What to see in Salamanca in a weekend

2025-05-23

Are you planning a trip to Salamanca? It is one of the most historic cities in Spain and one of the most known university cities in Europe. So that you don't miss anything during your visit, in this post we bring you what to see in Salamanca in a weekend.

Plaza Mayor

Salamanca's Plaza Mayor is the centre of the city's social life, so it should be an obligatory stop on your visit. It is a baroque-style square, built between 1729 and 1756, which will remind you of many other classic squares in the country.
Have a drink on one of its terraces or simply stroll among its historic arches.

Old and New Cathedral

Salamanca has two cathedrals because the first one was built in the 12th century and, as the years went by, it became too small for a city that kept on growing. That is why in the 16th century, they began to build the much larger New Cathedral, and initially they planned to demolish the Old Cathedral once it was finished. Fortunately, they ended up deciding to leave both.
Set aside an hour or two because this is one of the must-see sites in Salamanca. Besides, with a single ticket you can enter both cathedrals, as they are connected.
On the way out, when you are admiring the façade, join the other visitors in the search for the astronaut.

University of Salamanca

The University of Salamanca is one of the oldest and most renowned in Europe, so it could not be missing from this list. Its façade will take your breath away. We recommend you go on another façade hunt, but this time you should look for the frog and the skull.
In the 15th century, when they started to need more space, the minor schools were created. Today, they are located right next to the main building of the University. The one we recommend you visit is the cloister known as "El cielo de Salamanca" (Salamanca's sky), a painting made in a quarter-sphere vault. And what's more, access is free.

Casa de las Conchas

Casa de las Conchas or House of Shells is one of the most special façades you will see in the city. Although you shouldn't visit it just for its façade, you should also visit its courtyard and the first floor, as there are almost always interesting exhibitions.

Casa Lis, Art Déco and Art Nouveau Museum

We already told you about the Art Déco and Art Nouveau Museum located in the Casa Lis in another post about The 15 best museums in Spain. Even if you don't want to go inside, the façade and glass roof alone are worth a visit. If you do want to visit the museum, the entrance fee is only €4 and half price if you are a student.

Convent of San Esteban

Another completely spectacular façade can be found at the Convento de San Esteban. The building was begun in the 16th century and its façade represents one of the greatest expressions of Spanish Plateresque, an artistic current very present in the architecture of Salamanca that fuses decorative components of other movements. Its entrance is a true artistic beauty.

Convent of las Dueñas

Get ready to see one of the best views of the city. From the Convento de las Dueñas you can not only see a spectacular cloister, but you can also see the Cathedral of Salamanca in the background. We recommend it because as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the entrance fee is only €2. You cannot miss it!

Calixto and Melibea's Orchard

During your visit, you should also take a stroll and rest in one of the most romantic places in the city.
If you are familiar with the names Calixto and Melibea, it is because they are the Spanish Romeo and Juliet, protagonists of the book La Celestina by Fernando de Rojas, a book that sure many of you have read. The garden, located in the old part of the city, is named after the famous garden in the renowned work.

Roman Bridge

End your visit to Salamanca with the best views of the city. Whether you go at night or during the day, from the Roman Bridge you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the cathedrals.
It is another must-see because apart from being the bridge over which the Tormes River crosses, there is research that says it was built in the middle of the 1st century, it is a Historical Monument and has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. It is a true symbol of the city.

And don't forget that, for your stay in Salamanca, you can always count on Resa Inn. Resa en Salamanca is just a 10-minute walk from the city centre. Enjoy modernity and comfort in a great location.