Una barra luminosa y clara, definida por su frontal de espejos y botilleros de madera y cristal como corresponde a un establecimiento consolidado por la Historia.
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Café Novelty

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Salamanca's oldest café since 1905, a historic hub for creatives, offering artisanal gelato and stunning Plaza Mayor views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Una barra luminosa y clara, definida por su frontal de espejos y botilleros de madera y cristal como corresponde a un establecimiento consolidado por la Historia.

Café Novelty

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Salamanca's oldest café since 1905, a historic hub for creatives, offering artisanal gelato and stunning Plaza Mayor views.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"An emblematic place where you must go once to enjoy the experience!"

TIP

Avoid Peak Hours

Visit during off-peak times to bypass long queues and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Try the Cheesecake

Don't miss the highly recommended tarta de queso (cheesecake) and chocolate negro ice cream.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Friday 8:30AM

Cuisine

Spanish, Cafe

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+34 923 21 99 90

Address

Pl. Mayor, 2, 37002 Salamanca, Spain

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ambiance

Historic Ambiance

Step back in time at Salamanca's oldest café, a former hub for artists and intellectuals with charming Art Nouveau decor.

The Best Brunch Spots In SalamancaTourism in Spain: Salamanca, Spain’s great university city | Life in SpainTop 10 Best Restaurants in Salamanca + Local Advice+1
Artisanal Gelato

Artisanal Gelato

Indulge in a wide array of homemade ice creams, including dairy-free and vegan options.

Restaurants in SalamancaSalamanca in 2 days - Turismo de Salamanca. Portal OficialGoogle Review
Plaza Mayor Views

Plaza Mayor Views

Savor classic Spanish fare and coffee on the expansive terrace overlooking Salamanca's magnificent Plaza Mayor.

The Best Brunch Spots In SalamancaTourism in Spain: Salamanca, Spain’s great university city | Life in SpainMadrid to Salamanca, Spain+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#rutadulce!! #salamanca #cafenovelty #churros #tartademanzana #quehacerensalamanca
@ponquecitosandcakes
24 likes • 869 views

Avoid Peak Hours

Visit during off-peak times to bypass long queues and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Try the Cheesecake

Don't miss the highly recommended tarta de queso (cheesecake) and chocolate negro ice cream.

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER 🤑 (what even is cafe novelty?) #nosleepsalamanca #umami
@nosleepsalamanca
28 likes • 1.8K views
Rebranding de la cafetería mas historica de Salamanca. Hoy estoy en Café Novelty. Parte 2 de 24. Video Diario. #branding #rebranding #logo #diseño #cafenovelty #design #salamanca ⬇️⬇️⬇️ raulmontes.com
@raulmontescom
14 likes • 695 views

Embrace the Pace

Service can be slow, but the charming atmosphere makes it worth the wait.

Café Novelti Plaza Mayor de Salamanca Con la Radio Onda Cero #ondacero #ondaceroradio #cafenoveltisalamanca #trabajando
@barbarasanchez74
29 likes • 487 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Avoid Peak Hours

Visit during off-peak times to bypass long queues and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Try the Cheesecake

Don't miss the highly recommended tarta de queso (cheesecake) and chocolate negro ice cream.

Embrace the Pace

Service can be slow, but the charming atmosphere makes it worth the wait.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Café Novelty boasts a rich history and a prime location on Plaza Mayor, offering a charming atmosphere and a wide selection of treats. While many praise the ambiance, the artisanal gelato, and the historic feel, some patrons have noted issues with service speed and staff demeanor. It's a beloved spot for coffee, ice cream, and soaking in Salamanca's vibrant history.

"Beautiful coffee founded in 1905, the oldest establishment of Salamanca. And, since its foundation, success has been there. The novelty is the meeting point of men of letters and artists of the city. Its large terrace on the Plaza Mayor is an emblematic place where to stop for a coffee in the city of Castille-et-León. On the menu, we feast on the essential chocolate churros at breakfast, croquetas (very good) and other tapas at aperitif time or more consistent specialties like the veal of Salamanca with asparagus."

Enjoy life

"A welcome stop for a hot drink on a cold day. Pretty much as expected for a major tourist location. The service was very good, the coffee hot but not great and the price was a reflection of the location not the offer. This could be fantastic but is adequate."

Lighthouse Tai Chi

"An art deco style cafe on the main plaza, inside and outside seating. We only had coffee but there's a wide selection of tapas and bocadillo. You must go once to enjoy the experience!"

Tim Sarah

What People Like

Historic ambiance and decor
Delicious artisanal gelato
Prime Plaza Mayor location

What People Dislike

Slow service
Inconsistent staff attitude

Frequently Asked Questions

Founded in 1905, it's Salamanca's oldest café and was a popular gathering spot for writers, artists, and politicians.

The Best Brunch Spots In SalamancaTourism in Spain: Salamanca, Spain’s great university city | Life in SpainTop 10 Best Restaurants in Salamanca + Local Advice

Yes, they offer artisanal ice creams that are sugar-free, lactose-free, and suitable for vegans.

TikTok

Visitors highly recommend the artisanal gelato, churros with chocolate, and tarta de queso (cheesecake).

Restaurants in Salamanca

Service can be slow, especially during peak times. It's advisable to visit during off-peak hours if you're in a hurry.

Google Review+1

Many consider the coffee here to be among the best in Spain, with options like cortado, cappuccino, and espresso.

Google Review

Yes, Café Novelty has an excellent terrace with views of the Plaza Mayor, perfect for enjoying a drink or snack.

Mentioned in

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The Culture Trip

The Best Brunch Spots In Salamanca

Café Novelty is the oldest café in Salamanca, dating back as far as 1905 and was the favored meeting place of numerous artists and politicians. With its prime location on the Plaza de Mayor visitors can watch the bustling crowds pass by while enjoying their morning coffee. The café serves a selected range of breakfast options such as the obligatory churros con chocolate, pancakes and freshly prepared eggs.

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Soak up the atmosphere in the Plaza Mayor from a strategic table at Café Novelty (9) (cafenovelty.com), which has been open since 1905, with a glass of Ribera del Duero wine (€3).

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Restaurants in Salamanca

If you want a cone, join the line outside Café Novelty (Plaza Mayor, 2; tel. 92-321-49-56; daily 8am–midnight); even in colder months, an artsy crowd convenes in its Art Nouveau interior. Local specialty cold drinks can also be refreshing; we like the plaza tables of Cafetería Las Torres (Plaza Mayor, 26; 📞 92-321-44-70; daily 8am–midnight) for sipping leche helada (a smooth concoction with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus rimmed with whipped cream) or blanco y negro (vanilla ice cream melting in a double shot of espresso).

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EL PAÍS English

Tourism in Spain: Salamanca, Spain’s great university city | Life in Spain

A good place to start the day is Café Novelty, founded in 1905 and located in the city’s unmatched Plaza Mayor, which needs no further introduction. The café still preserves its checkered marble floors, cast-iron columns, wall mirrors and leather sofas. Torrente Ballester, a leading member of the Generation of 1936 literary movement, was once a regular at the literary gatherings that used to take place here.

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Spainist

Top 10 Best Restaurants in Salamanca + Local Advice

Café Novelty is a historic café and restaurant that has been a favorite among locals for over a century. The restaurant offers a range of Spanish and international cuisine, as well as homemade pastries and desserts. The ambiance of the restaurant is charming and traditional, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely meal or a coffee break.

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Salamanca in 2 days - Turismo de Salamanca. Portal Oficial

We continue with a visit to some of the city’s small churches, stopping off at the famous Café Novelty, steeped in history and frequented by orators, farmers, and students alike… In summer, there are long queues as people line up to try some of their renowned ice creams.

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Best Places for Tapas in Salamanca

The best ice cream in Salamanca and is situated right behind the clock in Plaza Mayor!. I recommend the K-Bueno, Strawberry, Cream Cheese & Mango, and Dulce de Leche. A single scoop costs 2 euros while a double scoop cost 2.40.

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A Study Abroad Student's Guide to Coffee Shops in Salamanca.

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.

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Café Novelty

TAPAS IN SALAMANCA

The specialty of Café Novelty is ham croquettes and since spring 2021 we have added stewed pork cheeks croquettes to our offer as another of our best dishes. If you test them you will return, we assure you.

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The Girl Who Goes

Madrid to Salamanca, Spain

You can sit with a café con leche and churros at any of the cafes as you make your attack plan for the day — Café Novelty is famous, but we tried another cafe and were happy with our breakfast.

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Explore

Salamanca Is A Lesser-Known City With Spain's Best Plaza, Per Rick Steves

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.

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Greenheart Travel

The Picky Eater's Guide to Salamanca, Spain

For coffee lovers, places like Café Novelty, one of the oldest cafés in Salamanca, provide a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a cup of coffee with pastries or sandwiches.

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2 Days in Salamanca: Uncover the Magic of Spain’s Historic Gem

Enjoy a coffee at Cafe Novelty or head to Nero for tapas and “tinto de verano” which is a refreshing summer red wine and lemonade drink (a special recipe)

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Tripper - Guide - The perfect day trip to Salamanca, Spain

Start your day in Plaza Mayor, one of Spain's most beautiful squares, and have breakfast at Café Novelty, a historic café that dates back to 1905.

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European Travel Magazine

In Salamanca: The Castilian cuisine

One local favourite is Café Novelty, the oldest coffee shop in the square, which was once frequented by playwright Miguel de Unamuno.

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