Salamanca is one of the 21 districts that form the city of Madrid, Spain. Salamanca is located to the northeast of the historical center of Madrid. Salamanca lies east of the district of Chamberí, south of Chamartín, and north of Retiro. Salamanca counts approximately 151.000 inhabitants.
4 pictures of Salamanca from Angel Santos, Pedro Sousa, James Lansbury and other travelers
Salamanca, a vibrant city in Spain, is known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and lively student atmosphere. Traveling to Salamanca is a must for those who appreciate history, culture, and lively ambiance.
To get to Salamanca, you have a few options. If you're coming from Madrid, the easiest way is to take the train. The journey takes about 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on the type of train you choose. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes around 2.5-3 hours. For those who prefer to drive, Salamanca is about 2.5 hours away from Madrid by car.
It's essential to book a few things in advance when visiting Salamanca. The most important is your accommodation, especially during peak seasons. If you're planning to visit the famous University of Salamanca, it's a good idea to book a guided tour in advance.
The costs in Salamanca are relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Spain. You can expect to spend around €40-€60 per day on average, including accommodation, meals, and entrance fees to attractions.
Some of the best things to do in Salamanca include:
- Visiting the University of Salamanca, the oldest university in Spain
- Exploring the Plaza Mayor, a beautiful and lively square surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops
- Admiring the stunning architecture of the Old and New Cathedrals
- Strolling along the Roman Bridge for picturesque views of the city
- Touring the Casa de las Conchas, a unique building with a facade adorned with shells
For a delicious meal, consider eating at these popular spots:
1. El Alquimista: This restaurant offers creative, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine made with fresh ingredients.
2. Casa Paca: A traditional Spanish tapas bar with a wide variety of dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.
3. Tapas 2.0: A modern tapas bar with innovative dishes and a trendy setting.
If you're looking for a place to stay, consider these options:
1. NH Salamanca Puerta de la Catedral: A stylish hotel located near the cathedrals, offering comfortable rooms and a great breakfast.
2. Hospes Palacio de San Esteban: A luxurious 5-star hotel set in a converted monastery, featuring elegant rooms and a peaceful garden.
3. Hostal Tormes: A budget-friendly option with clean, basic rooms and a central location.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual experience, visit the Museo del Comercio, a museum dedicated to the history of commerce in Salamanca. It showcases the evolution of shops and businesses from the 19th century to the present day, providing a unique glimpse into the city's commercial past. Another hidden gem is the Huerto de Calisto y Melibea, a beautiful and tranquil garden located near the cathedrals. It's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings away from the bustling city center.
Calle de Alcalá is among the longest streets in Madrid. It starts at the Puerta del Sol and goes on for 10.5 km, to the northeastern outskirts of the city.
Learn more Book this experienceSee Salamanca in a different way and do some excersize on the way. What more do you want? Meeting point is the main square. One of the most beautiful squares of Spain (and Europe). We will have to walk to go and find our bycicles. During the trip we will get to know the city inside out. Inside is the old city and out is along the river banks. Salamanca is easy to cicle, there is only have 1 part up hill (not very steep), everything else is flat or down hill.
Learn moreThe Prado Museum, officially known as Museo Nacional del Prado, is the main Spanish national art museum, located in central Madrid.
Learn more Book this experienceThe Palacio de Cristal is a conservatory located in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park. It was built in 1887 on the occasion of the Exposition of the Philippines, held in the same year, then a Spanish colonial possession. The architect was Ricardo Velázquez Bosco.
Learn more Book this experienceThe Puerta de Alcalá is a Neo-classical monument in the Plaza de la Independencia in Madrid, Spain. It is regarded as the first modern post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe, older than the similar monuments Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
Learn more Book this experienceThe Plaza de Cibeles is a square with a neo-classical complex of marble sculptures with fountains that has become an iconic symbol for the city of Madrid. It sits at the intersection of Calle de Alcalá, Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo del Prado.
Learn more Book this experienceThe Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, located on the Calle de Alcalá in the heart of Madrid, currently functions as a museum and gallery. The academy was established by royal decree in 1744.
View on Google Maps Book this experienceThe Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, or simply the Thyssen, is an art museum in Madrid, Spain, located near the Prado Museum on one of city's main boulevards.
Learn more Book this experienceThe Paseo del Prado is one of the main boulevards in Madrid, Spain. The Paseo del Prado is the oldest historical city street in Madrid and was declared Bien de Interés Cultural.
View on Google Maps Book this experienceThe Metropolis Building or Edificio Metrópolis is an office building in Madrid, Spain, at the corner of the Calle de Alcalá and Gran Vía. Inaugurated in 1911, it was designed by Jules and Raymond Février for the insurance company La Unión y el Fénix. It is currently owned by Metrópolis Seguros.
Learn more Book this experienceThe Plaza del Dos de Mayo is an urban square in Madrid, Spain. It is the neuralgic centre of the Malasaña area, within the administrative neighborhood of Universidad.
View on Google Maps Book this experienceThe Plaza Mayor is a major public space in the heart of Madrid, the capital of Spain. It was once the centre of Old Madrid. It was first built during the reign of Philip III. Only a few blocks away is another famous plaza, the Puerta del Sol.
Learn more Book this experienceThe Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family at the city of Madrid, although now only used for state ceremonies. The palace has 135,000 square metres of floor space and contains 3,418 rooms. It is the largest functioning royal palace and the largest by floor area in Europe.
Learn more Book this experienceThe Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art. The museum was officially inaugurated on September 10, 1992, and is named for Queen Sofía.
Learn more Book this experienceThe Puerta del Sol is a public square in Madrid, one of the best known and busiest places in the city. This is the centre of the radial network of Spanish roads.
Learn more Book this experienceEl Rastro de Madrid or simply el Rastro is the most popular open air flea market in Madrid. It is held every Sunday and public holiday during the year and is located along Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores, between Calle Embajadores and the Ronda de Toledo.
View on Google Maps Book this experienceThe Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a football stadium in Madrid, Spain. With a current seating capacity of 81,044, it has been the home stadium of Real Madrid since its completion in 1947.
Learn more Book this experienceMadrid Atocha is the largest railway station in Madrid. It is the primary station serving commuter trains, regional trains from the south and southeast, intercity trains from Navarre, Cádiz and Huelva and La Rioja, and the AVE high speed trains from Girona, Tarragona and Barcelona, Huesca and Zaragoza, Sevilla, Córdoba and Málaga, Valencia, Castellón and Alicante.
View on Google Maps Book this experienceThe Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid, Spain.
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