Getting to know the city
by fairy_dust
Don't just walk the same streets every time you go to town. Explore the city and let yourself get lost in it! You might end up walking in circles a few times or not being able to find your starting point, but if you're lost, just find the Plaza Mayor again and you won't be lost anymore! When you have time, walk around different parts of town. Not just downtown where all the tourists are, go to the side streets, outskirts, and residential neighbourhoods away from the Plaza Mayor. You might meet some friendly locals, stumble upon an ancient building or pretty fountain, or see a store where you'll want to buy something. In the afternoons, and on Sundays when there weren't many people around, I would go walking around different parts of the city and explore. Instead of making like a tourist and only seeing the "must-see" stuff, it's nice to explore the unknown or non-touristy local stuff in parts of town where you won't see foreigners every five seconds. Josh liked to do the same, and even blocked out entire afternoons to just lose himself in the beautiful city of Salamanca. There is beauty in the simple things, and Salamanca is proof of that.
Swimming
by fairy_dust
There aren't any beaches, but there are a few outdoor swimming pools in Salamanca. Very useful if you find the weather too hot! They're in an enclosed space, and the one I went to also has an area where you can sit down in the grass and relax. Your swimsuit, towel, and pool/beach sandals. If you don't have these things, there are many stores in town where you can buy them.
Take the train
by fairy_dust
The train is more comfortable than the bus in my opinion, because there's more leg room and the seats are more comfy. Just buy the ticket in the train station. There is a schedule there, so you can check the times and tell them what you want. I recommend buying your ticket at least a few days in advance, especially if it's likely to be busy during that time. Both times that I took the train out of Salamanca to Madrid, it was full with no empty seats that I could see.
A one-way ticket from Salamanca to Madrid is around 14 Euros, and the ride is about 3 hours. A return ticket for Salamanca-Avila is around 11-12 Euros and the ride is about an hour.
Like with the bus, look out the windows. You'll see gorgeous landscapes, towns, and maybe even some old castle towers, pieces of old walls, and fields with bullfight bulls in them.
The train station is on Paseo de la Estacion. It's in a building with shops, cafes, and a movie theatre. But if you're telling a taxi to take you to the station, just say "Estacion de tren".
Museo Casa Lis
by Belsaita
The Museum Art Nouveau and Art Deco of Salamanca displays an important collection of decorative arts from the end of 19th century to beginning of 20th century. The origins of this museum were the donation of the antiques collector D. Manuel Branches Andrade, plus new acquisitions by the Museum in recent years.
The collections of the Foundation are exhibited in the "Casa Lis", a private small palace built at the beginning of the 20th century. It's worth to visit, by the building itself, in any case don't miss at least having a look at the front walls, all covered by beautiful stained glass windows.
Universidad de Salamanca
by Mikebond
The Universidad de Salamanca was founded by king Alfonso IX in 1218, which makes it one of the most ancient university in Europe. Over 30,000 students attend its faculties today.
Many famous people either studied or taught at this university, including the conqueror of Mexico Hernan Cortés and many great Spanish writers or literates (such as Luis de Góngora, Calderón de la Barca and Miguel de Unamuno).
The building is one the best examples of Plateresque, a typical Spanish architectural style with many decorations. It is open to visitors on Mondays - Saturdays from 9.30 to 13.30 and from 16 to 19.30 (19 on Saturdays) as well as on Sundays and holidays from 10 to 13.30. Entrance is free on Monday morning and students with a student card enjoy a 50% discount.
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Plaza Mayor of Salamanca
The Cathedral
Cathedral (Salamanca, Spain)
Torre del Clavero (Slamanca, Spain)
