1. Magenta
Located on a corner and away from most foot traffic, Magenta cafe & bar is one of Salamanca’s best kept secrets. My favorite time of day to visit the cafe is during tapa time as it has an impressive selection and offers a wide spectrum of options beyond the traditional tapas found at most cafes. Not only does it offer phenomenal cookies and cakes (ya’ll know how much I love dessert), its collection of tapas include vegetarian and vegan options.
Quick Tips:
- Free Wifi.
- Ideal for hanging out with friends.
- Great place to have an intercambio.
- Can get noisy in the evening hours if trying to study.
2. Caledonia
Caledonia, how I love thee. This became my favorite cafe in Salamanca for all hours of the day although I didn’t discover it until about half way through my semester abroad. I love Caledonia because it’s not like any other cafe in Salamanca; its menu includes freshly made smoothies/juices, acai bowls, sandwiches, and fantastic salads. The atmosphere inside Caledonia is quaint and inviting with simple decor and bright, pastel green walls. I would spend hours at a time studying, reading, and enjoying the day’s brew.
Quick Tips:
- Free Wifi.
- During peak hours (around tapa time), seating can be limited.
- A great place for morning coffee with a friend.
- Super friendly staff that enjoy getting to know their customers.
3. Salamanca Coffee
Salamanca Coffee is the less talked about yet equally as enjoyable version of Starbucks on a local level. A short walk from the university, Salamanca Coffee is every student’s studying oasis. It offers all the necesities- coffee, pastries, wifi,- along with spaces to spread out and get work done! Another perk of Salamanca Coffee is that it is open until 11:30pm which makes it a great spot for the late night studier.
Quick Tips:
- In order to gain access to the cafe’s wifi, you have to make a purchase and ask the barista for a password printout. The password is individual to each guest and works on one device for 1-2 hours.
- Salamanca Coffee has a punch card; after so many drinks, you receive a free one.
- A great spot to meet for an intercambio.
- During Finals Week, all cafes in Salamanca become pretty busy so claim your spot early!
4. Vasco de Gama
Vasco de Gama is the go-to place to meet up with friends and hangout for hours while enjoying a tapa (or two), a pastry from their display case, or one of their epic milkshakes! If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, I recommend the “hot chocolate” which is essentially a large mug of melted chocolate that comes in a variety of flavors (dark, milk, white, orange, etc). There are three locations in Salamanca; my favorite and by far the most spacious location is on Calle Azafranal going towards La Plaza Mayor. All locations offer similar items however, the quantity of them available will vary depending on the location.
Quick Tips:
- There are three locations in Salamanca; try each to decide which you like best!
- Not recommended for studying as the atmosphere is rather noisy.
- One of the largest selections of tapas in the area.
- Try a milkshake. If not for the taste, do it for the pure enjoyment of having a massive milkshake in front of you (not to mention a fantastic photo).
5. Cafe Novelty
Cafe Novelty is one of the oldest cafes in Salamanca and by far the best coffee I consumed while in Spain. YOU GUYS, LISTEN UP. That was a massive statement– the best coffee I consumed– I do not say that lightly. It’s quality stuff. Cafe Novelty has been around since 1905 and is located in the Plaza Mayor making it a highly sought out spot to sit and people watch. In the warmer months, the outdoor seating is packed with people of all ages enjoying coffee, chocolate con churros, and conversation.
Quick Tips:
- When you purchase a tapa, you get a drink for no additional charge.
- All their tapas are displayed inside a display case (Eat with your eyes before your mouth).
- They have a lunch and dinner menu available if you’re interested in eating a meal.
- If you stand at the bar to enjoy your coffee, it is about 2-3 euros cheaper than if you sit at a table and are served on.