Go West. Feel young again. They speak one of the purest forms of Spanish, which here and throughout Spain is commonly referred to as castellano βa nod to its birthplace on the central planes of Castilla. Spanish courses for foreigners abound, as do young Americans and Europeans studying abroad. Why not join them? This is a meat town. For the most potent expression of Castilian protein prowess, try chanfaina , a slow-cooked stew of lamb organs, blood, garlic, and spices.
Salamanca is golden. The city is know as La Doradaβthe golden one, for the glow of its sandstone buildings. Start across the Roman Bridge preferably with a sunset bottle of local vino tinto , and work your way up towards the cathedral, past the university, and down as many back and side streets as possible before landing in the Plaza Mayor.
Stretch out, enjoy the plaza, drink a few beers, but keep your clothes on. Bring your night game. If you want to roll with the crisp-collared elite, check out the polished bars around Gran Via. If down and dirty is your thing, join the crush of young souls giving it their all along Calle Varillas at spots like Paniagua and Potenkim.
This is a university town, so expect Thursday nights to be especially raucous. Pork is for sinners and saints alike. Hornazo fun fact: Centuries ago, this deeply Catholic city would banish the local prostitutes across the river during Lent to avoid any unnecessary temptations. On Monday, citizens would welcome the returning prostitutes with a wedge of hornazo.
Choose your tapas crowd. There are two prime areas for tapas crawls in the city. For a younger, livelier and more affordable scene, head to Calle Van Dyck just outside the city center. The street is packed with restaurants serving grilled skewers of meat, open-faced sandwiches, and other solid booze food.
