Salamanca

Things to do in Salamanca

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Culture & history
Food & drink
Day tours
City sightseeing
Attractions
SIM card
Group Tours
Private tours

Top 10 attractions in Salamanca

View all Attractions
University of Salamanca
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Castile and Leon

University of Salamanca

5.5
4.5/5
28 reviews
University of Salamanca was founded in 1218 and is one of the oldest universities in Spain. Its long history and academic reputation are comparable to institutions such as the University of Oxford and the University of Paris. Christopher Columbus once presented his case to scholars here to gain support for his westward voyage. Names such as Cervantes, the poet Luis de León, and the writer Unamuno are all associated with this school, and the School of Salamanca, which was famous throughout Europe in the 16th century, also emerged here. The main building was built in the early 15th century and is arranged around a cloistered courtyard. The old lecture hall, the chapel, and the classroom where Luis de León taught have been preserved to this day. The old building is still in use, and strolling through it, you can see history intertwined with daily campus life. The highlight of the visit is the main facade facing the square. The entire wall is carved from golden sandstone produced in Villamayor, near Salamanca. Hidden among the intricate carvings is a small frog perched on a skull. A long-standing legend says that those who find it without a hint will have academic success, and it has now become a tradition during the visit.Salamanca · 1km from downtown
Public Library of Salamanca - Casa de las Conchas
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Castile and Leon

Public Library of Salamanca - Casa de las Conchas

5.1
5.0/5
25 reviews
Public Library of Salamanca - Casa de las Conchas is located in the heart of Salamanca's old town and is a highly recognizable palace in this university city. Construction began in the late 15th century, commissioned by Rodrigo Arias Maldonado, a knight of the Order of Santiago, and it took over 20 years to complete. The facade blends a Gothic framework with early Renaissance Plateresque ornamentation, serving as a testament to the era of transition between old and new architectural styles. More than 300 protruding scallop shell carvings cling to the exterior, densely covering the walls, a feature quite rare among similar buildings in Spain. Today, the building serves as a public library. Stepping inside, you can visit the courtyard surrounded by two-story arcades, where the row of short marble columns on the upper level is particularly exquisite.Salamanca · 835m from downtown
Casco Histórico de Salamanca

Casco Histórico de Salamanca

5
5.0/5
2 reviews
Casco Histórico de Salamanca is an ancient city that developed around a medieval university, with cobblestone alleys and buildings from various eras preserved quite intact. The houses in the old town are mostly built with locally produced golden sandstone. On sunny days, the entire district glows with a honey-like luster in the sunlight, and the color deepens at dusk, which is how it earned the nickname "City of Gold." Plaza Mayor de Salamanca is the heart of the old town. This 18th-century Baroque square is enclosed by circular arcades, with reliefs of past kings and celebrities adorning the pillars. Cafes and restaurants line the ground floor, bustling with activity day and night. University of Salamanca is one of the older universities in Spain, and its ornate facade and historic classrooms are worth seeing. The old town has a compact layout, and the main attractions are all within walking distance. You might want to slow down and wander through the alleys; the golden color of the sandstone facades is particularly moving in the evening sun.Salamanca · 986m from downtown
Plaza Mayor de Salamanca
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Castile and Leon

Plaza Mayor de Salamanca

4.8
4.8/5
24 reviews
It is no exaggeration to describe the Plaza Mayor in the city center of Salamanca as magnificent. Its classical Baroque architectural style is unique among the many squares in Spain. It leaves a deep impression on many visitors and is the starting point for every walking tour in Salamanca. As a popular resting place for locals and tourists, Plaza Mayor is known as the heart filled with sunshine and air. Construction began in 1775 under Alberto Churriguera, and after the efforts of several architects, this rather ornate square in Spain was finally completed. Since then, Plaza Mayor has witnessed the socio-economic and religious changes that have taken place in Spain and Salamanca. It can be said that this is the best place for people to understand Salamanca.Salamanca · 579m from downtown
Salamanca Cathedral
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Castile and Leon

Salamanca Cathedral

4.5
4.6/5
34 reviews
Salamanca Cathedralnow consists of two cathedrals, the new and the old. The Romanesque Old Cathedral was built in the 12th century, and its interior features exquisite altarpieces and frescoes created by the Italian painter Nicolás Florentino. The Gothic New Cathedral was built in the 18th century, and its interior features a diverse blend of styles, with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements intertwined. The carvings on the cathedral's facade are considered a masterpiece of Plateresque architecture. Salamanca Cathedralis an outstanding representative of the art history of Spain, and the exterior of this cathedral, formed by the connection of the new and old churches, is magnificent. Additionally, if you have extra time, the gatehouse outside the cathedral is also worth a visit.Salamanca · 1.1km from downtown
Garden of Calixto and Melibea

Garden of Calixto and Melibea

4.1
Garden of Calixto and Melibeais a historic garden located in Salamanca, Spain, closely associated with the classic Spanish novel by Leon de Almeida. This garden is one of the key settings for the love story between the fictional characters Calixto and Melibea in the novel, attracting the attention of many literature enthusiasts and tourists. The garden features an elegant layout and lush, shaded trees, while winding paths and colorful plants create a sense of peace and relaxation. Visitors can stroll through the ancient garden, admire the changing scenery throughout the seasons, and enjoy its unique natural and cultural atmosphere. Additionally, the garden has benches for resting, providing an ideal spot for visitors to relax and reflect. This place offers more than just natural beauty. It also represents an important cultural symbol in the Spanish literary tradition. For visitors who love literature, history, or simply want to spend some leisure time in a quiet environment,Garden of Calixto and Melibeais a place worth visiting.Salamanca · 1.2km from downtown
Roman Bridge of Salamanca
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Castile and Leon

Roman Bridge of Salamanca

4.1
4.3/5
14 reviews
This Roman Bridge of Salamanca is located in the Golden City of Salamanca. Although it has weathered over 2,000 years of history, it still stands intact, spanning the Tormes River. It is said that the bridge was originally built by Emperor Trajan, but of its 26 arches, only the 15 closest to the city date back to the 1st century AD, while the rest were rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries after the bridge was destroyed by floods. With its beautiful surroundings, the bridge has become a popular dating spot for university student couples. From one end of the bridge, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Salamanca Cathedral (Catedral Nueva). After nightfall, the Roman Bridge of Salamanca, illuminated by city lights and accompanied by the gentle sound of flowing water, is incredibly romantic!Salamanca · 1.5km from downtown
Museo Art Nouveau y Art Deco

Museo Art Nouveau y Art Deco

3.6
The museum was originally the mansion of Magirdis, who was well-versed in Art Nouveau at the end of the 19th century, and has since been converted into a peculiar pavilion that combines classical architecture and modernist Art Deco. The building is full of glass work, gold and ivory inlaid decorations, and the colorful stained glass windows overhead are also a must. There are many valuable art exhibits such as pottery, gemstones and furniture in the museum. The more valuable ones are Vidri de Galle, the craft exhibition hall of Emile Galle, the founder of Art Nouveau, and the precious ceramic dolls from the second half of the 19th century in France. .Salamanca · 1.2km from downtown
Salamanca Central Market

Salamanca Central Market

3.4
5.0/5
2 reviews
Salamanca · 615m from downtown
Museum of Automotive History

Museum of Automotive History

3.4
Salamanca · 1.4km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Salamanca

Featured Culture & history in Salamanca

View all Culture & history
Salamanca: Monuments and Landmarks Guided Walking Tour
󱌍

Salamanca: Monuments and Landmarks Guided Walking Tour

5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 2–3 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 96.90QAR 102
From Madrid: Ávila and Salamanca Guided Day Trip
󱌍

From Madrid: Ávila and Salamanca Guided Day Trip

4.8/5
· 20 reviews
Duration: 11 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 355.03QAR 373.72
From Madrid: Avila and Salamanca, a day among history and city walls
󱌍

From Madrid: Avila and Salamanca, a day among history and city walls

4.9/5
· 78 reviews
Duration: 11 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
97.4% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 577.50QAR 607.9
Monumental Salamanca Sightseeing Tour: Your First Introduction to Salamanca
󱌍

Monumental Salamanca Sightseeing Tour: Your First Introduction to Salamanca

4.8/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 35.85QAR 37.74
Salamanca: Guided Sightseeing Tour by Bicycle
󱌍

Salamanca: Guided Sightseeing Tour by Bicycle

4.5/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2–2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 96.90QAR 102
Salamanca: Evening Sightseeing Walking Tour
󱌍

Salamanca: Evening Sightseeing Walking Tour

5.0/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 135.66QAR 142.8
Top Salamanca: self guided walking tour with your mobile
󱌍

Top Salamanca: self guided walking tour with your mobile

5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2.8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
FromQAR 20.40
Salamanca Highlights Audio Tour: Architectural Splendors
󱌍

Salamanca Highlights Audio Tour: Architectural Splendors

Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 26.08QAR 32.6
Salamanca Today's weatherMostly clear -3-12℃
Salamanca weather for the next 2 days11/5: -2-15℃, 11/6: 6-16℃

Free things to do in Salamanca

Public Library of Salamanca - Casa de las Conchas

Public Library of Salamanca - Casa de las Conchas

5.1
5.0/5
25 reviews
Salamanca · 835m from downtown
Plaza Mayor de Salamanca

Plaza Mayor de Salamanca

4.8
4.8/5
24 reviews
Salamanca · 579m from downtown
Roman Bridge of Salamanca

Roman Bridge of Salamanca

4.1
4.3/5
14 reviews
Salamanca · 1.5km from downtown

What travellers say about Salamanca

user-avatar
Georgezou23 March 2020
5.0
The University of Salamanca is an important academic center in Europe. It is not only the oldest top public university in Spain, but also one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the world. It thrives as the center of cultural and academic activities in Spain. It is also an important building in Salamanca, and the campus is full of scenery.

University of Salamanca

user-avatar
Pholus13 April 2023
5.0
It's a very good place, the transportation is very convenient, and there are many people coming.

Public Library of Salamanca - Casa de las Conchas

user-avatar
pan***he18 September 2020
4.0
The main square of Salamanca is said to be the most beautiful in Spain. It is indeed beautiful, but the weak light in winter cannot compare with the bright sunshine in summer, so the photos we took are not as good. There are many celebrity portraits around the square. According to LP, Franco's portrait is covered with plastic bags to prevent it from being damaged, but we didn't find it and left.

Plaza Mayor de Salamanca

user-avatar
PINGPINGPING101313 May 2022
5.0
Hehe, the experience is very good. There will be another good place to visit on weekends in the future✌️✌️

Salamanca Cathedral

user-avatar
开心果695 January 2020
3.0
The history of the Roman Bridge in Salamanca can be traced back to the first century AD. Only a few of the semicircular arches under the bridge close to the city are original, and the rest were rebuilt in the eighteenth century.

Roman Bridge of Salamanca

Trip Moments in Salamanca

The perfect solo group tour for an autumn trip to Spain and Portugal! Save this ultimate guide now

The perfect solo group tour for an autumn trip to Spain and Portugal! Save this ultimate guide now

“If you're planning a 16-day trip to Spain and Portugal this autumn, save this stress-free guide!”@Happiness depends upon ourselves · 8 days ago
🌆 Where to Live in Madrid and Where Not To: An Honest Neighborhood Guide That Will Save You Nerves

🌆 Where to Live in Madrid and Where Not To: An Honest Neighborhood Guide That Will Save You Nerves

“✈️ Moving to Madrid is not just a change of address, but a choice between two different realities.”@Nasnik · madrid · 18 days ago
12-day Spain & Portugal trip: A ready-to-use itinerary

12-day Spain & Portugal trip: A ready-to-use itinerary

“The 12-day Spain and Portugal itinerary is here!”@EphemeralQuintessen · 20 days ago
Salamanca tower climb: Ieronimus is an absolute must-do for the value

Salamanca tower climb: Ieronimus is an absolute must-do for the value

“A must-visit in Salamanca, Spain!”@Max Price 123 · 21 days ago

Popular cities near Salamanca

Porto

Porto

Madrid

Madrid

Segovia

Segovia

Lisbon

Lisbon

Sintra

Sintra

Seville

Seville

Granada

Granada

Toledo

Toledo

Frequently asked questions

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.