I visited Zaragoza last month, and this capital city of the Aragon region truly left a lasting impression. As a transit point between Madrid and Barcelona, many travelers just pass through, but it’s actually worth staying for two or three days to explore properly. The city doesn’t have an overwhelming number of attractions, but each one is distinctive, and it’s far less crowded than Barcelona.
Basílica del Pilar
This basilica is absolutely Zaragoza’s landmark building, located right by the Ebro River with four towers that are particularly striking. Entry to the basilica is free, but if you want to climb the tower or visit the museum, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets. I went on a Sunday morning and happened to catch mass - the choir’s voices echoing through the basilica created an incredibly moving atmosphere. The frescoes inside are works by Goya; although they’ve faded somewhat over time, you can still appreciate the master’s skill. I recommend visiting around 9 AM when the lighting is best for photography.
Aljafería Palace
This palace is a remnant from the Muslim period and now houses the Cortes of Aragon. The palace is divided into several sections, with the Islamic-style courtyard being the most beautiful - the carved arches and water features evoke the feel of Andalusia. Tickets cost about 5 euros, with discounts for students and seniors. Free admission on Sunday afternoons, though it gets quite crowded. The palace offers audio guides in Chinese with detailed explanations, and a complete visit takes about 1.5 hours.
| Attraction | Opening Hours | Ticket Price | Rating |
|---|
| Basílica del Pilar | 6:45-20:30 | Free | ★★★★★ |
| Aljafería Palace | 10:00-14:00, 16:00-18:30 | 5 euros | ★★★★☆ |
| La Seo Cathedral | 10:00-18:00 | 7 euros | ★★★★☆ |
Wandering the Old Town
Zaragoza’s old town is compact - it’s only about a ten-minute walk from Plaza del Pilar to La Seo Cathedral. Along the way, you’ll find many narrow streets hiding local restaurants and bars. I discovered several tapas places in an area called El Tubo, where prices are noticeably cheaper than Barcelona. A plate of fried calamari was only 3 euros though prices may have increased since. This area gets especially lively in the evenings when locals come for dinner.
For transportation, Zaragoza has an AVE high-speed train station - it’s 1 hour 20 minutes from Madrid and about 1 hour 30 minutes from Barcelona. Most attractions in the city center are within walking distance, or you can buy a daily bus pass for 3.85 euros for unlimited rides. For accommodation, hotels near the old town offer the most convenient location, with prices ranging from 50-80 euros per night.
Overall, Zaragoza is a city perfect for leisurely exploration, without excessive commercialization, allowing you to truly experience authentic Spanish local life. If you’re traveling between Madrid and Barcelona, it’s definitely worth for a day or two - you won’t be disappointed. For those interested in discovering [url=https://www.52spain.com/d/97074-hidden-gems-in-zaragoza-that-tourists-never-discover gems in Zaragoza or exploring , this city offers plenty of surprises.
