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Oficina de Turismo Zaragoza - Sede Central

zaragoza tourist card

Cuisine ideas in Zaragoza

Tourist taking a photograph of the Basílica del Pilar in Zaragoza, Aragón

Zaragoza in two days

Zaragoza Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is the perfect Spanish off the beaten path destination. Despite being Spain’s 5 th largest country, it is relatively off the tourist trail. However it has plenty to offer! Zaragoza is the perfect destination for lovers of tapas, beautiful architecture and fascinating history. It also has a beautiful riverfront area which is ideal for relaxing riverside walks. Best of all, it is conveniently located between Madrid and Barcelona , making it a convenient stopover point when travelling through Spain . In this Zaragoza destination guide we’ll share what you need to know to plan the ultimate Zaragoza vacation.

Short on time? Here are our Zaragoza Spain top recommendations: Highlights : marvel at imposing Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, stroll along the El Ebro River and lose yourself in Zaragoza’s many museums. Activities : book your Zaragoza Spain Tours with Get Your Guide . Accommodation : we use Booking.com to find the best hotels. Transport : TrainLine for trains and FlixBus for intercity buses. Car Hire : for great value car rental in Spain we recommend  Localrent.com Flights : find cheapest flights with cashback on WayAway . Airport Lounge Access : start your holiday the right way with Priority Pass . Travel Medical Insurance : SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the ideal choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

What is Zaragoza Spain famous for?

Zaragoza is the capital of the Aragon autonomous community of Spain and has a rich history that spans over 2000 years. The city has been ruled by Romans, Goths, Moors, Aragonese and Catholic monarchs, providing it with a rich tapestry of culture and architecture. Some of the historical buildings that Zaragoza is most well-known for include the Roman ruins of Teatro Romano, the Moorish Aljafería Palace as well as the Baroque cathedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. Additionally, Zaragoza is known for its regional cuisine as well as its vibrant festivals.

Why you should visit Zaragoza Spain

View from Torreon de la Zuda Zaragoza Spain

We were pleasantly surprised by the charming city of Zaragoza. While we mainly chose to come here to break up the trip from Madrid to Barcelona , we quickly fell in love with this underrated city.

Zaragoza is a stunning city which lies on the banks of the beautiful Ebro River. From the riverfront you have spectacular views of the towering church Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pila. But this isn’t the only architectural marvel on full display in the city. Throughout Zaragoza there are many impressive buildings as well as sprawling parks and wide promenades to enjoy. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s an abundance of excellent restaurants and eateries to tempt your tastebuds. Be sure to try out some tapas as well as some of the local delicacies while you’re here. Zaragoza is a relaxed city with a more local vibe than some of its neighbouring cities. It’s definitely worth a visit when travelling in Spain .

Zaragoza Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about zaragoza spain.

Restaurante los Helechos Zaragoza Spain

  • City name in English – Saragossa
  • Language – Spanish. English is widely spoken throughout the country, but not everyone you meet will be able to speak English. Catalan is also the co-official language of three autonomous communities in eastern Spain: Catalonia, the Valencian Community, and the Balearic Islands.
  • Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of Spain since 1999. Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are also available widely throughout the country.
  • Population – 675,301 (2021)
  • Area – 973.8 km 2 (376 sq mi)
  • Province – Zaragoza (Zaragoza is the capital of this province)
  • Autonomous community – Aragon (Zaragoza is the capital of this autonomous community)
  • Emergency number – 112
  • Police number – 091

Utilities in Zaragoza Spain

  • Electricity – Spain uses Types C and E power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are not common in Spain.
  • Water – the tap water in Spain is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country. However old pipes may lead to some contamination in the water. Additionally the water may taste different to what you are used to. If in doubt ask your accommodation.
  • Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Spain. You can flush your toilet paper directly into the toilet in most places. However on islands, mountain areas and more remote places the plumbing may not be able to handle toilet paper and you may need to use a bin provided instead. Public toilets are not common in Spain, but are available in bars and restaurants for free. Some bars and restaurants only allow customers to use their toilets – ask if in doubt. The public toilets that are available usually cost 10-50 cents to use.
  • Telephone country code: +34

Where is Zaragoza Spain?

Zaragoza is the capital of the Aragon autonomous community as well as the province of Zaragoza of Spain . It is in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula in the Ebro Valley. Zaragoza also lies on the banks of the Ebro River. It is an inland city in north-eastern Spain.

Zaragoza is roughly equidistant from the cities of Bilbao, Madrid , Valencia as well as Barcelona in Spain, being roughly 3 hours drive from each of these Spanish cities. It is also roughly equidistant from the French cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse , being around 5 hours drive from these French cities.

How to get to Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza destination guide: arriving by land, zaragoza spain intercity land transport.

Atocha-Renfe Train Station Madrid Spain

The main transport options for travelling overland to Zaragoza Spain are:

  • Private vehicle
  • Private transport operator

Driving to Zaragoza

If you are driving to Zaragoza, here are the travel times and distances:

  • Bilbao Spain – 2 hours 58 minutes (302km, 188miles) with tolls, 3 hours 50 minutes (321km, 199miles) without tolls.
  • Barcelona Spain – 3 hours 8 minutes (307km, 191miles) without tolls.
  • Valencia Spain – 3 hours 10 minutes (309km, 192miles) without tolls.
  • Madrid Spain – 3 hours 32 minutes (322km, 200miles) without tolls.
  • Andorra la Vella Andorra – 3 hours 53 minutes (303km, 188miles) with tolls, 3 hours 54 minutes (304km, 189miles) without tolls.
  • Bordeaux France – 5 hours 7 minutes (492km, 306miles) with tolls, 5 hours 46 minutes (449km, 279miles) without tolls.
  • Toulouse France – 5 hours 6 minutes (392km, 244miles) with tolls, 5 hours 31 minutes (392km, 244miles) without tolls.

Intercity trains to Zaragoza Spain

Renfe Train from Madrid to Zaragoza Spain

Trains are a cheap and also an efficient way to get to Zaragoza Spain. The main train station in Zaragoza is Zaragoza-Delicias train station. This is located in the north-west of Zaragoza.

Most trains to Zaragoza are AVE trains. However the following train brands service Zaragoza:

  • AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) trains – this is Spain’s intercity high speed rail service.
  • Avant trains – Avant trains share the same high-speed lines as the AVE trains, but are for shorter (media distancia) journeys.
  • Alvia trains – these are long distance high speed trains which connect various major cities in Spain.
  • Intercity trains – this is a non-high speed rail service which operates on the ‘classic’ rail network in Spain.
  • Altaria trains – these are Spain’s fast long-distance trains.
  • Media distancia trains – these are medium distance trains that operate in Spain. They are faster than regional trains but don’t use high speed rail lines.
  • Cercanías Zaragoza trains – this is Zaragoza’s commuter rail service which connects Zaragoza and its metropolitan area.

The Spanish national railway company that operates these services is called RENFE (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Españoles or National Network of Spanish Railways).

EN - 970x250

We recommend using the app and website TrainLine to book intercity train tickets in Spain . This is the app we use to book trains in Europe . It is very easy to use with great functionality. Another great feature is that you can see days ahead to see what times of the day were the cheapest rates.

Intercity buses to Zaragoza Spain

Estación Central Autobuses de Zaragoza Spain

A common way to get around Spain is by using intercity buses. These are a budget friendly alternative to trains, but are generally a slower option. Intercity bus companies in Spain include Alsa, SAMAR, Avanza, FlixBus as well as Blablacar bus. Popular bus destinations from Zaragoza include:

  • Barcelona Spain – travel time 2.5-4 hours. Tickets start from 17 euro one way.
  • Sabiñánigo Spain – travel time 2 hours. Tickets start from 18 euro one way.
  • Pampolona Spain – travel time 2.25 hours. Tickets start from 17 euro one way.
  • San Sebastián Spain – travel time 3.75 hours. Tickets start from 25 euro one way.
  • Bilbao Spain – travel time 4 hours. Tickets start from 22 euro one way.
  • Madrid Spain – travel time 3.5-4 hours. Tickets start from 21 euro one way.
  • Benasque Spain – travel time 3.75 hours. Tickets start from 26 euro one way.
  • Andorra la Vella Andorra – travel time 4.5 hours. Tickets start from 31 euro one way.
  • Seville Spain – travel time 6-7 hours. Tickets start from 43 euro one way.

Zaragoza destination guide: Arriving by air

Baggage Area Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport

The nearest airport to Zaragoza Spain is Zaragoza Airport (Airport code ZAZ). This international airport is 14km (9miles) from the city.

Other nearby airports include:

  • Lleida–Alguaire Airport (Airport code ILD). This airport is 118km (73miles) away.
  • Pamplona Airport (Airport code PNA). This airport is 139km (87miles) away.
  • Logroño–Agoncillo Airport (Airport code RJL). This airport is 149km (93miles) away.

The national airline of Spain is Iberia.

Zaragoza destination guide: Arriving by boat

Río Ebro Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is an inland city. However you can do river cruises or rent a boat on the Ebro River. However keep in mind that the whole stretch of the Ebro River is not navigable.

Cruise Critic

Zaragoza destination guide: How to get around Zaragoza Spain

Walking in zaragoza spain.

Streetview Zaragoza Spain

By far the easiest and cheapest way to get around Zaragoza is to walk. Most of the main attractions in the city area are within walking distance.

Local buses in Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is serviced by local buses.

Local trains in Zaragoza Spain

Cercanías Zaragoza trains are Zaragoza’s local commuter rail service. It services Zaragoza and also connects Zaragoza and its metropolitan area.

Renfe Operadora is the railway company that operates these services.

Zaragoza Tourist Bus

An easy way to see Zaragoza is with the Zaragoza Bus Turistico. This is a Hop On Hop Off sightseeing bus. The route includes 16 stops and the full route takes about 90 minutes. An adult ticket costs 8 euro and is valid for 24 hours from the first use (price as at 2024).

Trams in Zaragoza Spain

The Zaragoza tramway currently consists of 1 tramline with 25 stops. A further 2 lines are in the planing stages.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza does not have a metro system.

Vehicle hire in Zaragoza Spain

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Spain . This includes:

  • Bicycles – There are self-service bike share services available in the city such as Bizi Zaragoza. Alternatively you can hire a bike from a bike hire shop such as La Ciclería.
  • Electric scooters
  • Motorcycles

In Spain they drive on the right side of the road.

Shuttles in Zaragoza Spain

Shuttles make short repetitive journeys between two destinations. Common journeys include going between the airport and the city centre.

Taxis in Spain

Taxis are common in Spain . Fares are regulated and are usually metered. The exception to this will be standard journeys such as airport trips in some cities. In this case the fare will be a fixed price. However in general your fare will include the following costs:

  • The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle
  • Price per kilometre – this price can vary depending on the time of day
  • Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic. The price also varies depending on the time of day
  • There may also be an additional fee for certain days (e.g. Christmas and New Year) or for luggage

However in for some trips such as from the airport to the city centre fares may be a fixed price that is agreed on before the trip.

It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers in Spain. At most, locals may round up the fare to the nearest dollar as a tip.

Ride-share services in Spain

There are a number of ride-share services that operate in Spain . These include Uber, Cabify, FREE NOW and CarpoolWorld.

Zaragoza destination guide: Is Zaragoza worth visiting?

Zaragoza is a hidden gem that is worth visiting. Its low numbers of international visitors give the city a more authentic feel, which adds to its charm. Zaragoza is very scenic, sitting on the banks of the Ebro River and with many spectacular and historical buildings scattered around the city. Additionally, Zaragoza is home to one of Spain ’s biggest festivals, Las Fiestas del Pilar, which is held in October each year. The festivals include customs of the region with fireworks, music, food and parades. Furthermore, Zaragoza is conveniently located between Madrid and Barcelona making it a convenient stopover when travelling through Spain.

Zaragoza destination guide: How long to spend in Zaragoza Spain

Courtyard Palacio de Sástago Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is a great place to come for a weekend. It is a charming riverside city with stunning architecture and plenty of history. We spent 3 nights in Zaragoza and enjoyed taking time to enjoy the various activities available in this beautiful city.

Zaragoza destination guide: What to do in Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is a relaxed Spanish city with many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Zaragoza destination guide: Free things to do in Zaragoza Spain

Museo de Zaragoza Spain

There are enough free activities in Zaragoza Spain to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

  • Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
  • Palacio de la Aljaferia
  • Plaza del Pilar
  • Parque Grande Jose Antonio Labordeta
  • Puente de Piedra
  • Calle Alfonso I
  • Museo de Zaragoza
  • Fuente de la Hispanidad
  • Mercado Central

Fuente de la Hispanidad Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza destination guide: Paid activities in Zaragoza Spain

A number of attractions in Zaragoza Spain charge an entry fee:

  • La Seo del Salvador – entry fee is 7 euro for adults (as at 2024). There are a number of free entry days throughout the year.
  • Torre Del Pilar – entry fee is 5 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Acuario de Zaragoza – entry fee is 18 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Emoz – entry fee is 3 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Belchite – entry fee is 8 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Museo Pablo Gargallo – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Museo del Fuego y de los Bomberos – entry fee is 3.20 for adults (as at 2024). There are a number of free entry days throughout the year.
  • Patio de la Infanta – entry fee is 3 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Museo de los Faroles y Rosario de Cristal – entry fee is 5 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Museo Goya Coleccion Ibercaja – entry fee is 8 euro for adults (as at 2024). Free entry on the 1 st Wednesday of each month as well as a number of other days throughout the year.
  • Museo del Teatro Romano de Caesaraugusta – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Caixaforum Zaragoza – entry fee is 6 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Alma Mater Museum – entry fee is 3 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Museo De Tapices Y Capitular De La Seo – entry fee is 10 euro for adults (as at 2024). Entry fee includes a visit to the cathedral La Seo del Salvador.
  • Iglesia Parroquial de San Pablo Apóstol – entry fee is 3 euro for adults (as at 2024).
  • Museo Pilarista – entry fee is 3 euro for adults (as at 2024).

However many of these attractions have free entry with the Zaragoza Card. See the Zaragoza Card section below for more information.

Zaragoza Card

The Zaragoza Card is a city card that allows you to explore a range of attractions in Zaragoza for free. Additionally you can use public transport for free and there are also discounts and special offers for a selection of shops, restaurants and bars in the city. There are 24 hour, 48 hour and 72 hour passes are available. It is available for purchase at the tourism offices in the city:

  • Oficina de Turismo Plaza del Pilar
  • Tourism Center Torreón de la Zuda
  • Tourism Office Zaragoza Delicias

Weather in Zaragoza Spain

Plaza España Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza has a semi-arid climate, which is similar to the capital of Madrid . It has cold winters, with average temperature range between 3°C and 11°C (38°F and 52°F) in the coldest month of January. Summers last from June to September and are hot and sunny, with the average temperature range between 19°C and 32°C (65°F and 90°F) in the hottest month of July. It is a windy city and sometimes experiences powerful cold and dry winds, known as the cierzo from the Atlantic. Zaragoza doesn’t experience much rainfall across the year with only 330mm (13in) throughout the year. The month with the most rainfall is May with 6.4 days of rain on average and the driest month is July with an average of 3.0 rainy days.

Best time to visit Zaragoza Spain

The best time to visit Zaragoza is either Spring (April to May) or Autumn (September to October),when the weather is most pleasant. Zaragoza, much like a lot of Spain, experiences very hot summers and temperatures exceeding 40°C are increasingly common over July and August. It is best to avoid the city at this time if you don’t like the extreme heat.

Internet and mobile phones in Spain

Since June 15th, 2017, Roam Like at Home (RLAT) rules came into force for European Union countries. As such, people with European Union mobile numbers are no longer charged temporary mobile roaming fees if they travel within the European Union. This means that if you have a European Union mobile number, you can use that number anywhere within the European Union and you will be charged for calls, texts and data in the same rates as if you were in your home country. There are limits to this in order to prevent abuse of these rules.

The main internet and phone companies in Spain include Movistar, Orange, Vodafone and Yoigo.

5G has been in Spain since June 2021. However 2G is expected to continue in Spain until 2030 and 3G until 2025.

Spain is ranked 60 th fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 11 th fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 218mbps and upload is 158mbps (as at April 2024).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in many places throughout Spain. These include phone storess, at airports as well as online. You need to show your passport, visa and a passport photo to get a SIM card.

How much to budget for Zaragoza Spain?

Is zaragoza expensive.

Zaragoza is a fairly inexpensive city to visit. Accommodation costs are reasonable, the city is very walkable and is well-serviced by public transport and there are many free or cheap activities available. Furthermore, restaurant prices are in line with other Spanish cities and are relatively cheap by European standards.

Zaragoza destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Zaragoza Spain

Churros-Plaza del Pilar Zaragoza Spain

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

  • Low-budget daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you budget accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking or catching local transport to get around the city and free or cheap activities.
  • Mid-range daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or catching local transport to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants and some paid activities.
  • Luxury spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience, staying at high end hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range paid activities and eating at high end restaurants.

Zaragoza destination guide: Accommodation in Zaragoza Spain

Hostal Milmarcos Zaragoza Spain

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Zaragoza Spain. Airbnb operates in Spain and we were impressed with the range of options available in Zaragoza.

Where to stay in Zaragoza Spain

We recommend the following accommodation in Zaragoza:

  • Best budget hotel in Zaragoza – Hotel Sauce is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town. It provides clean and cosy rooms with double glazed windows to keep it nice and quiet. The staff are friendly and helpful. There is also a fantastic bakery attached to the hotel which offers a great range of quality breakfast options.
  • Best mid-range hotel in Zaragoza – Hotel Catalonia El Pilar is a beautifully renovated hotel in a great position. It is located right in the middle of town, close to everything. The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds and a lovely outlook. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the breakfasts are excellent with lots of choices.
  • Best luxury hotel in Zaragoza – Hotel Reina Petronila is a modern hotel with spacious and comfortable rooms. The breakfasts are delicious and the staff are exceptional. It has a nice pool and spa area and paid parking on-site. On the downside, the wifi is a bit slow and it is located outside of the city centre.

How much is accommodation in Zaragoza Spain?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

  • Budget accommodation – 16-26 euro for a bed in a dorm
  • Mid-range accommodation – 40-120 euro for a private room
  • Luxury accommodation – 145-155 euro a night for a luxury hotel
  • Rental property – 70-370 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-5 bedroom home

Zaragoza destination guide: Food in Zaragoza Spain

Cafetería Con Rasmia Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza has a great food scene with a number of local specialities. Tapas are popular in the city, particularly around El Tubo, which are famous streets in the city that have the named after their long and tubular shape.

How much does food cost in Zaragoza Spain?

Our price guide for your food budget in Zaragoza Spain is as follows (prices as at 2022):

  • Restaurant meal – 8-15 euro for a main dish
  • Fast food – 7-9 euro for a meal
  • Bakery food – 1.5-2 euro for an empanadilla or loaf of bread
  • Beer – 2-3 euro
  • Coffee – 1-2 euro

Paella-Meson Zamorano 2 Zaragoza Spain

Tap water at restaurants in Spain

Restaurants in Spain cannot refuse to serve tap water to their customers, even if they think the tap water doesn’t taste good. They also cannot charge the customer for tap water.

Cover charge for restaurants in Spain

Restaurants in Spain generally don’t charge a fixed per person charge for things like table linen and tableware. Bread and olives are often brought to your table, but you can only be charged for this if it is requested and the price is indicted. If in doubt, ask your server.

Service charge for restaurants in Spain

Candolias bar Zaragoza Spain

Restaurants in Spain generally do not charge service charges. If they do, you will find the words “servicio incluido” written on the bill. Conversely “servico non incluido” means a service charge is not included in the bill. Tipping is not compulsory nor expected in Spain. When Spaniards tips, its generally only one or two euro.

Terrace surcharge for restaurants in Spain

Some restaurants in Spain charge a higher price to sit outside on the terrace area compared to inside the restaurant. This terrace surcharge will be clearly listed on the menu either as a per person charge, a percentage surcharge or as separate prices for the terrace and indoor areas.

IVA tax for restaurants in Spain

You may find an IVA charge added to your bill. This is a value added tax and is currently 10%. This is generally charged for more upmarket restaurants, and the IVA needs to be clearly stated on the menu.

Regional dishes in Zaragoza Spain

  • Ternasco de Aragon – young lamb from the Aragon region (one of the local breeds – Ojinegra de Teruel, Maellana, Ansotana, Rasa Aragonesa or Roya Bilbilitana). Usually also served with potatoes.
  • Migas Aragonesas – pan-fried breadcrumbs with onion, garlic and chorizo. Often served with grapes.
  • Pollo al Chilindrón – a Spanish stew with chicken in a tomato, red capsicum and onion sauce.
  • Magras con Tomate – a pork and tomato dish.
  • Huevos al Salmorrejo – eggs with pork and asparagus.
  • Borrajas con patatas – borage with potatoes.
  • Rice with borage and clams
  • Arroz a la Zaragozana – a rice and meat dish.
  • Bacalao Ajoarriero – a cod dish. In Zaragoza this is often made with potatoes and eggs.
  • Escabeche – meat (usually chicken rabbit or partridge; sometimes fish) cooked in oil and vinegar with spices and vegetables.
  • Fruits of Aragon – candied fruit dipped in chocolate
  • Trenza de Almúdevar – a braided pastry with a nut filling.
  • Chireta sausage
  • Longaniza de Graus sausage
  • Tronchon cheese
  • Roasted suckling pig

Cheap Eats in Zaragoza Spain

  • The restaurant chain 100 Montaditos is our favourite cheap eat in Spain . It is a tapas restaurant that has an extensive menu at affordable prices. On Wednesdays as well as Sundays they have specials where many of their tapas items are only 1 or 2 euro each.
  • Bakeries are a great place to get cheap and also delicious food. Empanadillas (small empanadas) are typically around 1.50-2 euro.
  • Local markets are often a great place to get a cheap meal in Spain. We also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere or local markets.

Fine dining in Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is home to a number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

1 star Michelin restaurants in Zaragoza Spain (2024):

Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Zaragoza Spain (2024):

Michelin Plate restaurants in Zaragoza Spain (2024):

Zaragoza Spain culture

Zaragoza public holidays.

  • New Year’s Day – 1 January
  • Epiphany – 6 January
  • Holy Thursday – the Thursday before Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
  • Good Friday – the Friday before Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
  • St George’s Day – 23 April
  • Labor Day – 1 May
  • Assumption of the Virgin – 15 August
  • Hispanic Day – 12 October
  • All Saints Day – 1 November
  • Constitution Day – 6 December
  • Immaculate Conception Day – 8 December
  • Christmas Day (Navidad) – 25 December

National symbols of Spain

Palacio de Sástago Zaragoza Spain

  • Spain flag – a flag featuring three horizontal bands coloured red, yellow, red with the Spain coat of arms slightly to the left in the middle band. The yellow band is twice the size of the red bands.
  • Spain coat of arms – this features the arms of the Spanish medieval kingdoms, the Royal Crown, the arms of the House of Bourbon, the Pillars of Hercules and the Spanish national motto: “Plus Ultra”.
  • National flower – red carnation
  • National bird – Spanish imperial eagle
  • Spanish national animal – the bull

Spain pastimes

Centro de Historias Zaragoza Spain

  • National dish – paella
  • Popular drinks – sangria, wine, beer, horchata, granizados, sherry, rebujito, vermouth, tinto de verano, coffee.
  • National sport – football
  • Religion – 56% Catholic, 2.8% other faiths such as Islam, Protestant Christian and Buddist (as at 2022)

Famous people from Zaragoza Spain

IAACC Pablo Serrano Zaragoza Spain

  • Famous people born in Zaragoza Spain – actor Mark Consuelos, model Alejandra Andreu, television presenter Adriana Abenia, singer Enrique Bunbury, actress Alexandra Jiménez, comedian Miki Nadal, actress Elena Rivera
  • Sports stars from Zaragoza Spain – basketball player Carlos Alocén, basketball player José Arcega, Olympic water polo player Andrea Blas, cyclist David Cañada, boxer Perico Fernández, Olympic field hockey player Begoña García Grau, Olympic pole vaulter Javier Gazol, Olympic beach volleyball player Raúl Mesa, basketball player Cristina Ouviña, Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales, basketball player Juan Antonio San Epifanio, karateka Babacar Seck

Is Zaragoza Spain Safe?

Spain travel guide: safety in spain.

Museo de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad de Zaragoza Spain

We travelled through Spain for three weeks and found the country to be extremely safe. As with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets particularly in Barcelona and Madrid as well as other large cities. Be particularly vigilant around tourist areas, in transport and on beaches. Never leave your valuables unattended in a car. Also, make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase.

Terror attacks have occurred in Spain in the past and still pose a significant risk. The national terrorism alert for Spain is ‘high’ as at 2024. Watch out for any threats and take official warnings seriously.

The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is a dangerous activity and consequently may not be covered by travel insurance.

Spain travel guide: General safety considerations in Spain

Other general safety considerations for travel in Spain:

  • Drinking water – the tap water in Spain is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country. However old pipes may lead to some contamination.
  • Mosquitoes – the tiger mosquito has been present in Spain since 2004. This type of mosquito spreads diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikunguya.
  • Altitude sickness – Spain has areas of high altitude. This comes with the risk of altitude sickness. If you are planning to visit any high altitude areas in Spain, be sure to allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
  • Road safety – Spain roads are in excellent condition and very safe. Additionally, its highway network is very extensive. Nevertheless, take care on roads.
  • Water safety – if you visit any of the coastal areas or lakes, take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect.
  • Earthquakes – Spain experiences earthquake activity. If you experience an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If you are inside get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If you are outside, stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings.
  • Natural disasters – in addition to earthquakes, Spain also experiences volcanic activity, severe storms and forest fires.
  • Sun safety – exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

Spain Blogs

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Sunset Palacio de Cibeles Madrid Spain

20 Best FREE Things To Do in Madrid Spain (with map)

Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona Spain

Barcelona Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar Zaragoza Spain

Madrid Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

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que ver en zaragoza

The 15 best things to do in Zaragoza

  • Sofía Pozuelo
  • UPDATED: 21/11/2023

👩🏻‍⚕️ Let me remind you that it's very important to book good international insurance if you are going to a destination where you do not have medical coverage. We always use Heymondo travel insurance . You can get a 5% discount by booking it here .

If visiting Zaragoza is on your bucket list, you've come to the right place. In this post, you'll discover the best things to do in Zaragoza that you must include in your itinerary. Get ready to explore a historical city where the past and present coexist in every aspect; you'll be amazed!

I have always loved this city, and I will continue to do so. It is the place where I was born and raised up until the age of 10, when my family and I relocated to a town outside of Madrid. I've been going back ever since, at least once a year. Whenever I visit Zaragoza, there are some activities I simply must do, such as visiting Plaza del Pilar or eating some tapas in Tubo. There are many other things to do, keep reading to find out what they are!

Table of contents

Things to do in zaragoza.

Let’s start with the 15 must-see places in Zaragoza!

1. La Plaza del Pilar, one of the best places to visit in Zaragoza

plaza del pilar

I could not start this list of the best things to do in Zaragoza with any other place than Plaza del Pilar, the heart of the city. You will surely pass by this square more than once during your visit to the Aragonese capital, and it is full of treasures. Starting from the west side of the square, where you’ll find the Roman Walls, of which I will give some details later. Next to the walls is the church of San Juan de los Panetes.

Next, you will find the Fuente de la Hispanidad, inaugurated in 1991. If you look closely, you will notice that its outline draws a map of Latin America. A little further on, you will come across the Ball of the World, a sculpture that is also part of the reform that was made in the Plaza del Pilar almost 2 decades ago. Here appears the beautiful and incredible Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar.

On the other side of the square, we have the Zaragoza City Hall, La Lonja Exhibition Hall and the Monument to Francisco de Goya. A little further back, in the Plaza la Seo, we find the Museum of the Forum of Caesaraugusta and the Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, which I will also talk about below.

As you can see, you can easily spend some time visiting all the places of interest near Plaza del Pilar. Although one of the best plans is to sit on a terrace to have a drink and enjoy the views and the atmosphere. Also, if you are traveling with family and children, you can have some adults-only time while the little ones play in the square.

I recommend you take this private tour with a guide if you want to explore every part of the city with a local and learn the most fascinating facts.

2. The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

el pilar zaragoza

The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is the icon of the city and the great must-see in Zaragoza. In fact, it is one of the most visited monuments in Spain.

Its origin dates back to the year 40 A.D., when, according to popular belief, the Virgin Mary appeared to the apostle James on a pillar. Whether you are a believer or not, a visit to the Virgen del Pilar is a must. Before entering, try to guess the color of the Virgin’s cloak, which is something that we locals usually do. It is a complicated task since the Virgin has more than 450 mantles that are changed daily.

🏥 Remember that it is always very important to purchase the best travel insurance for Spain . I always use and recommend the company Heymondo, where I can offer you a 5% discount on your next travel insurance policy .

3. Visit one of the towers in the Pilar complex

best things to do in zaragoza

Something that I was finally able to do on my last visit to Zaragoza and that I highly recommend you do too is visit one of the towers of the Pilar. Many people don’t know that it is possible to visit the highest part of the Tower of San Francisco de Borja, one of the best things to do in Zaragoza. From there, you will enjoy 360-degree views of Zaragoza, with the Pilar in the foreground. It’s amazing!

To access this place, you only have to purchase the ticket through the cathedral’s website . The general admission costs 4€. There are different schedules. I recommend you visit right before sunset. The visit is only 15 minutes, so take advantage of every minute to enjoy the scenery.

4. Calle Alfonso I, the most beautiful street in all of Zaragoza

calle alfonso I zaragoza

One of the most beautiful streets in Zaragoza is Alfonso I Street. This pedestrian avenue connects the center with the historic center, leading to the Plaza del Pilar. Here you will find homes, stores and restaurants. Whatever time of day you go, you will always find a lively atmosphere.

5. Stroll through Paseo Independencia

paseo independencia

If we continue talking about the main streets of the city, there is another one that you cannot miss. I am referring to Paseo Independencia, the most important shopping street to see in Zaragoza. This street connects the Plaza de Aragón with the Plaza de España, the place where the historic center begins. It is one of the busiest avenues, so you will always see people going from one place to another.

One of the side streets of Paseo Independencia leads you to the Plaza de los Sitios, a beautiful square surrounded by historic buildings that is worth visiting. Nearby, you will find the Basilica of Santa Engracia, which you can visit.

6. Sunset in Zaragoza from Puente de Piedra

things to do in Zaragoza

At sunset, I recommend a walk across the Stone Bridge, the most emblematic and oldest bridge in the city. It was built in the 15th century and is located where a Roman bridge used to be. You will see that along the bridge there are several semicircular viewpoints, where you can rest your body on the wall, rest a bit and appreciate the beautiful views of the Ebro and the Basilica del Pilar.

You can stay there to watch the sunset and take some pictures, or you can finish crossing the bridge and head to El Balcon de San Lazaro. There, you can enjoy one of the most typical and beautiful landscapes in Zaragoza. The Ebro River, the Stone Bridge, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar. Can there be a better plan? Visit this place at sunset and you will be amazed.

Another interesting place where you can watch the sunset in Zaragoza is on the rooftop of the IAACC Pablo Serrano (Aragonese Institute of Contemporary Art and Culture).

7. Nightlife in Tubo, one of the best things to do in Zaragoza

things to do in zaragoza

Does strolling through crisscrossed alleys while enjoying amazing food sound like a good plan to you? If your answer is yes, El Tubo of Zaragoza is waiting for you.

You will find it in the historic center of the city, between Plaza de España and the streets Alfonso I, Don Jaime I and Méndez Núñez. In fact, there are several streets that make up El Tubo: Estébanes, Libertad, Mártires, 4 de Agosto, Ossau, Cinegio, Blasón Aragonés, Pino and Plaza Sas.

I recommend you visit El Tubo both day and night and go in search of the best tapas in Zaragoza. Some of the bars with the best reviews are Los Victorinos, El Meli Del Tubo, El Champi, La Republicana, Terraza Libertad 6.8, La Miguería, Doña Casta, El Balcón del Tubo, El Limpia, Uasabi, Lamaribel Escabechado and La Viña.

Although if I had to highlight 2 places in Tubo, they’d be Casa Lac and El Plata. Casa Lac is one of the oldest restaurants in Spain, founded in 1825 by the Lac family from France. Nowadays, the chef of the restaurant is Ricardo Gil and vegetables are the main protagonists.

On the other hand, El Plata, founded in 1920, stands out. In 2008, Bigas Luna was in charge of converting it into El Plata Cabaret . On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, they offer a show.

8. Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta

parque grande zaragoza

Going to Parque Grande was one of my favorite things to do in Zaragoza when I was little, and it still is every time I go back!

As its name suggests, it is a large park, 27 acres to be exact. It was inaugurated in 1929 and is located in Universidad neighborhood. Although it has always been popularly known as Parque Grande, its official name has changed. Until 2010, it was known as Primo de Rivera Park. That year, after the death of José Antonio Labordeta, the park was renamed Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta.

If you travel with children, this park is a must-visit place in Zaragoza. I am sure they will enjoy it as much as I did years ago. Although it is not a place that only children like. Anyone will be delighted after a walk through all the green areas and monuments hidden in the park. There are several places to highlight that you cannot miss during your visit.

Things to do in Parque Grande

First of all, I recommend entering the park through the main entrance, so you will cross the Puente de los Cantautores. Walk along the Paseo San Sebastian until you reach the end of it, where the main fountain is located, and go up to the Monument to King Alfonso I the Battler. Then do not miss the music kiosk, the Fountain of Neptune and the Botanical Garden.

In addition to strolling through the park, you can have a drink in one of the cafes that you will find in different areas or rent a bike and tour the park on wheels.

9. Visit the Aljaferia Palace, one of the best things to do in Zaragoza

things to do in Zaragoza

Another place that should not be missed on your visit to Zaragoza is the Aljaferia Palace, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. It is a fortified palace of Aragonese Mudejar style, built in the second half of the 11th century. It was ordered to be built by Al-Muqtadir, king of the Taifa of Saraqusta between 1046 and 1081, to be the residence of the Hudi kings, an Arab dynasty that reigned in Zaragoza, among other places, from 1039 to 1110.

Throughout its history, the Aljaferia Palace has had different functions and, therefore, several reconstructions. It has served as a Taifal palace, a Mudejar palace, palace of the Catholic Monarchs, an Inquisition prison, military barracks and seat of the Cortes of Aragon.

Visit the Aljaferia Palace

Nowadays, you can visit by booking guided tours (for free) or on your own. You can visit the Muslim palace, the Mudejar palace and the Troubadour Tower. In the Muslim palace, you’ll find the Patio de Santa Isabel, one of the most beautiful corners of the Aljaferia. Be sure to appreciate the details of the beautiful Arab arches. Do not miss the permanent exhibition, the throne room and the facilities that were used as a prison inside the Troubadour Tower.

Free guided tours take place at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. In the morning, it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In the afternoon, it is open from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (from November to March) and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (from April to October). On Sundays from November to March, it is closed in the afternoon, so guided tours are only available in the morning.

Admission is €5 or €1 if you are over the age of 65, a student, or have a youth card. On Sundays, it is free.

10. Roman Ruins of Zaragoza

roman ruins of zaragoza

In Zaragoza, there are several Roman ruins that you can visit. In my opinion, the most interesting are the Roman Walls, which you can pass by when you visit the Plaza del Pilar, the Museum of the Theater of Caesaraugusta and the Museum of the Forum of Caesaraugusta.

Roman Walls

The Roman Walls are located next to Plaza del Pilar, specifically in Plaza de Cesar Augusto, next to the Torreon de la Zuda. The Roman wall of Zaragoza, built in the 1st century, used to measure a total of 3 kilometers and had 120 towers. Today, two sections are preserved. The aforementioned section is the longest and most monumental.

The Roman Theater of Zaragoza

In the Theater Museum of Caesaraugusta, you can see the ruins of the ancient Roman theater of Zaragoza. It was built in the first century A.D. It could hold a total of 6,000 spectators. It was discovered in 1972 due to some work that was being done there. From Tuesday to Saturday, it is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Sundays, it is open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The entrance fee is 4 euros.

Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta

In the Museum of the Forum of Caesaraugusta, you can visit the remains of the forum of the ancient Roman city, dating from the late first century BC. Here the political-administrative, economic and religious life of the city took place. Part of the remains belong to the time of Emperor Augustus and part belong to the time of Emperor Tiberius. From Tuesday to Saturday, it is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Sundays, it is open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The entrance fee is 3 euros.

You can also visit the Caesaraugusta River Port Museum (3 euros) and the Museo de las Termas Públicas de Caesaraugusta (3 euros). If you want to visit the 4 museums mentioned above, there is a special ticket called “Bono 5 Museos” that includes the entrance to these 4 places and the Pablo Gargallo Museum for 9 euros.

As there is quite a lot to visit in Zaragoza, I would only focus on visiting the inside of the Roman ruins if you are going to be in Zaragoza for 2 days or more.

11. Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza

la seo zaragoza

The Cathedral of the Savior, also known as La Seo, is another of the most emblematic places to see in Zaragoza. It is located in the Plaza la Seo, next to the Museum of the Forum of Caesaraugusta and the Plaza del Pilar. It has a basilica floor plan with 5 naves and 6 sections covered by ribbed vaults.

Throughout its life, it has undergone several reconstructions. For example, its tower, which was remodeled in the 17th century by Giovanni Battista Contini, went from a Mudejar style to a Baroque one.

The entrance to the Seo costs €4 and also includes the entrance to the Tapestry Museum. It is also possible to take a guided tour of the Cathedral of the Savior.

Be sure to go around the cathedral to pass by St. Bruno’s Square, where there is an antiques market on Sunday mornings, and the Arch of the Dean.

12. Parish Church of San Pablo

The Church of San Pablo is another of the most striking religious buildings in the city. In fact, it is nicknamed “the third cathedral of Zaragoza.” It is located in the San Pablo neighborhood, also known as El Gancho. This is located next to the old town. Before visiting the Church of San Pablo, you should know that it was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2001, as it is one of the most important works of the Aragonese Mudejar style.

It stands out for its beautiful bell tower, which you can visit if you book a guided tour available for those who want to visit the interior of the temple. Thanks to this, you can also visit the chapels, the cloister, the choir and the altarpiece. You can also visit the church without a tour, but you will not have access to all the spaces.

13. Puerta del Carmen

things to do in zaragoza

The Puerta del Carmen is the only one of the 12 ancient entrance gates to the city of Zaragoza that remains standing. The arch was built in 1789 by Agustin Sanz and inaugurated in 1792, replacing the old Baltax Gate.

It is in neoclassical style and is located between Cesar Augusto Avenue, Hernán Cortés Street, Paseo Maria Agustin and Paseo Pamplona. It is made of ashlar stone and is shaped like a Roman triumphal arch, with a central arch and two smaller side arches.

14. Mercado Central de Zaragoza

mercado central

A place I always like to visit in any city is its main market. That’s why, when you visit Zaragoza, I recommend you visit the Central Market of Zaragoza. The market was designed by the Aragonese architect Felix Navarro Perez and inaugurated in 1903. In 1978, it was named a national historic monument and in 1982, a site of cultural interest.

I think the building itself is beautiful. Head inside to discover all the food stalls and experience the day-to-day life of the locals.

15. Plaza del Justicia, a lesser known place

things to do in zaragoza

The following place does not usually appear on most must-see lists of Zaragoza; however, I have not hesitated to include it in mine. I’m talking about Plaza del Justicia, a charming corner located in the old part of the city. Visiting this place will only take you a few minutes, unless you want to sit on one of the benches in the square to rest and observe the local life.

In the Plaza del Justicia, you can see the Samaritana Fountain, the Palace of the Condes de Sobradiel and, especially, the Church of Santa Isabel de Portugal, which has a very beautiful facade. In one of the streets surrounding the square is located the Cafeteria Justicia, a place where you can have a delicious specialty coffee.

If you have several days to visit Zaragoza, you can also visit some interesting places around the city. In this article, I recommend some of the best day trips from Zaragoza .

🚗 Do you need to rent a car for your trip to Zaragoza? I recommend checking out Discover Cars , a highly-rated car rental search platform. I have used it several times and it has always been great!

Where to stay in Zaragoza

If you still do not have a place to stay in the city, my recommendation is to look for a hotel in the center or in the old town. These are the best areas to sleep in Zaragoza and here you can find some of the best hotels in the center of Zaragoza.

On my last visit to the Aragon’s capital, I stayed at the INNSiDE Zaragoza , located between the center and the old town, very close to the Puerta del Carmen. I liked it very much, both the room and the common areas. It has a great rooftop pool if you are visiting the city in the warmer months.

Other highly recommended hotels in Zaragoza are the Hotel Sauce and Hotel Inca .

💳 To get cash in the local currency of your destination or pay by card, I recommend getting the N26 card . With the free version you can withdraw cash from ATMs with a very low commission and pay in another currency with the best exchange rate and no commissions.

Map of things to do in Zaragoza

In the following map of Zaragoza, I have marked all the tourist attractions that I have mentioned in this article. In addition, I have also marked the hotels that I recommend with their respective Booking links.

If you are traveling to other parts of the country, don’t miss my Spain travel guide .

I hope this post about the best things to do in Zaragoza has helped you plan your trip to the Aragonese capital. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. See you next time!

  • PLAN A TRIP STEP BY STEP

↠ Book free tours and guided visits on Civitatis or GetYourGuide . I always use these platforms to check what organized activities there are at my destination.

↠ To pay with card in foreign currency or withdraw money from ATMs, I always use this card (there are free and paid plans). It works the best!

↠ Traveling with travel insurance to a destination where you don’t have healthcare coverage is a must. Get your insurance 5% cheaper with this link .

↠ If you want to have cellphone data at your destination from the moment you land and don’t want to waste time, there is nothing like this eSIM . Use the code “comeamaviaja” for a 5% discount.

↠ Check out Booking’s offers , a platform I always use, as I always find very good options thanks to its search engine with filters.

↠ For destinations where I need to rent a car, I always check Discover Cars and Auto Europe search engines. I recommend them!

↠ If you still need to buy flights for your trip, there is no better search engine than Skyscanner (although I always recommend booking the flight on the company’s website).

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Download GPX file for this article

  • 1.1 History
  • 1.2 Climate
  • 1.3 When to visit
  • 2.1.1 Nearby airports
  • 2.2 By train
  • 3.1 By foot
  • 3.2.1 Tourist bus
  • 3.3 By taxi
  • 3.4 By bicycle
  • 4.1 Churches
  • 4.2 Moorish remains
  • 4.3 Museums
  • 4.6 Zaragoza Card
  • 5.1 Swimming pools for hot days
  • 6.1 Shopping streets
  • 6.2 Department stores and shopping centres
  • 6.3 Markets
  • 7.1 What to order
  • 7.2.1 Old Town
  • 7.2.2 Puerta del Carmen
  • 7.3.1 Tapas
  • 7.3.2 Other restaurants
  • 7.4 Splurge
  • 9.2 Mid-range
  • 9.3 Splurge
  • 10.1 Consulates

<a href=\"https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poi2gpx.php?print=gpx&amp;lang=en&amp;name=Zaragoza\" title=\"Download GPX file for this article\" data-parsoid=\"{}\"><img alt=\"Download GPX file for this article\" resource=\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" src=\"//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" decoding=\"async\" data-file-width=\"20\" data-file-height=\"20\" data-file-type=\"bitmap\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" class=\"mw-file-element\" data-parsoid='{\"a\":{\"resource\":\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\",\"height\":\"20\",\"width\":\"20\"},\"sa\":{\"resource\":\"File:GPX Document rev3-20x20.png\"}}'/></a></span>"}'/> Zaragoza is the capital and largest city of Aragon in Spain , and one of Spain's five largest cities, but it is one of the least known outside of Spain. Founded on the river Ebro during the Roman Empire as Cesaraugusta , Zaragoza now holds a large cultural and architectural heritage attesting to 2,000 years of affluence and importance. The city is best known for its Basilica del Pilar , built to venerate the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Saint James in very early Christian times, which became a major marker of cultural identity for Christian Spain. The city was again put on the global map by the 2008 Expo, which left it with a whole new modern part developed further for various purposes after the exhibition closed.

zaragoza tourist card

Zaragoza sits between Madrid and Barcelona on a high-speed railway line. It enjoys relative affluence, yet it is still often overlooked by tourists so prices, such as for accommodation, remain much lower than in either of Spain's most famous cities. It's a great stop along your way, or even a destination in its own right.

The city on the Ebro river was founded at the turn of the millennium by the Roman Emperor Augustus, and named after him as Caesaraugusta . 2,000 years later, the architectural remains of large public buildings indicate Caesar Augustus’ influence over the city. Today you can still admire the city’s Forum, Thermal Baths, the River Port or the Great Theatre, archeological remains which reflect the splendour of the city as it was during the Roman Empire . It was on the banks of the river Ebro that Saint James (called Santiago in Spanish) reportedly saw the apparition of Virgin Mary on the pillar, which is seen as the pivotal moment in the foundation of the Spanish Christian heritage.

zaragoza tourist card

After the fall of the empire, the city and the rest of today's Spain, was conquered by the Goths and then by the Moors. Zaragoza, was the northernmost stronghold of the Moorish caliphate, and then emerged as a capital of its own kingdom, or Taifa . The founding of the Taifa in the 11th century was marked by the construction of the Aljafeira Palace, which remains one of few relatively intact monuments from that era. Despite being often on the front line, Zaragoza continued to develop as a major art and science centre.

zaragoza tourist card

As Zaragoza was regained by the Christian kings of Aragon, the development continued and the relative tolerance which Christians enjoyed under the Muslim rule was extended to the Moors initially. The Moorish artistic and architectural tradition was incorporated into the local architectural style called Mudéjar , of which many examples survive in Zaragoza. Under Christian rule, Zaragoza's two cathedrals, the original La seo and the Basilica del Pilar , were constructed to venerate the Virgin Mary apparition. The city's importance and affluence in the subsequent ages is reflected in its rich architectural heritage and many improvements given to its most important buildings, which gives them a number of layers of appeal.

zaragoza tourist card

Zaragoza has retained relative affluence by becoming a major industrial hub, with factories spread over several industrial parks around the city, and a big logistics hub (named PLAZA , or Plataforma Logística de Zaragoza ), taking advantage of its strategic location on the railway line between Madrid and Barcelona and its airport, focusing on freight. The Expo 2008 universal exhibition held in the city resulted in massive development of its western outskirts into exhibition grounds, which have been repurposed for business, civic services and public recreation grounds.

Zaragoza has a Continental Mediterranean climate, very dry, with cold winters and hot summers. With an average of 318   mm per year, rainfall is a rarity mostly occurring in spring. There is drought in summer with only a few storms in the late afternoon. In July and August temperatures are typically above 30°C (86°F), reaching up to 40°C (104°F) a few days per year. On those days you will quickly pick the idea of siesta: hiding away after lunch, during the hottest part of the day, to enjoy later the evenings and nights at a delightful 18-22°C.

zaragoza tourist card

In winter the temperatures are low, usually between 0 and 10°C (32-50°F), with some frosts during the night. Snow only shows up once every couple of years but fog is not uncommon (about 20 days from November to January). However, the only bad part is the Cierzo, a cold and dry wind blowing from the NW that is quite common on clear days, and can make your stay really unpleasant. Beware also of sunny days in spring and autumn, if the Cierzo blows, you will regret not having warm clothes with you.

When to visit

zaragoza tourist card

The best time to visit Zaragoza is during spring (April to mid-June) and autumn (Sept-Oct). In late June and July the days can be quite hot but in the evenings the city is bustling with people going out for dinner or having a beer with friends in a terrace. In August the city is almost deserted, with most people being on holidays at the mountains or the coast, and more than half the bars, restaurants and small business closed.

The major city festival is El Pilar that takes place every year the week of the 12th of October, with lots of concerts, performances and street animations. It is also the best time to see a bullfight in Zaragoza.

The Easter week, although not in the same league that the Andalucia or Calanda counterparts, is very scenic, with several processions going over the city centre every day with their dramatic sculptures, black-dressed praying women and hundreds of hooded people playing drums. It is a Spain's Festival of International Tourist Interest since 2014.

zaragoza tourist card

Transfer to/from the airport: The cheapest option is the airport bus 501 [ dead link ] stopping at Los Enlaces, Delicias train station, Avenida de Navarra, and Paseo de María Agustín 7, in the city centre (45 minutes ride). The bus costs €1.85 and runs every 30 minutes M-Sa and every hour on Sundays and holidays. Alternatively a taxi will cost around €25-30 and take around 20 minutes to the city centre.

zaragoza tourist card

Nearby airports

As Zaragoza Airport has limited flight connections, it can be more convenient to fly to Madrid or Barcelona airports, from where you can reach Zaragoza in less than 3 hours.

From Madrid Barajas Airport : go to Atocha RENFE train station either by taxi (30 minutes, around €25) or by metro (45 min, €2) and then take the high speed train AVE to Zaragoza (1hr 30min, around €50). A cheaper but not so comfortable alternative is taking an ALSA coach that runs between Barajas terminal T4 and Zaragoza every 2–3 hours (3hr 45min trip, single/return: €15/€26). If you are in terminals T1 T2 or T3, take the free airport bus shuttle to terminal T4. The bus to Zaragoza stops in the same place as the airport shuttle. The ALSA ticket counter can be found inside the terminal and a vending machine with ALSA tickets is close to the bus bays.

From Barcelona Airport : The easiest way is to take the half-hourly RENFE R2Nord suburban train to Barcelona Sants (20 min, €2.20), and then take the high speed train AVE to Zaragoza (1hr 45min, around €60). If you already have your AVE ticket, you can get the suburban train ticket for free in the automatic vending machines, by typing the code for “cercanías” that appears in your AVE ticket.

zaragoza tourist card

Zaragoza is served by the high speed train AVE that reaches Madrid in approximately 1hr 30 min, and Barcelona in about 1hr 45min. There are up to 19 trains a day in each direction for Madrid and 12 for Barcelona. Regular rates start at about €50 to Madrid and €60 to Barcelona, but you can get up to a 60% discount if you book through the web 15 days in advance.

The train tracks have been opened to private companies, so you can buy a ticket from or to Madrid for as low as €9. The possible options are Ouigo or Omio .

A cheaper way to get to Zaragoza from Barcelona is using the Regional Express - a slow train going on an ancient track, stopping at every small village and some post-industrial ghost towns, and really astonishing landscapes. The ride takes 5 hours, costs €22.

Other neighbouring cities like Huesca , Teruel , Pamplona , Logroño , Bilbao or Valencia are connected by a few daily conventional trains.

For more information on train schedules and prices, visit the website of RENFE . Note, there isn't a single cafe/bar with wifi in the station.

You can reach Zaragoza either from Madrid or Barcelona in 3hr 45min. The coach company is ALSA and the single/return ticket costs around €15/€26. Zaragoza is also well communicated with other main capital cities, such as Valencia and Bilbao. There is possibility of getting to Zaragoza from France by bus. The main lines travel from Lourdes , Tarbes , Pau and Oloron .

For bus schedules from Barcelona, also try Barcelona Nord .

Zaragoza is very well connected by free speedways with Huesca (1 hr), Teruel (2 hr), Madrid (3 hr), and by toll highways with Barcelona (3 hr, €30), Pamplona and Bilbao . Traffic around the city is relatively light except on some weekends and holidays.

Free parking in the city centre is very scarce. Most streets have metered parking limited to 1 or 2 hours. Underground paying parkings are scattered in the entire city and usually have free places.

Distances to Zaragoza: Madrid 312 km, Barcelona 307 km, Bilbao 305 km, Lleida/Lerida 150 km

Map

If you stay in or near the old town, most of the main attractions are within easy walking distance.

By bus or tram

zaragoza tourist card

A transport card costs €7 at any tobacco kiosk (including an initial fee of €2, and credit of €5). With the card you will pay €0.74 for a journey and can change lines within an hour without being charged again. Single tickets bought from the driver are €1.35 (cash only).

Most bus routes have audio announcements and "next stop" displays inside the vehicle.

There is one tram line ("Tranvía") which runs from the north to the south west, through the city centre. The tram uses the same fare system as the buses - touch your card on a reader when boarding. More tram lines are projected to open soon.

Tourist bus

Sightseeing bus is another option. It costs €7 (free if you have the Zaragoza card) and the ticket can be used the entire day.

The taxi drivers are plentiful and mostly honest.

There is a shared bicycle system called Bizi . It has a fairly good website in English which allows you to get a temporary subscription online beforehand. This subscription is valid for three days and costs €5.28. As with most shared bicycle system, the first 30 minutes are free after which you'll pay €0.52 per additional 30 minutes. This is up until 2 hours, after which you'll have to pay a penalty of €3.16 per hour. The deposit is €200.

After getting a temporary subscription online, you receive a subscription number which, together with your pin code of choice, enables you to take a bike immediately upon arrival in Zaragoza. Bike availability is usually good, and there are plenty of stations in the city centre, as well as near the Delicias train station and the expo area.

However, in 2015, the screens of many bicycle stations were not properly working (broken, unreadable text, flickering). Since this makes it impossible to enter the subscription number and pin code and therefore also impossible to borrow a bike (though it probably still works for annual subscribers who have a contactless card), the system becomes somewhat unreliable.

zaragoza tourist card

Plaza del Pilar is the main square, just south of the River Ebro. On the square are the two cathedrals and the "Fuente de la Hispanidad", a fountain and sculpture representing Columbus' discovery of the New World. The tourist office is here as well.

zaragoza tourist card

Moorish remains

  • 41.65524 -0.87465 9 Port .  
  • 41.65522 -0.87639 10 Forum .  
  • 41.65335 -0.87703 11 Baths .  
  • 41.65088 -0.87073 15 Educational Museum of Origami in Zaragoza ( EMOZ ), Centro de Historias , ☏ +34 876 03 45 69 . A gallery devoted to the craft of origami within the Centro de Historias. €3 or free with Tourist Card . ( updated Oct 2017 )
  • 41.6689 -0.90202 16 Expo 2008 . In 2008 Zaragoza hosted an international expo for which a new area was opened with many new buildings designed by famous architects such as Zaha Hadid. It is now possible to stroll around this area. The only facility open to tourists is the aquarium.  

zaragoza tourist card

Zaragoza Card

You can buy a Zaragoza Card , a prepaid product for tourists visiting Zaragoza that combine many of the services tourists are likely to use in a prepaid package. You can buy cards valid over 24hr (€20) or 48hr (€23) online or at the tourist office. The card includes:

  • Free entry to major museums and monuments.
  • 24 hour unlimited use of the Tourist Bus.
  • Prepaid public transportation (5 trips with the 24-hr card, 7 trips with the 48-hr card).
  • Including guided tours and the services of the “roaming” tourist guides.
  • One free drink and tapa in selected bars.

zaragoza tourist card

  • Parque Grande is excellent for a walk or a chill. Huge in size, you forget the city, and the many fountains adds to distraction.
  • Football: Real Zaragoza play soccer in Segunda División, the second tier. Their home ground La Romareda (capacity 33,600) is 2 km southwest of town centre.

Swimming pools for hot days

Summer days can be very hot in Zaragoza. If you prefer relaxing by the swimming pool over a sightseeing program, here are a few suggestions. Public swimming pools in Zaragoza are generally clean and well maintained. The entrance fee is some €3 for an adult. Open-air pools are open until 9 or 22:00 in the evening.

  • 41.673 -0.883 1 Centro Deportivo Municipal Actur , C/ Pablo Ruiz Picasso s/n ( near Avenida de los Pirineos ). Several swimming pools, large lawn area. Few trees, hard to find a place in the shadow.  
  • 41.637 -0.895 2 Centro Deportivo Municipal Salduba , Paseo de Mairano Renovales s/n ( Part of Parque Primo de Rivera between Calle de Manuel Lasala and Paseo de San Sebastián ). 50-m pool, the right place for serious swimming.  
  • 41.639 -0.904 3 Palacio Municipal de Deportes , Calle de Luis Bermejo . Small pool, plenty of trees for shadow.  

zaragoza tourist card

Shopping streets

Zaragoza has much to offer in the way of shopping, with most central streets being lined with shopping opportunities. Shopping area stretches from Residencial Paraiso in Sagasta to the Plaza de España . The most exclusive shops are on Francisco de Vitoria, San Ignacio de Loyola, Cadiz, Isaac Peral and the streets crossing them. Craft and souvenir shops are located in the Jaime I and Alfonso I streets, starting in the Pilar Place, and at Anticuarios de la Plaza de San Bruno , where Sunday mornings a small flea market takes place.

zaragoza tourist card

Department stores and shopping centres

  • 41.65082 -0.88151 1 El Corte Inglés . The iconic Spanish department store chain has its outlet in Zaragoza on Paseo de la Independencia close to Plaza de España  
  • 41.64 -0.9091 2 Aragonia . A modern multi-functional centre in the southern district of Romareda.  
  • 41.66 -0.92 3 Centro Comercial Augusta , Avenida De Navarra 180 ( next to Delicias train station ). Shops, restaurants, cinema and free Wi-Fi access in a centre behind the Delicias station.  

zaragoza tourist card

  • 41.65604 -0.88305 5 Mercado Central ( Lanuza Market ). On a site which has been a market place since the Middle Ages. It is the perfect place to buy Zaragozan products as well as observe the atmosphere of a traditional Spanish market. Go there if you are looking for food and fresh produce  
  • 41.662545 -0.911239 7 Rastro de Zaragoza ( Parking Sur Expo ). Largest open-air market  

zaragoza tourist card

What to order

Some of the best known regional specialities are:

  • Bacalao al Ajoarriero , cod-fish with garlic and eggs,
  • Huevos al Salmorejo , eggs with cold tomato cream,
  • Longanizas y Chorizos , highly appreciated kinds of sausages,
  • Ternasco Asado , roasted young lamb,
  • Pollo al Chilindrón , chicken in a sauce of cured ham, tomatoes, onions and paprika,
  • Cordero a la Pastora , lamb Shepherd's style,
  • Lomo de Cerdo a la Zaragozana , cutlet,
  • Migas a la Aragonesa , a dish made of crumbs scrambled with an egg and chorizo,
  • Huevos rotos con foie , scrambled eggs with foie gras, often served with roasted potatoes and slices of smoked ham ( jamon )
  • Borrajas is a vegetable which can only be found in Aragon. It is usually eaten with olive oil,
  • Melocotón con vino , peaches in wine, is a good option for dessert, though sometimes it is hard to find a restaurant serving this.

zaragoza tourist card

  • 41.66846 -0.88733 1 Cebrian , Calle Jorge Guillen 2-4-6, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain , ☏ +34 976 52 99 14 , [email protected] . ( updated Apr 2023 )
  • 41.65381 -0.88081 2 La Miguería , Zaragoza, Plaza Sas, 6, 50003, Spain , ☏ +34 976 20 07 36 . ( updated Apr 2023 )
  • 41.65349 -0.88015 3 Taberna de Doña Casta , Calle Estébanes, 6 . Known for croquetas ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.654532 -0.880233 4 Café Restaurante Casa de Martino , C. de Jussepe Martínez, 4 . Down home cooking ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.655965 -0.880802 5 Bocatart , C. de la Manifestación, 19 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.65298 -0.880495 6 El limpia , C. del Cuatro de Agosto, 17 . Tapas ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.653056 -0.879406 7 El Cuartelillo , C. de José Pellicer Ossau, 2 . Tapas ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.653276 -0.878696 8 La Republicana , C. de Casto Méndez Núñez, 38 . Tapas ( updated Aug 2022 )

Puerta del Carmen

  • 41.649821 -0.888119 9 Lecker & Lecker , P.º de María Agustín, 1 . Tapas ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.649001 -0.890862 10 Bardetodos , C. del Dr. Horno Alcorta, 27 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.648141 -0.890784 11 La Tabernita , C. de Antonio Cánovas, 2 . ( updated Aug 2022 )

Zaragoza is well known because of its many tapas bars. A "Tabla" is a wooden plate in which different tapas like cheese and sausages are served, often with a bottle of wine in the price.

  • 41.652437 -0.88087 12 Puerta Cinegia Gastronómica Mercado , Cinegia Gatronómica Mercado, C. del Coso, nº 35 . A very good place to get tapas. In this area are narrow streets overflowing with small bars and restaurants. ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.653022 -0.879545 13 El Tubo de Zaragoza , Pl. de España . Also a very good place to get tapas near the Puerta Cinegia. ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.65422 -0.87668 14 Gran Taberna Tragantua , Plaza Santa Marta , ☏ +34 976 299 174 . A little bit more expensive but the food is of high quality. ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.65419 -0.87699 15 Los Victorinos , C/José de la Hera, 6 ( alley off Calle Don Jaime I ). One of the best tapas bars in town (although surely not the cheapest!) Try the Boletus Edulis tapa. ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.65349 -0.88362 16 Palomeque , C/. Palomeque , ☏ +34 976 214082 . A classier, unusual take on a tapas bar, but not overpriced compared to some of the other "high-end tapas".It is advisable to call ahead, as this is a very popular restaurant. €10-20 per person (Jan 2013) . ( updated Aug 2022 )

Other restaurants

  • 41.64332 -0.89443 17 Taberna La Piedra , Cortes de Aragon, 64 . Delicious if a bit pricey. The Piedras and Solomillos are highly recommended. Great for beef lovers or lovers of very traditional Spanish food. €50 per person (Jan 2013) . ( updated Aug 2022 )

zaragoza tourist card

  • 41.652777 -0.880118 18 Casa Lac , Calle de los mártires 12 . M-Sa 13:00-16:00, 20:00-00:00; Su 12:30-17:00 . An excellent choice for higher-end tapas. ( updated Aug 2022 )

zaragoza tourist card

  • 41.654127 -0.877779 19 Heladería Tortosa , Calle Don Jaime I, 35 ( the street in front of the Seo Cathedral, away from the river ), ☏ +34 976 292 600 , [email protected] . 11:00-00:30 . One of the oldest ice cream shops in Zaragoza, established in 1934. Offer high quality Italian-style ice cream, and horchata de chufa. ( updated Aug 2022 )
  • 41.65246 -0.87958 20 Helados Italianos Aldo , Calle Don Jaime I . Very good ice cream shop. ( updated Aug 2022 )

zaragoza tourist card

There is a number of good wines produced in Aragon .

Tareas of Calle de Espoz y Mina and Calle Mayor, which are a stone's throw from Plaza del Pilar, have plenty of varied bars from which to choose.

  • 41.65425 -0.87894 1 Cafe Praga , Plaza de la Santa Cruz 13, El Tubo , ☏ +34 976 20 02 51 . Great local favorite that has live music playing in the main bar, or you can retreat to the upstairs terrace and enjoy a tasty beverage overlooking the plaza.  
  • 41.65573 -0.88169 2 La Cucaracha , Calle del Temple 25, El Tubolla . Laidback and casual student hang out that doesn't really get going until the early hours of the morning.  
  • 41.65328 -0.881 3 Rock and Blues Cafe , Cuatro de Agosto 5-7, El Tubo . Unleash your inner rock god at this long standing favorite, where live music plays throughout the week.  
  • 41.65645 -0.88126 4 La Campana de los Perdidos , Prudencio, 7 . 21:00-03:00 . Enjoy a beer while listening live music, theatre, poetry from Wednesday to Sunday  

Accommodation is a reason to visit Zaragoza in itself - if you plan to visit both Madrid and Barcelona taking advantage of the fast train connection, you can choose to stay here, halfway between them. Not only will you pay less for the combined train tickets to Zaragoza from either city than from the entire Madrid-Barcelona AVE ride, but you will also benefit from the much lower rates hotels charge in Zaragoza. And all the attractions of Zaragoza are an added bonus on top of it!

zaragoza tourist card

  • 41.65764 -0.88575 1 Be Hostels Zaragoza , C/ Predicadores 70 , [email protected] . Refurbished in 2008, this hostel is styled in an old medieval building that retains its charms of previous years. Free internet and kitchen available for travelers, with dorms rooms from €16.60 per night.  

zaragoza tourist card

  • 41.66042 -0.86279 2 B&B Hotel Zaragoza Plaza Mozart , Av. la Jota, 2 , ☏ +34 876 63 67 96 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . €38 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
  • 41.63489 -0.99101 3 Sercotel Plaza Feria . The Sercotel Plaza Feria is set in an industrial and commercial area on the outskirts of the city and thus recommendable to those travelling by car, who can shave off a few dozen euros off the price of the night in a proper modern hotel by choosing to stay in a remote location. €38 . ( updated Aug 2016 )

zaragoza tourist card

  • 41.64913 -0.92048 4 B&B Hotel Zaragoza Los Enlaces Estación , Pilar Miro, 1 ( Bus 501 to Aeropuerto from the Delicias station, alight at Via Hispanidad (303), walk 450   m down the road ). Convenient if you plan to use Zaragoza as a stopover on your Madrid-Barcelona train ride, as it is only 5 minutes by bus from the Delicias station (or half an hour by foot, if you feel like walking 2 km. Great value for an AC property, even if a bit older and quite away from the city centre (30   mins by bus). €42 .  
  • 41.65521 -0.88422 5 Hotel Avenida , Avenida Cesar Augusto 55 , ☏ +34 976 43 93 00 , [email protected] . Clean hotel near the central market. €60 .  
  • 41.6566 -0.91507 6 Eurostars Plaza Delicias . The hotel is actually a certain distance from the Delicias train station (note that there is another Eurostars hotel actually AT the very station), and the walk is not very pleasant, but the hotel is reasonably modern if certainly not luxurious. €49 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
  • 41.6516 -0.9822 7 Eurostars Rey Fernando . On the outskirts of the Platforma Logistica commercial / industrial park, the hotel overlooks a park but one needs a car to comfortably get between the hotel and the city of Zaragoza proper. €43 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
  • 41.65958 -0.91222 8 Eurostars Zaragoza . Confusingly named, it is distinct from the other Eurostars hotels in Zaragoza and is at the Delicias train station although the name would not suggest so. Do not confuse it with the other hotels when booking, especially the remote and run-down Eurostars Boston . The hotel is modern and very practical for those arriving by train, but one needs to note that some rooms only have windows towards the Delicias station hall and no outside view. €50 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
  • 41.65507 -0.88747 9 Hesperia Zaragoza . €49 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
  • 41.65141 -0.87453 10 Ibis Styles Zaragoza Ramiro I . As with the other Ibis Styles, breakfast is normally included in the room price, but watch out for some special prices that eschew breakfast. €55 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
  • 41.65861 -0.87427 11 B&B Hotel Zaragoza Centro , Calle de Sobrarbe 2 . A standard if a bit dated Ibis hotel, whose highlight is the location right in front of the Puente de Piedra , which means not only closeness to the historic centre across the river, but also fairytale views of the bridge and Pilar basilica from some of the rooms. €48 .  
  • 41.65438 -0.87774 12 Hotel Sauce , C/ Espoz y Mina, 33 ( In the commercial centre, near the Plaza del Pilar ), ☏ +34 976 205050 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . €49 .  
  • 41.65759 -0.88208 13 NH Ciudad de Zaragoza . €59 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
  • 41.66117 -0.90697 14 Tryp Zaragoza . €65 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
  • 41.65162 -0.88591 15 Melia Zaragoza , Avenida Cesar Augusto 13 . One of the most luxurious hotels in the city, this 5-star hotel is close to the Carmen Door. €83 .  
  • 41.649 -0.8815 16 NH Collection Gran Hotel de Zaragoza . €79 . ( updated Aug 2016 )
  • 41.65064 -0.88547 17 Hotel Palafox , Marqués de Casa Jiménez, s/n. , ☏ +34 976 237 700 . Inviting decor of beige stone/marble, dark wood and soft lighting. All the rooms with wireless internet, minibar, room service etc. The attention to detail is noticeable, from the construction of the building to the decor and service it provides its guests. It was designed by Pascua Ortega and constructed from materials native to the region using traditional methods. €85 .  
  • Zaragoza city government [ dead link ] website
  • Madrid and Barcelona are easily reached by car, high speed train or bus.
  • The Alsa bus to Madrid stops in Alcalá de Henares , a charming old university town, handy for Madrid airport.
  • Monasterio de Piedra - charming monastery built in 1194 dc surrounded by an amazing park full of waterfalls. 90 minutes by car. Excellent guided tours, a two-hour attraction.
  • Fuendetodos - Birthplace of the great painter Francisco de Goya. 80 minutes by car.
  • Moncayo - A fascinating mountain view. 80 minutes by car.
  • Monasterio de Rueda - Romanic monastery which belonged to the cirtencens order.
  • Monasterio de Veruela - Romantic monastery which belonged to the cirtencens order.
  • Formigal - As the Pyrenees are just 2 hours away from Zaragoza, head to the ski slopes there.
  • Teruel and Huesca are easily reached by car, train or bus.

The following places are located in the Huesca province , not more than 2 hours by car and in the middle of the Pyrenees. Charming places in the middle of the nature.

  • Loarre Castle - One of the best Romanesque castles in Europe, the site for Ridley Scott's 2005 film, Kingdom of Heaven .
  • Ordesa National Park is particularly spectacular in autumn and decorated with waterfalls.
  • Alquezar - A small village situated in the Sierra de Guara National Park.
  • Villanueva de Sigena - The Monastery of Santa María de Sigena is located next to the town. Birthplace of Michael Servetus, the discoverer of pulmonary circulation with a museum dedicated to his work.

zaragoza tourist card

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The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog

The Ultimate Zaragoza Travel Guide! Everything You Need To Know!

Categories Europe , Spain

I loved Zaragoza after my first visit , and I love it even more after my second visit. This lesser-known Spanish City is a complete gem and great for a long weekend trip on its own or as part of a bigger trip around Spain. The big Spanish Cities of Madrid and Barcelona are good to visit but if you want to visit a friendly Spanish City, with plenty of things to do, experience the local life and culture, Zaragoza is the perfect option.

Zaragoza Travel Guide

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Zaragoza travel guide

Here is my Zaragoza City Guide and Zaragoza Travel Guide with everything you need to know to help plan your trip to Zaragoza!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here:

Where is Zaragoza?

Zaragoza is in the Northern part of Spain in the Aragon region and it’s the 5th biggest city in Spain.

Why visit Zaragoza?

It’s a lesser-known Spanish City which means it’s not overrun by tourists but it still caters well to visitors and tourists because there are plenty of things to do in Zaragoza .

It’s small enough to see in just a few days but if you wanted to stay for longer there are plenty of things to do and it’s easy to get around. Zaragoza is home to an array of museums, important religious sites , a large number of beautiful Renaissance buildings. In addition to this, the food and wine scene is incredible, plus the people of Zaragoza are extremely friendly and hospitable.

Zaragoza is perfect to visit as a Spanish City Break on its own but also as part of a longer Spain itinerary .

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Zaragoza travel guide

Another great reason to visit Zaragoza is because of all the festivals and events they have on throughout the year. There seems to be a big event each month so it’s likely your visit will coincide with one of the cultural and fun events. The biggest event in the calendar is festival Fiestas del Pilar held every October for 10 days (more information on that below)!

How to get to Zaragoza?

Zaragoza by air.

Zaragoza’s airport is just a 15-minute taxi ride from the centre of the City so it means you can start your City Break quickly after landing.

From the UK there are direct flights to and from London Stansted a few times a week. There are regular, direct flights to and from many cities in Spain, and they have also fly to and from popular Cities in Europe like Paris, Brussels, Milan.

Search for flights to and from Zaragoza on Skyscanner here.

Zaragoza By Train

Alternatively, if you cannot get a direct flight, due to Zaragoza being in the middle of Barcelona and Madrid , you can fly into one of these airports and get a fast train right into the City.

Trains from Barcelona to Zaragoza can take as little as 1hr 23 minutes and trains from Madrid to Zaragoza can take as little as 1hr 15 minutes.

There are also fast trains from the South of France and other places in nearby Europe so definitely don’t think that flying is the only way to get to Zaragoza!

Best time of year to go to Zaragoza?

Zaragoza benefits from a long Spanish Summer. I visited in June on my first trip which was very hot, nearly 40c late in the day. On my second trip, I visited in the middle of September and the temperature was still reaching 30c late in the day.

Zaragoza has a big festival in October called Festival del Pilar and it’s known that after this the weather does start getting quite chilly and Winter arrives. I have heard that the wind in Zaragoza in the Winter is particularly cold due to the City being located in a valley. You may be pleased to hear that rain is pretty uncommon in Zaragoza all year round.

In terms of whether I would say the best time of year to visit Zaragoza is in Spring – April & May, and Autumn – September & October if you want to miss the sizzling heat of the Summer and the chilly wind of the Winter. But as long as you pack correctly , there’s not really a bad time to visit Zaragoza.

In terms of festivities, as I said their big annual  festival of Fiestas del Pilar is on for 10 days throughout October so if you’re flexible with when you visit Zaragoza, I would recommend visiting in October to experience it!

In October for Festival del Pilar the City literally turns into a festival, there are parades and performances with lots of colour and happiness. The grand act of the festival is the Flower Offering Day on 12th October where the Patroness of the Hispanic world comes out onto the street, specifically into the Plaza (the huge Plaza del Pilar can be seen in the photo below) where citizens in regional dress place between 6 to 8 million flowers at her feet!

The flower offering has been happening each year since 1958 although the festival originates a lot further back than that. As you can imagine, October is a great time to visit Zaragoza if you want to experience a real local, Spanish Cultural event and atmosphere!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Zaragoza travel guide

  • More Zaragoza Posts:
  • 50 Things to do in Zaragoza!
  • 2 Day Zaragoza itinerary!

Where to stay in Zaragoza?

Hotels in zaragoza.

The quality of hotels in Zaragoza are really good and they benefit from being reasonable and competitive prices, especially compared to other cities in Spain. A double room in a well-located, decent hotel can start from €40.00 a night in Zaragoza, and prices for a 5* Hotel can start from €80.00 a night, from what I have seen on Booking.com .

I stayed at 2 of the Palafox Hotels on my recent trip to Zaragoza. Palafox is a chain with 5 hotels in Zaragoza and 1 in Cadiz, and they must be the best hotels in Zaragoza because they were both luxurious, modern, comfy, well located and had the best breakfasts!

I stayed at the Hotel Reina Petronila on my first night in Zaragoza and the moved to Hotel Alfonso .

Hotel Reina Petronila is not in the centre of historic Zaragoza and is instead located in the new cultural and administrative centre of the city. It’s well-connected to the historic centre and the university area of the city via tram and its design is its biggest attraction. Every inch of the hotel from the outside to the inside, to the spa on the 11th floor, has been beautifully designed in a sleek but comfortable way.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Zaragoza travel guide

Hotel Alfonso is right in the middle of the historic centre of Zaragoza and I don’t think there is a better location to be in! It’s located at the top of Alfonso Street which is the main shopping street that leads all the way down to the impressive Basilica del Pilar. The suites have their own private terrace’s with sun loungers as well as plenty of space inside of the rooms, and if you don’t opt for a suite you still have access to the rooftop pool and sun loungers which provide incredible views of the city.  In my opinion, having this roof pool and terrace area really adds to a city break in Zaragoza!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Zaragoza travel guide

Another good hotel in Zaragoza is Hotel Sauce , it’s also well located in the historic centre and well priced. It’s a smaller, family-run hotel with an extra friendly and cosy feel to it.

For a hotel that is brilliantly located, right in the centre of the historic city but has really low and competitive rates, have a look at Hotel Pilar Plaza .

For more hotel options in Zaragoza check out what Booking.com has to offer. I use this site to book nearly all of my accommodation thanks to the endless choices and flexible paying options.

Hostels in Zaragoza

If you are on a budget or want a hostel vibe, Zaragoza does have a number of hostels around the city. Have a look at Hostels on Hostelworld.com here .

Where to eat in Zaragoza?

Zaragoza is known for its gastronomy so whether you’re wanting Tapas or a 3 Course meal, you’ll be sure to get some really good food in Zaragoza.

Here are the top places to eat in Zaragoza from my experience and where I have been:

I had a wonderful meal at Casa Lac which consisted of various courses, this restaurant is a bit of an institution in Zaragoza and many important dinners and lunches are held here. There are 2 dining possibilities, downstairs is a fairly relaxed bar and restaurant area where you can choose from a range of tapas dishes, and upstairs is more of a fine dining experience for a set price. Either way, the food is incredible from here and the staff are very friendly and helpful to.

Based in Plaza San Felipe you may mistake it for a deli if you didn’t know it was a restaurant but it has inside and outside seating in the Plaza and serves an array of Spanish dishes. It’s another restaurant that is very popular with locals too!

Spanish Website. English Translation.

La Clandestina Cafe

If you’re looking for a good brunch spot in Zaragoza, La Clandestine is it. It’s open all day serving lunch and dinner but it seems to be a popular place for brunch and I can see why as it’s very trendy. They offer a brunch package as well as being able to order individual options. If you do want to go here for brunch I would recommend booking in advance.

Facebook Page.

Puerta Cinegia Gastronomica

This is an indoor food market and it’s great. Around the edges of the room are many stalls, most of which are from restaurants in the city and in the middle area are tables, chairs and a bar. It’s a great way to view all your options before making a decision and see food in real life rather than choosing from a menu (this place is good if your Spanish is bad as you can just look and point!).

This is a  Vegetarian restaurant in Zaragoza and even if you’re not vegetarian I still really recommend you visit. They offer fresh, healthy but delicious food for a great price. The staff are friendly and it’s located in the student area of the city.

Doña Hipolita

For a cafe vibe for lunch or a coffee and cake, be sure to head to Doña Hipolita in Plaza San Felipe. There is seating inside and outside and the interior of the inside is really cool and colourful!

I haven’t eaten here but I passed by it whilst visiting the Sunday markets in Las Armas and really liked the look of it. It’s a bar and grill with mostly outdoor seating located. It’s really colourful with lots of street art and looks like a great place to eat in the Summer.

In addition to this, if you are Vegetarian or Vegan you’ll be pleased to know that Zaragoza has some great restaurant options, check out my Vegetarian and Vegan Guide to Zaragoza for more yummy options that I have not mentioned above!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog guide to Zaragoza spain restaurants

Where to eat Tapas in Zaragoza?

The Tapas and Pintxos are great in Zaragoza and so is the Tapas scene in general so I wanted to create an extra section for this so you know where to get the best Tapas in Zaragoza. Thursdays are really popular for Tapas as well as the weekends and you’ll see lots of locals out enjoying drinks and food.

On Thursday evenings in the Juepincho area, a lot of the restaurants and bars have a €2.00 deal on which includes a small drink of water, beer or wine, plus 1 Tapas which I would really recommend checking out. The image below shows which establishments are part of it and where they are.

These are the places around the city I have visited for Tapas in Zaragoza and really love so be sure to visit a few of them on your trip to Zaragoza:

Casa Domino

El angel del pincho, la republicana.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog guide to Zaragoza spain tapas restaurants

Where to drink in Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a good number of bars and they are very popular and busy on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. What I love about the bars and about Zaragoza, in general, is that there are no ‘tourist’ places, the locals and tourists will eat and drink in the same places.

El Tubo is a good place to start and to visit for drinks in Zaragoza as it’s one of the main bar and restaurant areas of the city so you’ll be sure to find somewhere serving a good Cerveza. It’s interesting too as in the 90’s it was a no-go area and has only been cleared up fairly recently using an initiative started by the shop and bar owners in the area.

Another area that has been cleaned up recently is the Juepincho area. I’ve mentioned it above as a good place to visit for Tapas on a Thursday and it’s also a good place to visit for a drink too.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog guide to Zaragoza spain bars el tubo

Things to do in Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a lot to offer, it has many museums, churches, cathedrals and parks.

I wrote a list of 50 Things To Do in Zaragoza so be sure to check that out for an extensive list but my favourite, must-see and must do things in Zaragoza are:

Basilica del Pilar

The Basilica del Pilar is incredible! It’s absolutely huge and it’s very easy to appreciate from the outside. Going inside is a must-do though as it’s so grand and because it’s so big and has so much detail it takes a while to see it all. The inside also holds paintings from Goya, a famous painter from the Aragon region.

After you’ve been inside the Basilica del Pilar be sure to go up the tower to see it from the top and see panoramic views across the city.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog guide to Zaragoza spain basilica del pilar

Aljaferia Palace

Just slightly away from the historical centre is a palace. It does look more like a fort from the outside but once you get inside it’s clear that it’s a palace with a beautiful courtyard filled with Orange Trees. The origin of the palace is Muslim with the original tower dating back to the 9th century and the palace constructed in the 11th century.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog guide to Zaragoza spain palace

Goya Museum

If there is just one museum you visit in Zaragoza I would make it the Goya Museum because the city, and a lot of what you see in the city will make more sense once you have visited and learned more about Goya. If like me, you don’t and didn’t know who Goya is, he is one of the most important painters in the world and it is said that he is the father of the modern movement. Locals are very proud that he is from the Aragon Region of which Zaragoza sits in Spain and therefore a huge amount of his art is in the city. 

For more ideas and recommendations on museums to visit in Zaragoza see my post – things to see and do in Zaragoza .

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog guide to Zaragoza spain goya museum

Mercado Central

A Central Market is the heart of a Spanish city and the one in Zaragoza is not to be missed. Constructed in 1903 in the same place that the 13th-century market was housed. It’s closed on Sundays but the rest of the week it’s bustling with stalls selling a range of foods!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog guide to Zaragoza spain central market

Calle de Alfonso

I love this street because of the Basilica sat so prominently at the end, and the fact that it’s a calm, walking street so definitely take a walk down here when you’re in Zaragoza.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog guide to Zaragoza spain calle alfonso

Parque Jose Antonio Labordeta

This Park is a 40-minute walk from the city or a short bus journey (I visited using the hop-on, hop-off bus which I would also recommend using), and it’s a great way to see a green area of the city. Not only that but the park holds the highest point in the city which you can walk up and see the park below and the city in the distance.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog guide to Zaragoza spain park

Zaragoza Street Art

You may be surprised to hear that Zaragoza has a lot of street art. This is mainly due to the fact that every year for many years there has been an Urban Street Art festival in Zaragoza called Festival Asalto. It’s held in different parts of the city each year and although some of the pieces only last a few weeks or months, others last a few years.

The area of El Gancho was home to the festival a few years ago so there is still a lot of street art around Las Armas which is pretty central. I went to the 2018 festival which was held out of the city in Oliver, although it’s still very accessible if you want to see it on your trip to Zaragoza too.

For more details on the festival and where you can see the street art, read my guide to Festival Asalto .

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog guide to Zaragoza spain street art

Sunday Market in Las Armas

If you are in Zaragoza on a Sunday morning be sure to visit the markets in Las Armas. It’s a fairly small market but there are plenty of local artisan stalls to look at and the vibe is very relaxed, friendly and local making for a great experience in Zaragoza.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog guide to Zaragoza spain sunday market

And this Zaragoa City Guide and Zaragoza Travel Guide will cover your trip to Zaragoza!

  • My Guide to Festival Asalto in Zaragoza
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Places to Eat in Zaragoza

I visited Zaragoza with the Zaragoza Tourism board but all opinions and thoughts are my own. 

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Friday 16th of August 2024

Thank you so much for your articles! It's interesting and helpful.

Friday 31st of May 2019

I like the vibe of Zaragoza - not too big to be swamped by hordes of tourists and not too small that you’ll be bored after a couple of days.

TheWanderingQuinn

Yes I totally agree! Such a great city!

Woman in Zaragoza

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18 Best Things to do in Zaragoza, Spain

By Spencer Leasca · Last updated on May 3, 2024

Zaragoza is an enchanting city tucked away in the heart of Spain , where the echoes of ancient history resonate alongside the vibrant pulse of modernity. Nestled along the serene banks of the Ebro River, this lesser-known gem has been an essential crossroads of cultures since time immemorial. As the capital of the Aragon region, Zaragoza bears witness to a rich and diverse tapestry of historical and architectural influences, making it an authentic Spanish treasure.

Renowned for being the home of the legendary painter Francisco Goya for many years, Zaragoza stands as a living testament to Spain’s artistic heritage. The city’s architecture also boasts an intriguing mix of styles ranging from awe-inspiring Baroque splendor to captivating Islamic and Christian design.

Beyond its cultural heritage, Zaragoza entices visitors with its culinary delights, charming tapas scene and lively festivals celebrating local traditions. Whether exploring historical landmarks, embracing artistic endeavors, or immersing yourself in authentic Spanish cuisine, there are plenty of things to do in Zaragoza for every type of traveler. A journey to this underrated city promises an enchanting adventure and will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.

18. Patio de la Infanta

Patio de la Infanta

Patio de la Infanta, located in the heart of Zaragoza, is a charming 16th-century Renaissance courtyard within the Ibercaja Cultural Center.

Originally built as a private residence for the Aragonese Infanta Catherine of Austria, the patio offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s past. Showcasing exquisite architectural details, including stunning arches, intricately carved stonework, and a charming central fountain.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the elegance of Spanish Renaissance design while appreciating the serene ambiance of the courtyard. So, take a moment to sit by the fountain, allowing yourself to absorb the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings.

The Patio de la Infanta also serves as a cultural center, hosting various art exhibitions, concerts, and events throughout the year. Depending on when you visit, you should catch a performance.

17. Fuente de la Hispanidad

Fuente de la Hispanidad

One of our favorite landmarks in Zaragoza is the Fuente de la Hispanidad – often called the Fountain of the Iberian Peoples.

Designed by the sculptor Francisco Rallo Lahoz, this emblematic fountain was inaugurated in 1991 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the Americas.

The fountain’s central figure represents Christopher Columbus, surrounded by sculptures representing various indigenous cultures from the Americas. It serves as a powerful symbol of unity, celebrating the Iberian and American peoples’ cultural diversity and shared heritage.

Located in the Plaza de la Hispanidad, the fountain creates an impressive spectacle, especially when illuminated at night. Visitors can stroll around the fountain, taking the time to appreciate its intricate details and profound message of harmony among nations.

16. Mercado Central

Mercado Central

If you love good food, you’ll want to visit Mercado Central, a bustling marketplace that has been the city’s focal point since its inauguration in 1903.

The market’s iconic iron and glass structure, typical of 19th-century architecture, exudes a sense of grandeur. Inside, visitors will find an explosion of colors and aromas from an array of fresh produce, regional delicacies, meats, cheeses, fish, and artisanal products.

Coming to the market is more than just about buying food though. It is also a gathering place and a celebration of community. So be sure to sip on a cortado (Spanish espresso) and enjoy a freshly baked pastry while soaking in the market’s lively atmosphere. Likewise, engaging in conversations with the vendors will enhance your culinary adventure and provide fascinating insights into the city’s vibrant culture and culinary traditions.

15. Pablo Serrano Art Museum (IAACC)

Pablo Serrano Art Museum

The Pablo Serrano Art Museum, also known as IAACC (Instituto Aragonés de Arte y Cultura Contemporáneos), is an exquisite ode to contemporary art in Zaragoza. Named after the renowned sculptor Pablo Serrano, the museum opened its doors in 1993 with a mission to promote and celebrate modern artistic expressions.

Situated within the Palacio de los Marqueses de Camarasa, a beautiful Renaissance building, the museum itself is a work of art. Its striking architectural juxtaposition of old and new sets the stage for an immersive artistic experience.

The museum’s collection spans various contemporary art forms, from sculptures and paintings to multimedia installations. Visitors can explore thought-provoking works by regional, national, and international artists, providing a window into the ever-evolving world of creativity.

14. La Lonja

La Lonja

La Lonja, also known as the Palace of Merchants, is a captivating architectural marvel.

Designed by Juan de Sariñena and Hernando de Nossa, La Lonja boasts an exquisite Renaissance style characterized by its robust stone facade and splendid Mudejar coffered ceiling. It was built between the 16th and 17th centuries and features a grand interior with a stunning central courtyard surrounded by elegant arcades.

Initially serving as a trade and commerce hub, La Lonja now hosts art exhibitions, cultural events, and occasional concerts, preserving its historical significance while embracing contemporary endeavors.

Take a guided tour to fully appreciate this majestic landmark’s architectural nuances and historical anecdotes. As you wander the elegant arcades and stand beneath the intricate coffered ceiling, you’ll sense the echoes of the past, gaining a deeper understanding of Zaragoza’s commercial heritage.

13. Park Labordeta

Park Labordeta

A great way to relax in Zaragoza is to visit the beautiful Park Labordeta.

A delightful urban retreat, it celebrates nature, culture, and the memory of José Antonio Labordeta, a beloved Aragonese folk singer and politician. The vast modern park opened in 2011 and offers a serene escape from the bustling city.

The park’s design embraces sustainability and environmental consciousness, featuring lush greenery, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Its centerpiece is a beautiful lake, attracting various bird species and creating a peaceful ambiance for visitors.

Stroll through the park’s shaded pathways and reflect on the memorial dedicated to José Antonio Labordeta. Congruently, embrace the tranquility of the surroundings, which encapsulates the essence of Zaragoza’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and fostering harmony between nature and urban life.

12. Museo Pablo Gargallo

Museo Pablo Gargallo

Housed in a beautiful Renaissance palace, the Museo Pablo Gargallo is a captivating tribute to the celebrated Spanish sculptor Pablo Gargallo.

Considered a pioneer of modern sculpture, Pablo Gargallo was known for his innovative use of materials, especially metal, to create evocative and dynamic pieces. The museum showcases a stunning collection of his groundbreaking sculptures and artworks, providing insights into his creative process, his evolution as an artist and impact on the art world.

The museum’s well-curated exhibits and the serene courtyard garden offer an immersive artistic experience that captivates visitors and inspires a deeper appreciation for Gargallo’s contributions to sculpture.

Take the time to explore each sculpture and appreciate Gargallo’s ability to breathe life and emotion into inanimate materials.

11. Puente de Piedra

Puente de Piedra

Puente de Piedra is an iconic symbol of Zaragoza’s architectural heritage. Spanning gracefully over the Ebro River, this ancient bridge has been a vital crossing point since its construction in the 15th century.

The bridge’s stunning design features a series of robust stone arches adorned with ornamental details that exude timeless elegance. Its strategic location connects the city’s two sides, offering picturesque views of Zaragoza’s historic skyline.

Visiting Puente de Piedra allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s past, as it witnessed significant historical events and endured centuries of change. The bridge’s enduring presence is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the people of Zaragoza.

Arguably the best time to walk along the Puente de Piedra is during the golden hours of dawn or dusk. As the sun casts a warm glow over the river and the city’s landmarks, you’ll experience a magical ambiance that harmonizes the past and the present.

EMOZ

Possessing arguably the coolest name of any attraction in Zaragoza, EMOZ – the Museum of Origami of Zaragoza – is a unique destination celebrating the art of paper folding.

The museum opened in 2003 after the Spanish Origami Association collaborated with the City of Zaragoza to establish a dedicated space for this intricate art form. Subsequently, EMOZ presents an array of mesmerizing origami displays ranging from delicate animals and complex geometric shapes to life-sized installations. All of which demonstrate the boundless creativity of paper folding.

Visitors to EMOZ can participate in workshops and interactive exhibits, providing a hands-on experience that unravels the secrets of origami. The museum’s ambiance exudes tranquility and mindfulness, making it a serene setting in which to appreciate the works on display.

9. Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta

Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta

For those interested in Roman history, the Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta (Caesaraugusta Forum Museum) is a place you must visit.

Offering a fascinating insight into this significant time, the museum showcases the archaeological remains of the ancient Roman forum. The political, social, and economic hub of the Roman city of Caesaraugusta – now modern-day Zaragoza.

The museum opened in 2008, presenting well-preserved remnants of Roman buildings, intricate mosaics, and artifacts, providing valuable insights into daily life during this historic period. Visitors can walk along the Roman streets, explore the forum’s grandeur, and witness the meticulous restoration work that brings the past to life.

The Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta combines modern architecture with archaeological discoveries. Creating such a mesmerizing setting immerses visitors in the vibrant history of ancient Zaragoza.

8. River Aquarium

River Aquarium

The River Aquarium is a fascinating attraction that takes visitors on an immersive journey through the world’s major rivers . Modern and innovative, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems and marine life in iconic rivers such as the Nile, the Amazon, and the Mekong.

The aquarium’s spectacular design replicates the natural habitats of the rivers, providing an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The mesmerizing underwater tunnels allow you to walk amidst schools of fish and observe captivating marine creatures up close.

Whilst there, make sure you attend a feeding session. Watching the fish being fed while learning about their behaviors and habitats adds a whole new dimension to the experience. To make yours an even more memorable experience, consider arriving as soon as the River Aquarium opens, as it is usually less busy.

7. Trip to Belchite

Belchite

History buffs will want to check out Belchite, a unique destination near Zaragoza, that offers a poignant glimpse into the country’s tumultuous history. The town’s tragic tale dates back to the Spanish Civil War when it became a battleground between Nationalist and Republican forces. After the war, rather than rebuilding, a decision was made to preserve the ruins as a poignant memorial.

Today, visitors can explore the haunting remains of Belchite Viejo (Old Belchite) with its crumbling buildings, abandoned streets, and shattered structures. The eerie ambience creates a powerful sense of reflection on the impact of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

For a contrasting experience, Belchite Nuevo (New Belchite) was constructed nearby. It showcases modern architecture and vibrant life, providing a unique contrast and a reminder of the town’s resilience we found very interesting.

6. La Seo del Salvador

La Seo del Salvador

La Seo del Salvador – commonly known as La Seo – is a magnificent cathedral in the heart of Zaragoza . A stunning Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece dating back to the 12th century, it is a testament to the city’s rich religious and architectural heritage.

Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, incorporating diverse architectural styles that reflect the layers of history it has witnessed.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate altarpieces, beautiful stained-glass windows, and a wealth of religious artwork. The cathedral’s chapels, each dedicated to various saints and religious events, create an atmosphere of spiritual tranquility. The awe-inspiring Mudejar ceiling, adorned with intricate wooden carvings, is a highlight of the visit.

After touring the interior, remember to climb the cathedral’s tower to enjoy panoramic city views. Doing so provides a breathtaking perspective of Zaragoza’s blend of old-world charm and modern vitality.

5. Museo Goya

Museo Goya

Another notable cultural attraction worth visiting is Museo Goya. Dedicated to the iconic Spanish painter and printmaker Francisco Goya, this museum resides in a 16th-century Renaissance building. It showcases an extensive collection of Goya’s works, allowing visitors to delve into the artistic evolution of this genius.

Goya, one of the most influential artists of his time, left an indelible mark on the art world through his masterful use of light and shadow. He was also known for his ability to depict human emotions with astonishing realism.

The museum’s exhibits include Goya’s celebrated paintings and etchings, personal belongings, and historical artifacts, offering a comprehensive insight into his life and artistic vision.

What we like most about the collection is his magnificent ‘Black Paintings’. These haunting and enigmatic works brilliantly reflect the artist’s inner turmoil and psychological struggles.

4. El Tubo District

El Tubo District

If you are a foodie, you’ll want to visit El Tubo, a vibrant and historic district renowned for its delightful tapas scene.

Named after the metal pipes (tubos) used to serve wine, this culinary haven has been a popular meeting spot for locals for centuries. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with many tapas bars and restaurants, each offering a diverse array of tantalizing Spanish delicacies.

From traditional patatas bravas to delectable seafood dishes, El Tubo offers a sensory delight that reflects the essence of Zaragoza’s gastronomic culture. When visiting the area, the best thing to do is to embrace the local tradition of ‘tapeo’. A glorified pub crawl, you hop from one tapas bar to another, sampling different dishes and enjoying a glass of local wine or beer at each stop.

3. Caesaraugusta Theater Museum

Caesaraugusta Theater Museum

Another attraction worth visiting for those who enjoy Roman history, art and culture is the Caesaraugusta Theater Museum.

Built around the remains of the ancient Roman theater , this museum showcases the archaeological treasures and cultural significance of the city’s past.

The theater, dating back to the 1st century BC, was once a grand venue for theatrical performances and gladiatorial spectacles. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, accompanied by interactive exhibits and multimedia displays that bring the ancient performances to life.

If time permits, attend one of the museum’s live theatrical performances or reenactments in the virtual theater on the first floor. The immersive performances offer a unique glimpse into Caesaraugusta’s rich history and theatrical traditions, transporting you back to the Roman spectacle’s days.

2. Palacio de la Aljaferia

Palacio de la Aljaferia

One of the most imperious landmarks in Zaragoza is the Palacio de la Aljaferia.

Originally it was built as a fortress in the 11th century during Islamic rule. However, the palace later underwent expansions and renovations under Christian monarchs, resulting in a unique blend of Islamic, Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudéjar architectural styles.

The palace’s intricate stonework, arched courtyards, and ornate decorations reflect the artistic ingenuity of the era. Visitors can explore the opulent interiors, including the lush gardens, splendid halls, and the stunning Throne Room, which showcases exquisite Islamic tilework.

During your visit, take a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance and architectural marvels of Palacio de la Aljaferia. The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the palace’s rich history, cultural exchanges, and the legacy of Islamic art and architecture in Spain.

1. Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar

Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar

The Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar is one of Europe’s most cherished pilgrimage sites. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared here to the apostle St. James, making it a significant religious landmark.

The basilica, built over several centuries, boasts a magnificent Baroque style, featuring towering domes and a grand façade. Its opulent interior has stunning frescoes, elegant sculptures, and intricate altars.

Inside, the basilica also houses a revered statue of the Virgin Mary, attracting pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

Even if you are not religious, attending an evening mass is worthwhile, providing a spiritual and enchanting experience. The luminous candlelight and the melodious choir enhance the atmosphere, creating a profound sense of reverence and connection with centuries of faith.

Where to Stay in Zaragoza

Zaragoza

When planning your stay in Zaragoza, consider accommodation at the Historic Center, particularly El Tubo or around Paseo Independencia and the City Center.

The Historic Center boasts some of the best tourist attractions in Zaragoza, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and the Aljafería Palace, all within walking distance. Furthermore, the lively El Tubo district has a bustling ambiance with several welcoming tapas, bars, and cafes, providing a taste of local flavors and traditions.

By contrast, the city center is prime for exploring Zaragoza’s modern side. Along Paseo Independencia, you’ll find high-end boutiques, plenty of museums and theaters and bustling squares.

If you’d rather stay at the Historic Center, Silken Reino de Aragón is a good option. It offers stylish rooms, excellent service, and a terrific rooftop terrace, conveying superb panoramic views.

However, at the Paseo Independencia, Hotel Inca is a classic yet modern hotel that embodies Zaragoza’s charm. The hotel’s cozy rooms, welcoming staff, and traditional Spanish decor create a delightful stay for those seeking an authentic experience.

How to get there

Zaragoza Train Station

Those wanting to visit Zaragoza have several transportation options available to them.

If coming from outside Spain, you can fly directly into Zaragoza Airport (Aeropuerto de Zaragoza) from several major cities worldwide. Alternatively, you can fly to the larger airports in Madrid or Barcelona and then take a high-speed train (AVE) to Zaragoza, which usually takes around one-and-a-half to two hours.

If you’re already in Spain, you can also reach the city by train or bus from various destinations. Renfe offers frequent train services, connecting Zaragoza to Madrid, Barcelona, and other major Spanish cities. Buses also provide affordable and convenient transportation options from different regions.

However you get there, once you arrive, Zaragoza’s well-connected public transportation system will allow you to explore Zaragoza’s numerous attractions easily.

Approximate travel times

  • Huesca – 50 minutes by car, 1 hour by train
  • Barcelona – 3 hours by car, 1 hour 30 minutes by train
  • Valencia – 3 hours by car, 1 hour 30 minutes by train
  • Madrid – 3 hours by car, 1 hour 30 minutes by train
  • Bilbao – 4.5 hours by car, 4 hours by train and bus

Best Time to Visit Zaragoza

Lying in the northeast of Spain along the Ebro River, Zaragoza has a semi-arid climate with dry, cold winters and hot summers. July and August are the most popular months to visit as the sun is shining, people have holidays and temperatures average 30 to 31°C (86 to 88°F).

While the heat sometimes gets a bit much during the day, the evenings are lovely and lively with all its bars and restaurants packed with people. In August though, many are closed as locals head off on holiday to the mountains and coast.

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn – so April to June and September and October – are arguably better times to visit. With less crowds around and cooler temperatures of 18 to 27°C (64 to 80°F), sightseeing is much more pleasant.

Prices are at their highest in October when the week-long Fiestas del Pilar and all its processions, concerts and cultural events are held. April is the other most expensive month of the year as people head here for the Easter holidays and Semana Santa celebrations.

Map of Zaragoza

Map of Things to do in Zaragoza

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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Zaragoza

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 22, 2023

A treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions awaits your discovery in Zaragoza. You will find well-preserved archaeological sites, the first Marian church in Christendom, and fabulous art museums.

Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza

If ancient Roman history fascinates you, then head to the city's archaeological sites. You can follow the "Caesaraugusta Route" to find the forum, thermal baths, and theater of the 1st- to 2nd-century Roman town (named after Emperor Augustus) that once flourished here.

The city is most renowned for its Baroque architecture, in particular the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar. This splendid monument is one of the most important pilgrimage churches in Spain.

Equally fascinating are the 12th-century Moorish palace and the UNESCO-listed Mudéjar architecture of San Pablo, Santa Maria Magdalena, and San Juan de los Panetes churches.

Also on the list of must-see destinations are several museums. The city boasts collections devoted to tapestries, contemporary art, and the works of Francisco de Goya.

Learn about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Zaragoza.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

Museo del foro de caesaraugusta, catedral de zaragoza, palacio de la aljafería, acuario fluvial (river aquarium of zaragoza), educational museum of origami in zaragoza (emoz), iglesia de san pablo de zaragoza, la lonja de zaragoza, instituto de aragonés de arte y cultura contemporáneo, basílica santa engracia, museo goya - colección ibercaja, museo de zaragoza, museo pablo gargallo, museo de las termas públicas de caesaraugusta, iglesia de santa maria magdalena, iglesia de san juan de los panetes, teatro romano de zaragoza, day trips from zaragoza, fuendetodos and the goya museum, sos del rey catolico, monasterio de piedra, map of attractions & things to do in zaragoza.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the city's most iconic landmark. This gem of Baroque architecture dates to the 17th and 18th centuries and is classified as a National Monument.

Gracing the banks of the Ebro River, the basilica looks most impressive from across the river. The entrance is on the other side at the Plaza del Pilar, a spacious town square lined with elegant historical buildings.

Take time to admire the basilica's monumental exterior. Then enter the awe-inspiring interior, which holds a precious object of veneration.

Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims have journeyed here to honor an image of the Virgin Mary and the Sagrada Columna (Sacred Column), a pillar of jasper stone that is associated with a Marian apparition.

Domes on the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

According to the legend, Saint James the Apostle came to Caesaraugusta where he had a vision of the Virgin Mary, instructing him to build a church here. Saint James built a small chapel dedicated to Saint Mary on this spot, making it the first Marian shrine in Christendom.

Several other churches were later built on the site; however, the present basilica is still devoted to the Virgen del Pilar (Our Lady of Pilar). A figure of the Virgin stands behind a mantelpiece. This icon is taken out and presented to the faithful every year on January 2nd, commemorating the date when the Virgin appeared.

The other sacred object, the Sagrada Columna (also known as " El Pilar ") is now adorned with fanciful silver plating. Other valuable religious artworks and lavish Baroque monuments are found throughout the basilica, including the alabaster high altarpiece and the frescoes by Goya.

Address: Plaza del Pilar, Zaragoza

Caesaraugusta Theater Museum

The Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta ( Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta ) provides a glimpse into the life of Caesaraugusta, an ancient Roman colony (town) of the 1st and 2nd centuries that once occupied present-day Zaragoza.

Named after Emperor Augustus who founded the town, Caesaraugusta was known for its splendors. The city had a theater, public baths, and a marvelous forum at the center of town life.

The museum stands on the site of the archaeological excavations of the Caesaraugusta forum, underneath the Plaza de La Seo . On display are remains of the Roman Forum that dates back to the era of Emperor Tiberius.

You will see artifacts that represent elements of the ancient Roman market, walls of shops, pipes, and a sewer system, as well as government buildings and a temple. The exhibits are complemented by educational information and an interesting audio-visual presentation.

Address: 2 Plaza de la Seo, Zaragoza

Catedral de Zaragoza

The Catedral de Zaragoza is known as Catedral de San Salvador or Catedral de La Seo or simply La Seo . Dedicated to Saint Salvador, this enormous church features five naves. Its melange of architectural styles reveal the town's complex history.

The cathedral was built on the site of the ancient Roman temple of the Forum, which became a Visigoth church and then a large Muslim mosque during the Moorish era. In the 12th century, the building was converted into a church.

Romanesque elements of the original 12th-century structure are seen in the exquisitely sculpted arcades on the exterior of the apses. The old mosque's minaret is the present cathedral's tower. A Moorish influence is also evident in the chancel and in some of the archways.

The choir is Gothic in style, while the Capilla del Santo Cristo is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Adding to the architectural melange are the Neoclassical facade and Baroque details on the tower.

In addition to its treasures of religious art in the sanctuary, the cathedral has a noteworthy Tapestry Museum (Museo de Tapices). The collection contains over 60 precious Flemish tapestries of the 15th century.

The cathedral welcomes tourists for cultural visits. The price of admission includes entrance to both the cathedral and the Tapestry Museum.

Address: Plaza de la Seo, Zaragoza

Palacio de la Aljafería

In the heart of Zaragoza, the Aljafería Palace is an 11th-century Moorish fortress. Today, the Palacio de la Aljafería houses the headquarters of the Aragonese Parliament.

Take a moment to admire the impressive architecture and fortifications. You will marvel over the formidable defense walls that feature immense crenelated towers. All of the towers are round except for a single rectangular tower, the 9th-century Torre del Trovador (Troubadour's Tower).

Within the fortress walls are three distinct palaces: the Moorish Al-Muqtadir Palace with a splendid Islamic-style garden courtyard; the 14th-century Palace of Pedro IV featuring exquisite Mudéjar coffered ceilings and plasterwork ornamentation; and the 15th-century Palacio de Los Reyes Católicos ( Palace of the Catholic Monarchs ).

The palace is open to the public for visits, and guided tours are available.

Address: Calle de los Diputados, Zaragoza

Acuario Fluvial (River Aquarium of Zaragoza)

Visit the world's largest freshwater aquarium and discover more than 300 species of fluvial (river) fauna. The animal species (fish, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians) on display are characteristic of five major rivers: the Nile, the Amazon, the Ebro, the Mekong, and the Murray-Darling.

At the center of the building, a symbolic glacier feeds the various "river" habitats that surround it, each with its own unique environment that replicates a river ecosystem.

The central tank holds nearly two and a half million liters of water, symbolizing the primal waters from which life first evolved. Among its major residents are Arapaima, the third-largest freshwater fish in the world; the ecologically important Pacú; and the endangered Malay shark.

The Nile exhibit's stars include freshwater pufferfish and the Nile crocodile, and Amazon species include iguana and the pygmy titi monkey.

Address: Avenida de José Atarés, Zaragoza

Exhibit at the Zaragoza Origami Museum

The Educational Museum of Origami in Zaragoza (Escuela Museo Origami Zaragoza) is the first of its kind in Europe. As the name suggests, the museum offers classes and workshops.

The museum's collection includes creations made by some of the world's most renowned origami artists, including Yoshihide Momotani, Akira Yoshizawa, and Vicent Floderer.

In addition to the permanent collections, the museum hosts contests and themed exhibits, which focus on various materials and artists.

Address: Plaza San Agustín, 2, Zaragoza

Iglesia de San Pablo de Zaragoza

The Iglesia de San Pablo de Zaragoza is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its exceptional Aragon Mudéjar architecture.

The church was built in the 13th and 14th centuries to replace a small Romanesque chapel, then located on the outskirts of the town. With its single nave and vaulted ceilings, the interior has a sense of spaciousness. Chapels between the buttresses display exquisite works of art.

During the 15th and 18th centuries, the church was further enhanced and enlarged. A must-see piece of the Renaissance period is the main altarpiece devoted to Saint Paul, crafted from gilded wood by sculptor Damián Forment in 1515.

The most noteworthy feature of this monument is its magnificent octagonal Mudéjar tower featuring exceptional Moorish design details.

Address: 42 Calle San Pablo, Zaragoza

La Lonja de Zaragoza on the Plaza del Pilar

This splendid 16th-century building stands on the grand Plaza del Pilar, across from the basilica. La Lonja is the historic marketplace of Zaragoza, where merchants carried out their trading and other commercial transactions.

Designed by Juan de Sariñena, the edifice is the city's best example of Aragonese Renaissance architecture. The building, constructed in brick, features a rectangular plan and a decorative facade with rows of uniform arched windows and depictions of the kings of Aragón in medallions.

The interior features a series of stone columns, which were sculpted from the remains of the city's former Roman walls. Created by Juan de Segura, the columns turn into defined arches, appearing to turn into palm trees.

La Lonja de Zaragoza is open to the public when exhibitions are held here.

Aragonese Institute of Art and Contemporary Culture

The Aragonese Institute of Art and Contemporary Culture (Pablo Serrano Museum) is dedicated to the work of renowned Aragonese artist Pablo Serrano. The museum's collection spans Pablo Serrano's work from his Figurative period to his Expressionist stage.

Exhibits display 140 drawings and sculptures, which reflect the evolution of the artist's creativity and innovation. The museum also displays works by the artist's wife, Juana Francés; contemporary graphic art works; and an assortment of paintings by Santiago Lagunas.

In addition, the museum hosts a variety of changing exhibits, which feature a range of artists, both past and contemporary. To get the most out of a visit, take a guided tour.

Address: 20 Paseo María Agustín, Zaragoza

Basílica Santa Engracia

This Renaissance church was once part of the Hieronymite Monastery of Santa Engracia, however the rest of the monastery no longer exists. The church features a remarkable Plateresque facade, which is considered a jewel of Aragonese Renaissance architecture.

The facade is almost like an altar with its elaborate reliefs, medallions, and sculptures of various characters and saints. Four niches at the sides represent the parents of the Western Church. The upper niches feature the Virgin of the Holy Mass and King Ferdinand, patron of the church.

The crypt houses Paleo-Christian (early Christian) tombs of the 4th century. One particularly interesting sarcophagus depicts a scene that represents the soul in Paradise.

The Basílica Santa Engracia celebrates Mass several times daily and is also open to the public for visits everyday from 9:30am until 1pm and from 5:30pm until 9pm. Admission is free of charge.

Address: 1 Calle Tomás Castellano, Zaragoza

Museo Goya - Colección Ibercaja

The Goya Museum - Ibercaja Collection (also known as the Museo Camón Aznar) displays a fine arts collection that was assembled by José Camón Aznar, a local professor, philosopher, art critic, and art collector. As a patron of this museum, the Spanish savings bank Ibercaja bought the mansion that belonged to nobleman Jerónimo Cósida to house the collection.

The lovely aristocratic home, with three floors designed around a splendid patio, is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance civil architecture in Zaragoza. The permanent collection focuses on paintings of the 15th and 18th centuries, which are displayed on the first floor.

The museum's permanent collection includes a small but noteworthy assortment of works by Francisco de Goya, including 14 paintings, one drawing, and an engraving series. The works represent various timeframes of Goya's career and diverse themes from religious to whimsical.

Museo Ibercaja Camón Aznar

Also on display are artworks by Blasco de Grañén, Pedro Berruguete, Pedro de Campaña, Juan Antonio de Escalante, Gregorio Fernández, and José Moreno, as well as other prominent Spanish, Italian, Dutch, and Flemish artists of the 16th and 17th centuries.

A few of the standout pieces of the collection are the Retrato de la Reina María Luisa de Parma painting by Goya, San Francisco de Asís en Oración by Juan Antonio de Escalante, and Retrato de Ena Wertheimer by Cecilio Pla y Gallardo.

Address: 23 Calle Espoz y Mina, Zaragoza

Museo de Zaragoza

Explore the art, culture, and history of the Zaragoza province at the Museo de Zaragoza. The museum's large and diverse collection is housed in the pavilion of the 1908 Universal Expo.

The collection includes five different departments: Archaeology, Fine Arts, Ethnography, Ceramics, and Asian Art (of the Far East). The Fine Arts section presents works from the 12th century to the 20th century. The Archaeology department covers prehistory, the ancient Roman era, and the Moorish period (with antiquities from Aljafería Palace).

Not to be missed is the collection of works by Francisco de Goya , considered one of the best in Spain. The assortment shows the range of Goya's paintings and includes many masterpieces, in particular his portraits of Carlos IV, María Luisa de Parma, and the Infante Luis María de Borbón.

Address: 6 Plaza de los Sitios, Zaragoza

Museo Pablo Gargallo

Discover the work of Pablo Gargallo, the brilliant contemporary sculptor who hailed from the Aragon region. The museum displays the artist's early works of sculpture in marble and plaster, as well as later works crafted from iron and other metals.

You will gain an appreciation of the artist's creative genius and artistic vision through the displays of sculptures, drawings, engravings, cartoons, and biographical information.

Highlights of the collection include The Great Prophet , the portrait of Kiki de Montparnasse, and the statues of equestrians called the Olympic Salute .

Address: 3 Plaza de San Felipe, Zaragoza

Museo de las Termas Públicas de Caesaraugusta

The thermal baths (dating to the 1st century CE) of Caesaraugusta were an important center of social life for the ancient Romans. More than just a place to visit for bathing, the public baths brought people together to play sports, read, and listen to music or poetry.

Typical of public baths found in the ancient Roman empire, the facilities included hot-water and cold-water baths. Bathers could alternate between the two baths, but most started with hot and then finished with cold.

Men and women were separated in different areas of the baths, or used them at different times. The city of Caesaraugusta was well supplied with fresh water and managed the maintenance of the baths.

Today, you can explore the history of Caesaraugusta's baths and see some of the remains at the Museo de las Termas Públicas de Caesaraugusta (Museum of the Public Baths of Caesaraugusta). The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Address: 3 - 7 Calle San Juan y San Pedro, Zaragoza

Iglesia de Santa Maria Magdalena

The Iglesia de Santa Maria Magdalena stands on the site of an old Moorish mosque. The original 12th-century Romanesque church (that replaced the mosque) was renovated in the 14th century and updated in the 17th century with Baroque details.

The most distinctive feature of the Saint Mary Magdalen Church is the tower, characteristic of Aragonese Mudéjar architecture; the ornamental geometric patterns mimic an Almohad-style minaret. Motifs of decorative glazed ceramics add to the Moorish look.

The interior features an unusual apse with overlapped arches and pointed windows, also typical of Mudéjar style. The main altarpiece is adorned with 18th-century sculptures and images by Jose Ramirez de Arellano.

The church is open to the public for visits (with an admission fee), and guided tours are available.

Address: Plaza de la Magdalena, Zaragoza

Iglesia de San Juan de los Panetes

Another lovely Mudéjar church, the Iglesia de San Juan de los Panetes is found between the ancient Roman walls and the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar.

The church was completed in 1725, replacing the Romanesque church of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. The austere Baroque facade features an image of San Juan Bautista and pilasters on the sides.

Like Santa Maria Magdalena, the most notable feature of this church is the Mudéjar tower. Its octagonal brick tower with arched windows recalls classic Moorish architecture. The interior offers an inspiring sense of spaciousness with its barrel vaulting and cupola on the crossing.

The church is open to the public for visits (free admission) every day. Mass is celebrated here on Sundays at 11am.

Address: 3 Calle Salduba, Zaragoza

Teatro Romano de Zaragoza

Theater performances played an important role in ancient Roman society of the 1st century CE. This archaeological site reveals the grandeur of the Caesaraugusta theater and gives you a sense of the lifestyle of antiquity.

The ancient Roman theater was excavated in 1972 and is now enclosed in a special exhibition space. The Teatro Romano de Zaragoza is open to the public (for an admission fee) Tuesday through Sunday.

In addition to the archaeological site, there is a small museum. Exhibits at the museum include models that reconstruct the ancient theater, artifacts (decorative elements) excavated at the site, and replicas of props used by ancient Roman actors.

Address: 12 Calle San Jorge, Zaragoza

Fuendetodos

The famous Spanish painter Francisco de Goya was born in this quaint little country town, 47 kilometers outside of Zaragoza.

The tourist highlights of the town are the Casa Natal de Goya , the 18th-century farmhouse where the artist was born, and the Museo del Grabado which displays many noteworthy etchings by Goya, including Los Desastres de la Guerra , Los Caprichos , Los Disparates, and La Tauromaquia .

Huesca

Steeped in 2,000 years of history, Huesca still has vestiges of the old medieval walls. Within the ancient enclosures is a labyrinth of narrow pedestrian streets and monumental buildings that seem to preside over the town.

The cathedral was built in the 13th century on the site of the Misleida Mosque; its position high on the summit of the town offered protection against invaders during the Reconquest period.

Be sure to admire the cathedral's magnificent facade, featuring statues of the apostles above the doorway. Another must-see attraction is the Monasterio de San Pedro el Viejo , founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 11th century.

The monastery boasts one of Spain's oldest sacred monuments, which has foundations as a Roman temple and later as a Visigothic church. The 12th-century church has a beautiful Romanesque cloister featuring colonnades with decorative capitals.

Near Huesca are two natural parks. The Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and has a charming Parador hotel at the foot of the mountain. Cañones de Guara Natural Park is popular with outdoor sports enthusiasts, especially for hiking and canyoning.

The gastronomy of Huesca is known for its excellent sausages and roast meats, as well as the local specialty of Ajoarriero de Huesca (cod in oil and garlic).

Huesca is 74 kilometers (about a 50-minute drive) from Zaragoza.

Huesca Map - Tourist Attractions

Sos del Rey Católico is a little walled town that has retained its charming medieval character. King Ferdinand of Aragon, "el Rey Católico," was born here in 1452 in the Palacio de Sada, which dates to the 12th century.

Gracing the main town square, the Plaza Mayor , are the Renaissance Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) and La Lonja (the Exchange).

Nearby is the 11th- to 12th-century Iglesia de San Esteban . This parish church is a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture with a decorative sculptured doorway. The sanctuary boasts excellently preserved 14th-century wall paintings.

The town of Sos del Rey Católico is 120 kilometers (about a one-hour and 40-minute drive) from Zaragoza.

Waterfall at the Monasterio de Piedra

The Monasterio de Piedra is nestled in a densely wooded landscape where waterfalls, lakes, and freshwater streams are found in abundance. This is one of the most remote natural areas of the Aragon region (110 kilometers from Zaragoza).

The monastery was founded in 1194, when King Alonso II and his wife Doña Sancha handed over an old Moorish castle to the Poblet monks, with instructions to build a monastery and spread the Christian faith.

Because of its serene setting and pristine environment, the site is an important center of fishing and reforestation. In 1940, the site was declared a National Scenic Spot .

The Monasterio de Piedra is open to the public throughout the year. You may visit the Monastery and the Historical Garden Park.

There's also the option of an overnight stay at the Hotel Monasterio de Piedra & Spa . Housed within part of the Monastery, this hotel has a spa, restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, sundeck, and fitness center. Staying at the hotel allows you to enjoy the Historical Garden Park. You may take advantage of picnic tables and bicycle tours.

The lush area around the monastery features well-groomed paths through the forest, where you can go for a walk to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

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Exploring Barcelona : Just over three hours by car from Zaragoza is the seaside city of Barcelona , which holds endless wonders, from the rich history of the Gothic Quarter to the scenic Parc de Montjüic . Other top tourist attractions include architectural masterpieces created by Antoni Gaudí, including the UNESCO-listed Basílica de la Sagrada Família and the whimsical Park Güell.

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Exploring Bilbao : Tourists interested in modern architecture and art will enjoy the city of Bilbao, home of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the top tourist attractions in northern Spain . This previously overlooked town became a top tourist destination in Spain thanks to this stunning building, and here you can also find beautiful churches, as well as a variety of other museums, including archaeology, fine arts, history, and a maritime museum.

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Exploring Oviedo : Near the northern coast of Spain, Oviedo is best known for its churches, including the Catedral de Oviedo, the Iglesia de Santa Maria del Naranco, and the Iglesia de San Julián de los Prados. The area is also famous for its regional cuisine.

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Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Europe , Spain · September 14, 2019

Week #2 of 52: 20 things to do in Zaragoza

Please note this blog contains affiliate links that give me a small commission from any purchase, at no extra cost to you. I would never advertise anything I wouldn’t use myself, and this commission helps Finding Alexx reach more travellers. Thank you for supporting me!

In these days of Instagram, where each adventure abroad is prepped for with hours of online research (guilty!), it’s a special thing to be actually surprised by a destination. Zaragoza, Spain’s fifth-largest city and capital of Aragon, was one of those rare places, and it’s the perfect cheap Europe getaway. Here’s a Zaragoza travel guide with all you need to know about the city, as well as 20 things to do in Zaragoza , from visiting exquisite cathedrals and historical palaces through to eating your way around the city.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: All the FAQs about my 52 in 52 adventure

Or skip straight to:

Zaragoza basics

How to get to zaragoza, how to get into the city from zaragoza airport, how to get around zaragoza, where to stay in zaragoza, how much to budget for zaragoza, 20 things to do, see and eat in zaragoza.

Girl standing on Stone Bridge over Ebro River in Zaragoza

Currency:  Euro (€) How to pay for things : Hotels, chain retail stores and sit down restaurants mostly accept credit card, smaller local shops and tapas bars may be cash only, but there are ATMs in all the tourist areas of the city Language : Spanish Weather : June to August is hot, sunny and dry, with some days reaching the early 30s Celcius. In winter expect highs of around 10° and lows of 3°. April and May are known for being the rainiest months in Zaragoza. Best time to go : The city gets quiet in summer because the residents take their own summer holidays, which means less people but also shops and restaurants may be closed. The months just after summer (September to October) are a great time to visit, when the humidity and temperature drops a bit. The city holds a Catholic festival in October, Las Fiestas del Pilar, for seven days around October 12 to celebrate the Virgin of the Pilar, which would be an amazing time to experience the best of Zaragoza.

My 52 in 52 adventure is taking me to a new country every single week based on the cheapest flight, and one of the best things about this style of travel is that I’m at the mercy of where Skyscanner tells me to go every Tuesday, no matter how random the destination is. From my first week in Paris, the cheapest flight out was £18 to Zaragoza flying Ryanair (plus £20.63 for adding on a checked bag, priority boarding with two cabin bags, and carbon offset).

Zaragoza is on the flight map for some of the major low cost airlines, including Ryanair and Volotea, so you can get there for cheap from London, Milan, Brussels, Paris and loads more. Right now there’s flights from London from only £13 one way and £30 return!

TRAVEL TIP:

I find all my flights using Skyscanner ! You’ll get the best deal if you’re flexible on where to go. Just put in your origin, your departure date (or month) and type ‘everywhere’ into the destination bar to see the cheapest locations to fly to on your next holiday.

It’s also easily accessible by train from any of Spain’s major cities (1.5 hours from Barcelona or Madrid, 3-3.5 hours from San Sebastian) or by car if you’re road tripping around this beaut country.

View of Zaragoza city from Basilica del Pilar tower

You can get a taxi from Zaragoza Airport into the city for about €25 for a 20 minute ride, or catch a 30 minute-ish public bus for €1.70 each way.

Zaragoza is super easy to get around by foot, bike, e-scooter or public transport. If you’re staying near the Old Town then it’s easy to walk to the museums, cathedrals, up to the palace and through the foodie streets, but if you want to venture further out you can jump on a bus or a tram, rent a bike or rent a Lime scooter (but be sure to ride on the streets or bike lanes, scooters on footpaths are not allowed).

For getting out to the gorgeous gardens of Parque Jose Antonio Labordeta or the activities and art installations around Parque del Agua, there’s a hop-on hop-off tourist bus for only €8 for a day pass.

Aljafiera Palace best things to do inin Zaragoza

Please note that the prices here are based on example dates mid-week in shoulder season, check booking.com for prices and availability for the best Zaragoza hotels on your travel dates.

I was hosted by the beautiful people at Zaragoza Tourism, and they put me up in a stunning room at super stylish Hotel Alfonso , located just between the Old Town and the central business district. It’s a 4* with a rooftop pool and buffet breakfast, and prices start at only €80 a night for a double room, about half the price of similar hotels in other Spanish cities! If you’re looking for a cheap luxe getaway, this is your answer.

Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza places to stay

There are countless apartments available in Zaragoza, which means full kitchens so you can save money by cooking. Some of my favourite finds are El Balcón de Espoz y Mina I , Apartamentos Sabinas Don Jaime and Fantastica Buhardilla Plaza Pilar , with prices starting from €60-€90 for two to four people.

Zaragoza only has one hostel that I could find, Albergue Hostel , but there are quite a few cheap pensións (budget basic hotel rooms with shared bathrooms) to choose from. Check out Pensión Corona or Pensión Fuenterrabía , both have double rooms starting at €25-28.

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Zaragoza is significantly cheaper than the busier cities in Spain, and it got me into a false sense of financial security before I got to super pricey San Sebastian!

As mentioned you can get a double room from about €25 (or cheaper if you’re okay to stay somewhere ultra-basic), an apartment from €60, or a fancy hotel from €80.

If you explore mainly by foot, bike, scooter or public transport you probably won’t spend any more than €4-€6 a day, and most of the activities or things to see are less than €10.

In terms of food, your budget will totally depend on what type of meals you’ll be having. If you buy fresh fruit and veges from the market and stock up on supermarket staples to cook in an apartment, you’ll be able to easily eat for less than €15 per day, and if you want to eat out then expect to spend anywhere from €5 for a couple of tapas to €15-€20 for a nice sit-down meal.

Zaragoza cathedral roof

This gorgeous underrated city really blew me away with the amount of things to do, see and eat, so here’s a quick hit list of all my favourite Zaragoza activities and experiences.

1. Jump on a free walking tour

The best way to see any city, especially one with historical, cultural and art significant, is a free walking tour with a local, where you tip what you want at the end. They’ll take you to the key spots, give you some insider tips for the best times to visit certain places, help you decide on where to eat, and give you a basic understanding of the city’s history. Bonus tip: Do one when you first arrive and ask your guide about any basic phrases you should know in the local language, so you’re never caught without being able to say thank you.

Zaragoza walking tour

2. Visit the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

This gigantic cathedral is the most famous building in the city, and it’s exquisite both inside and out. You’ll find the Cathedral in the middle of Plaza del Pilar, backing onto the Ebro River. It was the second cathedral in Zaragoza (La Seo is the other one), and the current building was mostly built between 1681 and 1872. The cathedral has huge significance to the Catholic church, and it’s said to be the site of the first ever church dedicated to Mary, way back in 40AD. I’m not usually one to listen intently to religious stories, but the history behind this cathedral was honestly mind-blowing. It involves the only recorded apparition of Mary, a regrown amputated leg miracle, an un-detonated bomb, and a half-finished interior. SO interesting.

3. Go up the Basilica del Pilar tower

For only €3 you can get the lift up 60 metres high in one of the towers, and then walk up stairs to 80 metres. You’ll get an amazing view of the Plaza del Pilar, across the Ebro River, and of the stunning blue, green and yellow tiles on the cathedral’s roof.

Zaragoza Basilica del Pilar tower view

4. Wander around the Plaza del Pilar

The main square in Zaragoza’s Old Town is bordered by cathedrals, museums and art installations on all sides. It’s one of the largest squares in Europe, and probably one of the quietest too! Don’t miss the waterfall at one end, dedicated to Latin America, and the Goya Statue at the other.

5. Visit La Seo Cathedral

The first cathedral in Zaragoza is just a couple hundred metres from Basilica del Pilar, it’s much smaller but still boasts beautiful architecture and artwork. It’s also home to a tapestry museum which is worth a visit!

La Seo cathedral Zaragoza

6. See an exhibit at La Lonja

Once a merchant market back in the 16th century, La Lonja is now an exhibition hall home to a variety of art and photography galleries throughout the year. When I visited there was an amazing (and free!) photography exhibit showcasing photojournalists from the Aragon region and the neighbouring Catalonia, Navarre and Basque Country.

7. Explore Aljafería Palace

This 11th century palace has a crazy cross-religious history, originally being an Islamic medieval palace, then home to Christian kings, then Catholic monarchs, then a military base and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as housing the Aragon parliament. Entry is €5 and I’d really recommend jumping on a guided tour to get a full history lesson.

Aljafiera Palace arches Zaragoza things to do

8. Check out Museo Goya

Much to my mother’s dismay, I’m not a huge fan of art museums, or even really art or museums in general. It’s not my fault, I guess I just prefer doing things or eating things or photographing things rather than reading about things. Sorry Mum! So in full transparency, the Muso Goya is absolutely a Zaragoza must-do, but I didn’t actually do it myself. Museo Goya is probably Zaragoza’s most famous museum, home to a massive collection of Aragon-born Francisco de Goya’s works of art, along with loads of other paintings from the 15th to 20th century. It’s €4 to enter and again, totally worth getting the audio-guide.

9. Pedal around the city

Zaragoza is a fantastic city for cycling, with great bike lanes for safe riding. There are some bike rentals available via app, or pop into one La Cicleria, Bizi or Ciclos Richi to rent a bike for a longer period of time.

10. Hop on and hop off around the main sights

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a fantastic way to see any city, especially one like Zaragoza which has a couple of key areas for things to do and see. The bus is only €8 for a day and it means you can tick off the Parque Jose Antonio Labordeta, the Old Town, and the Expo area easily without splurging on taxis or having to walk miles and miles.

Zaragoza fountain in the main square

11. Parque Jose Antonio Labordeta

And on that note, let’s talk about the park! This is the green lung of the city, a huge space filled with fountains, trees and perfectly manicured gardens. It’s also home to the highest point in the city, so it’s a beautiful place to watch the colours of the sky change as the sun goes down.

12. See the cathedral from the Stone Bridge

Cross the Stone Bridge for a fantastic view of the Basilica of Our Lady the Pillar, and a great photo spot too.

Zaragoza travel guide Stone Bridge

13. Explore the Expo area

Northwest of the Old Town, if you cross the river, you’ll reach the Expo Zone, opened in 2008 when it was home to a three month exhibition for sustainable development. It’s packed with ultra-modern buildings, bridges and art installations, as well as an aquarium. It’s a crazy contrast with the rest of the city so absolutely worth a visit.

14. Chow down on croquettes at Taberna Dona Casta

And the moment all you foodies have been waiting for, a definitive list of my favourite eats in Zaragoza! Let’s kick off with the best croquettes in town, Taberna Dona Casta . With loads of croquettes to choose from, I’d recommend picking three or four to try, leaving a bit of room to get another one of your winning flavour combo. I can vouch for the mushroom and goats cheese, the ham, gorgonzola and nuts, and the apple and blue cheese. YUM.

Best croquettes in Zaragoza Taberna dona casta

15. Try the patatas sherry at La Ternasca

I’m a foodie through and through, and I’m constantly searching for the best things to eat in each place I visit. So with that in mind, I don’t say this lightly… The patatas sherry at La Ternasca was one of my favourite meals I’ve ever had in my life. The dish is made up of freshly cooked thinly-sliced potatoes covered in scrambled eggs, pulled lamb and truffle oil, and, along with other lamb dishes, it’s one of La Ternasca’s specialties. It’s just basic ingredients but the flavours are deliciously intense, and the lamb is super tender. SO GOOD, please do yourself a favour and try it!

Patatas sherry La Ternasca best food in Zaragoza

16. Treat yourself at Casa Lac

Spain’s oldest restaurant, opened in 1825, is the ideal spot if you’re looking to get fancy for an afternoon or evening. Casa Lac is famous for making vegetables the hero of all their dishes, and they’ve got set menus, a la carte, and tapas available. If you can’t stretch the budget for a full meal, pop in for dessert and order the traditional bread pudding. Divine.

Best dessert Zaragoza travel tips

17. Do a chocolate crawl

Zaragoza’s chocolate scene is on fire, with choccy shops down basically every street. For €9 you can pick up a chocopass from any of the tourism offices in the city, and that gives you chocolate treats from five chocolate establishments of your choice out of a list of 21. It’s a fun way to see the city, not to mention gives you a much-needed afternoon sugar boost in the middle of a day of exploring!

18. Get an ice cold refreshment from Heladeria Tortosa

Heladeria Tortosa is the best gelateria in the city for sure, with a line out the door at peak ice cream times. They’ve got loads of flavours to choose from but they’re particularly famous for their meringue milk gelato.

Best gelato in Zaragoza

19. Eat your way down El Tubo

El Tubo is one of the main alleys in Old Town, and it’s completely packed with tapas bars and nightlife hot spots. Head there after a siesta and get ready to eat your weight’s worth of tapas for the next few hours. If you’re travelling with a friend or a group, why not do a food crawl? It’s my favourite way to get amongst the gastronomic scene of a new place! Share a small meal or tapas at one place, then move onto the next and do the same, and repeat as many times as you can until you roll back to your hotel room.

20. €2 tapas and a drink for Juepinchos at La Magdalena

Budget travellers, this one’s for you! If you’re in Zaragoza on a Thursday, you can’t miss Juepinchos at La Magdalena, a suburb slightly to the east of the Old Town. On Thursday evenings the bars in La Magdalena offer a drink (normally a house wine or beer) with a tapa for just €2! It gets busy, obviously, and the tapas sit on the bar without English translations or a menu, but it’s an incredible way to experience local delicacies without breaking the bank.

Zaragoza travel guide

Zaragoza, you were a foodie’s dream! There’s so much to do in this little city and it’s still off the beaten track, which means lower prices and less tourists. Get in for a sweet weekend getaway before everyone else cottons on!

Looking for somewhere to stay in Zaragoza? Check out all the hotels and apartments right here , and don’t forget to sort by ‘review score and price’ to see the best value options first.

Have you heard of Zaragoza before, or is it on your bucket list? Tell me in the comments below.

Like this blog? Pin it!

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Read more about my 52 in 52 adventure here , see all of my blog posts from the trip here , or check out my Instagram @findingalexx to see all of my travel photos.

Huge thanks to Zaragoza Tourism for hosting me on this trip to Zaragoza! As always, all opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience.

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The hotels were fabulous and we were greeted and treated with care. The itinerary proved outstanding. The drivers were wonderful. He was always on time, ma...

Zaragoza is an inviting city that has managed to absorb its rapid growth with a rare grace. Its centre reflects an air of prosperity in its wide, modern boulevards, and stylish shops and bars. Highlights include the spectacular Moorish Aljafería, an impressive collection of Roman ruins and an awesome basilica, devoted to one of Spain’s most famous incarnations of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Pilar.

The city’s fiestas in honour of the revered saint – which take place throughout the second week of October – are well worth planning a trip around, so long as you can find accommodation. In addition to the religious processions (which focus on the 12th), the local council lays on a brilliant programme of cultural events, featuring top rock, jazz and folk bands, floats, bullfights and traditional jota dancing.

The Plaza del Pilar is the obvious point to start exploring Zaragoza. The square, paved in a brilliant, pale stone, was remodelled in 1991, creating a vast, airy expanse from La Seo, past the great Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, and over to Avda. César Augusto. The plaza spans the city’s entire history: Roman ruins at both ends; between the churches, a Renaissance exchange house, the Lonja; and at the centre, some modern statuary and the Fuente de la Hispanidad, a giant waterfall shaped like a section of Central America and the Caribbean to commemorate 1492.

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The Aljafería

Moorish Spain was never very unified, and from the tenth to the eleventh century Zaragoza was the centre of an independent dynasty, the Beni Kasim. Their palace, the Aljafería, was built in the heyday of their rule in the mid-eleventh century, and as such predates the Alhambra in Granada and Seville’s Alcázar. Much, however, was added later, under twelfth- to fifteenth-century Christian rule, when the palace was adapted and used by the reconquista kings of Aragón. Since 1987, the Aragonese parliament has met here.

The foremost relics from the original design are a tiny and beautiful mosque, adjacent to the entrance, and farther on an intricately decorated court, the Patio de Santa Isabella. From here, the Grand Staircase (added in 1492) leads to a succession of mainly fourteenth-century rooms, remarkable for their carved artesonado ceilings; the most beautiful is in the Throne Room.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

Majestically fronting the Río Ebro, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar is one of Spain’s greatest and most revered religious buildings. It takes its name from a pillar – the centrepiece of the church – on which the Virgin Mary is said to have descended from heaven in an apparition before St James the Apostle. The structure around this shrine is truly monumental, with great corner towers and a central dome flanked by ten brightly tiled cupolas; it was designed in the late seventeenth century by Francisco Herrera el Mozo and built by Ventura Rodríguez in the 1750s and 60s.

The pillar, topped by a diminutive image of the Virgin, is constantly surrounded by pilgrims, who line up to touch an exposed (and thoroughly worn) section, encased in a marble surround. Elsewhere, the main artistic treasure of the cathedral is a magnificent alabaster reredos on the high altar, a masterpiece sculpted by Damián Forment in the first decades of the sixteenth century.

Travel ideas for Spain, created by local experts

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Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.

A culinary experience in Seville

A culinary experience in Seville

Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.

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Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!

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Made for Madrid

Take to the Spanish capital for art, culture and a taste of life in the city, Madrileño-style. Explore age-old churches and pretty plazas, stroll through the lovely Buen Retiro Park and visit captivating Toledo. Then, come sundown, discover the city's vibrant barrios and lively nightlife.

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Spend four days discovering the wonders of Spain's capital Madrid: from fascinating museums like El Prado and Reina Sofia over exploring unknown corners with your private guide to a day trip to the surroundings, this itinerary packs the best of Madrid.

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  3. 11 Reasons to Visit Zaragoza, Spain

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COMMENTS

  1. Zaragoza Card and Sightseeing Pass 2024

    Sightsee at your leisure in the historical city of Zaragoza (Saragossa) with the Zaragoza Card. Choose from a 24-, 48- or 72-hour card, and receive cash-free entry to popular attractions like La Seo Cathedral and Aljafería Palace. Travel quickly and easily between sights with complimentary use of the city's public transport system, and benefit from additional discounts at select city ...

  2. Tourism in Zaragoza. What to see

    The Zaragoza Family tourist card provides discounts in various establishments, including the Water Park and the Amusement Park, and the Chocopass is a voucher for sampling chocolate creations in five different shops. Excursions to nearby destinations. Bardenas Reales Nature Reserve.

  3. Zaragoza Tourist Office-Main Office. information

    Email address, phone number and address of the Zaragoza tourist office. | spain.info. Email address, phone number and address of the Zaragoza tourist office. | spain.info. Spain's official tourism website. Search. ... Oficina de Turismo Zaragoza - Sede Central. Calle Eduardo Ibarra, s/n - 2ªplanta. 50009 Zaragoza (Aragón) Contact details ...

  4. Zaragoza Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

    Zaragoza Tourist Bus. ... The Zaragoza Card is a city card that allows you to explore a range of attractions in Zaragoza for free. Additionally you can use public transport for free and there are also discounts and special offers for a selection of shops, restaurants and bars in the city. There are 24 hour, 48 hour and 72 hour passes are available.

  5. 15 best things to do in Zaragoza (by a local) + Map

    Admission is €5 or €1 if you are over the age of 65, a student, or have a youth card. On Sundays, it is free. 10. Roman Ruins of Zaragoza. ... In the following map of Zaragoza, I have marked all the tourist attractions that I have mentioned in this article. In addition, I have also marked the hotels that I recommend with their respective ...

  6. Zaragoza

    The castle now houses the Aragon regional parliament. €5 or free with Tourist Card. ... You can buy a Zaragoza Card, a prepaid product for tourists visiting Zaragoza that combine many of the services tourists are likely to use in a prepaid package. You can buy cards valid over 24hr (€20) or 48hr (€23) online or at the tourist office.

  7. The Ultimate Zaragoza Travel Guide! Everything You Need To Know!

    It's a lesser-known Spanish City which means it's not overrun by tourists but it still caters well to visitors and tourists because there are plenty of things to do in Zaragoza. It's small enough to see in just a few days but if you wanted to stay for longer there are plenty of things to do and it's easy to get around.

  8. Zaragoza

    The Zaragoza Card (24-48h) is a tourist card, perfect for tourists visiting Zaragoza, you can use it in public transport (tram and urban bus): 5 or 7 routes with transfer. Read more. Taxi. The city has a large fleet of taxis, although tourist sites are never more than a short walk away. ...

  9. Zaragoza

    Zaragoza. Being more than 2,000 years old makes it a culture pot, a modern dynamic city where there is no room for getting bored. Romans, Muslims, Jewish and Christians left their own print in this crossway, so the list of must-see monuments is endless. The Pilar basilica, the largest Baroque temple in Spain, symbolizes this city.

  10. Zaragoza Card and Sightseeing Pass

    Sightseeing Passes in Zaragoza: Check out 3 reviews and photos of Viator's Zaragoza Card and Sightseeing Pass

  11. Guide to Visiting Zaragoza, Spain

    2. Discover the City's Moorish Past at the Aljafería Palace. Outside of Andalucia, Zaragoza is home to some of Spain's most impressive Moorish architecture. By far the best example in Zaragoza is the Aljafería Palace, originally built as a fortress and residence for the Muslim rulers of Zaragoza in the 11th century.

  12. 18 Best Things to do in Zaragoza, Spain (+Map)

    18. Patio de la Infanta. Patio de la Infanta, located in the heart of Zaragoza, is a charming 16th-century Renaissance courtyard within the Ibercaja Cultural Center. Originally built as a private residence for the Aragonese Infanta Catherine of Austria, the patio offers a captivating glimpse into the city's past.

  13. Turismo

    Tourist services>> Tarjetas - Card . Zaragoza Card; ... With the Zaragoza Tapas Card tourists can enjoy the gastronomic variety on offer in our city. Get the Zaragoza Tapas and taste Zaragoza. Services included. 4 tapas and a small beer, wine or water at any one of 15 establishments in the city (one offer available at each) ...

  14. Zaragoza Card and Sightseeing Pass 2024

    Sightsee at your leisure in the historical city of Zaragoza (Saragossa) with the Zaragoza Card. Choose from a 24-, 48- or 72-hour card, and receive cash-free entry to popular attractions like La Seo Cathedral and Aljafería Palace. Travel quickly and easily between sights with complimentary use of the city's public transport system, and benefit from additional discounts at select city ...

  15. 8 of the Best Things to Do in Zaragoza (+1 Scary Thing NOT to Do)

    Budget Travel Tip: For free entry, visit on one of the following days. January 1, 6, 29; March 5; April 23; May 18; September 14; October 12; December 25. This cathedral is one of three Zaragoza attractions that were granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status, all for their architectural importance. The other two on list are the Aljafería ...

  16. zaragoza card

    1. Re: zaragoza card. 7 years ago. It seems to me that you will not have a great deal of time in Zaragoza and think you should decide on your priorities for visits before you go. For example the Cathedral "Catedral de San Salvador o la Seo" has a €4 entry cost. Or a little way outside the centre is the Palacio de la Aljafería and think the ...

  17. 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Zaragoza

    Catedral de Zaragoza. Palacio de la Aljafería. Acuario Fluvial (River Aquarium of Zaragoza) Educational Museum of Origami in Zaragoza (EMOZ) Iglesia de San Pablo de Zaragoza. La Lonja de Zaragoza. Instituto de Aragonés de Arte y Cultura Contemporáneo. Basílica Santa Engracia. Museo Goya - Colección Ibercaja.

  18. Activities, Guided Tours and Day Trips in Zaragoza

    Zaragoza Tourist Bus 8.40 / 10 282 reviews. 3,134 travellers 3K travellers. Free cancellation ... With this eSIM card, you can browse the web during your time in Spain and keep in touch with your loved ones - stress free! 7 days - 30 days Additional services. from. US$ 4.50.

  19. Tourist Bus

    Hop on the Tourist Bus and discover Zaragoza! 16-stop route will take you to some of the most emblematic sights in the city. ... Over 65* or holders of the free transport card of the Zaragoza City Council: 4,80 euros. Unemployed*: 4,80 euros ...

  20. Week #2 of 52: 20 things to do in Zaragoza

    Zaragoza basics. Currency: Euro (€) How to pay for things: Hotels, chain retail stores and sit down restaurants mostly accept credit card, smaller local shops and tapas bars may be cash only, but there are ATMs in all the tourist areas of the city Language: Spanish Weather: June to August is hot, sunny and dry, with some days reaching the early 30s Celcius.

  21. Zaragoza Travel Guide

    Zaragoza is an inviting city that has managed to absorb its rapid growth with a rare grace. Its centre reflects an air of prosperity in its wide, modern boulevards, and stylish shops and bars. Highlights include the spectacular Moorish Aljafería, an impressive collection of Roman ruins and an awesome basilica, devoted to one of Spain's most ...

  22. Zaragoza

    The Zaragoza Card provides, from €7.66 per day: Free entry to all museums and monuments. 24 hour unlimited use of the Saragossa Tourist Bus. Free public transport (depending on the type of card). Including guided tours and the services of the "roaming" tourist guides.