As one of the fifteen Spanish World Heritage cities, there is no doubt that there are a lot of things to do in Salamanca. With a wide range of cultural and historical heritage, Salamanca is the perfect destination to learn a little more about the history of the place itself, if not the whole of Spain.
You will be able to see some of the most historically significant monuments, from the famous Puente Mayor del Tormes to its beautiful cathedral. In addition, this city is popular amongst young travellers, as it is one of the most beautiful university cities in Europe. Come and discover all of its wonders by reading our post!
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Things to do in Salamanca
Salamanca Cathedral
One of the first things to do in Salamanca is visit its impressive Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This site has both the New Cathedral and the Old Cathedral, both of which are worth a visit.
The New Cathedral of Salamanca is the second largest cathedral in Spain. It has an imposing façade, known as the Puerta de Ramos, which will leave anyone speechless. Its bell tower reaches a height of 110 metres, and is also intricately decorated. Once inside, you can enter the stunning Romanesque-Gothic Old Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century. You will be completely fascinated.
Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is in the heart of the old town, and is one of the most famous and popular places to visit in Salamanca Spain. This beautiful square has an authentic baroque style that will transport you to a bygone era.
Construction began between 1729 and 1756, and it includes some features of great architectural and historical value for the city of Salamanca. Among them are the City Hall and the Royal, Pretineros and San Martín pavilions. This square is the ideal place to stroll around and end the day with a drink in one of its bars. Or, even better, stop for a drink in the famous Cafetería Novelty, which is more than 100 years old.
Old Town of Salamanca Spain
One of the things you’ll love to see in Salamanca is its beautiful old town. You can enjoy a tour of its beautiful cobbled streets whilst learning more about the history of the city of Salamanca.
Along your route you will see some of the most iconic buildings, as well as most of the city’s historical and cultural heritage. You’ll see Salamanca’s two cathedrals, as well as its palaces, convents and mansions. Along the route you’ll also come across many shops and restaurants where you can stop for lunch or dinner to refuel during your trip. Immerse yourself in a mixture of architectural and ornamental styles that will leave you speechless.
Convent of San Esteban
The Convent of San Esteban is one of the most symbolic monuments to see in Salamanca, with its construction beginning in 1524. The building was completed in 1610, and is steeped in beauty and history.
First of all, you will be impressed by its imposing Plateresque façade, with its unique carvings in the stone. Next, we recommend going inside the convent to visit its different rooms. Start by visiting the cloister, and continue with the main altarpiece, the choir and the Soto staircase. You can explore the interior at your own pace or book a guided tour. You’ll love it!
Casa de las Conchas
The Casa de las Conchas is a beautiful palace dating back to the 15th century. It is one of the most significant places to see in Salamanca Spain, so you cannot miss a visit to this peculiar structure.
Its façade is decorated with more than 300 shells, presenting a mixture of Renaissance, Gothic and Mudejar styles. Legend has it that hidden inside the shells are the jewels of those who formerly occupied this house. You can also go inside the house, where you will find a beautiful courtyard. Don’t forget your camera!
Roman Bridge of Salamanca, Spain
The Puente Mayor del Tormes, or the Roamn Bridge, is one of the most historically important places to see in Salamanca. Although it is not known exactly when it was built, it is considered the oldest Roman bridge in Spain.
The bridge is an amazing architectural feature. Its notorious Roman style makes it a jewel of the city, being one of the most visited places in Salamanca. Numerous events have taken place on this bridge over the centuries, from battles to commercial transports. Admiring it is without a doubt one of the favourite things to do in Salamanca amongst travellers.
University of Salamanca, Spain
The University of Salamanca is an emblematic building in the city, and the oldest university in Spain. It was founded in 1218 by Alfonso IX, and offers an authentic visual experience for architecture lovers.
You can learn about the history of this place by wandering through its corridors while visiting the classrooms where Miguel de Unamuno himself used to teach. During your visit, you can also stroll through its beautiful library and cloister. A visit to the university is definitely one of the top things to do in Salamanca to complete your trip.
Salina Palace
The Palacio de la Salina is a beautiful building dating back to 1538, and is one of the most beloved places in Salamanca by locals and travellers alike. It is an authentic stately mansion with a characteristic plateresque style.
You can enjoy a beautiful façade full of decorative medallions, as well as visit its interior courtyard spread over two floors. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy contemplating its arches, capitals and other architectural features. You can visit it both in the morning and in the afternoon – you’ll love it!
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around Salamanca, Spain?
Zamora
Zamora is one of the most famous towns to visit near Salamanca, located just an hour away from the city. Characterised by its spectacular Romanesque-style architecture, Zamora is the ideal destination for a day trip.
One of the main events that makes Zamora a very interesting place is the Semana Santa festival. The city fills with light and people as they enjoy a myriad of activities both day and night. You will also find some amazing monuments full of history, such as the Castle of Zamora or its grand Cathedral. You can’t leave town without visiting them!
Ledesma
Ledesma is a small town located next to the river Tormes where you’ll find plenty of things to see. It is the ideal place for a getaway if you are in Salamanca, as it is located just 35 kilometres from the city.
Its most characteristic feature is probably its medieval bridge, better known as the Puente Viejo (Old Bridge). Once you cross it, you will come to the famous hermitage of the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of Ledesma. This destination is a real marvel for both history and nature lovers, as this town has incomparable natural surroundings. Don’t hesitate to come and visit it!
La Alberca
La Alberca is considered the most beautiful village near Salamanca, located in the Sierra de Francia region. This town has been declared a Historic-Artistic Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why once you wander through its narrow streets.
You will be enchanted by its little houses made of stone and wood, as well as the custom of decorating them with colourful flowers. The first place we recommend is the beautiful Plaza Mayor square, where you’ll find two of the most important buildings in La Alberca: the Casa Ducal and the Town Hall. Next, don’t miss other monuments such as the church and its famous hermitages.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Salamanca
The entrance fee to visit the University of Salamanca is €10.
To get to La Alberca from Salamanca, you can choose between several means of transport.
– If you decide to go by car, to take the A-62 and drive until the exit SA-215. Once you have taken the exit, drive to Tamames and take the SA-201 until you reach La Alberca.
– You can take the bus from Salamanca, although it runs very infrequently. The journey takes approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.
If you want to enjoy the good weather, the best time to travel to Salamanca is from April to October, although it is important to bear in mind that during the months of July and August temperatures rise a lot.
How to plan what you would like to see in Salamanca?
Download the Passporter app:
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Save important information about the destinations you want to visit that you have found on the internet. Just install the Chrome extension and save everything useful for your trip.
- Save your tickets and reservations.
- Organise your route on Google maps with your accommodation as the starting point or any other that you indicate.
- Find out the best travel option for each place.
- Save and publish your own photos and experiences as you go along, so that when someone asks you “How was your trip in Salamanca?” you can reply “Visit my traveller profile on Passporter!”
If you want to learn more about how to get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
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