Live music at Libreria Hydria, Salamanca | Photo courtesy of Libreria Hydria
The historic cobbled streets of Salamanca, while quaint, don’t mean that the city is one big outdoor museum. In fact, this small city has a lively, bohemian atmosphere thanks to its large student population, meaning there’s plenty to see in terms of arts and music. There are no large concert venues here, but you can always catch smaller live shows at quirky and cosy bars and other spots around town. Here are some of the city’s best live music venues.
Tio Vivo
Tio Vivo means ‘carousel’ in Spanish, so it’s no surprise to find that this colourful cafe bar is decked out like a funfair, complete with wooden horses on the bar. There’s a fun atmosphere to go with the decor, and a full programme of live music, plus theatre and comedy in Spanish and English.
Live music at Libreria Hydria, Salamanca | Photo courtesy of Libreria Hydria
Salamanca is a literary city packed with independent bookstores, and Hydria is one of the best. As well having as a great selection of books, it serves as an art gallery space and frequently hosts local artists playing everything from acoustic rock to jazz. Stop by to see what’s on or check their Facebook page for updates.
No city’s nightlife would be complete without a raucous Irish pub, and Salamanca’s is excellent. The Irish Theatre is designed, as the name suggests, like an old-fashioned theatre, complete with stalls, theatre-style seating and a bar that looks like it came straight from the turn of the last century. The best thing of all is the warm and lively atmosphere, with an international crowd coming to enjoy all kinds of live music, from rock to hip hop, as well as comedy shows and other events.
A popular place for coffee or lunch during the day, by night Cafe Corrillo transforms into a lively night spot. Jazz concerts and art exhibitions attract a mixed crowd of students, artists, locals and tourists. The central location and late opening hours make this one of the best places in town to stay out until the small hours.
One of the city’s most famous nightlife venues, Cafe Moderno is legendary in Salamanca for its unconventional vibe and great entertainment. It has its own arts programme, hosting all kinds of unique events and original live-music performances. The crowd is young and international, and the party goes on late into the night.
