3 days in Zaragoza as a family with entrance to the river aquarium

Today you will visit the most representative monuments of the city. The first visit will be the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, one of the largest cathedrals in the world and whose tradition says that it was the first Marian temple in Christianity. Located in the Plaza del Pilar, the interior of this basilica is a must and free to visit. Upon entering you will find the Holy Chapel, where the Patron Saint of Hispanity, Zaragoza and the Civil Guard is found: the Virgen del Pilar. So called because it is located on top of a pillar that is actually made of jasper. In addition to the Virgin, inside you can find different works of art by Goya and paintings by the painter Antonio González Velázquez, a major altarpiece made of alabaster, as well as other sacristies and several more chapels dedicated to Santa Ana, San José, San Antonio de Padua, San Braulio, San Agustín, Santa Rosario, San Pedro Arbués, San Lorenzo, San Joaquín and the apostle Santiago. As a historical note, on the walls are the missiles that were launched during the Civil War and that did not explode so they did not manage to destroy the Basilica. These missiles left some holes in the walls and roof of the temple. You have to look closely so you can play with the children to find them. Once you finish the visit, don't forget to stop by the little shop at the exit. There they sell the famousribbons with the measure of the Virgin, as a symbol of protection for the sick and travellers. In fact, you will hardly see a person from Zaragoza without this tape in the car, motorcycle, baby stroller...

Once you have seen the Pilarica, if you want you can go up to the Mirador del Pilar Tower . The ticket is purchased at La Seo, right next door and includes a visit to both monuments for a modest price. The Mirador del Pilar Tower does not have access from inside the Basilica, but the entrance is made from one of the sides of the Pilar, specifically in the tower of San Francisco de Borja. From there, a panoramic glass elevator will take you up 62 meters in about 20 seconds. The kids are going to love it! That yes, later you will have to do the rest of the ascent (18 meters) by the spiral stairs. Don't worry because there are two sections where you can stop to rest before reaching the large glass-enclosed viewpoint, located 80 meters high and with spectacular 360º views of the city, with the Ebro river on one side and the domes of the Basilica, to the other. 

If it's time to eat, our recommendation is that you go to the Santa Marta or El Tubo area, where you'll find different restaurants, bars and cafes. They are not restaurants with a playground area but they are traditional and perfect for trying some of the tapas, pinchos and typical dishes of Zaragoza. After eating, a bit of exercise and games are not bad. In the Parque Grande you won't be short of rides, entertainment and fun. This park brings together families from Zaragoza and visitors from all over Spain as it is a green area in the middle of the city, famous for its fountains that light up at nightfall. In addition, this park has a train that runs through it and they love it. to the kids. This is the Chuchu train, a very lively little train with children's music that goes around the site several times. The ticket is bought at the same point where it leaves and it is very affordable. In the surroundings of the Parque Grande you will find cafes, bars and restaurants, in case you feel like having a snack or something to eat. If you prefer to dine near the center, there you will find several restaurants with a children's area for children to play and adults can relax a bit . Among them are the Dídola Don Jaime, a cafeteria restaurant and bookstore ideal for the little ones, and the Davia Gulabar, with a children's playground with a wooden castle.