Zaragoza is a city packed full of exciting sights and things to do. Just a short drive or walk will take you past incredible buildings and architecture from different points in history. It’s all remarkably well-preserved and, contrasted with the new Zaragoza, makes for one of Spain’s most enthralling and fascinating cities.
History’s footprints
Many religions have left their mark on Zaragoza, but the Basilica del Pilar is perhaps the most remarkable of them all. This 17th century Catholic church was sensitively expanded in the 18th, and contains stunning sculptures, altarpieces and works by Goya, who was born close to the city.
A tapas tour in El Tubo
To sample local food at its finest, take yourself on a tour of El Tubo, a district packed full of superb tapas restaurants. Grab a small dish and a drink in each one and tick off as many as you can, with many having their own house specialities. Wander the streets of Cuatro de Agosto, Estébanes, Libertad and Mártires and you’ll be surrounded by locals – standing, sitting, leaning, perching, but all of them eating and talking. Make sure you try the anchovy sandwiches of La Ballena Colora, the ‘migas’ in La Republicana and the various croquettes at Taberna Dona Casta.
Beyond Zaragoza
While you can head south-east to Barcelona or north-west to Bilbao from Zaragoza, there are also some interesting off-the-beaten-track places to drive to nearby. An hour away is Huesca, with its medieval palace and Gothic cathedral, while there’s the contrast of Belchite, an eerie ghost town that was almost completely destroyed in the Spanish Civil War – it was never rebuilt.
Art lovers should make a pilgrimage to Fuendetodos, where legendary Spanish artist Francisco de Goya was born. It’s an unassuming place less than an hour from Zaragoza but the museum built in the farmhouse where he was raised is more than worth the journey. Numerous key works are housed here, an essential cultural stop-off.
With car hire at Zaragoza Airport you can discover the very best of this exciting, passionate city, before venturing forth to see more of north-east Spain in all its glory.