Guys, I’ve been so lazy. I haven’t written anything since the Real Madrid game I went to (I have another coming next week!), and I never wrote about my trip to Zaragoza. So finally, a month later, since today is a national holiday and tomorrow is another day off my school, I thought I should finally get it together.
Zaragoza is located in the Aragona region of Spain. It’s a decent sized city, with a population of over 600,000. If you’re looking for a wedding dress, you’re in luck! There were wedding dress shops on nearly every street. The best were the ones right next to baby stores. Get ready! Zaragoza has some pretty neat things to see and do, while still being affordable. I’ve picked out the best for you.
Five Things to do in Zaragoza
1. El Pilar
Of course this has to be on the list! It’s the most famous place in Zaragoza. It’s full name is Catedral-Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Pilar. There has been some form of worshipping place in that area since the first century AD, but this basilica was only completed in the 18th century. It’s a very grand basilica, but unfortunately for us, we only got to see half of it because there were several weddings happening that weekend!
The famous shrine of El Pilar, which is the Virgin Mary, is something beloved by the Spanish people. While we were there, an alter boy was taking children and babies up to the shrine and helping them touch it. For a pretty Catholic country, it’s something very important to them.
As I’m writing this on October 12, it’s actually the celebration of El Pilar. That means that there is a huge party going on in Zaragoza right now to celebrate their patron saint.
Admission is FREE!
2. El Tubo
El Tubo was probably my favorite place. Well, it’s not so much a place, but a collection of streets filled with food. It’s the perfect place to go for a tapeo, or a “tapas crawl”. Some places have the basics: ham, bread, patatas bravas, etc. Most bars will have a specialty, though. There’s no need for dinner after visiting three to five of them, depending on how much you eat! My friend was definitely eating a lot more than me!
The prices are pretty affordable, although sometimes they can be more expensive. The good thing is, the tapas always come with a drink, be it beer, wine, Coke, or water. No need to pay extra for that! Be warned though, there is a good chance you will be standing, and if the food is really good, it’s going to be packed! I recommend eating croquetas, and you’ll find plenty with many different fillings, from ham to bacalao to mushrooms.
3. The Puente de Piedra
It always amazes me how bridges that were built hundreds of years ago are still standing yet modern bridges with all the technology degrade and need repairs all the time. This bridge is so simple, yet so beautiful. We walked across it for the first time as the sun was setting on a warm, late summer night. We literally just stood there, staring out over the River Ebro and admiring how beautiful it is. Plus, you get a great view of the basilica just off to the side.
4. The Aljafería
I love a good palace. Maybe it’s a girl thing, satisfying that innate desire to be a princess. I also love things that have a little “spice”, as I like to say. My favorite Disney film is Aladdin and I love Jasmine (I mean, I have a genie lamp tattoo!). So this palace looked straight out of Agrabah.
You have to give it to the Moors, their architectural skills were amazing. They had running water and beautiful arches, grand rooms and heavenly gardens. It was a photographer’s paradise in there. I was trying to be artsy and take pictures from different angles to get that perfect shot.
It’s also its own love letter to the Kingdom of Aragon. Spain, or Castilla, used to be a separate kingdom from Aragon until Ferdinand married Isabel and united the kingdoms into what is present day Spain. This alcazar shows the history of the Aragon kingdom, the story behind their flag, and showcases the lineage of the Aragon line. It’s hard to imagine a time when these two places were separate countries, but you will be transported back in time.
Admission is €5, €1 if you’re a student. Definitely affordable and worth it.
5. Day Trip!
Zaragoza is right in the middle of the Aragon region. It’s not a particularly big region, but there are tons of little pueblos around. My friend and I made a day trip to Tarazona, just an hour or so by bus from Zaragoza and it only cost around €7-8 for a round trip ticket.
It’s incredibly small, but it’s still full of so much history. There’s a really nice cathedral, but we didn’t go in because we didn’t feel like paying €8, especially after El Pilar was free. There’s also an old bull ring that has been converted into apartments! You can walk into the center of the bull ring and get a panoramic view of how society is changing.
There are a lot of bars (we were all tapa-ed out) and fancy restaurants near the center, so my friend and I walked up a hill and found a nice place called Bar Las Vegas and had a full menú for only €10! That meant a first plate, second plate, and dessert! (I think they charged us for the Cokes.)
The best part is walking through the maze of neighborhoods. First of all, you’ll get a workout because everything is uphill. But you’ll also get to see some really amazing views looking out over the town and into the mountains. There’s a Jewish Quarter, although small, that is home to the Hanging Houses. By some miracle, they are seemingly hanging off the side of the wall. Maybe it’s God’s will. (insert laughter here)
You can end your day with a couple of cañas, listening to the locals watch a Real Zaragoza game and be disappointed with the outcome. Or maybe you can listen to your friend rip up his betting receipts because none of his games have gone his way.
In Conclusion
Zaragoza has something for everyone. Just make sure you come prepared for the weather. I only had shorts and a jacket and I was pretty chilly for most of the weekend! In the winter, it can get really cold and windy. And make sure you have some good walking shoes! But if you are looking to feast, make sure to add Zaragoza on your next stop, and you can see some of the sights along the way.
