Salamanca is much more than its monuments; it is a living experience woven between history, culture and education. Each visit reveals something new, whether it is a previously unnoticed architectural detail or a secret corner full of stories. Whether you are interested in history, art, literature or simply enjoying the beauty of a well-preserved city, Salamanca awaits you with open arms and a wealth of experiences to discover.
Discover things to do in Salamanca. The must-see places and great free gamified tours.
what are the Things to do in salamanca?
Here are 10 places to see and 10 things to do in Salamanca. Some of them with free gamified visits.
1.University of Salamanca. The University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, is one of the oldest in Europe. Its Plateresque façade is a work of art in itself, with details that capture the eye. Be sure to look for the famous frog, a symbol of the city, which according to legend brings luck to students.
2. Old Cathedral and New Cathedral. Salamanca is home to a cathedral complex made up of two cathedrals (a must in the things to do in Salamanca), the Old and the New, which come together in a fascinating architectural contrast. The Romanesque Old Cathedral takes visitors back in time, while the New Cathedral, with its impressive tower, is a magnificent example of late Gothic and Baroque.
At the Old Cathedral you can enjoy the IERONIMUS visit, one of the most impressive things to do in Salamanca. One of the attractions of this visit is to do it with the gamified visit of the DareMapp app. It’s great fun and totally free.
3. House of the Shells. This Renaissance building, decorated with more than 300 shells, is one of the most photogenic buildings to see in Salamanca. The Casa de las Conchas, which now houses a public library, is a symbol of the influence of the Catholic Monarchs in the city.
If you are looking for a fancy and historical place this is a must in the things to do in Salamanca.
4. Plaza Mayor The Plaza Mayor is the heart of the city and undoubtedly one of the main attractions in the things to do in Salamanca. This baroque space is a meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by cafes and shops, it is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee while watching the city come and go.
5. San Esteban Convent. The Convent of San Esteban is a jewel of the Spanish Renaissance. Its façade is a magnificent example of the Plateresque style, and its intricately detailed cloister is an oasis of peace in the middle of the city.
6. Roman Bridge The Roman Bridge, which dates back to the 1st century, is a testament to Salamanca’s ancient history. Crossing this bridge offers an unparalleled view of the city and a tangible connection to its Roman past.
7. Palace of Monterrey. The Palacio de Monterrey is a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Although only part of the palace is open to the public, its façade is enough to admire its grandeur and detail.
Check here some fun activities you can do in this amazing building.
8. La Casa Lis: Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum. For art lovers, the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum is a must-see among the things to do in Salamanca. This museum houses a unique collection of decorative objects and works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
9. Garden of Calixto and Melibea. This garden, located next to the ancient city walls, is a haven of peace and beauty. It is said to have inspired the famous play “La Celestina” by Fernando de Rojas. Strolling through its paths is like walking through a page of Spanish literary history.
10. Cave of Salamanca. A magical place that houses one of the most famous legends of the city: it is said that in the disappeared church of San Cebrián, there was an underground crypt where the Devil gave classes of dark arts to 7 students for 7 years. After that time, one of the students had to stay in the cave for life as a servant. One of those pupils was the famous Marquis of Villena, who managed to escape from the Devil by hiding in a jar, but his shadow was trapped in the cave..
There is also a DareMapp game available here, where you can discover all the magic of this unique place.
Things to do in salamanca: Museums
Apart from the famous Casa Lis, which we have already told you about above, there are several museums to see in Salamanca that offer a window into various aspects of the life, history and culture of the city, from art and history to science and religion.
Almost all are free and visiting them provides a deeper understanding of this historic Spanish city. If you are planning a visit and don’t know the things to do in Salamanca, just visit one of these amazing museums:
- Museo de Historia de la Automoción: A fascinating place for car enthusiasts, this museum features an extensive collection of historic vehicles, showing the evolution of motoring over time. If you are travelling with children, this is definitely one of top museums in list of the things do in Salamanca if you love cars.
- Bullfighting Museum: This museum is dedicated to bullfighting, a significant aspect of Spanish culture. It exhibits bullfighters’ costumes, photographs, posters and other objects related to the world of bullfighting.
- Museo del Convento de Santa Clara: A museum housed inside a convent that offers a unique insight into religious life in Salamanca, with sacred art and historical artefacts.
- Museo del Comercio y la Industria: This museum explores the history of commerce and industry in Salamanca, with exhibits on traditional shops, the evolution of commerce and antique artefacts. At this museum you will also find a DareMapp game to visit while you learn a lot of interesting facts.
- Museo de la Universidad de Salamanca: Here you can find collections related to the history of the University, including ancient manuscripts, scientific instruments and works of art.
- Museo del Convento de San Esteban: Located in the famous convent, this museum displays sacred art, including paintings, sculptures and other religious objects.
- Museo de la Catedral de Salamanca: This museum, located within the cathedrals of Salamanca, houses an important collection of sacred art, including paintings, sculptures and liturgical ornaments.
Things to do in salamanca: Urban Gallery of the Barrio del Oeste:
The Galería Urbana del Barrio del Oeste is a must of the things to do in Salamanca. It is an open-air art initiative that transforms a traditional neighbourhood into a vibrant exhibition space for street art. This project has turned the streets of Salamanca’s Barrio del Oeste into a veritable outdoor art showcase, where the walls of buildings and public spaces serve as canvases for murals and urban artworks.
The gallery is characterised by numerous murals and street art pieces created by local and international artists. These works range from abstract representations to figurative art, covering a wide range of styles and themes.
The project has played a crucial role in the revitalisation of Barrio del Oeste, not only beautifying the area but also attracting tourists and art lovers, which has contributed to the economic and cultural development of the neighbourhood.
Being outdoors, the gallery is fully accessible to the public, offering a free and accessible art experience to all visitors and residents of Salamanca. It is often complemented by events, workshops and other cultural activities, encouraging community participation and interest in art and urban culture.
Here you can visit the official website of the Asociación de Vecinos del Barrio del Oeste, who manage the urban gallery.
Things to do in salamanca using the DareMapp app
Videos of some gamified visits to know the Things to do in salamanca with the DareMapp app
Remember that with DareMapp you can take a multitude of interactive guided tours, including many of these “Spain’s most famous routes”, a fun tour of the main destinations.
What better way than to travel and discover while learning in a fun way? Visit our blog to discover lots of tourism tips.
