This Untouristed And Affordable College City Has Spain's Best Plaza, Per Rick Steves

Oh, Spain. Brimming with sun-soaked beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, and a long list of underrated destinations you might not have heard of, the Iberian country attracted more than 80 million visitors in 2023 — and there's no signs of its popularity slowing down. From the bustling streets of Barcelona to the Moorish wonders of Andalusia and the trendy (and delicious) food spots of Marbella, Spain offers a variety of experiences that cater to pretty much everyone. Because whether you're hoping to sip on a glass of tinto de verano, explore some of the oldest cities in Europe, or simply kick it back under the sun at a local park, the destination is always ready to deliver.

However, beyond the popular tourist hotspots, there's a hidden gem that's often overlooked by foreign visitors: Salamanca. As travel expert and author Rick Steves writes on his website, this "youthful and untouristy" destination also has plenty to fall in love with. Nestled in the heart of Castilla y León, Salamanca is known primarily as a university town and is home to the oldest academic institution in Spain and fourth-oldest in Europe.

However, beyond its academic prowess, the town's true crowning glory is the grandiose Plaza Mayor. Hand-picked by Steves as "Spain's grandest plaza" — and the seasoned traveler has definitely seen a few in his days — he sees the Plaza Mayor as "Salamanca's community living room," where locals and visitors alike come to mingle, people-watch, and, of course, share a drink or two.

Built between 1729 and 1755, Salamanca's Plaza Mayor is made up of 88 arches that encircle the square — all of which are decorated with medallions featuring notable Spanish figures. On the north side of the square, you'll find the City Hall — a Baroque-style building that houses the local government offices. Dotted around, you'll also find local restaurants and bars serving up traditional fare — including Café Novelty, which first opened its doors in 1905 and is the oldest establishment there.

Beyond being an architectural feast for the eyes, the Plaza Mayor is also a hub of local life — which makes it the perfect spot for some people-watching and soaking in the city's atmosphere. As day turns to night, you'll also catch a glimpse of how the plaza slowly begins to transform itself — with locals and students gathering for their nightly paseo, or evening stroll.

For a full experience, do as Rick Steves did and grab a seat at one of the outdoor cafés. From there, order yourself (and your party, of course) a caña (or small beer) and a selection of tapas. Some local recommendations include:a serving of patatas bravas, which are fried potatoes with a spicy sauce; hornazo, a cold meat pie stuffed with Iberian sausages; and huevos rotos, made with fried eggs, ham, and morcilla (blood sausage). Then, simply sit back and watch the world go by.

While the Plaza Mayor is undoubtedly Salamanca's star attraction, the city offers a lot more that shouldn't be missed. For starters, there's the University of Salamanca. Founded in 1218, the building is an architectural wonder. Fun fact: Christopher Columbus stopped by the school in 1486 — roughly six years before embarking on his trip to the "New World" — in order to plead his case before geographers and scholars who had been hired by the king and queen to assess the validity of his proposal (it was rejected at first).

In terms of museums, art enthusiasts should head over to the Museo Art Nouveau y Art Déco – Casa Lis. With its stained-glass windows (pictured above) and eclectic collection, it's a visual treat. Meanwhile, for a dose of religious history, visit the Old Cathedral and New Cathedral — both of which stand next to each other and span architectural styles from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. Make sure you save some time (and energy) to climb the medieval towers — standing at around 360 feet tall — for a stunning view of the city.

Lastly, as evening falls, join the locals for a stroll along the Puente Romano, or Roman Bridge. Dating back to the 1st century A.D., the bridge offers picturesque views of the city skyline that are especially breathtaking at sunset. Alternatively, the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea — a small garden located inside the city walls — also offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets.