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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Café Novelty

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Salamanca's oldest café since 1905, a historic hub for creatives, offering artisanal gelato and stunning Plaza Mayor views.
"An emblematic place where you must go once to enjoy the experience!"
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.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Spanish, Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Plaza Mayor Views
Savor classic Spanish fare and coffee on the expansive terrace overlooking Salamanca's magnificent Plaza Mayor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Founded in 1905, it's Salamanca's oldest café and was a popular gathering spot for writers, artists, and politicians.
Yes, they offer artisanal ice creams that are sugar-free, lactose-free, and suitable for vegans.
Visitors highly recommend the artisanal gelato, churros with chocolate, and tarta de queso (cheesecake).
Service can be slow, especially during peak times. It's advisable to visit during off-peak hours if you're in a hurry.
Many consider the coffee here to be among the best in Spain, with options like cortado, cappuccino, and espresso.
Yes, Café Novelty has an excellent terrace with views of the Plaza Mayor, perfect for enjoying a drink or snack.
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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.
Salamanca: The Spanish city you never thought to visit
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit