Zaragoza, my city
What's it like living in Zaragoza? Do you recommend it? How is it?
I've lived there my whole life. I live in Actur and I'm lucky because I can walk almost everywhere. Zaragoza is quite big but if you're lucky and you have a well-situated accomodation, you'll be close to the majority of the important places. I for example can walk to Pilar, the city centre, to Gran Casa (a shopping centre) and to my university, the Centro Politécnico Superior, located in the Rio Ebro campus, a little isolated from the city, but it only takes me 20 minutes to walk there.
I believe that Zaragoza is an amazing place to live, there are many young people, a lot of parties, endless things to visit and a lot of culture to explore.
My city is very pretty. One of the things I like the most is that, since the Roman era, many different civilisations have passed through here. The result of this is that there are monuments built by many different cultures, from the Roman Theatre to the Arabic Aljafería. This is why I'd say that the city, from a cultural perspective, has so much to offer.
I recommend living in Zaragoza because it also provides many opportunities for leisure, fun and making friends.
The only problem I'll mention would be the weather, it's either very cold or very warm. As I write this I'm confined to my house with no intentions of going out on the street because it's the middle of August and way too hot to go outside.
How's student life in Zaragoza?
Student life is very good here. The clubs organise many parties solely for university students. If you attend the university of the San Francisco campus, located in the centre, you'll have the luck of being near to the bar area, always full of people wanting to party.
When you walk through these streets, you'll find they're always full of young people eating or drinking something after leaving their classes, or perhaps just taking a break.
My campus, which is a little further away from the city, very far from the centre, has a different atmosphere. There are no bars nearby, but when the weather is good everyone goes outside and lies on the grass, sunbathing, spending time with friends, having a break from studies or even eating.
In every university there are always posters advertising the parties in the different clubs. People usually go to La Zona, El Rollo or El Casco, as the prices are affordable and the nightlife is relaxed.
What's the cost of living in Zaragoza?
It doesn't cost too much, especially if you find a well-located student flat, then you can save on public transport. And as for eating and such other things, it's usually quite cheap, above all if you always prepare meals at home and avoid eating in expensive restaurants.
Was it difficult to find accommodation in Zaragoza? Do you have any advice?
I've never had to look for accommodation, as I've lived here my whole life. I have friends from other cities that have looked for student flats, normally one can be found near your university and it's even more affordable if you share it with other students.
I'd recommend living close to campus, as you'll have to go there every day. Also join up with anyone you may know.
Of course there are university halls for students, and they are highly recommendable, as they have a good atmosphere.
How's the food in Spain? What are your favourite dishes?
Well, Spanish cuisine is the best in the world, as everyone knows. My favourite Spanish dishes are paella and tortilla de patata (Spanish omelette), which are the most famous dishes for a reason.
In Zaragoza there are good restaurants and for a typical restaurant of the city I suggest trying El Calamar Bravo.
What places do you recommend visiting in Zaragoza
There are so many! As for historical monuments, you can't miss a visit to the Forum and the Roman Theatre, the Cathedral, El Pilar, and the Aljafería. And don't forget to go to the Central Market sometime.
Of all the museums, you can't miss the Goya Museum, the Pablo Gargallo Museum and the Pablo Serrano Museum.
And the parks, it's obligatory to visit the Parque Grande and the Water Park, built for the Expo Zaragoza 2008.
And eating in Zaragoza? What are your favourite places?
The truth is that I usually go eat out at modern restaurants, such as TGB which is in Plaza España. Also El 16, La Ontina, Uasabi or the new Le Petit Comité
Where are the best places to go out in Zaragoza?
El Casco, without forgetting to stop by La Mina, small but very good, or by Espit Chupitos. Kenbo is located very close by. And when I go to La Zona I always end up at El Fox, or Babia.
Personally, I liked El Casco much more, I recommend it if you prefer bars (what wonderful places! ). If you're more of a clubber, it's better to go to La Zona, or straight to Kenbo / Casa del Loco.
Take advantage of any good weather and do the "Juepincho" for dinner - it takes place every "jueves", or Thursday, and involves going out and eating "pinchos" (like tapas).
Any advice you want to give to future students going to Zaragoza?
Enjoy everything that the city offers and let yourself be immersed in the Spanish way of life.
And above all, if you're there during October, don't forget to participate in the Fiestas del Pilar, there's a lot of parties, things to do, food stalls and concerts.
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- Español: Zaragoza, mi ciudad
- Italiano: Saragozza, la mia città
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