⛪ Zaragoza Travel Guide

Overview

Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon region, sits halfway between Madrid and Barcelona on the high-speed train route, making it a convenient stopover. The city's crown jewel is the Basilica del Pilar, one of Spain's most important pilgrimage sites. Zaragoza combines Roman ruins, Moorish palaces, Catholic basilicas, and modern Spanish life in Spain's fifth-largest city.

Often skipped by tourists rushing between Madrid and Barcelona, Zaragoza offers an authentic, less crowded Spanish experience. The city has a strong local identity, excellent tapas scene (called "ir de tapas" or "ir de poteo"), and rich history spanning 2,000 years from Roman Caesaraugusta to today.

💰 Budget Estimate

Zaragoza is very affordable. A 2-day trip costs around €80-125 per person:

• Accommodation: €32-40 per night (budget hotel)
• Food: €20-28 per day (menú del día, tapas)
• Transportation: €5-8 (walkable city, tram available)
• Attractions: €8-12 (most are free, Aljafería €5)

🎨 Top Attractions

Basilica del Pilar

• What: Massive baroque basilica on Ebro River, Spain's largest church. Pilgrimage site dedicated to Virgin Mary.
• Interior: Frescoes by Goya, elaborate chapels, stunning domes.
• Entry: FREE to basilica. Museum €4, tower climb €3 (panoramic city views).
• Visit: Best at sunset when basilica is lit up. Allow 1 hour.

Other Historic Sites

• Aljafería Palace: Moorish palace (11th century), one of Spain's finest Islamic buildings outside Andalusia. €5 entry (free Sundays). 1 hour visit.
• La Seo Cathedral: Gothic cathedral next to Pilar basilica. €4 entry (free during worship).
• Roman ruins: Theatre, Forum, Baths — scattered around city. €7 combined ticket.
• Stone Bridge (Puente de Piedra): Historic bridge over Ebro River. Free, great views of Pilar.

Modern Zaragoza

• Expo 2008 site: Futuristic buildings from Water Expo. Free to explore exterior.
• El Tubo: Medieval neighborhood, now packed with tapas bars.

🍽️ Food & Dining

• Ternasco: Roast lamb (Aragonese specialty). €14-18.
• Migas: Fried breadcrumbs with chorizo and grapes. €8-12.
• Bacalao al ajoarriero: Cod with tomato, peppers, garlic. €10-14.
• Borrajas: Local vegetable similar to spinach. €6-8.
• Tapas in El Tubo: Traditional tapas crawl area. €2-4 per tapa.
• Menú del día: €10-13 for 3 courses outside tourist zones.

🚇 Getting There & Around

By Train

• From Madrid: AVE train 1h 15min, €20-45
• From Barcelona: AVE train 1h 30min, €20-50
• Perfect stopover between the two cities!

Getting Around

• Old town is walkable (30min across)
• Tram connects main areas (€1.35)
• City buses available (€1.35)
• Station to Pilar: 20min walk or tram Line 1

📝 Travel Tips

• ✔ Perfect for Madrid-Barcelona stopover (1-2 nights).
• ✔ Visit Basilica del Pilar for free — skip museum unless very interested.
• ✔ Tapas crawl in El Tubo neighborhood in evening (8-11pm).
• ✔ Summer is HOT (35-40°C). Visit in spring or fall.
• ✔ Less touristy than major cities — more authentic experience.
• ✔ Store luggage at train station (€3-5) if stopping between trains.

🎉 Events & Festivals

• Fiestas del Pilar (October 12): Zaragoza's biggest festival honoring patron saint. Week-long celebration with concerts, bullfights, parades.
• Semana Santa: Impressive Holy Week processions.
• Cincomarzada (March 5): Traditional festival commemorating 1838 siege defense.