Things to do in Salamanca

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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.
A historic stone bridge with arches, a prominent church with a tall bell tower, and a cityscape with various buildings under a twilight sky.
A stone bridge with multiple arches over a river, surrounded by greenery and a historic building in the background.
A historic building with intricate carvings and a large arched entrance.

Salamanca Attractions

Want to know the best experiences and activities in Salamanca? Rich history, fantastic cuisine and lots of fascinating tourist attractions are just a taste of what's in store. Get your bags packed and discover this thriving city.

Discover the sights of Salamanca with some unique tours & day trips, or try out our list of {35 fun activities in Salamanca fun activities in Salamanca}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can rest easy and channel your energy into planning the ultimate vacation.

Things to do

Facade of the university

Must see Salamanca Walking Tour (could be billingual)

$41
per adult
Must see Salamanca Walking Tour (could be billingual)
Salamanca Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Guide. Spanish

Salamanca Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Guide. Spanish

$14
per adult
Salamanca Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Guide. Spanish
New cathedral

Salamanca Evening Walking Tour bilingual

$41
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Salamanca Evening Walking Tour bilingual
Salamanca: Monuments and Landmarks Guided Walking Tour

Salamanca: Monuments and Landmarks Guided Walking Tour

$29
per adult
Salamanca: Monuments and Landmarks Guided Walking Tour
The Best of Salamanca

The Best of Salamanca (English)

$34
per adult
The Best of Salamanca (English)
Salamanca: Evening Sightseeing Walking Tour

Salamanca: Evening Sightseeing Walking Tour

$41
per adult
Salamanca: Evening Sightseeing Walking Tour
Good evening Salamanca

Salamanca evening tour (English)

$45
per adult
Salamanca evening tour (English)
TOP Salamanca : Private guided tour with your mobile

TOP Salamanca : Private guided tour with your mobile

$6
per adult
TOP Salamanca : Private guided tour with your mobile
Salamanca: Private Tour with a Local

Salamanca: Private Walking Tour with a Local

$99
per adult
Salamanca: Private Walking Tour with a Local
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Salamanca must see attractions

1. 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.

2. 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.

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. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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.

Recommended things to do in Salamanca

Number of things to do
35
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
TOP Salamanca : Private guided tour with your mobile: $6
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Salamanca

Free Things to Do in Salamanca

An escape to Salamanca need not break the bank. You can leave your wallet behind if you go to:

Sala Unamuno

- Packed with exhibits and objects, this gallery is heaven for knowledge-hungry minds.

Monterrey Palace

- Amble around this historic place and uncover some secrets from days gone by.

Alberto de Churriguera y José del Castillo, Conde de Francos

- Speak to a local resident and find out why many sightseers swing by this place.

San Martin Church

- Do a little quiet reflection and learn a few things about this site's religious importance.

Garden of Calisto and Melibea

- Organize a picnic date and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the interesting plants.

Things to Do in Salamanca with Kids

There are loads of fun things to do with your kids in and near Salamanca. Keep the crew entertained with our family friendly experiences.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Salamanca? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Salamanca attractions

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

University of Salamanca

9.6/5 (759 reviews)
Spain's oldest university showcases a stunning Plateresque façade with the famous hidden frog carving. Explore ancient lecture halls and the historic library containing centuries of scholarly manuscripts.
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Where to stay in Salamanca

Find the best Salamanca areas and neighborhoods 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 historic 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

San Bernardo is well-liked for its historic sites, and you can visit sights like Archbishop Fonseca College and La Rana if you have time to explore 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 Liceo Theatre 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 historic 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, Liceo Theatre and Multiusos Sanchez Paraiso are some notable places to visit nearby.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Salamanca

A vineyard, a town with a prominent yellow tower, and a hill with a fort.

Villamayor

Frequently asked questions

Is Salamanca worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Salamanca is visit Liceo Theatre. Tick this major attraction off your agenda, then discover more of the area's bars and pubs and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Salamanca?
After you've visited leading attractions like Anaya Palace and Salamanca Automobile History Museum, spend the rest of your day exploring Salamanca's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Salamanca?
The top tourist attraction in Salamanca is Liceo Theatre, so be sure to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Salamanca?
Three days in Salamanca is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travelers spend two days on average. Liceo Theatre, Anaya Palace and Salamanca Automobile History Museum are among the most popular sights. Like to see more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Santa Marta de Tormes.
Is Salamanca a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Salamanca. Several sights, like Liceo Theatre and Anaya Palace, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Salamanca's best neighborhoods, Old Town Salamanca is 0.2 miles away from downtown, while Salamanca Centro is 0.1 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Salamanca with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all of your group, here are some fabulous ideas for what to do in Salamanca with kids.

What to do in Salamanca for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Salamanca for adults including Iglesia del Espiritu Santo La Clerecían and Escuelas Menores.
Are there free things to do in Salamanca?
From checking out parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Salamanca. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Sala Unamuno is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.

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