Hi everybody! I'm planning to visit Zaragoza since I have a low cost flight from my town directly to it. I would like to take Zaragoza as a base and going around there. I'd need some information like:
1) is there something interesting near zaragoza?
2) what about trasportation?
3) do you know cheap accomodation in zaragoza?
4) which is the best time to visit it? How is the climate?
I asked many questions, I know, but I hope someone can answer at some of them at least! Thank you very much!

regards
Sergio

Hi Sergio

I was living in Zaragoza, for nearly 18 years! So, I do know "a little" about the city and the area.... :-)

1) is there something interesting near zaragoza?

First of all, what are your interests?? Something interesting for me may be boring to death for you...

IMO, Zaragoza itself is a "hidden gem". Unknown for many tourists, the old city is lovely, but most visitors only do a short visit to "El Pilar" (a famous basilica, you can see some frescos from Goya and his disciple Bayeu here) and run away. However, next to El Pilar you have a less known church: the cathedral know as "La Seo", one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Spain, recently restored. La Seo was build using part of the old Mosque after the Re-conquest, now a beautiful wall can be admired from the street. Zaragoza has as well one of the best preserved Arabic palaces in Spain (Palacio de la Aljaferia, now the regional parliament), some nice museums (Gargallo, Serrano...) In addition, Zaragoza has a vibrant nightlife, and great food: you can try some of the best tapas in Spain!

As per daytrips, Zaragoza is a bit in the middle of nowhere, even there are many interesting places not so far away: if you have a few days you can go to the Pyrenees (you can set Jaca as base for many interesting daytrips), or do the "Mudejar route" (Teruel - world heritage site, Albarracin...). Closer to Zaragoza you can visit the "Monasterio de Piedra" (not only a monastery, it's a beautiful natural park), visit the town of Fuendetodos (birthplace of Goya), you can go to Barbastro (Somontano area) doing a wineries tour...

Google for these places, I can speak for hours!

You may have a look at this website: http://www.turismodearagon.com/web/en/home.asp

2) what about trasportation?
3) do you know cheap accomodation in zaragoza?
Sorry I can't help about these 2. I did most of my trips around by car, and as I was living in Zaragoza I never needed a hotel; now I abuse of my friends' hospitality when I go there :-). Hopefully others can help!.

4) which is the best time to visit it? How is the climate?
Spring and Autumn. The climate is extreme, in summer more than 40ºC is the norm, in winter you get frozen, it's ALWAYS windy (good point, probably the less polluted city of Spain!). There are interesting Easter traditions, so Semana Santa is a good time to visit, but prices will rise.

Enjoy!

Ti consiglio di rimanere a Saragozza al massimo tre giorni. Bastano e avanzano. L'Aljaferia e la Cattedrale li puoi visitare in un giorno. Non c'è molto altro in città da vedere.

Ciao!

Hello,

Your questions have been answered extremely well already but I can recomend a cheap, clean hotel with character.

DEscanso, San Lorenzo 2 - 976 292 741. Ask for a front facing room which overlooks a lively scuarq where people meet and sit outside for drinks. It cost 24 euro's in the height of summer for a double. You do have to share a bathroom but there are loads per floor and isn't a problem.

There is also a youth hostel too which is around 9 euros per night. c/franco y lopez, off Av Valencia 976 306 692, I haven't visited it and they have a midnight curfew which is ridiculous in Spain. Everything is just getting going.

Have fun, it's an lively city for gret food and fun.

Best wishes

Spacehopper