Salamanca, Spain is as magical as it sounds. It is no surprise that this city attracts a lot of tourists who want to visit and the others who also want to stay and study since Salamanca has one of the oldest universities in Spain. Even though it is roughly just two hours from Madrid, Salamanca is a whole different city in terms of energy and vibe.

Salamanca is perfect for solo travellers and those who are looking for a young and vibrant scene in Spain. Since the city is filled with students and academics, it is easy to just go around and meet new people. It is also considered to be one of the safest cities in Spain, although it is always a good measure to be cautious for pickpockets.

How to Get There

For international travellers, booking a flight to Madrid-Barajas Airport is the most convenient way. From the airport, transfer to either a bus, train, or taxi to reach Salamanca in more or less than two hours. The most preferred way of travel to Salamanca from Madrid-Barajas Airport is via bus as it can be easily accessed straight from the airport.

Salamanca Airport, however, is the best and fastest way to get in for domestic travel. For frequent travellers, Salamanca Airport offers Aena Club Clientele, a rewards program for those who are frequent passengers and users of their facilities at the airport. It is available online for those who will be interested.

The airport forms part of the Matacan public civilian air station. The city proper is 15 kilometres away and can be reached by taxi or by car. A taxi is available for booking via phone call. Another option to reach Salamanca is by train.

Getting Around

Like any other city in Spain, Salamanca offers buses, coaches, and trains to passengers who would like to go around and visit tourist areas.

Top Things to Do

Always on the top of the list for visitors is to check out Salamanca University. The beautiful and pristinely preserved buildings are awe-inspiring, as well as the fact that it housed historical figures such as Ignatius Loyola, Christopher Columbus, and Miguel de Cervantes. Since the university is well up to date in keeping its buildings pristine, it is unusual to see any graffiti in the area unlike other areas of the city.

For shoppers who want to bring merchandise home or just meet someone at a landmark that is easy to find, Plaza Mayor is definitely a great place to choose. It houses the town hall and used to be a bullfighting arena. Now it is filled with shops and cafes that offer a great place to unwind and hang out with friends.

Visitors may also take a step out of the ordinary and step into Casa Lis. The Modernist mansion contains the curious collections of porcelain dolls that originally belonged to its owner, Miguel de Lis, which is where the name of the mansion came from.

What to Eat

Salamanca is home to various traditional dishes. One of which is the Hornazo, a meat pie, which is the most popular dish in the city. It is easy to find since it is so popular and also because of its signature diagonal pattern on top of the pie. For a nice afternoon tea, Perrunillas is also a great choice. It is traditionally baked for Christmas but is now being served for brunch and afternoon teas. They can be found in most bakeries in the city.

Tostas and montaditos are also a thing of beauty that you shouldn’t miss. Specialized tapas bars offer a great selection of this wonderful spread that includes cheese, sauces, meat, anchovies, and more. If one tosta is not to your liking, you are always welcome to try to wonderful different variations of it from the plate.

Salamanca is also known for its tapas bars. One of the more popular ones that will not break the bank is Casa Dani. A proof of its delicious success is the line that snakes down the street of Mercado de la Paz every afternoon filled with people who want to try their food. Even though it is filled with people, Casa Dani sticks to a set menu that is great for people on a budget.

For a fancier feast, Ramon Freixa Madrid is the minimalist’s dream. With a beautiful interior, the restaurant is a great place for an intimate and romantic night out. It boasts of two Michelin stars and diners can choose between a 20 or 25-course tasting menu.

Nightlife

Where to Stay

Salamanca is filled with hotels that are both aesthetically pleasing and filled with history. Smaller boutique hotels are available for those on a budget. Meanwhile, luxury hotels are also present for those who are looking to be more comfortable in style. It is recommended to stay in the Old Town to have easy access to the cities tourist destinations.

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