Things to do in Salamanca

Activities, attractions and tours

Salamanca
Salamanca
Salamanca
Salamanca
Cathedral of Salamanca
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Top places to visit

1. Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is the central nucleus around which the city of Salamanca spreads. The large square is a popular gathering point for locals and visitors, drawing sightseers with its majestic buildings of Baroque style. Sit at the outdoor tables of the many restaurants and cafés surrounding the square and watch people going by.
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Plaza Mayor

2. University of Salamanca

The University of Salamanca is a world-renowned university made up of architectural gems used for residence halls and faculty buildings. Established in 1218, the college was the first university in Spain and is one of the oldest in Europe. Make your way through the pleasant courtyards and halls of its historic structures for a sense of the prestige associated with this university.
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University of Salamanca showing interior views and heritage elements

3. San Esteban Convent

With its grandiose church, opulent façade and majestic two-story cloister, San Esteban Convent is one of Salamanca's most beautiful pieces of architecture. This religious complex has been an important center of study and theology for the Dominican Order for hundreds of years and still houses a monastic community.
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San Esteban Convent

4. Old Cathedral of Salamanca

The Old Cathedral of Salamanca is a gorgeous Romanesque church dedicated to Santa María de la Sede. It was constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries and stands alongside the New Cathedral. Go on a self-guided tour of the interior, allowing at least 1 hour to explore the chapels and many religious artworks of the older church.
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Old Cathedral of Salamanca

5. Pontifical University of Salamanca

The Pontifical University of Salamanca was established by Pope Pius XII in the 20th century. It has many beautiful historic buildings that serve the 6,500 students that attend this college. Marvel at the array of elegant and impressive 17th-century structures and cobbled plazas that make up this exceptional campus.
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Pontifical University of Salamanca

6. New Cathedral of Salamanca

One of the largest and tallest buildings in the city is the New Cathedral of Salamanca, a huge church that was under construction for two centuries. Work started in 1513 and was completed in 1733. It was built next to the Old Cathedral, which was considered too small for Salamanca’s growing population. View the stately design, a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.
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Cathedral of Salamanca

7. Casa de las Conchas

The Casa de las Conchas is a fascinating historical structure dating back to the late 15th century. The building, which today contains a public library, is decorated with more than 300 shells. Capture photos of the intriguing décor of the façade and admire the range of architectural styles.
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Casa de las Conchas

8. Roman Bridge

One of the survivors of Salamanca's past as a Roman settlement is the Roman Bridge, or Puente Romano, a granite stone crossing of 26 arches that extends over the Tormes River. The 15 arches on the city side are of Roman origin while the rest come from restoration work carried out in the 18th century. It is such a Salamanca icon that it’s included on the city’s coat of arms.
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Roman Bridge

9. Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum

La Casa Lis is a handsome early 20th-century modernist mansion that houses Salamanca's Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum. Inside the building are 19 collections of decorative arts from the late 19th century until World War II, consisting of about 2,500 pieces. View the artistic architecture of the building’s south façade of stained glass and ironwork. Gaze up at the blues of the large stained-glass ceiling over the courtyard.
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Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum

What to do in Salamanca

Popular places to visit

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor

Gaze up at the majestic walls enclosing the heart of one of Spain’s most lively plazas where cobblestone paths pass upscale boutiques and restaurants serving traditional tapas.

Plaza Mayor
University of Salamanca

University of Salamanca

Marvel at the historic buildings and learn about the student culture in one of the oldest educational institutions in the world.

University of Salamanca
San Esteban Convent

San Esteban Convent

Go on a self-guided tour of the church, chapels and cloister of this centuries-old convent. Admire gorgeous religious art and see where a saint confessed her sins.

San Esteban Convent
Old Cathedral of Salamanca

Old Cathedral of Salamanca

Admire many works of religious art and climb up a medieval tower when you visit the oldest Christian building in Salamanca.

Old Cathedral of Salamanca
Pontifical University of Salamanca

Pontifical University of Salamanca

Take a tour of this private Roman Catholic educational institution and snap photos of the panoramic vista of the old town from the historic church bell tower.

Pontifical University of Salamanca
Cathedral of Salamanca

New Cathedral of Salamanca

Explore one of Salamanca's two cathedrals, a monumental building that houses a rich collection of centuries-old religious paintings and carvings.

New Cathedral of Salamanca
Casa de las Conchas

Casa de las Conchas

Count the regularly spaced scallop shells that adorn the walls of this historic 500-year-old building surrounded by symbols of love.

Casa de las Conchas
Roman Bridge

Roman Bridge

Get to Salamanca's historical center by walking along its ancient Roman crossing, which was immortalized in a once-banned Spanish novella.

Roman Bridge
Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum

Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum

View a vast collection of decorative objects, jewelry and everyday items in styles that were hugely popular in the early 20th century.

Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum

Areas of Salamanca

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Salamanca Centro

Salamanca Centro is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Plaza Mayor and Casa de las Conchas.

Salamanca Centro
Cathedral of Salamanca

Old Town Salamanca

5/5(35 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town Salamanca include the historical sites and cafes. Make a stop by Casa de las Conchas or La Rana while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Salamanca
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Vistahermosa

Vistahermosa is well liked for its historical sites. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Roman Bridge and Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum.

Vistahermosa
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Photo by r2hox (CC BY-SA)

Fontana

While Fontana may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like San Esteban Convent and Las Duenas Convent.

Fontana
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Santo Tomás

5/5(1 area review)

Visitors to Santo Tomás enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Jesuitas Park is worth a stop.

Santo Tomás
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Photo by Sanchi2 (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

San Bernardo

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Visitors to San Bernardo appreciate its historical sites. A visit to Archbishop Fonseca College and La Rana might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

San Bernardo

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Salamanca worth visiting?
Known for its bars and pubs and walking trails, discovering awesome things to do in Salamanca is easy. Don't forget to add Liceo Theatre to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Salamanca?
Start your adventures with a visit to Salamanca Automobile History Museum and Anaya Palace. Then, explore different parts of Salamanca for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Salamanca?
The top tourist attraction in Salamanca is Liceo Theatre, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Salamanca?
Three days in Salamanca is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Liceo Theatre, La Malhablada and Salamanca Automobile History Museum are among the top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Santa Marta de Tormes.
Is Salamanca a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Salamanca is a good place to visit on foot. Enjoy wandering between Liceo Theatre and La Malhablada. Then take a stroll around Old Town Salamanca, located 0.32 kilometres from downtown, and Salamanca Centro, which is roughly 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Salamanca with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our ideas for what to do in Salamanca with kids.

What to do in Salamanca for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Salamanca, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Iglesia del Espiritu Santo La Clerecía or Escuelas Menores.
Are there free things to do in Salamanca?
In Salamanca, Sala Unamuno is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Salamanca.

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