Hi all, we'll be in Spain within the next 2 weeks. I have 1 night reserved in Zaragoza, going to Barcelona from San Sebastian. Should we keep it or skip Zaragoza and stay one more night in San Sebastian in order to visit Bilbao?
We'll be seeing a lot of older architecture in Barcelona, so don't know if it's worth it to stop over.
I'm seeing mixed thoughts. Never been, and the transportation is adding up... thanks!!!
I would most definitely go to Zaragoza! It is a beautiful city with a great deal to offer the tourist - from the El Pilar basilica and the La Seo cathedral to a multitude of Roman ruins and awesome museums, Zaragoza is a very walkable city full of wonderful sites and experiences.
Zaragoza has the Pilar basilica that is a huge and very decorated church in a huge piazza. Nice and large city.
Bilbao (I was there yesterday, my luggage entrusted to Iberia still is there) is a an old and grey industrial city that is being revived through very large modern architecture projects like the Guggenheim museum and the general area around the river. Some interesting photo opportunities if the weather is not impossible as it often is.
Both cities are worth some of your time - 1 to 2 days but not much more. Your choice.
I don't know how much time you have in San Sebastian and Barcelona, but I think Zaragoza is a nice counterpoint. It has some mudejar architecture and feels different from the other two cities. The Aljaferia Palace has been nicely reconstructed and is worth visiting (English audio guide available). It's located roughly midway between the bus/train station and the medieval district. If you're not stopping at the palace, I'd recommend taking one of the city buses running from the station toward the old town. Otherwise, it's a bit of a walk (over 20 minutes, I'd guess). And it can be very hot in Zaragoza.
Note that there's not much in the way of food available in the immediate area of the bus/train station. When I was there in July (maybe low season because of the heat?), the restaurant of the hotel located at the station was closed, with room service available only during the dinner period. There are, of course, lots of food options in the old town.
Zaragoza is definitely worth a stop. All 3 cities are completely different architecturally. Of course Bilbao is Basque, Zaragoza is Aragon, and Barcelona is Catalunya.
We will be in Zaragoza next month for a couple of days during the Pilar Festival. Our third time in the city. We like to run when we travel and there is a great route along the river across from the Basilica de Pilar. Also close by is El Fuelle Restaurante, typical Aragonian food to die for. Aloha!
Aragonese.
Thanks all for your input!
