- Travel Enthusiast
- Dec 14, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 9
ZARAGOZA: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Halfway between Madrid and Barcelona, Zaragoza is one of Spain’s most captivating yet underrated cities. The Ebro River runs through its heart, where grand basilicas, Roman ruins, and lively plazas create a perfect blend of history and energy. With stunning landmarks and a buzzing food scene, Zaragoza is a city that leaves a lasting impression.
From hidden gems to must-see landmarks, this guide highlights the best of Zaragoza, helping you make the most of your time.
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ZARAGOZA HIGHLIGHTS
These are the top places to explore in Zaragoza:
Basilica del Pilar – The city’s most iconic landmark, with breathtaking frescoes by Francisco Goya.
AljaferÃa Palace – A Moorish masterpiece that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
El Tubo – The heart of Zaragoza’s tapas scene, buzzing with vibrant energy and a lively crowd. It isn’t just a tapas district - it’s an experience.
Puente de Piedra – One of the best photo spots in the city, especially at sunset.
Goya Museum – A must for art lovers. Seeing Goya’s work in his hometown gives it a whole new meaning.
Roman Ruins – Zaragoza’s Roman past is still alive in its ancient theatre, forum, and baths. If you love history, a combined ticket lets you explore them all.
GETTING TO AND AROUND ZARAGOZA
The best way to get around Zaragoza? Walk as much as you can. Zaragoza is best explored on foot, especially in the historic center, where most of the city’s main attractions are just a short walk apart.
Need to go a little further? The modern tram system is quick, reliable, and connects key areas of the city. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are also widely available if you're short on time or carrying luggage.
Arriving by air? The Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) is about 10 km (6 miles) from the city center, with regular buses and taxis making the transfer easy.
Getting to Zaragoza by train? The city is well-connected by high-speed AVE trains, making it an easy stop between Spain’s major cities. You can get here from Madrid (~1.5 hours), Barcelona (~1.5 to 2 hours), and Valencia (~2.5 hours) in no time. Trains arrive at Zaragoza-Delicias station, the city’s main hub.
ZARAGOZA ITINERARY
Spending a day or two in Zaragoza? This itinerary has you covered.
DAY 1
Morning: Visit Basilica del Pilar, one of Zaragoza’s most breathtaking landmarks. Stepping inside, you'll be blown away by the sheer size of the place and the incredible frescoes by Francisco Goya - definitely worth taking a moment to admire.
For a great view of the city, head up to the Torre Mirador del Pilar inside the basilica. But if you’re after the perfect view of the Basilica itself, Puente de Piedra is the place to go.
Lunch: Head to Méli del Tubo for tapas. It opens at 12:30 p.m. and fills up fast, so try to get there early. The service is fantastic and the food is delicious - a creative twist on traditional tapas, combining classic flavors with a modern touch.
Afternoon:Â Head to AljaferÃa Palace, where Moorish and later influences create one of the most unique palaces in Spain - and an absolute must-see.
Evening: Visit the Roman Theatre Museum for a peek into Zaragoza’s ancient Roman past. The well-preserved ruins and engaging exhibits bring its history to life. If you’re into Roman sites, it’s definitely worth a stop.
Tip: Get a combined ticket - it gives you access to several other Roman sites in the city, including the Forum Museum, the River Port Museum, and the Public Baths Museum. It's a great way to explore more of Zaragoza’s history.
DAY 2
Day 1 pretty much covered the city’s main attractions. But if you have one more day, here’s what else you can do:
Morning: Visit the Goya Museum to get a deeper appreciation of Zaragoza’s most famous artist. Then, visit La Seo Cathedral, a stunning blend of Gothic and Mudejar architecture.
Lunch:Â Head to the Central Market, where you can try migas aragonesas, a hearty breadcrumb dish, or pick up fresh ingredients for a picnic in Parque Grande.
Afternoon: You’ve got two great options here. If you’re in the mood for a laid-back afternoon, spend some time in Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta. Or, if you’re up for an adventure, take a trip to Monasterio de Piedra, a magical place filled with waterfalls and lush greenery. It’s about 1.5–2 hours from Zaragoza, but completely worth the detour.
Evening: Head back to El Tubo - it transforms at night. The atmosphere is more vibrant, the streets are livelier, and the bars and tapas spots buzz with energy.
WHERE TO STAY
Zaragoza offers plenty of great places to stay. Here are some top recommendations:
Hotel Inca – Cozy and welcoming, just steps from the Basilica and the Ebro River.
Hotel Pilar Plaza – A boutique hotel with unbeatable Basilica views in the historic center.
Hotel Oriente – Traditional charm with a prime location near El Tubo and key sights.
Hotel Alfonso – Stylish and modern, featuring a rooftop pool and great service.
NH Ciudad de Zaragoza – Spacious rooms, excellent service, and scenic Ebro River views.
Palafox Hotel – Spacious rooms, excellent service, and a prime location.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE
Got extra time in Zaragoza? Here’s what you can do:
Evening tapas walking tour – Sample the best tapas in the Old Town and Central Market on a guided evening tour. Book here →
Historic district tour – Stroll through Zaragoza’s historic center and uncover its rich past. Book here →
Paragliding adventure – Glide over Zaragoza, Huesca, and the Aragonese Pyrenees for an unforgettable view. Book here →
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is it worth visiting Zaragoza, Spain?
Zaragoza is a hidden gem with stunning landmarks like Basilica del Pilar and AljaferÃa Palace, plus a fantastic food scene and lively tapas culture. It’s rich in history, yet often overlooked - making it a great place to explore without the crowds.
What’s Zaragoza famous for?
Zaragoza is best known for the Basilica del Pilar, Goya’s legacy, and its unique blend of Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. But beyond its landmarks, the city’s atmosphere truly sets it apart - especially in El Tubo, where the energy of its lively tapas scene adds to Zaragoza’s vibrant character. It’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
How many days do you need in Zaragoza?
One day is enough to see the main highlights, but two days allow for a more relaxed visit with time to explore Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, local markets, and nearby nature spots like Monasterio de Piedra.
Does Zaragoza have an airport?
Yes. Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) is about 10 km (6 miles) from the city center, with buses and taxis available for easy transfers. While it primarily handles domestic flights, it also offers international connections to cities such as London (Stansted), Milan (Bergamo), Brussels (Charleroi), Paris (Beauvais), Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Marrakech.
BEYOND ZARAGOZA
Got extra time? Here are a few great nearby places to explore:
Teruel – Just a couple of hours from Zaragoza, Teruel is known for its Mudejar architecture and the legend of the Lovers of Teruel. It’s a small city with a fairytale feel, and if you love history and beautiful buildings, it’s worth the trip.
Huesca – Sitting at the gateway to the Pyrenees, Huesca is a relaxed city with historic streets and a great local food scene. If you’re into nature, it’s also the perfect base for exploring the mountains.
Belchite – Walking through the ruins of Belchite is an experience you won’t forget. Left untouched after the Spanish Civil War, this abandoned town is both haunting and fascinating. Book here →
Alquézar – A hilltop village in the Sierra de Guara with some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. If you’re up for some adventure, you’ll find amazing hiking and canyoning routes here.
Madrid – Since Zaragoza is right between Madrid and Barcelona, stopping in the capital is easy. The energy of the city is something else. Want to plan your visit? Check out our ultimate Madrid itinerary.
Barcelona – There’s just something about Barcelona. It could be the Gaudà architecture, the bustling streets of Las Ramblas, or the way the city feels alive at any hour. Whatever it is, it’s worth staying a few days there. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our full guide.