Zaragoza

Aragon's vibrant capital sits on the Ebro River and blends Roman, Islamic, and Christian heritage in one striking cityscape. Its top draw is the immense Basilica del Pilar alongside a lively tapas scene along Calle Alfonso and El Tubo.

Things to do

• Basilica del Pilar — Visit this massive baroque basilica on the Ebro River said to house the first Marian apparition, and climb its tower for sweeping city views.
• La Seo Cathedral — Explore this UNESCO-listed cathedral built atop a former mosque, showcasing Gothic, Mudejar, and Baroque layers.
• Aljafería Palace — Wander this 11th-century Islamic palace, one of the finest surviving examples of Moorish architecture in Spain.
• Roman Theatre Museum — Descend into the ruins of Zaragoza's Roman theatre, once one of the largest in Hispania.
• Stroll Puente de Piedra — Cross this iconic stone bridge for classic postcard views of the Basilica del Pilar reflected in the Ebro.
• Tapas crawl through El Tubo — Wander the narrow lanes of this historic tapas district hopping between packed bars for bite-sized specialties.
• Goya Museum — See works by Francisco de Goya, Aragon's most famous son, alongside other Spanish masters.

Food to try

• Ternasco de Aragón — Tender roast lamb from a protected local breed, often slow-cooked with garlic and herbs.
• Migas aragonesas — Fried breadcrumbs cooked with chorizo, bacon, and grapes, a hearty rustic dish typical of the region.
• Borraja con patatas — Borage greens stewed with potatoes, a distinctly Aragonese vegetable dish rarely found elsewhere.
• Ternasco chilindrón style — Meat simmered in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, and onions, a signature Aragonese preparation.
• Tapeo in El Tubo — Hop between tiny bars sampling small plates like croquetas, jamón, and garlic mushrooms with local wine or vermouth.
• Frutas de Aragón — Candied fruits dipped in dark chocolate, a beloved local sweet found in pastry shops citywide.

Local customs & good to know

• Tapas timing matters — Locals typically start tapeo around 8-9pm, so arrive early if you want a quieter bar experience.
• Fiestas del Pilar in October — This massive week-long festival around October 12th transforms the city with parades, concerts, and floral offerings at the Basilica.
• Midday closures — Many small shops close for a few hours in early afternoon for siesta, so plan errands around this.
• Dress modestly at religious sites — Cover shoulders and knees when entering the Basilica del Pilar or La Seo Cathedral out of respect.