards, rooftop terraces, and vaulted ceilings. Prices start around €6,000/m² on quieter lanes, rising above €8,000/m² on prime promenades.
• Penthouses: With wraparound terraces overlooking rooftops, cathedrals, and palm-lined avenues, sometimes even offering private pools, spacious penthouses command €9,000–€12,000/m². 
• Renovated Apartments: Turnkey residences deliver modern comforts without sacrificing character. Luxury apartments are often found in tastefully restored historic buildings, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Average pricing hovers between €5,000–€7,500/m², though exceptional addresses can command up to €9,000/m².
• Historic Townhouses and Palaces: Properties with grand entrances, courtyards, and unique architectural details command premium prices, exceeding €3,000,000, due to their exclusivity and character.

From our Palma Old Town office, we work closely with buyers seeking townhouses, penthouses, and historic apartments. Our presence here ensures that we are immersed in the local market every day - giving our clients the advantage of on-the-ground expertise and insider knowledge.

A one-of-a-kind on the iconic Paseo del Borne, Apartment Born epitomizes the dream of living in Palma Old Town. Priced at €3,150,000, this 206-m², three-bedroom home blends:

• Mediterranean Charm via solid wood window frames, ornamental ceiling cornices, and an airy terrace overlooking the bustling plaza below.
• Scandinavian Elegance with herringbone oak floors, minimalist lines, and neutral palettes.
• State-of-the-Art Amenities like underfloor heating, Sonos sound systems by Bowers & Wilkins, and a Cocinart kitchen with Gaggenau appliances.

Offered fully furnished and complete with a leased parking space, Apartment Born is a turnkey testament to the allure of Palma de Mallorca real estate - a rare chance to own history, modernity, and location in one exquisite package.

While the entire Old Town sings its own song, three barrios stand out:

La Lonja

Once a 14th-century fish market, La Lonja is now a mosaic of cocktail bars, tapas taverns, and contemporary art spaces. At dusk, its narrow alleys glow amber as locals gather for vino tinto and late-night chorizo.

Santa Eulàlia

Here, avant-garde meets antiquity. Exposed brick walls frame fashion-forward boutiques, while rooftop bars offer 360° views of the cathedral and beyond. It’s a magnet for affluent international clients craving trendsetting energy.

Calatrava

Named after the famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (whose nearby bridge is a modern marvel), this district wows with perfectly preserved Renaissance palaces. It remains the most residential, a location families feel at home amid timeless facades.

Each neighbourhood offers its own identity - but they share one constant: the charisma that draws people to buy apartment Palma Old Town.

The Old Town’s magnetic appeal transcends demographics. Typical residents include individuals seeking a blend of the authentic Mediterranean experience, historical charm, and modern amenities, people drawn to the area's vibrant cultural scene, diverse culinary offerings, sunny climate, and convenient access to the city centre, sea, international schools, and airport. These buyers are usually well-informed, discerning, and value energy efficiency, outdoor spaces, and quality construction. 

• Affluent International Clients: Executives, entrepreneurs, and retirees from Germany, the UK, Scandinavia, and the Middle East seek refuge in Palma’s cosmopolitan warmth. Mallorca's popularity as a second-home destination attracts a global clientele, including Europeans, Americans, and Australians, seeking a balanced lifestyle with good international connectivity.
• Remote Workers & Digital Nomads: High-speed fibre internet, coworking cafés, and a balanced lifestyle make moving to Palma Mallorca a dream for location-independent professionals.
• Culture Lovers & Connoisseurs: Artists, historians, and gastronomes immerse themselves in the city’s year-round festivals, gallery openings, and fine dining, including Michelin-starred.

Whether you crave the discreet charm of a hidden townhouse or the sociable buzz of a terrace overlooking the plazas, Palma Old Town’s diversity ensures every resident finds a place to belong.

Palma de Mallorca real estate has matured into a resilient sector. Key trends include:

• Steady Price Growth: Annual appreciation rates of 4–6% in prime Old Town zones. In 2025, premium segment demand for some luxury properties of Palma Old Town (and areas like Son Vida, and Puerto Andratx) sees even higher price growth, around 7-10%, due to sustained demand from wealthy buyers.
• High Demand, Limited Supply: Strict heritage protection keeps inventory tight, while international interest continues to climb.
• Turnkey Preferences: Buyers favour fully renovated, designer-furnished homes - like Apartment Born - over projects requiring extensive work.
• Sustainable Investments: eco-friendly upgrades and smart-home systems boost property value and appeal to forward-thinking buyers.

For those ready for moving to Palma Mallorca, this robust outlook translates to both lifestyle satisfaction and sound financial sense.  Now you can understand why The Sunday Times of London declared Palma de Mallorca to be the best city in the world to live in. The British newspaper cited its good climate, cultural richness, investment potential, convenient location near the airport, and new opportunities as reasons for its top ranking. 

If you’re moving to Palma Mallorca, consider these insider tips:

1. Engage a Local Legal Expert: Ensure your purchase aligns with heritage statutes and cadastral records.
2. Plan for Parking: Many Old Town homes lack private garages - pre-lease space near Paseo del Borne or Plaça Major early.
3. Embrace the Pace: Shops and offices may close for siesta; adjust your rhythm to match the island’s gentle flow.
4. Invest in Quality Renovation: If buying a project, choose seasoned craftsmen skilled in preserving original beams, tiles, and plasterwork.
5. Join Community Circles: From expat book clubs to Palmesano cooking classes, integrating socially enriches your living in Palma Old Town experience.

Palma's Old Town offers a delightful culinary scene, blending traditional Mallorcan flavors with modern influences. For a taste of local specialties Among Old Town restaurants you can find traditional and contemporary tapas, creative Mallorcan dishes, refined Italian cuisine, and Mediterranean Asian fusion gastronomy. 

For a taste of local specialties, try Frit Mallorquí, (a centuries-old dish featuring fried meat and vegetables), Panades (savory or sweet pastries, perfect for a quick bite), and Sopas Mallorquinas (a hearty bread and vegetable soup).

Visit Zaranda, a restaurant that has held a Michelin star for 14 years. In total, Mallorca has 10 restaurants with 11 Michelin stars – something to look forward to. Explore the backstreets, venture off the main tourist routes to discover hidden gems and authentic local eateries. Enjoy the variety of pastries at local bakeries. Don’t miss some of the finest rooftop terrace restaurants and bars located within luxury boutique hotels.

Drop in on a few specialist shops such as the delicatessen Colmado Santo Domingo, a bodega wine cellar like La Viniloteca, which also sells vinyl. Check out shops like La Pajarita to savor local delicacies including sobrasada, Mallorcan liqueurs, natural wines, bonbons, and olive oil, all of which make excellent gifts.

• Stroll along Passeig des Born, a tree-lined pedestrian passage perfect to chill out.
• Join an Old Town Palma Bike Tour. 
• Sip coffee at Plaza Mayor. 
• Sample Tapas at a local bar. 
• Visit Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. 
• Shop at Mercat de l'Olivar. Stock up on Mallorcan specialties such as ensaimadas, sobrasadas, and flor de sal from protected Es Trenc beach.
• Smell the air in the peaceful and classical Bishop’s Garden. Depending on the time of year, it carries the scent of rosemary, basil, oranges and lemons.
• Wander down the side streets, away from the crowds, and find some of the cool art-galleries, including Gerhardt Braun Gallery, Galería Horrach Moyà, Gallery RED, and ABA Art Lab, all presenting works by local artists.
• Come to see the magnificent Palma's landmark, La Seu Cathedral – with its soaring nave, one of the tallest in Europe, Miquel Barceló’s dramatic altarpiece, Antoni Gaudí’s baldachin, and the famous Rose Window, one of the largest in Europe measuring 13 m in diameter and consisting of 1236 glass pieces – on February 2nd and November 11^th. Twice a year, on Candlemas Day and on Saint Martin's Day, the "Festival of Light" occurs, where the rising sun projects a colorful "eight" on the inside wall of the main façade, and the Rose Window duplicates.

• Raise a glass and take in the breath-taking views and stunning sunsets from the iconic spots. Few places allow you to enjoy an evening drink with perfect views of both the iconic La Seu Cathedral in one direction and the sun setting over the horizon in the other. The terrace at the SkyNudos is certainly one of these magical spots.
• Experience thrilling local festivals in the beating heart of the city. Local traditions have been kept well and truly alive; bands of drummers, firecracker wielding demons and giants make a common appearance. Platforms for concerts are a regular feature along the atmospheric Paseo Borne, which is the hub of many city's festivities. In addition to the local fiestas, there are dozens of important gastronomic and international sporting events; as well as a diverse programme of music, theatre, opera and ballet.
• Visit the Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths), located in the gardens of a former nobleman's manor on the quiet street of Can Serra. They date back to the period between the 10th and 12th century, and are some of the very few remains of the Arab city of Medina Mayurqa.
• Instead of buying souvenirs (often made in China) at typical tourist shops, consider picking up something more stylish from local artisanal producers. Arquinesia is great for designer perfumes and soaps, Terra Cuita for handmade ceramics, and Cortana for handmade clothing and textiles.
• Take a tour available to explore mysteries and hidden stories of Palma Old Town. These tours focus on fascinating tales of forbidden love, ghostly encounters, mysterious occurrences, unsolved crimes, and ancient legends, offering a different perspective on the city's beautiful facade. They often weave in real historical events and figures, like the Kingdom of Majorca and the Inquisition.

Palma’s Old Town doesn’t just impress with its architecture — it also whispers centuries of legends, adding to its one-of-a-kind atmosphere. For many residents, these stories are part of the charm of living in a place where history and imagination blend seamlessly.

• The Lady of Bellver Castle
  The circular Bellver Castle, unique in Europe, is said to be haunted by a young noblewoman imprisoned for falling in love with a man beneath her rank. Locals claim her spirit still wanders the castle walls on moonlit nights, a reminder of the city’s dramatic medieval past.
• The Dragon of Temple Tower
  In the former residence of the Knights Templar, people once feared a dragon — likely a crocodile that escaped into the sewers. Known as the Drac de na Coca, it became one of Palma’s most famous myths, symbolising the city’s mix of mystery and history.
• Secrets of La Seu Cathedral
  Palma’s Gothic jewel holds its own wonders: from gargoyles believed to “speak” for the city’s poor, to the miraculous Virgin of Almudaina, said to have moved her hand to scare off pirates during a raid.

These legends are part of what makes Palma Old Town more than just a picturesque backdrop. Living here means stepping into a story that stretches across centuries — where every street corner carries echoes of history, culture, and imagination.

To buy apartment in Palma Old Town is to become part of a narrative that spans millennia. Here, the cadence of daily life - mornings at Mercat de l’Olivar, afternoons on your private terrace, evenings wandering lantern-lit lanes - coalesces into an existence that feels as vivid as any dream. Whether you’re drawn by the vaulted ceilings of a townhouse, the modern comforts of a penthouse, or the turnkey allure of Apartment Born, Palma Old Town offers not just real estate but a foundation for a life of discovery, authentic connection, and elegance.

Ready to step through the stone archway and begin anew? Explore our Old Town listings in Palma and contact us for insider advice on moving to Palma. Your place in the city’s storied saga is waiting - where every day is an invitation to live beautifully, immerse fully, and invest wisely in one of Europe’s most enchanting urban havens.