I visited Zaragoza last month and stayed for three days, exploring all the main attractions. This city turned out to be more interesting than I expected, especially those historical buildings - truly impressive. Today I’ve organized some photos and notes to share with you all.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
This basilica is Zaragoza’s iconic landmark, located right by the Ebro River. The church has 11 domes, which look spectacular from a distance. I arrived around 9 AM when it wasn’t too crowded yet. The interior is free to visit, but if you want to climb the tower or see the museum, you’ll need to buy tickets. The tower ticket costs 5 euros, and you can overlook the entire old town - personally, I think it’s well worth it. The frescoes inside were painted by Goya. Although I’m not an art expert, they’re truly exquisite. For those interested in discovering more hidden gems in Zaragoza, this is a great starting point.
Visiting Tips
I recommend going in the morning when the lighting is good for photos. Also, there are many cafés around the basilica square where you can sit down for coffee after your visit. Weekends tend to be more crowded, so if you prefer avoiding crowds, choose a weekday.
Aljafería Palace
This palace was built by the Moors and later renovated by Christian kings. The entire building combines Islamic and Gothic styles, making it quite unique. The palace is divided into several sections: the Moorish courtyard, the king’s chambers, and the current Aragonese Parliament offices. Admission is 5 euros, free on Sundays, though it gets extremely crowded on free days. I went on a Wednesday when it wasn’t busy, so I could take my time exploring and photographing.
The carved decorations and tile work in the palace are truly exquisite, especially the octagonal tower, which is said to be one of the best-preserved Moorish buildings in Spain. Audio guides are available with detailed explanations - I recommend renting one. You can find more information about Zaragoza attractions to plan your visit better.
Other Places Worth Visiting
Besides these two main attractions, Zaragoza has several other worthwhile spots. You can wander around the old town, which has many charming alleys and squares. La Seo Cathedral, while not as famous as the Pillar, has a very distinctive architectural style. There’s also the Stone Bridge connecting the old town to the opposite bank - taking an evening stroll there is quite pleasant.
Below is the basic information I’ve compiled for several attractions:
| Attraction Name | Ticket Price | Recommended Visit Duration |
|---|
| Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Aljafería Palace | 5 euros | 1.5 hours |
| La Seo Cathedral | 4 euros | 45 minutes |
| Stone Bridge | Free | 30 minutes |
Practical Tips
Zaragoza’s public transportation is quite convenient, with trams and buses available. If you’re only exploring the old town, walking is actually sufficient, as attractions are close to each other. For dining, I recommend the El Tubo area, which has many tapas bars at reasonable prices. For accommodation, I suggest staying near the old town for easy access to everything. If you’re looking for places to visit in Zaragoza with personal recommendations, these areas are ideal bases.
Zaragoza is a city perfect for leisurely exploration, not as hectic as Barcelona or Madrid. If you have two or three days, you can slow down the pace and truly appreciate the city’s history and culture. Feel free to leave comments with any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them.
