Known for its ornate sandstone architecture and world-renowned university, Salamanca, in the northwestern province of Castile and Leon, is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, a visit to Salamanca represents a fantastic trip into the past, where there are hidden delights to discover in every corner. Few cities have preserved their history in such a unique setting worth discovering. Today the city is also brimming with international students who travel to Salamanca to study Spanish and take part in the Erasmus Exchange Programme. This mix of old and new makes Salamanca a must-visit for travelers of any age. Many different accommodations are also available at very competitive prices, with some of the finest options detailed below.
Our Recommendations on Which Areas to Stay
- The most suitable area for families is between the Parque de los Jesuítas and the Cathedral. Here you will have easy access to most of the city’s attractions and a host of accommodations catering to families.
- A stay close to Calle Van Dyck will offer you numerous options to try Salamanca’s famous tapas bars and other new establishments offering visitors some of the best cuisines in Spain.
- Are you traveling on a budget? Salamanca is a university city and caters to all visitors. A stay on the other side of the Tormes River will be a lot cheaper and offer you the opportunity to view some of the city’s most beautiful buildings from afar and cross the Puente Romano on your way to the historic center.
Our Recommendations on Accommodations in Salamanca are Shown in 5 Categories:
Luxury interior
Family sized
Room with a view
Low budget
Hotels
Neighborhoods – What to Know, Before Visiting
Salamanca is a travel to the past in a unique spot with plenty of history, monuments, and landmarks to enjoy. The oldest active University in Spain, a historical and monumental past, and a world-famous Semana Santa (Holy Week) are just a few of the things Salamanca has to offer those visiting the city.
Salamanca’s Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) is a perfect entry point into the center of the city. This Bridge has first constructed over 2,000 years ago. Found in the city’s coat of arms and crossing the Tormes River, which runs through the city, the bridge is a symbol of pride for many “salmantinos” and gives access to the southern part of the historic center. Crossing the bridge, you will see the fantastic facade of the spectacular Salamanca Cathedral, one of the city’s most striking and iconic buildings. To get a sense of the grandeur of the Cathedral, one must step inside to marvel at the magnificent interior, some of which dates to the 12th Century.
A minute or so from the Cathedral is La Clerecía, an outstanding Baroque monument comprised of three parts: a church, a cloister, and a college home to the Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca. You can climb to the top of the church tower for beautiful views of Salamanca’s historic center.
The spectacular Plaza Mayor (Main Square) is the most famous attraction in Salamanca. Beautiful by day, the plaza comes alive at night when its buildings are lit up, and locals and foreigners alike can enjoy the many restaurants and bars. For a truly authentic experience, try Café Novelty, established in 1906 and the oldest Café in the city. The Café is a classic in Salamanca and arguably the best terrace in Plaza Mayor. Next to Plaza Mayor, Salamanca’s Mercado Central (Central Market) also makes for a tasty visit. Built over a century ago, the market has tons of history. It offers visitors an introduction to a host of regional delicacies, including Jamón ibérico (Iberian Ham), a local favorite that cannot be missed!
Activities to Enjoy as a Family
If you are visiting Salamanca as a family, the city is brimming with activities for children of all ages. As well as wandering the unique city streets filled with history and intrigue, you will find a few of the best options below.
- One of the main highlights for children is the Parque de los Jesuítas, a sprawling park with shady walking paths, a duck pond and a fantastic playground.
- The Museo de Art Nouveau y Art Déco Casa Lis is a museum located within the ancient city walls of Salamanca. The building is beautifully designed with stained glass windows and usually has many interactive exhibitions, including toys for children to play with. There is also a lovely cafe within the museum for some light refreshments during your visit.
- Very close to Casa Lis and hidden near Salamanca’s Cathedral is the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea, a remarkable urban oasis. It sits atop the remains of Salamanca’s oldest city walls and is home to many species of plants and trees. Children will love to explore its maze-like design.
- Fancy treating the children after a busy day sightseeing, pay a visit to Bico de Xeado, which serves delicious Galician ice cream – perfect for a hot summer’s day.
City of Culture and Knowledge
Known for its rich culture, Salamanca is home to one of the most prominent universities in the world. If you want to delve deeper into Salamanca’s rich past, a trip to the University of Salamanca cannot be missed. Founded in the 13th century, a tour around the university will invite you to observe and learn about the history of one of the oldest education centers in the world. The main entrance is a wonder of stoneworks, and the building still has a fully preserved 16th-century classroom. Miguel de Cervantes, regarded as Spain’s most excellent writer, studied at the university, and Christopher Columbus was a lecturer.
After a visit around the grounds of the University, travel a bit north from the downtown area, and you will come to Calle Van Dyck. Famous for its tapas bars, this is also where adults, both young and old, wind down over the weekend and enjoy the many bars and pubs the area offers. Here you will find first-year university students rubbing shoulders with senior professors. Calle Van Dyck is where you see the extent to which Salamanca is genuinely a university town. It offers a nice modern contrast to the city while infusing the history and tradition that makes it unique.
For the best tapas in the area, try Café de Chinitas, which has a larger terrace area, friendly service, and a fantastic choice of food. If you want a couple of hours to sit back and relax, another exciting visit to the area is the Van Dyck Cinemas, which shows all movies in the original version (a rarity in Spain!).
Salamanca on a Budget
With Salamanca being a city with a large population of students, you will have lots of options if traveling on a budget. Most museums and tourist attractions have certain days allowing free entry. If you are only going to be in Salamanca for a few days, we recommend that one of those days is a Tuesday, as this is when entry to both the Cathedral and La Clerecía is free!
However, you will have to wake up early, as free entry only applies between 9-11 am for the Cathedral and 10 am-12 pm for La Clerecía. Visits to Huerto de Calixto y Melibea, Casa Lis (Thursday 10 am-2 pm), and parts of the University are free, so plenty is on offer for a low budget. There are also a host of cheap eats available. La Parrilla de Isma and Bar Blanco y Negro are just two to mention around Calle Van Dyck that offer good food, healthy portions, and all at a great price.
