Last month I took advantage of a holiday to visit Zaragoza. Originally I just considered it a stopover on my way to Barcelona, but this city gave me so many surprises. As the capital of the Aragon region, Zaragoza’s historical depth and vibrant atmosphere left a strong impression on me. Three days here felt like it wasn’t enough, and I highly recommend checking out this Zaragoza travel guide for more insights.
Must-Visit Attractions
Basilica del Pilar
The first stop was naturally the Basilica del Pilar, featured in this Zaragoza attractions guide. This Baroque-style building is truly spectacular. The Goya frescoes inside the basilica are worth careful appreciation. I recommend spending 5 euros to climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Zaragoza’s old town and the Ebro River. I went during the evening, and the sunset turned the basilica’s domes golden—absolutely beautiful.
Aljafería Palace
On the second day I visited Aljafería Palace, a palace from the Muslim rule period that was later converted into a residence for Catholic monarchs. The Mudéjar architectural style in the palace blends Islamic and Christian elements. The courtyard fountains and carved colonnades make you feel like you’ve traveled back to medieval times. The ticket is only 5 euros—excellent value.
| Attraction Name | Ticket Price | Recommended Visit Time |
|---|
| Basilica del Pilar | Free | 1.5 hours |
| Aljafería Palace | 5€ | 2 hours |
| Zaragoza Museum | 4€ | 1 hour |
Culinary Experience
Zaragoza’s cuisine didn’t disappoint either. In the narrow streets of El Tubo old town, tapas bars are everywhere. I especially recommend trying the local ternasco asado—the meat is tender and juicy. There’s also a traditional dish called migas, made with breadcrumbs, sausage, and grapes, which pairs perfectly with red wine. One evening while strolling by the river, I randomly picked a restaurant and ordered cod with red peppers—it was delicious and much cheaper than Barcelona.
Practical Tips
For accommodation, I chose an apartment-style hotel near the old town, within walking distance of major attractions. I originally wanted to stay across the river where it’s cheaper, but later decided staying in the central area saved more time. Zaragoza’s public transportation is quite developed, and buying a ten-trip ticket is more economical. Also, I suggest avoiding mid-October during the Pilar Festival, when tourists are especially numerous and hotel prices double.
Zaragoza is an underrated travel destination. It’s not as crowded as Barcelona or as hectic as Madrid, yet it has unique cultural charm and a relaxed pace of life. If you’re planning to travel in northern Spain, I strongly recommend spending a few days here following this practical Zaragoza guide. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with this city just as I did.
