Best areas for students in Salamanca

Barrio del Oeste

The Barrio del Oeste (Western Quarter) of Salamanca, also known as Carmelitas-Oeste, has become one of the most attractive areas for students looking for a creative, alternative, and culturally vibrant environment. Its streets exude art and an alternative atmosphere, and it’s renowned for the urban art found in its streets and squares.

In Barrio del Oeste you can find a lot of affordable alternatives, both for rentals and places to go out to eat, have a drink, or shop. It's not necessarily the cheapest area, especially due to its popularity, but it’s affordable.

This neighbourhood has a varied gastronomic offering; there's something for every taste and budget. From local tapas bars to international options, it's full of unique venues where you can enjoy live music, exhibitions, and other events. A popular meeting point for students is Plaza del Oeste and the surrounding bars.

Barrio del Oeste stands out mainly for the amount of art galleries and cultural spaces that it has, which is what partly gives it its bohemian and artistic atmosphere. One of the most famous galleries is the Zacarías González House-Museum, dedicated to the painter of that name in what was his home.

This neighbourhood has very good access to both the Unamuno Campus of the University of Salamanca, one of the largest campuses of the university, as well as the Champagnat Campus of the Pontifical University of Salamanca.

The neighbourhood is well connected to the rest of the city by several bus lines. In addition, its proximity to the historic centre allows you to reach walking, in just a few minutes, the main faculties and leisure venues.

Historic centre

The Historic centre is definitely one of the best neighbourhoods for students in Salamanca, especially for those who value living surrounded by history, culture, and a lively university atmosphere. However, you have to keep in mind that the cost of rent may be higher and is usually full of tourists and quite noisy.

Living in this part of the city is ideal for those who are going to study in the Historic Campus of the University of Salamanca, which is located right there. In addition, to the southwest is the Canalejas Campus.

The historic centre of this Spanish city is full of affordable bars, cafes, and restaurants. The Plaza Mayor and its surroundings is where students frequently hang out. In addition, this is the area with the largest number of nightclubs in the city, so it has a very lively nightlife atmosphere!

The old town of Salamanca, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a lot of monuments and museums. Among them are:

• The University of Salamanca (its facade is famous for the hidden frog, a symbol of good luck for students—you have to find it!)
• The Old and New Cathedrals
• Convent of San Esteban
• Monterrey Palace
• Interesting museums such as the Casa Lis with the Museum of Art Deco and Art Nouveau
• The Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells), which houses a public library

Although the historic centre is mainly urban, it has some spaces to relax outdoors. The small garden called Huerto de Calixto y Melibea overlooks the Tormes River and is ideal for reading or relaxing. Anaya Square is another one of the ones frequented by students. The River Walk along the river is also a good option, while for larger areas, such as the Jesuit Park or the Alamedilla Park, it’s necessary to travel a few minutes on foot or by public transport.

The historic centre is easily accessible walking, and is well connected by buses with other areas of the city and university campuses.

San Bernardo

This is another one of the best neighbourhoods for students in Salamanca due to its proximity to the Miguel de Unamuno Campus of the University. It has a relaxed and safe environment, ideal for those who want to focus on their studies while still being close to the lively areas. Rental prices are usually more affordable than in the historic centre.

This neighbourhood offers a varied gastronomic offering adapted to students. From cafes and tapas bars (located mainly in the Villamayor Avenue), to international restaurants, there are plenty of affordable alternatives for young people.

Although San Bernardo doesn't boast any major monuments, its history dates back to the 12th century, when it was a suburb outside the city walls. It preserves historic streets like Villamayor, which connect to the city centre.

Even if San Bernardo is primarily residential, it has small squares and garden areas where you can relax or study outdoors. It's also within walking distance of the Jesuit Park, one of the largest green spaces in Salamanca, ideal for sports or enjoying a picnic.

This neighbourhood is home to the Salamanca Bus Station, so it’s very well connected to that means of transport.

El Rollo

This neighbourhood is located northeast of the city's historic centre. It’s a quiet and safe area, ideal for those who prefer a relaxed vibe with good access to both popular leisure spots and university campuses.

The cost of rent in El Rollo is usually more affordable than in the central area, and there are more and more apartments and residences available for students.

The reality is that the gastronomic offering in this neighbourhood is not as varied as those mentioned above, but you can find several affordable bars and restaurants.

One of the historical monuments worth visiting is The Roll of Justice (El Rollo de Justicia, which gives the neighbourhood its name). Located in the Rollo Alto Plaza, it’s a stone column with decorative elements from the 16th century.

The neighbourhood has spaces to relax and enjoy the outdoors:

• Picasso Park: ideal for resting or studying outdoors.
• Alamedilla Park: Located a short distance away, it offers large green areas, ponds, and sports facilities.

El Rollo is well connected by several bus lines with the city centre and other areas of Salamanca, and you can reach the historic centre on foot in just a few minutes. Also, the main train station of Salamanca is very close.

FAQ about neighbourhoods in Salamanca