Budget-Friendly Salamanca: A Day Trip Guide
Discover Spain's hidden gem on a budget in Salamanca.
21 June 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Salamanca is a charming city in western Spain with a rich history, diverse culture, and affordable options for travelers on a limited budget. Tourists can explore the city's stunning colonial architecture, picturesque cathedrals, ancient Roman ruins, and vibrant nightlife for free or at an affordable cost. Additionally, travelers can take advantage of Salamanca's delicious street food, budget-friendly accommodations, and public transportation to make the most out of their trip.
Day trip plan
Getting latest place information
- Start the day early with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, and admire the stunning architecture.
- Walk over to the cathedral and climb up the bell tower for breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.
- Stop by the Casa de las Conchas, a unique building covered in shells, and browse the collection of books in its library.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at Bar Restaurante El Corrillo, where the daily menu offers traditional Spanish dishes like paella and cocido at reasonable prices.
- In the afternoon, visit the University of Salamanca, one of the oldest universities in Europe, and marvel at the intricate carvings on its façade.
- End the day with a stroll by the Tormes River and watch the sunset from the Puente Romano, a Roman bridge that dates back to the 1st century AD.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Salamanca by plane is to fly into Madrid-Barajas Airport and then take a train or bus to Salamanca. The journey from Madrid to Salamanca takes approximately 2.5-3 hours by train or 2 hours by bus.
Car
Driving to Salamanca is a good option if you want to explore the surrounding areas. The city is located on the A-62 motorway, which connects Madrid and Portugal. You can rent a car at any major airport or city in Spain. Make sure to have a good GPS system or a map with you to avoid getting lost.
Train
Salamanca is well-connected by trains from major cities in Spain, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla. The main train station in Salamanca is called Estación de Salamanca, located in the city center. You can check train schedules and book tickets on the official website of RENFE.
Boat
There is no direct way to get to Salamanca by boat, as the city is located inland. However, if you are traveling from Portugal, you can take a ferry from Lisbon to Santander and then get a train or bus to Salamanca. The journey time is around 6-8 hours depending on the connections.
Bus
Taking a bus is one of the most affordable ways to get to Salamanca from other parts of Spain. There are several bus companies that operate on this route, including ALSA and Avanza. You can book your ticket online or at the bus station. The journey time is around 2-4 hours depending on the departure point.
