The first surprise is the hotel chosen as the starting point for shopping in Zaragoza: the Hotel Las Torres, located in the Plaza del Pilar. 

The hotel is known for its state of the art technology, its concern for the environment and its commitment to the Third World, as the Nastasi chain donates 0.7% of its profits to the most needy countries. There is nothing better than resting in a well-equipped room with views of the Basilica del Pilar before some serious shopping.

A little bit of New York 

The first stops are in the shops De Tiros Largos (Casto Méndez Núñez, 24) and Gloria Visiedo (Plaza de los Sitios, 1), with a selection of brands that make you think you are in New York. Meet & Jeans, Rock & Republic by Victoria Beckham, Ed Hardy, to name but a few. On Calle San Miguel you will find Caqui (no. 26), Natural (no. 35) and Size One (no. 46). They all sell women's clothing with an original touch.

The "big guns" await the shopper in Chocolate  (General Sueiro, 2) a shop that leads the fashion pack in Zaragoza. They were the most daring 15 years ago and still are today. They stock from everything from D&G and Chloé to Marc Jacobs, including names such as Amaya Arzuaga, Dior and Stella McCartney. The Bahnhof multistore is found at number 46 on the same street. Celebrities (San Ignacio de Loyola, 8) and Parachute (León XIII, 7) are not to be missed on this fashion tour.

Spanish designers and major chains 

There are far too many to list, but examples are B60 (Pedro María Ric, 1, next to El Corte Inglés), with creations by the illustrator Jordi Labanda and the designers Victorio y Lucchino and Lydia Delgado. Aló (Paseo de las Damas, 44) has won its clients' trust thanks to its wonderful customer service. Lastly, on Paseo de la Independencia, are the big high street chains (Zara, Mango, etc.), ideal for basics, along with an amazing number of jewellers.

For having a well-earned meal, Restaurante La Matilde (Predicadores, 7) is always a good choice. Located next to the Basilica del Pilar, it is famous for a number of things. Firstly, its manager's talent for folding napkins (up to 90 different shapes) and for opening cava bottles with a sabre. Secondly, and more importantly, for its exquisite food, such as the cannelloni with partridge in pickling brine. The Restaurante La Ontina (tel.: 976 221 901, awarded one Repsol Sun), serves the most traditional Aragon dishes, but cooked with a modern flair.