Salamanca, located in north-western Spain and part of the Castile and León region, attracts vast numbers of international tourists each year. As an educational centre of Spain, thousands more flock to this city to learn, with an eclectic mix of cultures and nationalities reflected within its borders as a result. Those planning to catch the train to Salamanca are well served by high-speed rail connections. Several trains depart Madrid Chamartín railway station for Salamanca daily, with the average journey taking around 3h08mins, although the fastest journey time is only 1h36mins!
After catching the train to Salamanca, visitors should head out from the station and get ready to explore the city by foot. Many of the main attractions are within easy walking distance of the centre. So, travellers can start from the train station and head through the bustling streets, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere on their 25-minute walk, before arriving at Casa de las Conchas. This is an old Baroque palace and a nice place to stop before reaching the University of Salamanca. As the oldest university in Spain, this establishment has been the birthplace of countless academic movements relating to economics, art, politics and language.
Nearby is one of Salamanca’s two cathedrals, a late Gothic construction that was completed in 1513. Next, tourists should head towards the Tormes. The Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) provides the best crossing over this river, while simultaneously offering some of the best views of the city. After taking in the surroundings, visitors can head on for 11 minutes to the Convento de San Esteban, which is another essential landmark of the city. Need to stock up on supplies for the next leg of the journey or grab a few gifts for friends and family back home? If that’s the case, the Mercado Central, Salamanca’s central market, should definitely be on the itinerary. It’s only a 7-minute stroll away and travellers will be able to savour some of the most delicious delicacies on offer in the city here, ranging from Guijuelo ham to traditional tapas. If it's getting close to dinner time, why not grab a table and sample what Salamanca’s menus have to offer? There are many bistros and restaurants in the area, as well as countless street food vendors to choose from.