Steeped in history and brimming with architectural beauty, Salamanca is one of Spain’s most captivating cities. Known for its stunning Plaza Mayor, ancient university, and intricate sandstone buildings that glow golden at sunset, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a perfect blend of culture, charm, and relaxation. In just two days, you can explore Salamanca’s rich heritage, vibrant student life, and culinary delights. Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets or soaking up the lively atmosphere, this itinerary will help you make the most of your unforgettable visit to Salamanca.
Travel facts and tips for visiting Salamanca:
- In Summer carry insect repellent with you
- June and August are the best months to visit Salamanca
- Bike rentals are a great way to enjoy Salamanca
- Uber is available in Salamanca
- Light clothing is suitable for visiting in Summer
- Spring and Autumn take a jacket it may be chilly in the evening
- Invest in a good pair of walking shoes
- Take a bottle of water when you are exploring the city
- Wear sunscreen
- Salamanca is famous for Iberian ham
- You pay to use public toilets approx 10 euro cents
- UNESCO World Heritage Salamanca
- 2002 Salamanca was named the European Cultural City
- The city was founded in the 4th century BC by the Celts
- It is not often you see a city with two cathedrals – New and Old
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How to Spend 2 Days in Salamanca
What are the top things to do in Salamanca over 2 days?
Day One
#1 Visit the New and Old Cathedral
The best historical sites in Salamanca are the New and Old Cathedral. It is very rare for a city to have two cathedrals that are joined together.
The Old Cathedral was constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries and was spread over 1000 sqm.. A new cathedral was commissioned to be built in the 16th century to cope with the influx of people coming to live in Salamanca. They could not afford to demolish the Old Cathedral. The New Cathedral spreads over 7000 sqm.
Did you know that there is an astronaut, rabbit, a frog, a bull, a stork, a lobster and a monkey eating an ice cream on the facade of the New Cathedral? Why? The artists who have restored the facade add a modern twist during restoration such as the astronaut and the monkey eating an ice cream. Some thought that the artists could foresee the future, but that is not the case. They have to clean the North face of the cathedral due to humidity ever 5 – 10 years.
You can purchase tickets for the New and Old Cathedral with an audio guide here.
Your ticket includes:
- Access to the New Cathedral, Old Cathedral, Cloister and Chapter Halls
- Access to the exhibitions of the Episcopal Palace of Salamanca
- Audio guide
We recommend that you allow at least 1 – 1.5 hours to view the New Cathedral and then the Old Cathedral, cloister and chapter halls.
Address of the New Cathedral: Plaza Juan XXII
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00 (Last admission at 19:15)
Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 (Last admission at (17:15)
#2 Visit The Episcopal Palace of Salamanca
Address: Plaza Juan XXIII, 15, 37008 Salamanca
The Episcopal Palace opened in 1890, it was the residence for bishops until 1964. Now it houses the Museum of History of Salamanca.
If there is a queue for the Tower visit head to the Episcopal Palace first. It was the headquarters of the dictator Franco during the Spanish Civil War between 1936 and 1939.
Opening hours 10 am to 6 pm daily
There is a walking tour available – Monuments and Landmarks Guided Tour.
- Be transported back to 18th-century Salamanca on a guided walking tour
- Discover the beautiful facade of the Casa de las Conchas and university building
- Explore the impressive Baroque architecture and restaurants of the Plaza Major
- Feast your eyes on the Sky of Salamanca painting, a hidden gem in the university
- Stroll through the patio and grounds of the Hispanic world’s oldest university
For availability and bookings click here:
#3 Climb the Cathedral Tower
Tickets for the Cathedral Tower are purchased separately here.
Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm daily (last entrance 7 pm).
We recommend visiting the Cathedral Tower allowing at least 30 minutes for the visit.
#4 Visit The Universities of Salamanca – Salamanca University Tour
Salamanca has two Universities – the public University of Salamanca which was founded in 1218 and is one of the oldest Universities in Europe and the private Pontifical University of Salamanca. The Pontifical University of Salamanca dates back to the 16th century and takes students from rich noble families.
You can take a private University and Colleges Walking Tour – bookings here
- Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the oldest University town in Spain
- Admire the living history of the University of Salamanca
- Be transported to the life of a student in medieval times
- Discover famous spots only known by locals
#5 Patio de Escuelas
The Patio de Escuelas is a small square in the University of Salamanca. It was built during 1609 – 1611. The statue located in the square is of the famous Professor of the University Fray Luis de Leon. He was jailed for four years as a result of translating the Bible into Spanish
Address: Plaza de Patio de Esceuelas
#6 Head To Plaza Mayor Salamanca for sunset drinks and dinner
There are 88 arches and several medallion reliefs. Enjoy a coffee at Cafe Novelty or head to Nero for tapas and “tinto de verano” which is a refreshing summer red wine and lemonade drink (a special recipe)
Day Two Salamanca Itinerary
#1 Central Market Salamanca
The Central Market is the oldest market in Salamanca. It is one of the best attractions in Salamanca.
Address: Market Square Salamanca
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: from 08:00 to 14:00
Monday: from 16:00 to 19:00h Tuesday to Friday: from 16:00 to 20:00
#2 Casa del la Concha
Currently, Casa de la Concha is a public library in Salamanca. It was built during 1493 – 1517. Its facade has 300 shells on it depicting the pilgrims performing the Way of St James, the shells representing the order of Santiago.
#3 Roman Bridge
The Roman Bridge was constructed over 2000 years ago and crosses the River Tormes in Salamanca. It is 37 metres wide and 176 metres long and used by pedestrians and cyclists.
#4 Plaza de Los Bandos
Plaza del Los Bandos is located a few metres from Plaza Mayor. It was given the name when the nobles in the 15th century fought for the right to govern the city.
The buildings that can be seen in Plaza de Los Bandos:
- Garci Grand Palace
- Solis Palace
- Carmen Church
- House of Dona Maria la Brava
- Former headquarters of the Bank of Spain
#5 The Round Church of Saint Mark
From Plaza de Los Bandos head to Puerta de Zamora (at the top of Zamora Street). The Church was built in the 12th century.
Address: Plaza San Marcos
#6 The Shopping Streets of Salamanca
If you want some retail therapy head to the pedestrian streets of Zamora and Toro.
Salamanca Tours
Visiting Salamanca’s landmarks on an organised tour – check out these recommendations
How To Travel To Salamanca Spain
Salamanca’s airport is located 14 km from the City Centre. There are no scheduled services currently operating into Salamanca.
Madrid International Airport is located 215 km away.
We use Skyscanner for all our flight bookings including Spain.
Train Travel To Salamanca
Depending on where you board the train in Madrid the journey takes approximately 3 hours. You can book your tickets here.
Bus Travel To Salamanca
We travelled by Alsa bus from San Sebastian.
Alsa Bus services many destinations in Salamanca. For timetables and booking click here.
Where To Stay in Salamanca
We had a wonderful stay at Salamanca Suite Studios a few minutes walk from Plaza Mayor.
Salamanca Suites offers modern clean accommodation with a small kitchen, desk area, bathroom and balcony. A substantial breakfast is included. The location is perfect for Salamanca sightseeing. We can highly recommend a stay here.
Address: Plaza de la Libertad
For more accommodations in Salamanca click here
Where To Eat in Salamanca Spain
There are many restaurants and cafes in and around Plaza Mayor.
In Plaza Mayor we enjoyed Nero for lunch, dinner and drinks and Cafe Novelty for coffee.
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Conclusion
In just two days, Salamanca offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and vibrant local life. From exploring its iconic Plaza Mayor and majestic cathedrals to strolling through ancient university halls and sampling local delicacies, this charming city provides an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re captivated by its golden sandstone buildings or the lively student atmosphere, Salamanca leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-visit destination for any traveller in Spain. Two days may seem short, but it’s enough to fall in love with the magic of Salamanca.
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