Whilst many may expect Salamanca to be a sleepy Spanish town on the outskirts of the country’s bustling capital, it’s a destination that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Laden with traditional Spanish cafés and tapas restaurants, dotted with world-renowned historic sites, as well as having a laid-back atmosphere that will make you feel right at home, a trip to Salamanca really is the authentic Spanish getaway.
For those of us familiar with the UK’s most historic cities, I’d liken it to Cambridge – a rich and vibrant university city that is not too large but not too small. Salamanca offers its visitors the opportunity to dabble in everything from café culture to learning about the rich history and culture of its location simply by meandering through its streets. So, whilst many may overlook Salamanca in their endeavour to discover the best of Spain, I’d say you’d be making a mistake by not adding the city to your agenda.
And with the city being located just two hours away from Madrid, it’s so easy to access Salamanca for a short break away from the capital for all those keen to discover a Spanish hidden gem in the heart of the country. So, if you’re now convinced (or almost, at least!) to take a chance on this often overlooked destination, you better believe I’ve shared the best things to do in Salamanca so that you can realise your love for the city as much as I have.
Visiting Salamanca Cathedral is almost like getting a two-for-one deal. This grand sight is composed of two cathedrals built at separate points in history, offering a glimpse into two distinct time periods and showcasing each of their artistic and architectural accomplishments.
The old cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th centuries in the Romanesque style. Very simplistic in its appearance, especially when compared to its neighbouring new cathedral, but this doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive. Its delicately painted frescoes depicting religious scenes line its walls, and the front of the chapel offers an intricate golden framed series of paintings and a beautiful dome, creating an ornate and artistic centrepiece in the cathedral.
In contrast, the new cathedral was built in the 16th century. Despite Salamanca being one of Spain’s smaller cities, Salamanca Cathedral is on par with some of the country’s most breathtaking religious monuments. Its towering archways connect to its floral-decorated ceilings, and its breathtaking painted dome is its centrepiece. All throughout the cathedral’s main atrium you’ll find intricate carvings, golden embellished organs, and brightly coloured stained glass windows.
You’ll find Salamanca Cathedral located in the very centre of the city’s old town. The cathedral is best approached along Rua Mayor – a long and largely pedestrianised street that stretches from the outskirts of the Plaza Mayor to the cathedral’s borders. From here, you’ll view one of the best glimpses of the cathedral from its side, with the new cathedral’s extraordinary dome in full view. As you approach its main entrance, be sure to glimpse to the left-hand side where you should spot an unusual addition to the cathedral’s carved exterior walls – a spaceman, which was added to the cathedral to help modernise it and is totally unique.
The cathedral is open every day from the late morning until the evening, as is definitely one of the must see things to do in Salamanca. However, on Sundays from 5 p.m., you can enter for free without paying a fee.
From personal experience, whilst Salamanca’s a small city that can be easily explored on foot, there’s no better way to see the city’s sights and revel in its historic beauty than on the back of a trusty two-wheeled steed. Whether you’re looking to roam the city for a couple of hours or more, you can really take your time to explore the whole city and its nooks and crannies whilst cycling.
Cycling along the cobblestone streets of the city’s old town might be a bumpy task, but you can ride up and down through its many small streets and alleyways at your leisure and peer some of its marvellous sights with ease within a day.
To venture further afield, you can head out of the historic centre to the outskirts of the city where the Roman Bridge lies (more on this later!). You can cross the bridge itself and cycle along the designated cycle lines lining the river afterwards. Even venture to Jesuítas Park, where you can quench your thirst and sate your hunger at its café with outdoor seating to refuel before you head back to the centre of the city.
If you feel you’d benefit from a guided tour of the city by bike, Salamanca small-group bike tours are available during which you can cycle past a selection of the city’s best highlights. As one of the most fun things to do in Salamanca, in my opinion, you can book your space on a bike tour now, which is hosted in either English, Dutch, or Spanish.
A cultural and social hub in the city, the Plaza Mayor is the perfect place to relax and have some downtime in Salamanca. It is located in the city’s downtown area and is where groups – young and old – go to gather to celebrate every occasion and soak in the sunshine.
Built in the 1700s, the grand square is considered to be the country’s most beautiful, with its surrounds featuring ornate carvings and beautiful aged wooden shutters and balconies. You’ll know the main entrance of the plaza when you see it, as it is crowned with three bells and a clock face, which sounds every hour.
You’ll find bars, restaurants, pastelerías, and even clothes and souvenir shops through the archways under the plaza’s buildings, with chairs and tables that flow into the main square itself. This is the prime spot to watch the world go by in one of Salamanca’s most thriving areas, with a glass of beer in hand whilst doing so, of course!
The beating heart of the city, the old town of Salamanca is truly the most stunning part of this settlement. A labyrinth of cobblestone streets lined with charming terraced buildings topped with red tiled roofs and adorned with ornate doorways, the old town has preserved Salamanca’s history and age-old culture beautifully.
The old town is where many of the city’s more ancient and marvellous sights are situated, including the likes of the University of Salamanca, Salamanca Cathedral, La Clericía church, and Casa de las Conchas. This makes for the ideal sightseeing tour in which you can easily visit multiple of the city’s most interesting attractions within a day, with even time to spare for a tapas or two in between!
Amidst the area’s many historic marvels, you’ll find souvenir shops, traditional bakeries, and authentic bars, as well as delicious eateries where you can shop or savour mouthwatering dishes to your heart’s content. Be sure to dedicate at least an afternoon to getting lost amongst the streets of Salamanca’s old town centre, as you never quite know what hidden treasures you may come across.
For a fantastic way to reflect on the city’s past and observe it through a local’s eyes, a walking tour is one of the best things to do in Salamanca during your stay. Book a ticket for this insightful experience in which you’ll uncover some of the most treasured local spots and learn much about Salamanca’s historic centre. Better yet, these tours are small and intimate, with only 6 people per group.
Or, those keen to have an experience to themselves can opt for a customised private tour of the city, tailored to their wants and being particularly exclusive.
La Clericía is one of Salamanca’s most beautiful churches. Built in Salamanca between the 1800s and 1900s in the Baroque style, it is the former Real Colegio del Espíritu Santo of the Society of Jesus. From the outside, it’s a huge ornate building characterised by its two towers on the outside of its structure, with flourishes and carvings adorning them, as well as along every side of the building.
When you enter La Clericía you have the option to purchase tickets to climb its tower. Known as the Scala Coeli, it has around 166 steps that lead you up to the very top of the church to soak in panoramic views over Salamanca’s rooftops. You’ll see Salamanca Cathedral, as well as the church’s own dome in front of you, and the beautiful red rooftops of Salamanca for miles on end. This is one of the top things to do in Salamanca, particularly if you’re looking for one of the best vantage points to snap a picture of the city from above.
For a lovely, and often photographed, view of La Clericía’s upper section, including its towers and bell, you can peer into Casa de las Conchas, which sits opposite La Clericía’s main entrance. This peculiar shell-adorned building was once a stately mansion built between the 15th and 16th centuries and now houses a public library. Whilst the building is well worth exploring in itself, if you head up to the second floor of the casa and turn right immediately, you’ll peer La Clericía above the walls of its surrounds. When illuminated by the sunlight, this makes for a particularly good angle to snap a picture or two.
You can’t visit Spain without sampling its tapas. From the crispy goodness of the patatas bravas to the succulent and savoury albondigas, there are many famed Spanish delicacies that you have to sample during your visit to Salamanca.
Every area of Spain will execute their tapas differently, with their own unique twists and takes on classic and famous recipes. I can say though that the tapas I had in Salamanca were some of the best that I had tasted in all of my visits to Spain. From Madrid to Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, and otherwise, the tapas in Salamanca just seemed to hit differently.
You can sample some real treats in the many bars, tapas eateries, and restaurants that are dotted throughout Salamanca, which can almost be found at every turn. The best street though, if you ask me, that you can venture down for many tapas options is Calle Zamora. On the street itself, and its many branches of side streets and squares, you’ll find ample charming, traditional, and authentic establishments to tuck into a selection of tapas. From seafood paella to salchipapas and more, tuck in with friends, family, and loved ones, or on your own and make a judgement of Salamanca’s delights and delicacies yourself.
For travellers who want to get a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine in a unique way, they can visit a local ham factory and experience show cooking whilst in Salamanca. Learn the secrets of Iberian ham, a Spanish delicacy, and taste a selection of delicious eats created in front of you by a professional chef. Book your space now to entice your senses during your next visit to the city.
Whilst there’s much to keep you occupied within the alluring confines of Salamanca’s city centre and old town, should you wish to venture just a short walk out from its cobblestone maze of streets you’ll find one of Salamanca’s most historic and impressive sights.
The Roman Bridge was, you guessed it, built by the Romans, who occupied the Iberian Peninsula from 218 B.C. Salamanca was an important agricultural area for the empire and the Roman Bridge, also known as the Puente Mayor del Tormes, helped the civilisation cross the Tormes River, which lies on the banks of the city.
It is now a symbol of the city and remains well-preserved for visitors to marvel at to this day. It is so important, in fact, that it can be seen on the city’s coat of arms. From the city side of the river, you can cross the Roman bridge and appreciate this architectural masterpiece of its age. But best of all, turn 180 degrees to stare back at the city, and marvel at one of its most impressive vantage points.
You’ll see Salamanca Cathedral dominate this picture-perfect view, with the other historic sights in Salamanca peering through the red roofs of the city’s buildings. Set in front of a bright blue sky and beneath the glowing light of sunshine, the city is beautifully illuminated and shines its brightest.
When it comes to things to do in Salamanca, you’re not short of enticing and exciting opportunities in this Spanish city. No matter how long you intend to stay, whether for a quick weekend, a week, or more, you’re always guaranteed to find something new to discover that will only further enhance your experience in the city.
I hope this article has showcased at least the tip of the iceberg of what Salamanca has to offer and has helped convince you to add a trip to this sensational destination to any future Spanish itinerary that you may have on the cards.
If you want the opportunity to discover and experience all of the best things to do in Salamanca at a leisurely pace, you’ll need at least two days in the city. Ideal for a quick weekend away in Spain, you can see Salamanca’s top attractions, explore its streets, and even have some laid-back café stops in and amongst here during two days for a relaxed European getaway.
Salamanca has developed its name as a World Heritage Site after receiving this status from UNESCO in 1988. When it comes to the city’s sites, Salamanca Cathedral is a name that is known across the country, and further afield, alongside the bustling Plaza Mayor and the Escuelas Mayores – a famed part of the university.
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