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.
A stone bridge with multiple arches over a river, surrounded by greenery and a historic building in the background.

Salamanca Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Salamanca has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Salamanca is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Salamanca to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Salamanca Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Salamanca.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Salamanca attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Salamanca Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Guide. Spanish

Salamanca Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Guide. Spanish

CA $19
per adult
Salamanca Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Guide. Spanish
Facade of the university

Must see Salamanca Walking Tour (could be billingual)

CA $57
per adult
Must see Salamanca Walking Tour (could be billingual)
Salamanca: Monuments and Landmarks Guided Walking Tour

Salamanca: Monuments and Landmarks Guided Walking Tour

CA $41
per adult
Salamanca: Monuments and Landmarks Guided Walking Tour
The Best of Salamanca

The Best of Salamanca (English)

CA $47
per adult
The Best of Salamanca (English)
TOP Salamanca : Private guided tour with your mobile

TOP Salamanca : Private guided tour with your mobile

CA $8
per adult
TOP Salamanca : Private guided tour with your mobile
Good evening Salamanca

Salamanca evening tour (English)

CA $63
per adult
Salamanca evening tour (English)
Salamanca: Guided Sightseeing Tour by Bicycle

Salamanca: Guided Sightseeing Tour by Bicycle

CA $41
per adult
Salamanca: Guided Sightseeing Tour by Bicycle
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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.

Recommended things to do in Salamanca

Number of things to do
33
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
TOP Salamanca : Private guided tour with your mobile: CA $9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

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)
Gaze up at the majestic walls enclosing the heart of one of Spain’s most lively plazas where cobblestone paths pass upscale boutiques and restaurants serving traditional tapas.
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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 La Rana and Casa de las Conchas 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 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 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, La Glorieta Bull Ring 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.

 

 

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 vacationing 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.