133 miles northwest of Madrid, Spain, and 200 miles east of Porto, Portugal, lies the beautiful medieval Spanish town of Salamanca. It is rarely mentioned among the "must-see" places in Spain, and I still don’t understand why. Salamanca's old town is stunning and can hold its own against many of the country's more popular towns and cities.

Salamanca is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the Universidad de Salamanca, which attracts international students from all over the world, especially during the summer. I was lucky enough to study abroad there for one summer, and it was an unforgettable experience. I got to see a lot of Spain, made lifelong friends, and even picked up some conversational Spanish. In my book, that was a success!

Salamanca’s charm goes way beyond its Plaza Mayor, with its mouthwatering tapas and tiny cups of the strongest coffee you’ll ever drink. Narrow cobblestone streets start at the Plaza and circle it many times over. Little cafés, restaurants, and shops are everywhere.

The city comes alive at night! Salamanca is a university town, and with thousands of students from around the world, the nightlife is nothing short of legendary. The party scene starts late — dinner is typically around 9–10 p.m., and bars don’t get busy until well past midnight. With door-to-door bars offering free drinks, a night out in Salamanca is an experience you won’t forget (or maybe you will!).

For a more relaxed evening, take a nighttime stroll across the Roman Bridge, where you’ll see the illuminated cityscape reflected in the Tormes River. The view alone is worth the trip.

A fun fact about Salamanca: the town’s symbol is a frog, so you will see a lot of souvenirs and architectural details featuring the little guy.

Spanish cuisine is world-renowned, and Salamanca has its own specialties that are worth savoring. A must-try dish is the tortilla de patata (Spanish potato omelet), which is as common here as pizza is in Italy. Pair it with a glass of local wine or a caña (small beer) at one of the many tapas bars around town. For something uniquely Salamanca, try hornazo, a delicious meat-filled pastry that locals traditionally enjoy during festivals.

Salamanca is a city where time slows down, where history and modern life blend seamlessly, and where every corner has a story to tell. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone looking for an authentic Spanish experience, Salamanca is a destination worth adding to your itinerary.