Old Town Casco Antiguo
Zaragoza's Casco Antiguo blends Moorish palaces, Baroque basilicas, and a lively tapas scene.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the lively tapas scene
Old Town Casco Antiguo
Best Time
Experience the lively tapas scene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Zaragoza's Casco Antiguo blends Moorish palaces, Baroque basilicas, and a lively tapas scene.
"A hidden gem with stunning architecture and a vibrant culinary heart."
🚶♀️ Wander El Tubo
Get lost in El Tubo for authentic tapas and a vibrant atmosphere. A must-do for foodies!
🎟️ Book Aljafería Palace
Consider booking tickets in advance for the Aljafería Palace to save time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Basilica del Pilar
Plaza del Pilar
A breathtaking Baroque basilica with stunning domes and frescoes, a true symbol of Zaragoza.

Aljafería Palace
Calle de los Diputados
A magnificent Moorish palace showcasing intricate Islamic architecture and centuries of history.
La Seo Cathedral
Plaza de la Seo
A unique blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Mudéjar, and Baroque styles, reflecting Zaragoza's diverse past.

El Tubo
Old Town
A labyrinth of narrow streets buzzing with tapas bars and local life, perfect for an evening crawl.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tapas Culture
Prioritize Key Landmarks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wander El Tubo
Get lost in El Tubo for authentic tapas and a vibrant atmosphere. A must-do for foodies!
🎟️ Book Aljafería Palace
Consider booking tickets in advance for the Aljafería Palace to save time.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking in the Old Town, so wear comfy shoes!
📸 Capture the Domes
The Basilica del Pilar's colorful domes are iconic photo spots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wander El Tubo
Get lost in El Tubo for authentic tapas and a vibrant atmosphere. A must-do for foodies!
🎟️ Book Aljafería Palace
Consider booking tickets in advance for the Aljafería Palace to save time.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking in the Old Town, so wear comfy shoes!
📸 Capture the Domes
The Basilica del Pilar's colorful domes are iconic photo spots.
🕰️ Check Opening Hours
Verify opening times for attractions, especially outside peak season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Zaragoza's Old Town for its stunning architecture, particularly the Basilica del Pilar and Aljafería Palace, and its vibrant tapas scene in El Tubo. The city is seen as a charming and historically rich destination that offers great value. Some find the city less bustling than other Spanish capitals, which can be a pro or con depending on preference.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Town, or Casco Antiguo, is easily accessible. Zaragoza's city center is quite walkable, and many attractions like the Basilica del Pilar are located here. You can reach it by bus or tram, with several stops near the main squares. If arriving by train at Zaragoza-Delicias station, a short taxi or bus ride will get you to the heart of the old town.
Yes, Zaragoza's Casco Antiguo is very walkable. Most major historical sites are within close proximity to each other, making it ideal for exploring on foot.
Walking is the best way to explore the narrow streets and soak in the atmosphere of Casco Antiguo. For longer distances within the city, Zaragoza has an efficient public bus and tram system.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of the Old Town can be challenging due to its historic nature and pedestrian zones. Several public parking garages are available nearby, such as the Mercado Central or Plaza del Pilar parking.
Absolutely! The tram line and numerous bus routes serve the areas around the main sights like the Basilica del Pilar and La Seo Cathedral, making public transport a convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main area of the Basilica del Pilar is generally free. However, there might be charges for specific areas like the towers or certain exhibitions. It's always good to check their official website for the latest information.
Ticket prices for the Aljafería Palace can vary. It's recommended to check the official Aragon Government website for current admission fees and any potential discounts. Booking in advance is often advised, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Yes, many of the most iconic sights in Casco Antiguo are free to admire from the outside, including the Basilica del Pilar's exterior and the general ambiance of El Tubo. Walking through the historic streets is also a free and rewarding experience.
La Seo Cathedral has specific opening hours that can change depending on the season and religious services. It's best to consult their official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date schedule.
For attractions like the Aljafería Palace, purchasing tickets online in advance is often possible and recommended to secure your spot and potentially avoid queues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The absolute must-sees include the magnificent Basilica del Pilar, the historic Aljafería Palace, and the architecturally rich La Seo Cathedral. Don't miss exploring the vibrant tapas district of El Tubo.
El Tubo is famous for its lively atmosphere and concentration of tapas bars. It's the go-to spot for experiencing local nightlife and enjoying a variety of small, delicious Spanish dishes.
Yes, various guided tours are available, covering historical sites, architectural highlights, and culinary experiences like tapas tours. These can offer deeper insights into the city's past and culture.
Casco Antiguo offers a blend of historical grandeur and lively local life. You'll find impressive architecture, bustling plazas, and the energetic vibe of tapas bars, especially in the evenings.
Absolutely! The Old Town is a photographer's dream, with stunning architecture like the Basilica del Pilar's domes, the intricate details of the Aljafería Palace, and the charming streets of El Tubo.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
El Tubo is the undisputed champion for tapas in Zaragoza. Wander through its streets and hop between bars to sample a wide array of local specialties. Calle Alfonso is also a popular street for dining.
Don't miss trying Ternasco de Aragón (roast lamb), Migas (a breadcrumb-based dish), and local cheeses. Tapas culture means you can sample many small dishes to get a taste of regional cuisine.
While traditional Spanish cuisine can be meat-heavy, many tapas bars in El Tubo offer vegetarian options like patatas bravas, pimientos de Padrón, and various vegetable-based pinchos. It's always worth asking for recommendations.
The most vibrant time for tapas in El Tubo is typically from Thursday to Saturday evenings, starting around 8 PM. Weekdays can be a bit more relaxed but still offer a great experience.
Tapas can be quite affordable, with prices per tapa generally ranging from €2-€4. Sit-down restaurants might be pricier, but there are options for various budgets. El Tubo offers a great way to eat well without breaking the bank.
📸 📸 Photography
The Basilica del Pilar, especially its colorful domes and interior, is a top spot. The intricate details of the Aljafería Palace, the historic facade of La Seo Cathedral, and the lively street scenes in El Tubo are also highly photogenic.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful light for photographing the architecture. Midday can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the Basilica del Pilar still make for great shots. Evenings in El Tubo offer dynamic, atmospheric photos.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around historical monuments due to privacy and safety regulations. It's advisable to check local drone laws before flying.
For the Basilica del Pilar, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture its grandeur. If shooting indoors, a tripod and higher ISO might be necessary for low-light conditions.
Focus on the lively atmosphere: capture people enjoying tapas, the colorful bar fronts, and the narrow, winding streets. Night photography can be particularly atmospheric here.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more interactive experience, consider visiting the Roman Theatre Museum or the Aquarium Fluvial de Zaragoza (though slightly outside the immediate Casco Antiguo, it's a great family option). The lively atmosphere of El Tubo can also be fun for families looking for a casual bite, though it gets busiest later in the evening.
💰 Budget Travelers
For dining, focus on El Tubo for affordable and delicious tapas. Instead of a formal sit-down meal, you can create a satisfying and varied meal by sampling several tapas at different bars. Look for local bars away from the most tourist-heavy spots for better prices.
couples
Consider a sunset visit to the Basilica del Pilar or a quiet moment admiring the architecture of La Seo Cathedral. The Aljafería Palace offers a glimpse into historical romance and grandeur, making it a unique spot for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Architectural Marvels
Adjacent to the Basilica, La Seo Cathedral (Catedral del Salvador) presents a fascinating architectural journey. It's a unique fusion of Romanesque, Gothic, Mudéjar, and Baroque elements, showcasing centuries of construction and renovation. The Mudéjar apse, in particular, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting the intricate Islamic artistic influence on Christian architecture.
For a glimpse into Moorish splendor, the Aljafería Palace is unparalleled. This 11th-century Islamic fortress-palace is a masterpiece of Taifa architecture, featuring exquisite stucco work, horseshoe arches, and serene courtyards. It later served as a royal palace for Aragonese monarchs and the Spanish Inquisition, adding layers of historical significance.
The Culinary Heartbeat: El Tubo
The experience in El Tubo is as much about the social atmosphere as it is about the food. Expect a lively, sometimes crowded, but always energetic environment. Each bar often has its own specialty, from classic tortilla española and jamón ibérico to more creative pinchos. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in authentic Aragonese life and enjoy a casual, yet delicious, dining experience.
A Stroll Through History and Culture
The city also boasts a lively arts and culture scene. Keep an eye out for street art, small galleries, and local events. On Sundays, the El Rastro market is a popular spot for vintage finds and unique treasures, adding another dimension to the Old Town's character. The general ambiance of the streets, with their historic buildings and charming plazas, provides a constant sense of discovery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit