20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN ZARAGOZA

Bathed by the Ebro and increasingly cosmopolitan and interesting, Zaragoza is a perfect getaway to disconnect without having to travel outside of Spain. Perhaps what we like most about the capital city is that it has managed to perfectly blend the traditional and the modern. And the covers, to lie lol. Next we will tell you 20 things to see and do in Zaragoza.

1. It is best to start the trip by joining a free walking tour for your historical Center, and thus understand the past and the history of Zaragoza a little more. The tour is free but it is always advisable to leave a tip to the guide as it works hard.

2. The main protagonist of the city is obviously the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, one of the most important baroque jewels of the entire peninsula. Its construction began in the thirteenth century on an old Mozarabic church (let's not forget the important Arab past of Zaragoza), and is the abode of the image of the Virgen del Pilar (and a couple of frescoes by Goya). There is no hand that has not visited (or tourist who has stepped on Zaragoza without knowing it). The entrance is free.

Curiosity: the name refers to the jade column (popularly called "the pillar") that the Virgin Mary delivered in an apparition to the Apostle Santiago in the year 40 in these territories.

3. If you are not afraid of heights, you can go up to the viewpoint of the Pilar Tower and enjoy a magnificent panorama of the city. Do not forget the camera, that those views deserve to be immortalized. The Basilica has 4 towers, although only one is allowed to climb, and the price is 3€.

4. Did you know that in Zaragoza you tapas Super good? The best area to go biting from bar to bar is The tube. Yes or yes you have to approach Almau Wineries and try their legendary croquettes, how delicious they are! Another place we like is The Republican, where to try good tapas or some broken eggs.

5. If you are only going to be one day in Zaragoza, a good way to know all the essential places is to ride the touristic bus, which is also the cheapest we have ever seen: it only costs € 8! And another highly recommended option is to take a night tour bus, which also includes the day bus the next day.

Dome of the Basilica del Pilar de Zaragoza

6. The Savior Cathedral (or La Seo) is the other great architectural-religious jewel of Zaragoza. One tip: after the visit, walk to the nearby Santa Marta Square, where you will have one of the most suggestive and photographed corners of Zaragoza, with the beautiful Torre de la Seo in front of you. The entrance to the Cathedral of El Salvador costs 4€.

7. Although the square that attracts all the eyes of inveterate travelers like us is theOur Lady of Pilar Square. It is one of the nerve points of Zaragoza, given its privileged position at the foot of the Basilica and La Seo, and is a space used for lots of events throughout the year (known as "the city hall"). But we are left with the huge world ball, where you are almost obliged to take a picture, who knows if pointing to your next destination.

8. From the Plaza del Pilar take the Alfonso I street, one of the main arteries of the historic center of Zaragoza, flanked by beautiful buildings and with a great view of the Basilica at your back, and reaches The Coso, which is more than 2,000 years old, is one of the oldest streets in the city.

9. And Zaragoza was founded in 14 BC. by Emperor Caesar Augustus who called her Caesaraugusta (something egocentric was, yes XD), and from that time parts of the Roman wall. The great wall came to measure over 3 km in length, although at present the longest section that can still be visited is about 80 meters, on César Augusto Avenue.

10. There the side you will see the Torreón de la Zuda, which is from another important period in the history of the city. It is neither more nor less than what remains of the former Muslim Alcazar, a town that dominated these lands between 714 and 1118. Today it houses a tourist office, and the best thing is that you can climb (free) to the top floor to have a beautiful view of the city. It does not have the height of the Torre del Pilar, but it is free, what do you want ?!

Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza

11. It is not the only example of the Muslim legacy in the city, another building that shows the splendor of the Arab culture on Palace of the Aljafería, which was the residence of the Saudi kings of Saraqusta and military headquarters. Today it offers visits for its interesting dependencies, such as the Dorando Hall, the Torre del Trovador or the patio of Santa Isabel. Entry costs 5€.

12. One of the most special places in Zaragoza and even more at sunset is the Stone bridge. From here you can see the Basilica del Pilar in all its majesty and, with any luck, witness an epic sunset. This bridge is guarded at each end by two lions, symbol of the city (you'll see them even on their flag).

13. The Central Market (or Mercado de Lanuza) is a colorful and cheerful place, where you can find a place if you want to know the most genuine Zaragoza. It was built in 1895, when it was decided to create a covered market to replace the one made in the square. Its architect was the Aragonese Félix Navarro Pérez and today it has more than 70 stalls of all kinds (fruit, vegetables, delicatessen ...).

14. Did you know that the Aragonese capital has its personal version of the Tower of Pisa? We talked about the watchtower of the New Tower, in Plaza San Felipe. It is certainly a curious place to see in Zaragoza.

15. Another unmissable stop is the Zaragoza fish market. Once here, don't forget to look up: your roof is a real wonder! The building, which today is used as exhibition halls, is one of the best Renaissance architectural works in the entire region.

Zaragoza Central Market

16. If the day accompanies and you want to enjoy nature, you will not have to go far to do it: the city has a beautiful park, the Jose Antonio Labordeta Park (known as the Big park). There you can also visit a beautifulBotanical Garden. And let's not forget the EXPO 2008 venue, a huge green area dotted with the curious and futuristic buildings that were built for the event (you can even sit on the largest bank in the world!).

17. On the other hand, if a rainy day has touched you, don't be sad: Zaragoza has many museums well entertained as for example the Goya Museum, the Origami Museum, the IAACC Pablo Serrano Museum of Contemporary Art, the exhibitions ofCaixaForum, the Caesaraugusta Forum Museum, the Caesaraugusta Theater Museum and the Museum of the Public Baths of Caesaraugusta, where you can learn more about the city's Roman past. If you have to choose one of them, we would particularly opt for Goya's.

18. Do you have more time? One of the best excursions from Zaragoza is the famous Stone Monastery, an old Cistercian monastery founded in 1194 that today houses a tourist residence and a natural park full of waterfalls and corners capable of giving you a shot of nature, which are occasionally needed. The monks were not fools, huh!

19. If you prefer you can ride a villages route nearby that are full of charm, such as Belchite Y Tarazona. If you arrive by car do not hesitate, or if not, rent one.

20. And finally, if you don't mind mixing with thousands of other people, you should visit Zaragoza (at least once) during the Pillar parties. The week of October 12 is celebrated to celebrate the patron saint of the city, the Virgen del Pilar.

Stone Monastery

Do you know more things to see and do in Zaragoza? Without a doubt, a perfect city to make a getaway for a couple of days!

* Photocredit: Shutterstock

Video: 12 HOURS IN ZARAGOZA. SPANISH ROADTRIP (April 2024).