Travel Budget for Salamanca Visit Salamanca on a Budget or Travel in Style

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Salamanca include:

• Hotel Rector starting at $166
• Eurostars Las Claras starting at $60
• NH Collection Salamanca Palacio de Castellanos starting at $88
• Parador de Salamanca starting at $76
• Abba Fonseca starting at $58

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Salamanca

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than , will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.

Salamanca does not have its own airport, but the nearest major airport is Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD), about 2.5 hours away by car. From Madrid, travelers can take a RENFE train from Chamartin station, which reaches Salamanca in approximately 90 minutes, much faster than by bus or a hired car. Frequent ALSA and Avanza buses connect Salamanca many other Spanish cities.

Once in Salamanca, the city is best explored on foot, as most major attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the city, local buses operated by Salamanca Transportes Urbanos (STU) provide an affordable and efficient way to get around. Taxis are also available, but given Salamanca's compact size, walking is often the best way to take in the beauty of the city.

Transportation Tips

When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Salamanca is around $109 (€93) per person, with previous travelers spending from $47 to $208. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Salamanca are as follows:

• Breakfast: $11 to $33
• Lunch: $16 to $43
• Dinner: $33 to $76
• Coffee: $9
• Fast Food or Street Food: $16

Salamanca's cuisine is rooted in traditional Castilian flavors, with a focus on hearty meats, cheeses, and stews. One of the most famous local dishes is Jamón Iberico de Guijuelo, a high-quality cured ham produced in the Salamanca region. Another must-try is Hornazo, a savory pastry filled with chorizo, pork loin, and hard-boiled eggs, traditionally eaten during Easter but available year-round.

For an authentic culinary experience, visit Mesón de Gonzalo, a highly rated restaurant known for its modern twist on traditional Spanish dishes. Another excellent option is Casa Paca, a historic eatery that serves local specialties like Chanfaina Salmantina, a spiced rice dish with lamb. If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, head to Mandala Cafe, a student favorite offering creative tapas and a relaxed atmosphere.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.

Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.

If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.

One of Salamanca's most iconic landmarks is the University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The university's intricate Plateresque facade is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture, and visitors often search for the hidden frog carved into the stone, a tradition said to bring good luck to students. Inside, the historic lecture halls and library transport visitors back in time to the golden age of Spanish scholarship.

Another highlight is the Plaza Mayor, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Spain. Built in the 18th century, this grand Baroque square is the heart of the city, lined with arcades, cafes, and restaurants where locals and visitors gather day and night. Nearby, the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells) is a unique Gothic-style building adorned with over 300 stone-carved shells, now serving as a public library.

Salamanca is also home to two stunning cathedrals, the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral, which stand side by side. The Old Cathedral, built in the 12th century, features Romanesque architecture and beautiful frescoes, while the New Cathedral, completed in the 18th century, showcases a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Don’t miss climbing the Ieronimus Towers for breathtaking views of the city.

For those who love to explore history on foot, Salamanca is a dream destination. Take a leisurely walk along the Roman Bridge, which dates back to the 1st century and offers a picturesque view of the Tormes River and the city skyline. The nearby Huerto de Calixto y Melibea, a peaceful garden, is said to be the setting of "La Celestina," one of Spain's most famous literary works.

At night, Salamanca comes alive with a lively tapas scene and vibrant nightlife, fueled by its large student population. Join a tapas crawl through the city, stopping at traditional bars to sample local specialties. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, check out the schedule at Teatro Liceo, an elegant 19th-century theater that hosts concerts, plays, and cultural events.

For a deeper understanding of Salamanca's artistic and historical legacy, visit Museo Art Nouveau y Art Deco, housed in the beautiful Casa Lis. This museum features an impressive collection of glassworks, dolls, and decorative arts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A nice way to explore destinations in Salamanca is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

• 3-hour Private Tour of Salamanca for $59 details
• Private Tour in Salamanca Universitaria for $179 details
• Salamanca Walking Tour for $191 details

Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.