You all know that unusual things are not common and are different from normal things, as if you are hearing for the first time that a tree that changes colors and glows, the Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree. A blood falls glacier in Antarctica, where red water flows due to iron oxide, is unusual because red water comes from ice. Don’t you find this unusual, too?
But here we will talk about the unusual things to do in Zaragoza at night. Zaragoza is a city located in Spain. It’s the fifth largest city in the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España), and is also the capital of the Aragon region. Do you know that every year in October, Zaragoza holds a major cultural celebration (El Pilar Festival) which attracts thousands of tourists?
The night in Zaragoza is a unique experience in itself. During the day, this city seems historical and cultural, but at night, its atmosphere changes completely. For instance, lit-up moments, nightlife & Tapas culture, festive nights, and peaceful spots add great charm to the city. The lighting of monuments and the Christmas markets adds an unusual twist. Let’s see more!
Ghost & Legends Night Tour to Experience the Mysteries
Ghost and legends night tours show you the dark side of Zaragoza. In these tours, not just the monuments and architecture but also the ghost stories behind them are narrated. This is an unusual thing to do in Zaragoza, as tourists usually look for heritage, but here they get a combination of mystery and thrill. Ghost tours take place in the historic center of Zaragoza, especially around old, narrow streets and monuments linked with old stories and legends. Some locations include Plaza del Pilar, the nearby Cathedral, and the Old quarters of El Tubo, the Roman ruins, and the captured areas of Aljafería.
Tours usually start after 8 pm at night and lasts for 1.5 to 2 hours. More tours are arranged during high tourist season, like summer or festivals. When you experience this, a local guide or a storyteller leads the group. The guide narrates legends, murders, paranormal activities and myths in a dramatic style. Sometimes actors are also involved. Tours are available in Spanish and English. Keep in mind that it’s not best for kids as stories are creepy, but 12+ or 14+ are recommended.
Night Kayaking on the Ebro River for Adventurers
The Ebro River is Zaragoza’s biggest natural landmark. This is really a unique and memorable activity that every tourist likes to do. You travel in a kayak (small boat) on the Ebro River at night. During the day, it’s an adventure, but at night, the experience becomes even more romantic and unusual because the city lights reflect on the water. Most tours start near the Puente de Piedra (stone bridge), and then pass by the Basilica del Pilar and the Aljaferia Palace.
Small, lead or reflective lights are also fitted to kayaks for night use. You are led by a guide who explains the flow of the river, the history of the safe areas and monuments. The tour usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Most tourists enjoy going there in the months of spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). It also happens in the summer, but travelers prefer nights because of the heat during the day. Timing is around 9 pm to 11 pm. So, you should book your tour in advance, online or from local tour operators.
Many cities in Spain have rivers, but kayaking is a special highlight of Zaragoza, which is considered unusual and unique.
Aljafería Palace at Night Looks Magical and Beautiful
Normally, tourists visit Aljafería Palace during the day, but when it is open at night, the experience becomes different and rare. The Aljafería is an 11th-century Islamic Palace that later became the royal residence of Christian monarchs. During the day, it’s a museum and heritage site, but at night, it’s opened for special tours and cultural programs. Being part of the UNESCO heritage style, it’s located in the center of Zaragoza, on Avenida de Madrid.
Aljafería Palace is crowded and touristy during the day, but at night, the palace is illuminated with lights and gives a mysterious and royal feel. Sometimes special concerts, theater performances and guided tours are arranged at night that general tourists may not get to during the day. Islamic arches, Arabic calligraphy and medieval Christian halls look unusual when seen in the night spotlight, as normally there is less chance to explore the monuments like this.
The main courtyard, Patio de Santa Isabel, is most illuminated. Moorish halls like Salón Dorado and Mosque room look even more royal with unusual lighting. Usually, tourists can visit from 9 pm to midnight; exact timings depend on events. You may think to hear that the Argio Parliament meets here during the day. Isn’t it unusual? As the modern parliament is working inside a medieval palace. Even popular Spanish series “La Casa de las Flores” and some documentaries have been shot here.
Flamenco Came Alive at Night in Secret Peñas
Peñas are actually private clubs set up for local communities. Flamenco concerts are held here, but these are not openly advertised to the general tourists. Instead of hotels or big theaters, you can see real Flamenco in a small space with 20-50 people. It feels raw and natural, not commercial. Often, you don’t know where the next step is; it’s found through local contacts and recommendations.
The performers here do not perform for tourist shows but out of their real passion. It includes live singing, guitar, and dance. Locals enjoy it together, and it’s a rare opportunity for an outsider or tourist if they get an invite on mostly weekend nights. For your information, the original concept of Peñas began in the 20th century when locals created hidden clubs to keep Flamenco alive. Hence, this underground cultural adventure is what makes Zaragoza’s night unusual.
Stargazing Trip at Night Near Monte de Torrero
Zaragoza is usually famous for its historical monuments and nightlife, but stargazing at night is an unexpected and out-of-the-box activity for tourists. Away from the city lights, the area around Monte de Torrero is relatively dark, making for clear skies and perfect for watching the stars. Stargazing trips involve tourists observing the night sky with a telescope or binoculars. Professional astronomy guides can help you identify planets, constellations, the Milky Way, and sometimes even shooting stars.
Local astronomy clubs or private tour operators organize these trips. Sometimes trips also lead into the rural Aragon countryside (45-60 minutes’ drive) for better views. You can enjoy it mostly during clear nights, especially in the summer and autumn months. So, carry warm clothes as it can get very cold at night. New moon nights are the best because the sky is darker and the stars are more visible during those times. There are also some special events, such as the Perseid Meteor Shower in August or Lunar eclipses. So, hey photography lovers, you should carry a long-exposure camera as you will get stunning Milky Way shots.
Moreover, stargazing activity gives tourists a mixed experience of both science and nature. It gives you a silent, cosmic, and peaceful night experience away from the nightlife culture of Zaragoza.
All these activities offer tourists unusual and different nightlife experiences that make Zaragoza different from a typical Spanish city. Now, you should definitely go to Spain for these unusual things to do in Zaragoza!