Last month I visited Zaragoza and spent two full days in the old town. While this capital city of the Aragon region may not be as popular as Barcelona or Madrid, the old town is truly worth exploring thoroughly. Today I’d like to share my visiting experience with you.
Core Attractions of the Old Town
The most prominent landmark in Zaragoza’s old town is definitely the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. This Baroque-style basilica stands on the banks of the Ebro River, with its four towers and eleven domes creating a spectacular sight. The interior is free to visit, but if you want to climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for around 5 euros. When I visited on a Sunday, locals were setting up stalls in the square, creating a wonderful atmosphere of everyday life.
The Must-See Aljafería Palace
Slightly away from the old town center, you’ll find the Aljafería Palace, a palace built by the Moors in the 11th century and later renovated by the Catholic Monarchs. Admission is 5 euros, free on Sunday afternoons. The Mudéjar-style decorations inside the palace are truly exquisite, especially the plasterwork and arches, which are perfect for photography. I recommend booking online in advance, as the on-site queue can be quite long.
| Attraction | Ticket Price | Recommendation |
|---|
| Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar | Free | ★★★★★ |
| Aljafería Palace | 5€ | ★★★★☆ |
| La Seo Cathedral | 7€ | ★★★★☆ |
| Roman Theatre Ruins | Free | ★★★☆☆ |
Culinary Experiences in the Old Town
While wandering around the old town, you must visit the El Tubo area for tapas. This is a maze of narrow streets in Zaragoza’s Old Town packed with bars and restaurants. I particularly recommend trying the local croquetas de jamón and migas aragonesas. The prices are reasonable too, with a tapa and a caña costing around 3-4 euros. The best time to go is around 7 PM when it’s most lively, as many locals gather here after work.
Practical Tips
Zaragoza’s old town isn’t very large, and you can cover the main attractions on foot. If you have enough time, I suggest dedicating a full day to explore leisurely. It’s very convenient to reach by AVE high-speed train from either Madrid or Barcelona, taking just 1-2 hours. For accommodation, guesthouses within the old town offer good value for money, and you can browse options on Booking in advance. Also, summers can be extremely hot, so spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
Zaragoza’s old town gave me the feeling of authentic Spanish city life. It’s not overly commercialized and maintains its own rhythm and character. If you’re spending enough time in Spain, it’s definitely worth making a special trip.
