If, like us, you enjoy discovering ancient cities that have managed to retain their beauty of yesteryear, welcome to Salamanca! Located in the north of Spain, this city is rich in history and boasts a magnificent heritage. From the old university with its pink walls to the cathedral and museums, every corner of the city dazzled us. Ready to go? Let's discover the best things to do in Salamanca in 2 days... or even 3 days if you have the time!
Day 1: What can you do in Salamanca in 2 days? University, religious buildings, museums and park
The great thing about Salamanca is that almost all the sights are in the same area. Convenient for doing everything on foot!
We recommend this guided bike tour, which will show you the city's ornate sandstone architecture, take you along the River Tormes, take in the Roman bridge and much more. Another option, this guided walking tour of Salamanca's monuments, immersing you in the city's vibrant past.
Morning: University of Salamanca, Cathedral and Casa Lis museum
For us, the magic happened as soon as we arrived in Salamanca! We started the morning at thecity's university, one of the oldest in Europe, with a beautiful Plateresque façade. We looked (inevitably!) for the famous toad hidden in the lace of the façade - a good luck charm for students - before admiring the painted ceilings by Fernando Gállego. In short, the morning is off to a good start... and that's just for starters!
Good to know: the University of Salamanca is closed on Sunday afternoons and Mondays.
Our eager steps then led us to the majestic spires of the Old and New Cathedrals, which stand side by side like two epochs in silent dialogue... Here, we looked up at the dome to contemplate the choir stalls and the superb Baroque "trascoro". We found it grandiose, almost vertiginous!
To book : Go here to book your ticket for Salamanca Cathedral, including the audio guide.
Then came our super favourite of the day: Casa Lis, a modernist jewel housing Art Nouveau and Art Deco wonders. Dolls, glassware, jewellery... Here, everything sparkles and we're in for a real treat! Have you got a bit of time left? Don't hesitate to cross the Roman bridge. Not far from there, a viewpoint offers an incredible view of the cathedral (one of the most beautiful views!).
Afternoon: Automobile History Museum, San Esteban Convent and Jesuit Park
Fans of vintage cars will be in heaven at Salamanca's Automobile History Museum! Here we are immersed in a timeless place that fascinates children and parents alike. The bodywork is gleaming, which is astonishing for such old cars. The exhibition retraces more than a century of mechanical adventures... Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Cadillac... and even Fernando Alonso's Formula 1!
We then head for the san Esteban convent. Let's face it, the place commands respect as soon as you enter... Somewhere between Gothic and Baroque, the richly sculpted façade is truly impressive! Inside, it's the gilded altarpiece by Churriguera that catches all the light.
Finally, we decided to end the day in the pretty Parc des Jésuites. Immense and peaceful, it exudes serenity. Just the thing after such a busy day! We really enjoyed strolling through the rose bushes, poplars and other colourful flowers.
Good to know: if you're travelling with your dog, there's a dog park to the south of the Parc des Jésuites, not far from the San Esteban convent.
Day 2: What can you do in Salamanca in 2 days? Monterrey convent, museum and palace
After a good night's rest, we return to the historic heart of the city, where a host of other sights await us.
Morning: Las Dueñas convent, Museum of Trade and Industry and Parque Picasso
The day gets off to a gentle start at the Las Dueñas convent. Once a grand palace, transformed into a convent in the 16th century, the building welcomes us with its beautiful openwork façade and large arched windows. It is bright, elegant and splendid! The highlight of the visit? The two-storey pentagonal cloister , richly decorated in the style of Alonso Berruguete.
After that, we took a short trip to the Museum of Commerce and Industry, where you can feel yourself slipping into the economic heart of Salamanca. Here we discovered how guilds and craftsmen shaped the city. Old trades, stalls, forgotten machines... nothing is left to chance!
On our second day, we decided to have a picnic in the Parque Picasso. This charming 1 hectare urban park combines nature and relaxation. Settled in the shade of the trees, we sample a few local specialities, such ashornazo.
Related article: What to do in Spain The 21 most beautiful places to see
Afternoon: Monterrey Palace and Casa de las Conchas
In the early afternoon, we have a date with the nobility of Salamanca! Visit Monterrey Palace with its tall towers and sculpted chimneys. It's easy to see why it's considered one of the finest examples of the Spanish Renaissance. Even in its unfinished state, it exudes an incredible presence! Inside, you'll find paintings by Tiziano and Ribera, family portraits and furniture from another era. The impression is strange: as if the dukes had just left, leaving behind them the discreet scent of another era..
Discover the secrets of the Monterrey Palace in Salamanca by booking this guided tour.
A few steps further on, a change of atmosphere with the Casa de las Conchas. We were astonished to discover a façade covered with over 300 shells: impossible to miss! We spent a while admiring them before going through the door, curious to see what was behind them... And here we are, in a patio bathed in light. Between the Mudéjar arches and the Gothic columns, all you want to do is relax!
Good to know: a small tourist train runs around Salamanca, leaving from the Plaza de Anaya. It runs all year round, from 10am.
Day 3: What can you do in Salamanca in 3 days? Barrio del Oeste and Ledesma, near Salamanca
We're lucky enough to be able to spend a 3-day weekend in Salamanca. We took the opportunity to visit the Barrio del Oeste, to the north of the city centre, as well as a pretty village in the surrounding area.
Morning: Barrio del Oeste and San Juan Bosco Park
We only need to take a few steps in the Barrio del Oeste to realise that art is everywhere here! Garage doors have become colourful canvases, the result of a street art competition that is unique in Spain. The effect is as unusual as it is magnificent!
It's hard to imagine that sixty years ago, this district was just a forgotten area... Born in the 1960s, then saved from decline by the ZOES association and two graduates of the Salamanca Fine Arts School, it has gradually been transformed into a bohemian haven. Today it's home to second-hand clothes shops, vegetarian bars, vinyl shops and even some slightly offbeat tearooms.
For a breather, we head a little further north, towards the Parc San Juan Bosco, one of the city's most pleasant parks. Recently refurbished, it boasts large green spaces, relaxation areas, a sports area and even a dog run!
Petit Futé Tip: if you book a guided tour of the Barrio del Oeste, you're sure to find out all you need to know about this unusual district of Salamanca.
Afternoon: Ledesma, a pretty village near Salamanca
Having covered the best things to do in Salamanca in 2 days (or 3...), we decided to visit the surrounding area. We headed for Ledesma, 35 km away! This little town perched on the banks of the River Tormes is steeped in history. We discovered the following
- roman remains,
- a medieval castle
- the superb Gothic church of Santa María la Mayor.
The easiest way? Follow the well-marked route and take a leisurely stroll through the old town before reaching the Mocho bridge. Of Roman origin, it is surrounded by a forest of centuries-old oak trees. If you're lucky, you'll spot a griffon vulture (we missed it...)!
Good to know: ledesma's speciality is its famous rosquillas, homemade doughnuts with a taste of yesteryear. Yummy!
Where to stay in Salamanca for 2 or 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
Of course, you'll find plenty of hotels right in the heart of the city, close to all the sights you can do in Salamanca in 2 days. However, if you're looking for a quieter place to stay, we recommend you move to the other side of the Tormes or find a hotel near the Barrio del Oeste.
- Best value for money
It's hard to find better value for money than atEurostars Las Claras! This budget hotel in Salamanca has cosy, comfortable rooms. Book your room and a great breakfast here.
- The best location
TheAbba Fonseca is ideally located for visiting everything on foot. Elegant, comfortable and affordable , book your room here.
- The cheapest
If you're looking for a really cheap hotel in Salamanca, check out theHostal Concejo. It's a simple place to stay, but perfect for a weekend away. Bookable here, this establishment also accepts dogs.
Find all the best hotels in Salamancaright here.
And there you have it, all the best things to do in Salamanca... and more! The historical and religious aspects will no doubt have not escaped you. One thing's for sure: we're delighted with our trip! The sights are fascinating, and the city and its surroundings are beautiful. In fact, we've found plenty of pretty villages around Salamanca for the rest of our trip to Spain.
Here are the most popular things to do in Salamanca:
