What to do in Salamanca

Activities, attractions and tours

A grand illuminated building with multiple arches and balconies.
A cathedral with two prominent domes, surrounded by a densely packed urban area with red-roofed buildings.
Almendra "Almond" Dam, Salamanca, Spain
A historic stone bridge with arches, a prominent church with a tall bell tower, and a cityscape with various buildings under a twilight sky.
The Cathedral of Salamanca and the river Tormes at night

Things to do

Salamanca: Monuments and Landmarks Guided Walking Tour

Salamanca: Monuments and Landmarks Guided Walking Tour

฿956
per adult
Salamanca: Monuments and Landmarks Guided Walking Tour
Salamanca: Local Legends Evening Walking Tour in Spanish

Salamanca: Local Legends Evening Walking Tour in Spanish

฿455
per adult
Salamanca: Local Legends Evening Walking Tour in Spanish
Salamanca Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Guide. Spanish

Salamanca Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Guide. Spanish

฿459
per adult
Salamanca Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Guide. Spanish
Facade of the university

Must see Salamanca Walking Tour (could be billingual)

฿1,338
per adult
Must see Salamanca Walking Tour (could be billingual)
The Best of Salamanca

The Best of Salamanca (English)

฿1,108
per adult
The Best of Salamanca (English)
Salamanca: Guided Sightseeing Tour by Bicycle

Salamanca: Guided Sightseeing Tour by Bicycle

฿956
per adult
Salamanca: Guided Sightseeing Tour by Bicycle
Salamanca: Miguel de Cervantes walking tour

Salamanca: Miguel de Cervantes walking tour

฿4,778
per traveller
Salamanca: Miguel de Cervantes walking tour
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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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An outdoor café with arches and tables under street lamps, overlooking a historic building with ornate architecture.

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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A grand library with ornate wooden bookshelves, a large wooden desk, and a globe.

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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A historic cathedral with intricate facade carvings and a bell tower.

4. 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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A historic cathedral with a large dome and bell tower, surrounded by urban buildings and greenery.

5. 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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A historic stone building with a tiled roof and decorative shell patterns.

6. 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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A historic building with a red door and a dome.

7. 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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A grand hall with a stunning stained glass ceiling, ornate columns, and classical paintings.

8. 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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A long corridor with arches, benches, and a list of names on the wall.

9. 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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A stone bridge over a river with greenery and a building in the background.

What to do in Salamanca

Stay near popular Salamanca attractions

An outdoor café with arches and tables under street lamps, overlooking a historic building with ornate architecture.

Plaza Mayor

9.8/10 (925 reviews)
Salamanca's Plaza Mayor captivates with its Baroque arches and historic medallions, forming Spain's most beautiful square. Enjoy the evening atmosphere at a café when golden lights transform the sandstone façades.
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Where to stay in Salamanca

Find the best Salamanca areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Salamanca
Learn more about Salamanca
A historic cathedral with a large dome and bell tower, surrounded by urban buildings and greenery.

Old Town Salamanca

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.

A historic plaza with a large ornate building, featuring a central archway and multiple balconies.

San Bernardo

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

A historic building with ornate facades, a red door, and a bell tower.

Van Dyck

While there might not be top attractions in Van Dyck, you can explore the larger area and discover places like La Glorieta Bull Ring and Plaza Mayor.

A historic plaza with ornate architecture, outdoor seating, and a large building in the background.

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.

Salesas

While Salesas isn't home to many top sights, La Glorieta Bull Ring and Multiusos Sanchez Paraiso are some notable places to visit nearby.

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.