Bons Aires – Palma’s Under-the-Radar Residential Gem
Tucked between bustling Avenidas and trendier neighbors like Santa Catalina and El Fortí, Bons Aires is a local secret that’s quietly winning hearts. If you’re looking for a place to live in Palma that blends authentic Mallorcan life with everyday convenience — minus the tourist noise — Bons Aires might just be your next obsession.
📍 Where is Bons Aires?
Bons Aires sits just northwest of Palma’s city center, bordered by Carrer Blanquerna and Avinguda de Comte de Sallent. It’s steps away from Plaza España and well connected by bus, train, and bike lanes — ideal for commuters, families, and anyone who wants to be near the action without being in the middle of it.
🧭 Why Locals Love It
✅ Authentic vibe – Mostly locals live here, and that brings a feeling of stability and community
✅ Residential, but central – You’re never far from Palma’s best dining, shopping, or nightlife
✅ Affordable (for Palma!) – Rents and property prices are often lower than Santa Catalina or Portixol
✅ Flat streets & wide sidewalks – Great for walking, strollers, dogs, or cycling
“It feels like real Palma — not tourist Palma. And you can still walk to Plaza España in 5 minutes.” – Anna, expat living in Bons Aires
🏠 Who Lives Here?
Bons Aires is one of those rare neighborhoods where old meets new in a balanced way.
▪️ Many streets are home to multi-generational Mallorcan families, some of whom have lived in the same building for 40+ years.
▪️ Young couples and professionals are moving in fast, drawn by affordable rents and classic architecture.
▪️ You’ll spot a growing number of remote workers and creatives setting up shop in nearby cafés — laptop in one hand, cortado in the other.
▪️ Expats often pick Bons Aires after spending time in flashier areas and realizing they want something a little quieter, a little more real.
It’s diverse, it’s friendly, and there’s a shared sense that people here actually live — not just vacation.
☕ Cafés, Culture & Convenience
Bons Aires isn’t flashy — it’s functional, livable, and full of neighborhood charm. But walk a few blocks and you’ll find plenty of gems:
☕ Coffee & Breakfast
- Rosevelvet Bakery – legendary for sourdough and cinnamon rolls
- Mistral Coffee Roasters – small-batch roasts, minimalist vibes
- Cafè Riutort – design-savvy brunch spot just outside the neighborhood
🍝 Where to Eat
- Can Toni – authentic Mallorcan plates in a no-fuss setting
- La Nueva Parada – underrated tapas and weekday menú del día
- Restaurante Japonés Arume – top-tier sushi, worth the walk
🛍️ What’s Nearby?
▪️ Mercat de l’Olivar – Palma’s main food market, a short walk away
▪️ Carrer Blanquerna – a semi-pedestrian street with shops, bakeries & bookstores
▪️ Cinemas, gyms, local groceries — it’s all within walking distance
💶 Rent & Real Estate
Bons Aires offers good value, especially compared to Palma’s more tourist-facing districts.
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1-bed rental (monthly) | €900 – €1,200 |
| 2-bed rental | €1,200 – €1,600 |
| Renovated flats for sale | From €2,800/m² |
| Classic apartments (older buildings) | From €2,000/m² |
✅ Many buildings have high ceilings, original tile, balconies, and classic Mallorcan charm.
🚲 Getting Around in Bons Aires
Bons Aires is one of Palma’s most walkable and well-connected neighborhoods — flat streets, leafy boulevards, and everything within reach.
▪️ Just a 10-minute walk from Plaza España, the city’s main transport hub with trains to Sóller, metro access to university zones, and buses to every corner of the island.
▪️ The area is surrounded by bike lanes, making it easy to cycle into Old Town, Portixol, or even all the way to Molinar along the coast.
▪️ No car? No problem. Supermarkets, cafés, parks, gyms — all within walking distance.
▪️ Heading to the airport? 15–20 minutes by taxi or direct bus from Plaza España.
▪️ The local EMT bus network runs frequently, with multiple lines cutting through the neighborhood and connecting you to Palma’s beach, port, and shopping districts.
💡 This is the kind of area where you can run errands on foot, grab coffee with a friend, and be downtown in under 10 minutes — all without breaking a sweat.
🧘 Is Bons Aires Right for You?
Looking for something low-key, affordable, and deeply livable? Bons Aires checks the boxes — especially for people who value substance over scene.
✅ You crave the “real Palma” experience, not just what shows up on Instagram
✅ You want to walk out your door and grab a croissant, not fight through tourist traffic
✅ You prefer fruit stands and bookstores over chain stores and yacht clubs
✅ You’re building a routine, not chasing a weekend
✅ You like the idea of chatting with your butcher, waving to your pharmacist, and knowing your neighbors’ dogs by name
✅ You want a city life that still feels quiet, comfortable, and grounded
Final Thoughts: The Best of Both Worlds
Bons Aires is Palma’s everyday magic. No flash, no filters — just a walkable, lovable neighborhood with a soul. It’s the kind of place where you’ll greet your barista by name, know your baker’s opening hours, and still be a short stroll from the center.
If you’re looking to move to Palma and want authenticity, value, and location, don’t overlook Bons Aires.
💬 Have you explored Bons Aires?
Got a favorite café, hidden park, or story from the neighborhood?
📩 Email us at hola@palmaweekly.com
📸 Tag your moments: @PalmaWeekly
