What to do in Salamanca?

1. Visit the historic center

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: Often, when visiting a city, we tend to rush towards museums, cathedrals, all the famous monuments. This time, we suggest you don't proceed this way. You're on vacation, certainly to enrich your general culture, take beautiful photos, spend time with family...But above all to relax and fully enjoy your stay. That's why the best thing to do as a very first activity is undoubtedly visiting Salamanca's historic center. Why so? The "Plaza Mayor" is one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe. It's literally the living heart of the city: all the entertainment happens there, the tourist office will be able to inform you about your future outings, the small shops around are friendly, and the restaurants are among the best in the entire city. A magnificent outing in perspective! Not to mention that you'll be amazed by the sculpted medallions taking the shape of Miguel de Cervantes, author of the famous "Don Quixote de la Mancha".

2. The Cathedrals

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: The particularity of the city of Salamanca is that it's actually composed of two cathedrals, one against the other, like two sisters. It's towards "Benedicto XVI" street that you'll find them: "The new cathedral", Gothic style built in 1513, and "The old cathedral", dating from the 12th century. Both buildings have been classified as Historical Monuments since 1887 and listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 1988. Thus making the pride of the city's inhabitants. Open every day from 10am to 6pm for a reasonable price, it's possible to visit both almost at the same time since they're part of the same complex. Thus, you can access the old cathedral from inside the new one. Within its walls, a medieval and electric atmosphere reigns, you'll be amazed as you progress through the visit. Don't miss visiting the permanent exhibition called "Leronimus", thus allowing access to the highest part of both structures.

3. Go hiking

Category: Sports

Description: We leave aside sandals and open shoes, to put on our sneakers and sports clothes. Salamanca is one of the cities in Spain with the most beautiful hikes. Nothing better than exploring this magnificent corner of "Castilla y León" on foot, in nature. You have the choice of more than a dozen walk proposals: all with different variations, some are easy to do with family and not very long, with a nice opening onto a clearing for picnicking, others are a bit harder and recommended for experienced athletes. Then again, rest assured, it's not Survivor either. If we can recommend one in particular, it would undoubtedly be that of "Laguna de San Marcos". This one, starting from a parking lot, passes towards "Plaza Mayor La Alberca", where you can take a little break, but also towards a magnificent water point, "Laguna de San Marcos". Perfect for taking beautiful photos!

4. The Church of Clerecía

Category: €/Cultural

Description: During a guided tour, come discover the incredible church of Clerecía, located at the Pontifical University of Salamanca. There's a whole history around this immense building. Dating from the 17th century, it was Queen Margaret of Austria, wife of Philip III, who orchestrated its construction. Baroque style, it's typically the kind of place that catches the eye, just by its robust walls, its impactful design, and its solid architecture. Formerly called the "Colegio Real de la Compañía de Jesús", the monument is today designated as the seat of the pontifical university. It's distinguished particularly by its impressive three-level façade. Visitors particularly love the small chapels where you can see sculptures decorated with care, not to mention the magnificent dome with coats of arms at its corners. By the way, if you want to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings, go up to the top of the Clerecía towers!

5. The Casa de Las Conchas

Category: €€/Cultural/Unusual

Description: For those who struggle with Spanish (we don't judge you), the Casa de las Conchas literally means "The House of Shells". This gives you an idea of the type of place you're going to step into, and especially what you're going to see there. Here's a monument built towards the end of the 15th century that doesn't go unnoticed, with its Gothic style as well as its plateresque elements. It's an exhibition venue and library decorated with shells, treasures directly from the ocean. There are about 300 shells that adorn the walls of the building! Located on "Compañía street", its interior is unique: with the staircase and coffered ceilings that arouse visitors' curiosity. Open every day from 9am to 9pm except Sunday and closing at 2pm on Saturday, it presents many elements from the Renaissance, but also from Mudéjar art.

6. Hot air balloon ride

Category: €€€/Unusual

Description: Many of us had a dream as children: to one day go aboard a hot air balloon. Well, know that in Salamanca, it's as casual as taking the bus! Maybe we're exaggerating, but yet the hot air balloon visit of the city to admire its historic center in particular, is perfectly feasible for visitors. What could be better than discovering the place while gaining height? In addition to the breathtaking view you'll have the chance to admire, your guide will be pleased to explain everything you need to know about certain monuments you'll see from the top of your flying carriage. A flight that can last about a good hour, you'll have the sensation of being very light when coming down. Additional little info: it's best to book at least 48 hours in advance, to be sure to have a place. An unforgettable experience in perspective!