Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza: A Complete Travel Guide
Last month I visited Zaragoza and spent an entire afternoon at Plaza del Pilar, and I was truly amazed by this place. The square is located in the city center, right next to the Ebro River, and is one of the most iconic public spaces in the Aragon region. The most striking building in the square is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a Baroque-style church with 11 domes that you can see from afar. The square is quite spacious, surrounded by historic buildings, and while it attracts many visitors during the day, it never feels crowded. I recommend arriving before 9 AM when the light is soft and perfect for photography.
Transportation and Getting There
If you’re coming from Madrid, the AVE high-speed train is the most convenient option, taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Zaragoza-Delicias station, you can take the tram, which takes about 15 minutes to Plaza del Pilar stop. A taxi costs between 10-12 euros. Personally, I prefer walking—it’s about a 25-minute walk from the station to the square, and you get to see plenty of local street scenes along the way. For those driving, note that parking around the square is very limited. I suggest parking at the Plaza de los Sitios underground car park, which is only a 10-minute walk away.
| Transportation | Time | Cost |
|---|
| Tram | 15 minutes | 1.35 EUR |
| Taxi | 10 minutes | 10-12 EUR |
| Walking | 25 minutes | Free |
Worth Exploring Around the Square
Plaza del Pilar itself is a large open square. Besides the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, you’ll also find La Seo Cathedral here. Both churches offer free entry, but if you want to climb the tower, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for 3 euros. On the east side of the square stands the City Hall, with a beautifully ornate facade. I originally wanted to visit inside, but it was closed to the public that day. The square often features street performers—I saw someone doing portrait sketches for 15 euros each, and they were quite good.
The atmosphere in the evening is particularly wonderful. Locals come out with their children for a stroll, and young people sit on the steps chatting. I noticed many people carrying snacks from nearby tapas bars, looking completely relaxed. If you want to experience the local pace of life, I highly recommend sitting in the square for a while and observing the people around you. For more insights, check out the Zaragoza square location guide and learn about Zaragoza’s Spanish square, the historical heart and urban living room of the Aragon capital.
Dining Recommendations
There are many restaurants and eateries around the square, and I tried several that were all excellent. On Alfonso Street, there’s a tapas bar called “Casa Pascualillo” where the fried cod and Iberian ham are top quality and reasonably priced—about 30 euros for two people. If you want a full meal, head to “El Tubo” old town area, where restaurants are densely packed with more options. Aragonese lamb stew and Ternasco roasted lamb are local specialties worth trying. I also recommend sampling the local red wine from the Cariñena region, which pairs perfectly with meat dishes.
Plaza del Pilar is a must-visit in Zaragoza, whether for its architecture, history, or atmosphere. I suggest allocating half a day to explore leisurely without rushing. If you can visit on a weekend, the square might host markets or cultural events, making it even livelier. Don’t forget your camera—those domes look absolutely stunning at sunset. You might also want to experience the [Plaza del Pilar bell chimes] that ring punctually every day, creating a memorable urban soundscape.
