Salamanca Shopping

The main market in Salamanca is nothing special to look at like La Boqueria in Barcelona or some of the other great markets in Europe, but it does have a full array of all kinds of fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses and more. It's worth a peek especially since it's just off of Plaza Mayor in the adjacent Plaza Mercado.

What to buy: You can find everything you need for a perfect little picnic to enjoy on a bench in Plaza Mayor or any other charming spot in the city that you choose.

There are a few street vendor stands near the Plaza Mayor where you can buy jewelry and other accessories, crafts, books, and other things like that.

Occasionally, there are open-air markets where you can buy local craft.

Sometimes at night, illegal immigrants sell things on the side of the road. Usually wraps and shawls for women, and toys for children. But since they're not supposed to be in Spain to begin with, they often pack up and run away if they think the police is coming their way.

What to buy: Usually jewelry, shawls, little crafts and nicknacks, books, etc.

I bought two silver bracelets from street vendors for around 6-10 Euros each. I also bought a wrap that cost around 2 or 3 Euros.

What to pay: Depends on the item. Some vendors will let you haggle the price, some won't.

Every street has a magazine stand on it. They have huge windows with all sorts of magazines in them. They're all in Spanish, so if you buy one you can read it to practice your Spanish. They have mags for kids, teenagers, young women, men, athletes, celebrity gossip fans, bullfight fans... you name it, they have it. Many of the magazines often come with free stuff too. Everything from hair accessories and perfume samples, to swimsuits and handbags.

The magazine stands also sell postcards, maps, and newspapers. Basically, anything for reading except books.

What to buy: I bought a Cosmo that came with a free beaded shawl, a Marie Claire that came with a pair of flip-flops, and a You that came with a bikini.

What to pay: Usually around 3 Euros per magazine, on average.

Shops open in the morning and stay open until around 2:00 or 2:30 pm. After that, they close until around 5:00 or 5:30 pm. I think it's because people go home for lunch in the afternoon, so they close the shop until they get back home from lunch. Lunch is the biggest meal in Spain (usually a 3-course meal), and they usually take their time with it. In the afternoon, most places are closed, so don't plan a shopping spree during that time!

Also, if you use a credit card to buy things, you have to show ID. You don't need to use a passport. A driver's licence or student ID card with a picture of you on it is fine.

This is a little boutique near the Plaza Mayor where they sell Flamenco suff for the girls and bullfight stuff for the guys. I bought a pair of Flamenco shoes and a Flamenco skirt there, for the dance class I took. They also have embroidered shawls, fans, hair ornaments and other Flamenco dance things. As for the bulllfight stuff, they had suits of lights (the sparkly suits that bullfighters wear), boots, and other things.

The best thing about this store is that the little old lady who works there is so sweet! She always smiles and will help you with anything!

What to buy: Flamenco supplies, bullfight supplies.

What to pay: Flamenco shoes - around 40 Euros or more.
Flamenco skirt - at least 50 Euros.

There are a few shops in the Plaza Mayor area where you can buy yourself a little Spanish sweet treat. The stores have little cakes, pastries, and other desserts, and they're all very delicious! These Spanish sweets are usually small (fits in one hand), so they make great desserts or snacks, and won't end up making you too full to eat dinner if you eat one in the afternoon! You don't need a plate or fork to eat them, so you can just pop into a store, buy something, and eat it on your way over to wherever you want to go.

What to buy: Try anything that you think looks yummy!

What to pay: Usually 1-5 Euros per treat, depending on size and type.

There are a few bookstores in Salamanca, especially in the downtown area. They don't just sell books, they also sell greeting cards, writing supplies and school/class stuff. Some also sell backpacks for kids.

What to buy: I bought a Spanish translation of a Harry Potter book (I'm a huge Harry Potter fan). I also bought a lime green backpack by designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. Also, some people in my group bought Spanish grammar books and dictionaries.

What to pay: My Harry Potter book cost 12.50 Euros (it was hardcover), and the backpack cost somewhere around 20-25 Euros.

There is a shopping mall in the same building as the train station. They have a few clothing stores, as well as a music store, book/magazine store, and places to eat. There is also a movie theatre there.

In the same area, there is a strip mall, with mostly clothing stores, and a food store. There is also a McDonald's nearby (not to be confused with the McDonald's near the Plaza Mayor, this mall is near the outskirts of town).

There is also a big shopping mall somewhere across the river, but I didn't go. You have to take the bus to get there.