Zaragoza

Basilica of El Pilar Symbol of the city, it is a jewel of baroque art, built between the 17th and 18th centuries. One highlight inside is the Santa Capilla chapel, containing the image of the Virgin of El Pilar. It houses works of great value from different periods, especially the frescoes painted by Goya. Aljafería Palace Built in the 11th century as a recreational residence for the Taifa kingdom. It has since been a fortified site, the headquarters and prison of the Inquisition, a palace of the Catholic Monarchs, a barracks, and is currently home to the Cortes of Aragón. Along with the Alhambra in Granada and the Mosque of Córdoba, it is one of the artistic jewels of the Muslim presence in southern Europe. Church of San Pablo It is another of the 10 monuments that make up the Mudejar Architecture of Aragon, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for symbolising peace and respect between the Christian, Muslim and Jewish peoples. Look up to admire its magnificent octagonal brick tower. Lonja de Zaragoza The first entirely Renaissance building of the city, from the 16th century. Used for commercial exchanges, it is currently used as an exhibition hall. It is notable for its façades, inspired by Italian palaces, and the star-shaped ribbed vaults inside. Cathedral of San Salvador It is the main temple of the city and is considered a true jewel of Mudejar art, as it was a mosque before the 12th century. Today it combines a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Inside, you can visit the magnificent Tapestry Museum, which has one of the best collections of Flemish tapestries in the world. Third Millennium Bridge Built for the 2008 Zaragoza World Fair on the Ebro River, it links the neighbourhoods of La Almozara and Actur-Rey Fernando. It is a symbol of modern engineering for both its aesthetic and technology. With a span of 216 metres, a deck of 270 metres, and a width of 43 metres, it is one of the largest suspended concrete arch bridges in the world. Riberas del Ebro Enjoy a scenic and monumental walk or bike ride along the over 10 kilometres of riverside promenade, on both sides of the Ebro River. On the right bank, you will cross the neighborhoods of Almozara, San Pablo, the historic centre and Las Fuentes. On the left bank is the Expo site and the Balcón de San Lázaro, where you will get one of the best photographs of the Basilica del Pilar. Torreón de la Zuda Tribute tower of an ancient Muslim fortress. It currently houses a tourist office, and on the top floor is the Mirador de las 4 Culturas, offering fantastic panoramic views. Next to it, you'll find one of the only two remaining sections of the ancient wall that once surrounded the Roman city of Caesaraugusta, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Caesaraugusta Forum Museum Under what is now the La Seo Plaza, you can discover the archaeological remains of the city's Roman forum from the time of the Emperors Augustus and Tiberius. There are also remains of a market and some walls of shops from the time of Zaragoza's founding. The museum has a striking audiovisual installation.  

A visit to the Zaragoza Aquarium is fascinating for children and adults alike. This river aquarium houses aquatic animals from the five main rivers on the planet: The Nile, the Mekong, the Amazon, the Darling Murray and the Ebro. If your trip coincides between the months of March and October, the  Amusement Park is another recommended plan. Furthermore, the Luis Buñuel Water Park, with its more than 120 hectares, is a large open space that combines extensive green areas, services and activities. There you will find native flora and fauna, with large trees typical of the riverbank, such as the elm, the willow or the poplar. 

You will find a great gastronomic atmosphere around the historic centre. If you want to enjoy the tradition of tapas and savour Aragonese cuisine in miniature, head to the Tubo area, a popular group of narrow, long streets. Try, for example, the delicious  madejas, small intestine of lamb wrapped around a stalk of green garlic. Whether fried, grilled, or roasted – but always seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and parsley – they are a true delicacy. Another local specialty is suckling lamb, certified by the protected geographical indication "Ternasco de Aragón," typically served with potatoes and fresh vegetables from the garden.  Borage, a healthy vegetable and potato stew, is another classic dish. Zaragoza also offers sweet delights. You can verify this by purchasing the Chocopass, a voucher that gives you five chocolate tastings at various establishments that have been specialising in chocolate making since the 19th century Frutas de Aragón, pieces of candied orange, pear, peach, or cherry covered in chocolate, are another delicious treat that's perfect to take home in your suitcase.

Zaragoza offers all kinds of shopping options . From the market stalls at Plaza de las Armas, such as La Placica Market, the Mercado de las Armas, and the FAZ (Feria de Arte de Zaragoza), to charming little shops offering decor, multi-brand items, independent designers, specialty stores, confectioneries, gourmet shops, crafts, and souvenirs. Not forgetting shopping centres and large stores. In short, it will be easy for you to take home a souvenir of your visit.

There are direct high-speed train connections to Madrid and Barcelona, with journey times of less than two hours from the Zaragoza Delicias intermodal station. There are also many bus lines that connect with towns in Spain and several European countries, as Zaragoza has excellent road connections. From Zaragoza Airport, just 10 kilometres outside the city, there are regular flights to around a dozen national and international destinations.