More about hotels in Zaragoza
Famous for its folklore and historical landmarks, Zaragoza is one of Spain’s biggest cities that should be on every traveller’s itinerary. This underrated destination in Europe is a cultural gem peppered with museums, Renaissance buildings, and other interesting sites. Both solo and group travellers are always welcome to explore the beauty of Zaragoza.
How to Get There
Zaragoza has an international airport that is conveniently located near the city centre. The airport also offers bus rides directly from their website. These buses go straight from the airport to the town proper of Zaragoza and other neighboring cities you want to visit. It is best to plan out the schedules as the buses have scheduled trips that can get fully booked.
Meanwhile, the airport offers Aena Club Clientele for frequent travellers. It is a rewards program for those who are frequent passengers and users of their facilities at the airport. It is available online for those who will be interested. The airport offers a selection of restaurants and shops for those who need to do a little bit of shopping before going to Zaragoza.
Getting Around
Like any other city in Spain, Zaragoza offers buses, cars, taxis, and trams. City buses offer night bus routes. There are seven available night bus routes right now in the city and they only run on Saturday nights and public holidays. The most convenient way to travel around the city is through taxi since parking can be difficult if you drive.
Top Things to Do
A visit to Zaragoza means enjoying its various architectural marvels. One can easily go to Aljaferia Palace, which is located along Calle de Los Diputados. It was built in the 11th century by Islamic rulers and has a beautiful and grand albeit intricate carvings that are a sight to behold. It now houses Aragon’s regional parliament, but tourists are still welcome to visit the palace.
For a breath of modern beauty, visit the Aragonese Institute of Art and Contemporary Culture. The sculptures and drawings of Aragon native artist Pablo Serrano are featured here as well as his wife Juana Frances’ collection of graphic art.
While wandering around Old Town, you can also easily make your way to the Mercado Central. It is a laid-back shopping place where you can find anything and everything local from cheeses to meats and toys. It is also home to beautiful examples of Modernista Architecture in Zaragoza with its reinforced iron material.
What to Eat
Enjoy the scrumptious Aragonese cuisine all day long when in Zaragoza. Cafe Botanico is always a great idea for breakfast. Aside from your usual bread and coffee, it serves a great number of choices of cakes, pastries, and fresh juices that will surely give your day a great start. If you want a different spot, Gran Cafe de Zaragozano is a charming place that’ll make you feel all kinds of regal. It is also a plus point that they serve chocolate churros oat breakfast.
Lunch is always great at Casa Pascualillo. Backed by 70 years and generations of experience in serving both locals and tourists, Casa Pascualillo definitely knows how to keep tummies full and happy. You can their hearty main meals since the heaviest meals in Zaragoza are usually taken from 2 to 4 PM and enjoy a laid-back lunch.
Dinner is an important meal in Spain and what could represent such importance other than dining in the oldest restaurant in the whole of Spain, Casa Lac. Take a trip down Zaragoza’s memory lane with its gorgeously preserved interiors and romantic vibe. Their upper floor is in Elizabethan style and has vintage lamps and Guinean wood floors. They offer tasting platters for those who are not sure of what to get and also a special menu aside from their tapas menu.
Another option for dinner is Meli Melo. With their sampling platters that fill their bread with toppings to the brim, you won’t even know where to start choosing your next bite.
Where to Stay
Zaragoza offers beautiful hotels catering to all kinds of budgets. For a four-star stay, Hotel Catalonia El Pilar is a great hotel situated on a walking-distance location from the Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. Just like the grand cathedral, the hotel also has an elegant facade and world-class service.
For a more stylish and modern interior and just a slightly less grand stay, Hotel Sauce is a great choice. They have communal areas that add to the quirky character of the hotel and it does not cost as much as the bigger hotels in the area.
Bed and breakfasts are also available in the city and have become more popular. Renting a whole apartment and getting a more local experience is becoming more common with travellers especially since it costs less than a normal hotel experience.
