by For atmosphere, Palma is hard to beat when the sun goes down. Whether on the bustling roads or in less touristy pockets of the city, there are plenty of tapas and music bars, live performers and, if you’re lucky, special events, dances and fiestas, especially at weekends.
There are countless ways to spend an evening from relaxing over a glass of vermouth or sangria, to enjoying local wines and freshly prepared tapas. Quirky music clubs and chic rooftop cocktail bars are a great way to unwind at the end of the day.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to spending the weekend in Palma, as well as the best hotels, restaurants and things to do in the city.
Find crops by area
La Lonja
Abaco Cocktail Bar
Some call it kitsch but that’s part of the charm of this Palma institution housed in a former 18th century palace. The prices are astronomical but the unusual and wild decoration of fruits, flowers, and Baroque period furniture is worth keeping an eye on. There are enough candles to make Miss Havisham feel at home and cocktails such as Abaco, a fusion of rum, whiskey and Grand Marnier, are on point. Every Friday night rose petals descend from the celebration to the sound of classical music. Of course it’s cheesy but it’s also weird.
Contact: barra-abaco.es
Price: £££
Entry: Walk in
Winemaking
This innovative cocktail bar-cum-wine tasting emporium offers customers the opportunity to taste some of the most expensive local and global wines by the glass through automatic machines. For cocktail lovers, there are also many options and the champagne flows freely. A casual and delicious tapas menu of olives, pintxos, cheeses and charcuterie is available as well as more desserts. People here are very welcoming and friendly and there is no pressure to wear expensive vintages. Anyone can enjoy a delicate glass of simple Majorcan wine with some delicious nibbles while drinking up the lively environment and chatter.
Contact: winemaking.es
Price: ££
Entry: Walk in & reservations
Beatnik Restaurant & Bar
The hedonistic and balmy rooftop bar at Puro Hotel, one of the hippest joints in the city, attracts a stylish and cosmopolitan crowd. It’s de rigueur to look casually urban while providing a glass of Champagne or a Beatnik Spritz, the bar’s signature fruity cocktail. Guests can enjoy a delicious tapas menu and tasty salads on the candlelit terrace or for a completely new experience, in one of the double-roofed towers. Various DJs play a funky selection of playlists that include the international sounds of pop, jazz and soul. For latecomers, the downstairs bar opens until midnight on weekdays and 2am on weekends.
Contact: purohotel.com; beatnikpalma.es
Price: ££
Entry: Reservations (diners and large groups only)
Café Atlantico
Atlantico is a bar with an attitude that was established in the fifties and was originally called Texas Jack because of the many visiting sailors who were housed in nearby ships. Along with a friendly and inviting atmosphere, a sweeping bar and walls full of memorabilia, messages and photos, 40 tempting cocktails are offered. Highlights include Labios Caliente, (hot lips) – a spicy and buttermilk brew – and Dark Stormy, a heady blend of rum, lemon and ginger beer. Snacks are provided as well as a good selection of beers, spirits and beers. The bar plays a fun selection of Seventies and Eighties rock, attracting a lively weekend crowd.
Contact: atlanticobar.com
Price: ££
Entry: Walk in
Door 13
Discreet Door 13 is the latest chic offering for city dwellers. With a vintage Twenties vibe, Chesterfield sofas, low lighting and Persian style rugs, this is a cozy nest to relax and unwind in. The eclectic décor includes a pair of large feathered wings hanging from the ceiling. It takes nerve to gain entrance. Established clients, James Bond style, are keyed in to a secret entry code at the forbidden wrought iron door while newcomers must ring the bell. Refreshments such as gin and organic cherry tomatoes are prepared by experienced mixologists, and live acoustic music is served from 11pm at weekends.
Contact: 00 34 602 63 80 94; facebook.com/doras13bar
Opening times: Tue-Sun, 8pm-2am
Price: ££
Entry: Walk in
San Hume
La Rosa Vermutería
The cheery hangout, tucked away in Plaça Weyler, is for Vermouth fans: it serves glasses by the barrel or from a selection of vermouth brands. Wines and beers are also served but Vermouth is king. Aromatic and seasonal tapas such as fresh prawns, grilled artichokes, patatas bravas, and crispy squid are prepared from a contemporary bar decorated with bunches of braided chillies and plump garlic. With the soft background music, white brick walls and comfy leather banquettes, the bar has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Staff also help with menu choices. The perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or a casual supper.
Contact: larosavermuteria.com
Price: £
Entry: Walk in only
San Nicholas
El Camino
As the hottest, slickest and most talked about person to come to Palma, it’s little surprise to learn that Eddie Hart, the founder of Barrafina in London, is the co-creator of El Camino. Sleek and stylish, this diner always inspires confidence with its marble-topped bar, mirrored wall and matching red bar stools. The gold wall lights have an old-style Parisian glamour, while the menu pulsates with a tempting establishment. Take your pick from tapas like grilled artichokes or spicy ceviche and enjoy a wine list inspired by Majorcan bodegas that are given star billing as well as they deserve.
Contact: elcaminopalma.es
Price: ££
Entry: Walk in but reservations are recommended
Mercat
Café L’Antiquari
Eclectic, eccentric, bohemian and full of character, L’Antiquari is set on two levels and is the ultimate snug retreat for an all day snack, late night beer or glass of wine. The place is a converted antiques shop, full of knick-knacks, vintage art and curios, and a warm and inviting environment. Regulars come here for homemade tapas and famous quiche and salad, and there’s also a good selection of spirits and wine. If you can get a seat, head to the terrace to listen to live music thanks to the street musicians who regularly play here.
Contact: 00 34 871 57 2313
Price: ££
Entry: Walk in
Santa Catalina
Hostal Cuba Hotel and Sky Bar
Across from a prized corner location on the edge of a hip Santa Catalina is the century-old landmark Hotel Hostal Cuba. With its distinctive art nouveau facade and enviable location close to the seashore, the rooftop has stunning front views of the cathedral and the marina on the horizon. Head to this popular attraction for innovative cocktails, light snacks and chilled live performances by solo artists and groups. Sink into the comfortable seats and drink in the dreamy views while sipping a sailor mojito or Negroni on the rocks.
Contact: hotelhostalcuba.com
Price: ££
Entry: Walk in
The Soho Bar
With its cool, sixties vibe and retro décor, the Soho bar is a magnet for fans of vintage and Indie music and nostalgic board and video games. The bar has a pleasant terrace and the interior is snug and welcoming. Open from 6pm to 3am, the bar offers a large selection of beers, gins and cocktails and is famous for its delicious Mojitos. Clients can order popcorn and nachos while trying to get their hands on old-school video game consoles or enjoying a card game, Monopoly or Risk.
Contact: sohobarpalma.com
Price: ££
Entry: Walk in
Hume III
Blue jazz club
You don’t have to be a jazz junkie to enjoy the famous Blue Snagche Club located on the roof overlooking the harbor. With regular performances from local and international artists from Thursday to Saturday and a celebration session every Monday night, this is one of the most lively and popular venues in the city for cocktails or dinner. The open-plan restaurant has stylish modern decor in neutral tones, and comfortable wicker furniture – although the piece de resistance is the beautiful terrace and its stunning views. Comfort food is available with a menu that includes tartares and tatakis, and grilled meats and fish.
Contact: bluejazz.es
Price: ££
Entry: Reservations for dinner are essential
Brass club
Brassclub, run by master cocktail creator Rafa Martín, is one of the most polished and urban hangouts in the capital. It exudes class and confidence from the smartly dressed bartenders in their aprons and bow ties, to the cool sounds of jazz and elegantly presented cocktail creations. Expert mixologists can create any desired combination but signature cocktails such as the Egg Mai Tai, rum, Ancho Reyes liqueur and lime served in a nest are hard to beat. Plates of anchovies, local cheeses, sausages and Iberian ham are also available. With its stunning glass bottle ceiling that looks like a colorful undulating wave with its rust-hued bar and elegant, comfortable seating, you may never want to leave.
Contact: brass club.com
Price: ££
Entry: Walk-in but reservations welcome
Park de la Mar
Gremium & ALMAQ
Stylish Hotel Es Princep is renowned for great cocktails thanks to its cozy indoor rooftop bar Bar Gremium and ALMAQ run by award-winning mixologist Andreu Genestar. The cocktails are well-crafted and sometimes wickedly experimental but always created with flair and aplomb. Enjoy chilled music and dreamy views of Palma Bay on the roof terrace or snuggle up on the leather sofa in clubby Gremium with its large collection of gins.
Contact: esprincep.com
Price: ££
Entry: Reservations recommended
