• When to Visit
• History
• Get around
• Do
• Buy
• Drink
• Sleep
• Get out

Nuestra Señora del Pilar by the Ebro river.

Zaragoza is a warm and inviting city strategically located between Madrid and Barcelona. The city welcomes visitors with its rich culture, shopping, eating and sightseen. Its more than 2000 years of history makes the city one of the greatest historical and artistical legacies in Spain. It is situated in Aragon one of the previous kingdoms of Spain.

[edit] Get in

Zaragoza is conveniently located midway between Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia. In peoples' haste to see the big cities, this gem is often passed without so much as a second look.

[edit] By train

You can get by frequent trains from both of Spain's major international airports in Barcelona and Madrid. Zaragoza is served by a high speed train line called AVE that reaches Madrid in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (depending on the speediness of the train) and Barcelona in approx. 1 hour 45 minutes. There are up to 19 trains a day in each direction for Madrid and 12 for Barcelona. For more information on schedules and prices, visit the website of RENFE [1]. You can get 60% discount if you book 15 days in advance. Regular rates start at about 50 EUR to Madrid and Barcelona.

A cheaper way to get to Zaragoza from Barcelona is using the "Regional Express" - a slow train going on an ancient track, stopping at every small village and some those post-industrial ghosttowns, and really astonishing landscapes. The ride takes 5 hours, costs 22 eur.

[edit] By Bus

You can reach Zaragoza either from Madrid or Barcelona in 3:45 hours. The coach company is ALSA [2] and the single ticket costs around 13 euros. It is also well communicated with other main capital cities, such as Valencia and Bilbao. There is possibility of getting to Zaragoza from France by bus. The main lines travel from Lourdes, Tarbes, Pau and Oloron.

For bus schedules from Barcelona, also try Barcelona Nord [3].

[edit] By plane

Zaragoza Airport is located at 10 km far from the city centre. Recently in March 2008 the new terminal building was finished. Passengers can travel from the airport to the city centre via a local bus service, it costs around 1.70Eur. Buses coincide with airplane arrivals, and will take you to the city centre via the football ground and university. Alternatively a taxi will cost around 15-20Eur and take approx 20 mins.

Ryanair is one of the main carriers here, with journes from Brussels, Milan, London and Rome. There are also daily connection flights from Madrid and Barcelona, as well as charter journeys to the city.

More informatin regarding the airport can be found at Zaragoza airport main page [4]. There is also a web blog with more information concerning arrivals and departures, Zaragoza Airport Blog [5].

[edit] By car

Car rental facilities are available on the airport, train stations and other main travel sites. Always be sure to have a street map handy or a GPS!

Speedways are free in the journey from Madrid, which takes somethign round 3:30 hours. From Barcelona, however, highways are charged; the cost is around 30 euro.

[edit] When to Visit

The Pilar Virgen surrounded by flowers in the Pilar Festival celebrations.

The Aljafería Palace.

Parks in Zaragoza.

Spain Square in Zaragoza.

Roman theater in Zaragoza

[edit] History

Signs of the city’s founding, when the city was named after Emperor August, are still visible and can be enjoyed by tourists even today. 2,000 years later, the architectural remains of large public buildings indicate Caesar Augustus’ influence over the city. Today you can still admire the city’s Forum, Thermal Baths, the River Port or the Great Theatre, archeological remains which reflect the splendour of the city as it was during the Roman Empire.

Later on, during the Moslem occupation of Spain, Zaragoza was the capital of a kingdom in which art, music, and science formed the cornerstones of life in the Court. From this period, you can still see the Aljaferia Palace, a marvellous example of Moslem art, which has been witness to Zaragoza and its rich history – right up to the present day. From the early days of Christianity, Zaragoza still possesses a multitude of indicators that tell us something of the grandeur of the city: thanks to the Mudejar, the show of tolerance whereby different cultures were able to live side by side, and World Heritage, you can still enjoy beautiful enclaves such as the San Salvador Cathedral (the Seo) or the San Pablo church. From the period of Renaissance, there is a multitude of palatial houses which tell us of the sumptuousness of Saragossa in the 16th Century. Museums, such as the one dedicated to sculptor Pablo Gargallo, or exhibition halls, such as the monumental Lonja, are archetypal of Aragonese Renaissance art.

But Zaragoza is known worldwide as the home to the magnificent Pilar Basilica, heir to a tradition which is over 2,000 years old, and a destination for Christian pilgrims of all denominations.

[edit] Get around

It is probably best to buy a bus card in order to get around in Zaragoza. It costs seven euro (there is an initial card fee of two euros, so when charging it next time will just cost 5 euros) but is much cheaper than buying an ordinary ticket due to it is possible to take all the transportation lines in one hour; A simple ticket costs 0.85 euros. These cards can be bought at any tobacco store. The city is small enough that the bus system is very easy to learn and it provides a cheap way to get from point a to point b. Another plus to the buses is that most of them come at either 5 or 10 minute intervals.

If the bus is out of the question and your feet are much too tired to walk, there are always plenty of taxis waiting to take you where you want to go. You don't need to worry about the taxis charging more than they ought to. Zaragoza is known for very honest people. Still, it will cost quite a lot more than the trusty bus. Taxi cab operator phone numbers are advertised in many hotels, but it is best to come prepared with some Zaragoza Taxi phone numbers before you go.

Sightseeing bus is another option. They provide more than just a great way to travel around the city, available to all pockets. It costs 4.20 (free if you have the Zaragoza card) and the ticket can be used the entire day.

[edit] See

It is strongly recommended to buy the Zaragoza Card, which provides, from 7.20 euros per day:

• Free entry to all museums and monuments.
• 24 hour unlimited use of the Saragossa Tourist Bus.
• Free public transport (depending on the type of card).
• Including guided tours and the services of the “roaming” tourist guides.
• A free tapas and drink at one of our tapas bars.
• Discounts in more than 50 establishments (hotels, car hire, cafés and bars, restaurants…)

[edit] City Center

The Carmen Gate is an example of the romanic period.

• Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Pilar which included paintings on the ceiling by Goya and Bayaeu.

• Catedral de la Seo A gothic style cathedral.

• Palacio de la Aljaferia Moorish castle with intricate decorations including ceilings of gold.

• Las Murallas Parts of the ancient wall that surrounded the city are still standing.

• Iglesias Mudejares Mudejar is a still of art that mixes christian and muslim tradition. Good examples of that are a part of La Seo cathedral, Magdalena church, San Miguel church and San Pablo church.

[edit] Do

Go to the International Exhibition [6], that includes more than 3,400 acts from more than 350 companies and artists, and which lasts from June 14 to September 14 2008. The ticket price for an adult is 35 EUR for one day.

Water tower in the International Exposition

[edit] Buy

There are a few interesting shops where you can buy souvenirs.

[edit] Eat

Nevertheless, Zaragoza is not only a home to culture: it is also well known for its impressive cuisine, thanks to a long culinary tradition which fuses together traditional and modern tendencies. You can enjoy the results of this fusion at any of the large number of restaurants, cafés and bars to be found in the city, which has meant that “tapeo” (going for tapas) is now considered a must-do on the Zaragoza social calendar. You can get food from any part of the world as well, but make sure you try some specifically real Spanish food and from the region.

[edit] Tapas

Probably one of the most famous meals in Spain, Zaragoza is well known because of its many tapas bars. The best place to eat some is the old city, commonly called "Casco viejo" which is a bunch of small streets similar to the Zoco.

One excellent choice is in Calle de los mártires which two are three different "Tapas Bar" in which you can only eat one tapa. In the first one the mushroom and close to it the Taberna de Doña Casta, the "Huevos rotos con foi" which is mainly smashed fried egg with fries and foi or jamón serrano. Plaza Santa Marta is located in the old city as well; it's a little bit more expensive but the quality deserves. Never forget asking for a "Tabla", which is mainly a wooden plate in which different tapas like cheese and sausages are served; The plus is that you get a free bottle of red wine.

The most famous dishes like in other places from Spain are the tapas, little appetizers that are often served at bars and small cafes before a main meal. Make sure to visit "El Casco Viejo" and its numerous places to have tapas.

Sea food tapas are not that common, but if you know where to go they can be very good and cheap. Casa de Mar, located in Eusebio Blasco Street, is a local favorite. Cheap crayfish, cuttlefish and a great cold white wine. A four person meal with two bottles of wine costs less than 12 euros each.

[edit] Cuisine of the Zone

Some of the best known regional specialities are: Bacalao al Ajoarriero, cod-fish with garlic and eggs, Huevos al Salmorejo, eggs with a sauce of asparagus, Longanizas y Chorizos, highly appreciated kinds of sausages, Ternasco Asado, roasted young lamb, Pollo al Chilindrón, chicken in a sauce of cured ham, tomatoes, onions and paprika, Cordero a la Pastora, lamb Shepherd's style, Lomo de Cerdo a la Zaragozana, cutlet, Migas a la Aragonesa, a dish made of crumbs scrambled with an egg and chorizo. People even eat rabbits stewed in rabbit blood. Meat is very popular. Also, bread is a basic element of meals.

Make sure you try borrajas, a vegetable which can only be found in Aragon. It is usually eaten with olive oil.

Melocotón con vino, peaches in wine, is also a good option, though sometimes it is hard to find a restaurant serving this dessert.

• La Tertulia Taurina. is a traditional Castilian-Aragonese cuisine restaurant located in the old part of the city amongst the charismatic and multicultural Plaza del Portillo and the splendid bullfighting arena, Plaza de Toros de la Misericordia. Slow Food with great selection of meats. Menu of the day €12 (local wine and desserts included) or à la carte for around €36. Address: C/ Pignatelli 122.

[edit] Drink

The excellent wines of the region, Somontano, Cariñena, Borja, Paniza, Lecera and Valle de Jalón, are a perfect company to the recipes mentioned above.

Zaragoza is well known as the city of Spain with the greatest number of bars and pubs per inhabitant.

[edit] Sleep

Remember that Zaragoza is a popular tourist place and business city, so it is recommended to book in advance.

Zaragoza has hundreds of options for accommodations - from 4 star hotels, through apartments and hostel beds. You can end up paying anything from 15-200 euros per person, per night. All places are rather nice but of course quality is not for free.

Luxurious hotels:

• Hotel Reino de Aragón [7] 4 stars in the center of the city. Quite new and nice service. 5 minutes walking from the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar and tapas places. Around 90 euro per night.

• Melia Zaragoza [8] One of the most luxurious hotels in the city, 5 stars in one of the most glamorous parts of the city and close to the Carmen Door.

• Hotel Boston [9] Never wonder why Michael Jackson, Shakira and the Rolling Stones decided to stay in this hotel. At 15 minutes' walking distance from the center, close to pubs and the "marcha".

• Hotel Palafox [10] In the same location as Hotel Melia, 5 star hotel. Great service, food and rooms.

Nice and not that expensive:

• Ibis Zaragoza [11] 3 stars, 200 meters' distance from the center of town.

• Hostal Cataluña [12] In the center, cheap.

[edit] Get out

• Monasterio de Piedra [13]. Charming monastery built in 1194 dc surrounded by an amazing park full of waterfalls.

• Fuendetodos [14]. Borntown of the great painter Franscisco de Goya.

• Moncayo Moncayo Moncayo, only in Spanish). A fascinating mountain system.

• Monasterio de Rueda [15]. Romanic monastery which belonged to the cirtencens order.

Teruel and Huesca are easily reached by car, train or bus.

Madrid and Barcelona are easily reached by car, train, bus and plane.

• Aramon [16]. As the Pirinees are just 2 hours away from Zaragoza, many ski slopes can be found.

Following places are located in the Huesca province, not more than t20 hours by car and in the middle of the Pirenees. Charming places in the middle of the nature.

• Loarre Castle [17] One of the best Romanesque castles in Europe, recently the site for Ridley Scott's film, Kingdom of Heaven.

• Ordesa National Park [18] is particularly spectacular in autumn. Full of waterfalls.