Paul Kilduff who was interviewed last year on the Europe a la Carte Blog about his book Ruinair, gives us some budget tips for a top city break in Palma, the capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Almudaina Palace, Palma, Majorca

To reach Palma as cheaply as possible, do consider more than the usual suspects such as easyJet or Ryanair (or as I call them Ruinair). The German low fares airline Air Berlin has a large base in Palma from where it flies to direct to many cities, including London. For seven years in succession Air Berlin has been the market leader at Palma, Europe’s largest holiday airport. One in four of passengers at Palma airport travel on Air Berlin. Once past the super-efficient arrivals hall, the public Line 1 bus (€2) runs from the airport at frequent intervals to the city centre. The 8km trip takes 20 minutes.

Palma Airport, Mallorca

Make first for the main square in the historic city centre. The Plaza Mayor has open air cafes and restaurants, stalls and markets plus non-stop daily free entertainment and sideshows – even flamenco dancing. But please be quiet. The signs hanging from the balconies overhead come courtesy of the local residents pleading for less noise to be made below in the square.

Plaza Mayor, Palma, Mallorca

Stroll along the Passeig Maritim which runs along the side of Palma harbour to see how the other half arrives here by yacht and gin palace.

Passeig Maritim, Palma, Mallorca

Admission to the Cathedral de Mallorca (le Seo) is a mere €4 but it’s worth it alone to view inside one of Europe’s finest Gothic buildings, complete with additional internal building work between 1904 and 1914 by none other than Snr. Antonio Gaudi.

Cathedral de Mallorca, Palma

One top free tip is to arrive at the Almudaina Palace on a Wednesday and bring your passport because all EU citizens can enter without paying the €4 admission fee on that day. Once inside this former home to the Mallorcan kings, there are breathtaking rooms and views of the city, which are all deemed good enough for the King and Queen of Spain who too spend their summer holidays in this stylish royal palace.

Almudaina Place, Palma, Mallorca

Stay at the 3-star Sol Melia Tryp Bosque hotel just to the west of the city centre. The Line 3 bus stop is 2 minutes away and it costs €1.25 for the 10 minute bus trip to the Plaza Mayor. The rooms are large, recently renovated and rates for the quiet winter season start from €49.

Sol Melia Tryp Bosque Hotel, Palma, Mallorca

For a quick cheap snack on the run in the city centre follow the locals to the Mercat de l’Olivar for the freshest local produce. It costs nothing to look and they will only charge you if wish to set up a stall! Try the local breads, pastries, cheeses, chorizo, fruits and fresh juices.

Mercat de l’Olivar, Palma, Mallorca