Salamanca is one of the most fascinating cities in Spain. Its historic center will surprise you with its Renaissance architecture, university atmosphere, and historic corners. That’s why, in this guide, we’ll tell you what to see in Salamanca, whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway from Madrid.
Let’s get started!
What to see in Salamanca, Castile and León
1. Plaza Mayor
It doesn’t matter if it’s not your first time in Salamanca: the Plaza Mayor always impresses with its Baroque architecture and perfectly aligned balconies. We recommend starting your tour there, especially in the morning or at dusk, when the light bathes the golden facades.
During the day, you can walk leisurely under its arches and see the medallions sculpted with the faces of Spanish historical figures, from kings and conquistadors to figures like Cervantes. At night, the square transforms into an illuminated setting that invites you to linger and soak up the atmosphere.
From there, you can easily reach many of the sights you can see in Salamanca, such as the University and the Cathedrals. Also nearby are Plaza del Corrillo, the Monterrey Palace, and the Casa de las Conchas, or you can simply get lost in the narrow streets that connect with the rest of the historic center.
And if you’re planning to stay overnight, this is an ideal area to find charming hotels, be close to everything, and start each morning with a privileged view. Here are three well-located options with excellent value for money: El Mirador del Poeta, Emperatriz I and Hostal Concejo.
Tips for finding great and affordable accommodation: The best way to secure the lowest prices is to book early. If you wait until the last minute, the cheapest and highest-rated places will likely be sold out, and you’ll have to settle for what’s left.
Our favorite platform for finding hotel deals is Booking.com. By booking through this link, you can save up to 15% on your next stay. The best part is that, in many cases, you can pay directly at the property, and cancel for free if your plans change.
Plus, if you book frequently, you’ll reach Genius Level 3, Booking’s highest loyalty tier, which gives you exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, and room upgrades — helping you save even more.
Book your accommodation here and save up to 15%
2. What to see in Salamanca: University and the Clerecía
Founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX, the University of Salamanca is the oldest university in Spain. A stroll through its grounds is like traveling back in time, and stopping in front of its Plateresque façade is almost obligatory: look for the frog on the skull, which according to legend brings good luck to students (and attentive travelers).
In addition to seeing the façade, it’s worth entering the building to see the Fray Luis de León Classroom, the old library, and the cloister. You can also walk through the Patio de Escuelas and see the Cielo de Salamanca, a striking 15th-century mural depicting Renaissance astronomical views.
Very close by is La Clerecía, an imposing Baroque building that now houses the Pontifical University. Its façade and towers are part of Salamanca’s most iconic face. If you dare to climb its towers (Scala Coeli), you’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the historic center.
You might be interested in: Avila & Salamanca Day Trip
One of the best ways to discover Salamanca is by joining this free tour of the historic center, based on tips. You’ll visit the Plaza Mayor, the University, and the Cathedrals from the outside. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a general introduction and to understand Salamanca’s history in less than two hours.
If you prefer a more complete and in-depth experience, we recommend this paid tour, with several options. Depending on the option you choose, you’ll be able to enter the University, tour its halls, and see the Salamanca Sky, as well as discover the architectural and symbolic details of the Cathedrals.
Both experiences are guided by experts. Our recommendation: take the free tour if you’re short on time or it’s your first visit, and choose the complete tour if you want to immerse yourself in art, history, and visit Salamanca’s most iconic sites. Whichever you choose, you’ll fall in love with the city!
You can secure your spot on the free tour here!
3. The Cathedrals of Salamanca: A Journey Between Centuries
In Salamanca, there is not one, but two cathedrals connected together: the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral. This monumental complex is one of the places that surprised us the most in the entire city, both for its size and for its architectural and artistic richness, which blends Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
The Old Cathedral will transport you almost 900 years back in time. From the outside, you’ll recognize it by the Torre del Gallo, and upon entering, be sure to see the Chapel of San Martín, the main altarpiece, and medieval frescoes such as the painting of the Last Judgment, one of the treasures of Spanish sacred art.
The New Cathedral, begun in the 16th century, will leave you speechless with its imposing ornate façade and enormous height. You may already know it for its famous curiosity: an astronaut sculpted on one of the portals, a modern touch incorporated during a 20th-century restoration.
You can also take the Ieronimus tour, which allows you to climb the cathedral towers and walk along walkways that connect to different viewpoints with panoramic views of the Tormes River and the historic center of Salamanca. When we visited, admission was free on Sundays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Book train, bus, flight and ferry tickets
How to find cheap last-minute flights Although it’s always best to book in advance, we know that’s not always possible. In those cases, Skyscanner is a great tool for finding the best fares and deals worldwide.
This platform compares prices from hundreds of airlines and agencies to show you the most affordable options. Simply click here, enter your departure city, destination, and travel dates, and filter by price, time, or stopovers to find the perfect flight.
Is it safe to book flights on Skyscanner? Yes, it is. Just keep in mind that Skyscanner doesn’t sell tickets directly — it redirects you to the airline or travel agency’s official site. For extra peace of mind, we recommend booking through the link that takes you straight to the airline’s website.
4. What to see in Salamanca: Convent of San Esteban
One of the most impressive places to see in Salamanca is the Convent of San Esteban, a jewel of the Plateresque style. This ornamental art, characterized by its meticulous detail reminiscent of the work of silversmiths, is expressed there in a façade that resembles a large filigree carved in gilded stone.
This Dominican convent is known because Christopher Columbus stayed there while seeking support for his voyage to the Indies, and also because it was one of the key spaces in the emergence of International Law, thanks to the theologians and jurists of the School of Salamanca, especially Francisco de Vitoria.
Nearby, you can continue exploring other charming spots, such as the Convent of Las Dueñas, which has a beautiful cloister overlooking the city rooftops; the Anaya Palace, right next to the Cathedral; and the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea, a small garden located on the ancient city walls.
Tip for your next international trip: Stay connected from the moment you land with this eSIM, easy to activate and with unlimited data. Use your favorite apps and share your best moments without relying on WiFi or paying roaming fees.
Get 5% off your unlimited data eSIM
Want to save time and money on your next trip? Planning with the right tools can make all the difference. To find cheap flights, we recommend Skyscanner.com, which operates worldwide and compares hundreds of airlines and travel agencies to help you find the best fares.
For accommodation, our go-to platform is Booking.com, where you can save up to 15% and access exclusive benefits. Complete your trip by organizing your tours and guided visits through Civitatis.com, where you’ll find everything from free walking tours to excursions around the world.
If you’re traveling abroad, stay connected with an eSim from Holafly and enjoy a 5% exclusive discount for being a Travelgrafía reader. And don’t forget your travel insurance from Protegetuviaje.com, it offers excellent coverage, 24/7 assistance, and great value for money.
Support our work! Donate via PayPal — every bit helps
5. Roman Bridge and the banks of the Tormes River
To close your visit to Salamanca with an unforgettable postcard, we suggest leaving the city center for a moment, walking down to the banks of the Tormes River and crossing the Roman Bridge, a thousand-year-old structure dating back to the 1st century AD that was part of the Vía de la Plata, the ancient Roman road that connected Mérida with Astorga.
From the bridge, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Salamanca, with the cathedral towers rising against the sky. It’s a perfect place to pause, enjoy the moment, take photos, or simply stroll peacefully along the banks of the Tormes River.
Just across the bridge, you’ll find Casa Lis, an elegant modernist building built on the ancient medieval wall. It houses the Museum of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth stopping by to see its iron and glass facade, which creates a beautiful contrast with the golden stone of the old town.
Find the best hotel deals for your trip
Tip: An unexpected event abroad can cost you thousands of dollars. Getting sick, having an accident, or losing your luggage can not only ruin your trip but also hit your wallet hard. With international insurance from protegetuviaje.com, you’ll have medical assistance and protection in many situations — from flight delays to cancellations.
Travel insurance isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in peace of mind. In addition to medical coverage, most policies include benefits like repatriation, early return due to family emergencies, and even dental emergency coverage. In fact, in many countries, travel insurance is already an entry requirement.
Don’t let an unexpected setback ruin your trip! Click here to purchase our recommended international insurance — it offers excellent coverage, 24/7 assistance, and fair pricing for travel anywhere in the world. Protect your health, your luggage, and your investment — and focus all your energy on enjoying the adventure.
Buy your travel insurance here and get your eSIM for free
How to get to Salamanca from Madrid
Now that you know what to see in Salamanca, keep in mind that the fastest way to get there is to take a train from Chamartín station. The journey takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can also take a bus from the Moncloa Interchange, which takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Another very convenient option, ideal if you don’t want to worry about a thing, is to join this organized tour from Madrid, which includes transportation, a Spanish-speaking guide, and a stop in Ávila, where you can see the largest and best-preserved medieval walls in Europe. You can book it here.
If you’re traveling in a group and don’t have a car, renting one is a great idea, as it allows you to travel at your own pace without relying on public transportation schedules. Plus, when splitting the cost among everyone, it could be more affordable than other transportation options. It’s also a much more comfortable choice if you’re traveling with children.
Find the Best Car Rental Deals Here
Final tips for visiting Salamanca
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as the old town is full of cobblestone streets that invite you to walk. Also, if you decide to spend the night in Salamanca, we advise booking accommodation in advance, especially during weekends or during high season.
And if you’re wondering how many days you need to visit Salamanca, based on our experience, one full day is enough to see the essentials. But if you’re traveling leisurely, it’s best to stay at least one night to enjoy the university atmosphere, see the city illuminated, and manage to do all the activities at a leisurely pace.
By the way, if you’re traveling to Salamanca from Madrid and have several available, don’t miss these travel guides, perfect for creating a complete itinerary for the capital and its surroundings:
What to See in Cuenca in One Day
El Escorial Royal Monastery: Guide for Your Visit
We hope you enjoyed this travel guide! If you found our information helpful, consider supporting our work by booking accommodations, tours, and services we recommend, or directly through the following affiliate links:
Booking.com: Top hotels at great prices
Skyscanner.com: Find flights on sale
Guruwalk.com: Free walking tours around the world
Civitatis.com: Guided tours and excursions
Bookaway.com: Bus, ferry, and train tickets
Holafly.com: International eSIM
All photographic and written content on this website is created by Travelgrafía®. If you’d like to share something, please credit us by including our name and a link. Do not use our photos for commercial purposes without our consent..
See you soon!
