How to Explore Zaragoza in 6 Hours

Whenever I read about places to visit in Spain, I feel like Zaragoza often gets overlooked by international tourists, even though it is the 5th largest city in the country. I really enjoyed my visit here even though it was only for 6 hours. Zaragoza is a 1 hour 40 minute train ride from Barcelona, so I thought it was a great opportunity to stop here and explore before I continue my way to Bilbao. What is nice about the train terminals in Europe is that you can easily store your luggage for €5 so you don’t have to lug around your bags when you explore. Simply bring the essentials (in my case, my camera backpack) and leave the rest behind.

Due to my time constraints, I kept my sightseeing list short in Zaragoza. 6 hours may seem like a short duration to truly experience the city, but the majority of the sight sees are situated within blocks from each other. Here are 3 places you must include on your to-do list:

1) Palacio Alijaferia

If you like ancient architectural buildings, then the palace is for you. There is a bus stop right outside this cultural landmark, so all you need to do is find the right bus from the train terminal. It’s also along the way to the main square, so I would recommend coming here first. Unfortunately, it was under construction when I went, but I walked around the palace and soaked in the beautiful sight. They do offer visits inside the palace, so be sure to go on their website and check the business hours.

2) Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar

If you walk another 20 minutes east from the palace, you will find another stunning architectural Baroque behemoth: the Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. The cathedral is situation right along the Ebro river, and it’s right in the heart of the old town plaza. The English translation of the cathedral is “Our lady of the pillar”, and this is because according to ancient local tradition, when the cathedral was being built, the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared to St. James the Apostle and she stood on top of the pillar. Thus, the chapel was built around this pillar. Now, every year in October, thousands of pilgrims flock to this site to partake a festival in honor of the Lady of the Pillar.

3) Museum of Goya

Unfortunately, I did not have time to go check this out but if I had to choose one museum, this would have been the one to explore. You do not have to walk far after the cathedral as the museum is in the same plaza (literally right across from it). Francisco de Goya was born near Zaragoza, so understandably one of the floors in the museum is dedicated exclusively to Goya. Price of admission is 6 EUR.

The plaza makes for a prime urban and/or architecture photography opportunity. I did not have the time to explore the restaurant scene in Zaragoza, so I don’t have any food recommendations. However, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here as the city is rich with history and tradition!