What to do on a holiday in Salamanca, Spain

Salamanca , a city located in the region of Castile and Leon, is famous for its history, university, and vibrant cultural life. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the cultural and historical richness of Spain. A holiday in Salamanca offers the perfect opportunity to explore the city and enjoy all it has to offer.

1. Breakfast in the Plaza Mayor

Start your day at Salamanca’s iconic Plaza Mayor, a landmark that is the heart of the city. Built in the 18th century, this baroque square is one of the most beautiful in Spain and a meeting point for locals and tourists alike. During a public holiday, the square comes alive with people strolling, enjoying the sun and sipping coffee on one of the many terraces that surround it.

What to do here?

Outdoor breakfast: Sit on one of the terraces and enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast. A café con leche accompanied by toast with tomato and ham or a freshly baked croissant are delicious options to start your day with energy.
People watching: The Plaza Mayor is a great place to people watch. You can see locals starting their day, university students on their way to class, and tourists marveling at the architectural beauty of the plaza.

2. Visit to the University of Salamanca

After a leisurely breakfast, head to the University of Salamanca, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. Founded in 1218, this institution has been a centre of learning and culture for over 800 years.

What to do here?

Explore the Patio de Escuelas: The Patio de Escuelas is the main entrance to the university. Here, you can admire the building's stunning Plateresque façade, where the stone-carved details are simply astonishing. Don't forget to look for the famous frog hidden in the façade, a challenge for visitors that has endured for centuries.
Visit the Historical Library: The university library is one of the oldest in Europe and houses a priceless collection of manuscripts, incunabula and ancient books. The Reading Room is a real gem, with its coffered ceiling and shelves filled with centuries-old books.
Visit the Escuelas Mayores and Escuelas Menores: These historic buildings are part of the university campus and offer a glimpse into Salamanca's academic past. In the Escuelas Menores, you can see the fresco "El Cielo de Salamanca," a Renaissance work of art depicting the cosmos.

3. Tour of the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral

Salamanca has two impressive cathedrals: the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral. Both are located next to each other, creating a unique architectural ensemble that you cannot miss.

What to do here?

Visit the Old Cathedral: Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the Old Cathedral is a wonderful example of Romanesque art. Its interior is equally impressive, with its main altarpiece, which is a Gothic masterpiece. Don't miss the Chapel of San Martín, decorated with medieval frescoes.
Climb the towers: A visit to the Cathedral towers offers a panoramic view of Salamanca that will leave you breathless. From the top, you can appreciate the beauty of the city and its surroundings from a completely different perspective.
Explore the New Cathedral: Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the New Cathedral combines late Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Its façade is one of the most impressive in Spain, and its interior, with its soaring vaults and side chapels, is equally impressive.

4. Walk through the Garden of Calixto and Melibea

After a morning full of history and culture, it's time to relax a bit. The Huerto de Calixto y Melibea is a romantic garden located in the old town of Salamanca, right next to the cathedrals.

What to do here?

Enjoy a peaceful stroll: This garden is a perfect place for a peaceful stroll, surrounded by flowers, fountains and trees. It is an oasis of peace in the heart of the city.
Relive Spanish literature: The orchard is famous for being the supposed setting of the work "La Celestina", written by Fernando de Rojas. This is a perfect place for literature lovers who want to connect with the literary history of Spain.
Photography and views: From the garden, you get excellent views of the walls of Salamanca and the towers of the cathedral. It is an ideal place to take photographs and capture the beauty of the city.

5. Lunch in a traditional restaurant

After a relaxing walk, it's time to enjoy Salamanca's gastronomy. Salamanca is known for its traditional cuisine, which includes a variety of delicious dishes that you won't want to miss.

What to do here?

Try Guijuelo ham: Guijuelo Iberian ham is one of the most famous products of Salamanca. This cured ham is known for its rich flavour and soft texture. You can try it on a plate of cold cuts accompanied by a good local wine.
Enjoy a hornazo: Hornazo is a typical dish from Salamanca that consists of a kind of pie filled with pork loin, chorizo and eggs. It is a hearty and tasty meal that is perfect for a festive lunch.
Sample traditional dishes: Other dishes you should try include chichas (a type of minced meat), lentils from La Armuña and chanfaina (a rice and lamb stew). Pair your meal with a red wine from the Castilla y León region for a complete gastronomic experience.

6. Visit to the House of Shells

After lunch, continue your tour of Salamanca by visiting the Casa de las Conchas, one of the most emblematic buildings in the city. Built in the 15th century, this palace stands out for its façade decorated with more than 300 scallop shells, a symbol associated with the Order of Santiago.

What to do here?

Explore the architecture: The Casa de las Conchas is an excellent example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Enter the inner courtyard to admire the combination of architectural styles and the details in the decoration.
Visit the public library: Today, the Casa de las Conchas houses a public library. You can enter and walk through its rooms, which offer an interesting contrast between the old building and its modern use.
Photography: The facade is one of the most photographed places in Salamanca. Make sure to capture the uniqueness of this building in your photos.

7. Afternoon at the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum

If you are an art lover, you cannot miss the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum, located in the historic Casa Lis building. This museum houses an impressive collection of decorative objects from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What to do here?

Explore the collection: The museum features a wide range of pieces, including stained glass, porcelain dolls, jewellery, furniture and sculptures. It is a fascinating visit for anyone interested in Belle Époque art and design.
Admire the architecture: Casa Lis is a masterpiece of modernism, with its impressive iron and glass façade. The interior of the building is equally beautiful, with its central courtyard and colorful stained glass windows creating a unique atmosphere.
Visiting temporary exhibitions: The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions that usually focus on themes related to art nouveau, art deco and other artistic movements of the time.

8. A walk across the Roman Bridge at sunset

As the afternoon progresses, head towards the Roman Bridge of Salamanca, one of the oldest monuments in the city. Built in the 1st century AD, this bridge offers a spectacular view of the Tormes River and the city.

What to do here?

Walking across the bridge: Walking across the Roman Bridge is a unique experience, as it allows you to connect with the ancient history of Salamanca. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, with the cathedrals and other historic buildings as a backdrop.
Photographing the sunset: The bridge is an excellent place to photograph the sunset. The reflection of the setting sun on the river and the historic buildings of the city creates a postcard image.
Enjoy the tranquility: This is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the quiet of the evening. Sit on one of the nearby benches and simply enjoy the surroundings.

9. Dinner and nightlife in Salamanca

To round off your holiday in Salamanca, enjoy dinner at one of the city's many restaurants and then immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife.

What to do here?

Dine at a local restaurant: Salamanca has a wide variety of restaurants offering everything from traditional cuisine to more modern options. If you haven't tried roast lamb yet, now is the perfect time. Pair your dinner with a Ribera del Duero wine for the complete experience.
Enjoy the nightlife: Salamanca is famous for its lively nightlife, thanks in part to its large student population. You can start the night at a tapas bar in the Plaza Mayor and then continue at one of the city's bars and clubs. Van Dyck Street is one of the most popular for drinks.
Join a tuna: If you're lucky, you might come across a tuna, a group of university students who play traditional music and sing in the streets. Joining them is a fun and authentic experience.

10. Final reflection at the Convent of San Esteban

To end your day in a more peaceful way, we recommend a final stop at the Convent of San Esteban, an impressive Dominican monastery dating back to the 16th century.

What to do here?

Visiting the interior: The convent is known for its Plateresque façade, one of the most impressive in Salamanca. Inside, you can tour the cloister, the church and other areas of the monastery that offer an atmosphere of peace and reflection.
Enjoy the tranquility: After a day full of activities, the Convent of San Esteban is the perfect place to reflect and enjoy the tranquility before ending your day.

A holiday in Salamanca is a chance to immerse yourself in the rich history, culture and gastronomy of one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. From the stunning architecture of the Plaza Mayor and the University of Salamanca to the serenity of the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea and the art at Casa Lis, Salamanca offers something for everyone. With this guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in this historic city and create unforgettable memories.