Zaragoza Spain Guide, Places to Visit in the City
In this article, I present a guide to help you choose the best places to visit in the Spanish city of Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon, and organize your trip to make the most of the time you have available.
Zaragoza was a true revelation. During my road trip through France and Spain, I specifically wanted to visit cities that were a bit less famous but had a lot to offer.
In August, Zaragoza is almost deserted, even more so in the early afternoon during siesta time, when I visited in total calm. It’s hard to imagine, walking through the empty streets, that Zaragoza is the fifth most populous city in Spain! Unfortunately, I only stopped in this beautiful city for one day. I made the most of it by visiting the main highlights of the historic center, where most of the points of interest are located. Walking in a small area, there is indeed much to see.
In addition to the tourist attractions and vibrant nightlife, there’s the local cuisine, which I’m sure you’ll fall in love with: you can’t miss trying iconic dishes like Aragonese lamb, Zaragoza pork loin, borage with potatoes, and especially the fantastic tapas.
Geographical and Historical Overview
Zaragoza lies on the banks of the Ebro, Gállego, and Huerva rivers, as well as the Imperial Canal of Aragon, at the center of a wide valley. Founded in 14 BC, the city offers a wide range of interesting sites that reflect the various civilizations that have lived there over its 2000 years of history. This aspect makes Zaragoza a very interesting city, with unique architectural contrasts.
The Spanish region of Aragon can be quite hot during the summer months, which is why I recommend visiting in the spring or autumn, the best seasons to enjoy the city. Additionally, if you visit Zaragoza in October, you can celebrate the Pilar Festival, which is held during the week of October 12th.
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How to Get to Zaragoza
I arrived in Zaragoza by car, as it was part of my European road trip through Italy, France, and Spain. However, it’s also accessible by high-speed AVE train from Madrid (a 2-hour journey) or by flying into Zaragoza’s small airport, served by Ryanair.
I stayed in Zaragoza for just one day, and here is a list of the must-see places I visited during my brief stop.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar
You can enter the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar for free and admire the small but striking image of the Virgin. Aside from being the first Marian temple of Christianity, this Baroque gem located on the banks of the Ebro River is an important pilgrimage center, as tradition holds that the Virgin appeared here in 40 AD on a jasper column, popularly known as “El Pilar,” from which the name is derived.
The exterior of the basilica is magnificent: eleven domes with colorful enamel tiles. The interior features impressive masterpieces, such as the Main Altar panel, the Choir, two frescoes by Francisco de Goya, and especially the Holy Chapel, which houses the wooden sculpture of the Virgin.
Photography and video recording are not allowed inside, but you can climb the basilica’s tower to enjoy what is probably the most spectacular view of Zaragoza. Be careful, though: the tower is only open if the weather conditions are suitable. On cold, rainy, or foggy days, access to the tower is closed.
Visiting Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6:45 AM – 8:30 PM; Sunday, 6:45 AM – 9:30 PM.
Price to climb the tower: €7
Tower Hours: Daily (if weather conditions permit), 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Plaza del Pilar
Plaza del Pilar, located at the foot of the Basilica and a meeting point for both tourists and locals, is another spot you shouldn’t miss. This pedestrian rectangular square, one of the longest in Spain, is the perfect place to sip a drink while observing some of its historic buildings, such as the Church of San Juan de los Panetes, the Lonja, and the Renaissance-style City Hall.
Some of the most beautiful monuments in the square include: the one dedicated to Francisco de Goya, who spent part of his life in the city; the Globe of the World, created in honor of the Discovery of America; and the Hispanidad Fountain, which features a map of the Americas and can only be seen from the top of the Pilar Tower.
Foto di Alvaro Calvo
Aljafería Palace
Aljafería Palace, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and known as the “small Alhambra,” is one of Zaragoza’s most beautiful places. This Islamic architectural gem was built in the second half of the 11th century under the order of the king of the Taifa of Saraqusta. Inside, you’ll find typical Arabic arches and fascinating corners that seem straight out of “One Thousand and One Nights.”
It’s a good idea to visit this stunning palace any day, but if you want to save the €5 entrance fee and don’t mind sharing the experience with many more people, you can visit it for free on Sundays.
Visiting Hours: Daily from April to October, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM; the rest of the year, it closes at 6:30 PM and on Sundays at 2:00 PM.
In the Old Town
The historic center, full of remains from the Roman Empire, is another must-see in Zaragoza.
Start by heading to the back of the Church of San Juan de los Panetes to see the ancient Roman walls and the Torreón de la Zuda, the old tower of the Muslim fortress, which now houses the tourist office. You can climb freely to enjoy panoramic views. Here, you’ll also find the important Goya Museum, located on Calle Mayor, and the spectacular Palace of the Real Maestranza de Caballería, in Renaissance style.
Just a few meters away, you’ll find the 13th-century Arco and Casa del Decano, one of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture, as well as the Plaza de Santa Marta, which offers a view of the Tower of the Seo.
Sunset from Puente de Piedra
The sunset in Zaragoza is magnificent. You can admire it from the Puente de Piedra, built in the 15th century, which connects the historic center to the Arrabal neighborhood. Both during the day and at night, from the middle of the bridge (225 meters long), you can enjoy a stunning view of the Basilica del Pilar by the Ebro River.
From here, with no visual obstacles, you can easily take fantastic photos of the basilica. If you visit the bridge during the day, I also recommend walking along the Ebro riverbank for a pleasant stroll.
Roman Zaragoza
The significant Roman remains preserved from the ancient Caesaraugusta, the Roman colony founded by Emperor Augustus, are absolutely worth seeing.
Start your journey at the Museum of the Roman Forum, located in Plaza de la Seo, which houses the remains of the Forum and the sewers. A 15-minute audiovisual presentation explains the history of the Romans in the city. A few meters from this museum, you’ll find the River Port Museum, located on the right bank of the Ebro. The port was very important for trade during Roman times.
Further into the city center, you’ll find the Roman Baths Museum, an ancient complex used by Romans to relax in hot and cold baths, socialize, and conduct business.
To complete the tour, there’s no better place than the Museum of the Theater, which was my favorite stop. Here, you can see the staircase of the ancient Roman theater, which could hold up to 6,000 spectators, as well as other interesting remains, such as Roman sculptures.
Entrance fees for these museums range from €3 to €4 each. However, you can purchase a combined ticket for €7, which is worth it if you visit at least two museums.
Visiting Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM.
José Antonio Labordeta Park
José Antonio Labordeta Park, dedicated to a prominent Zaragoza writer and politician, is the largest and most well-known green space in the city. Among its most beautiful spots is the pine area, whose shade offers protection from the intense Zaragoza sun. You can also see the Glorieta de la Princesa, the marble statue of King Alfonso I, the Music Kiosk, and the Botanical Garden, which features plant species from various parts of the world.
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Central Market
The building housing the Central Market or Lanuza is inspired by the famous Les Halles in Paris. Rectangular in shape with iron and glass, it replaced the old open-air market held in the square and has become another of the city’s tourist attractions due to its architectural value.
Crossing its imposing neoclassical facade, the market offers a wide variety of fresh and high-quality products displayed in its 74 stalls, a delight for the eyes and, of course, for the tastebuds.
Tapas at the Zaragoza Metro
A truly curious and original experience, I invite you to try tapas at sunset in the metro area, right in the historic center. The narrow streets are full of bars and restaurants where you can try some of the most typical and even more elaborate tapas, immersed in a wonderful atmosphere.
Among the highly recommended places, I highlight: Doña Casta (http://tabernadonacasta.es/), a paradise for croquette lovers; Bodegas Almau (https://www.facebook.com/BodegasAlmauOficial/) with its delicious anchovies and Spanish omelette; and many others…
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