Zaragoza is one of our favorite cities in Spain. We live in Barcelona and travel there frequently. We have lots of maño friends. That’s what Spaniards call people from Zaragoza.
The city is much smaller than Valencia, Madrid, and Seville. However, it’s packed with historic architecture, nature, museums, restaurants, and fantastic hosts. You will love it as much as we do!
Besides, Zaragoza is the best place to set base and discover other beauties in the Aragon Province. The following are our 10 top things to do in the city.
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Get Lost on the Streets of the Old Town
The Aragon Kingdom was one of the largest in Europe. It included Barcelona and expanded all the way to Greece. That’s why its Old Town is so big and gorgeous.
In fact, it’s one of the largest in Europe. We are talking about the area within the walls built in the 3rd Century. You can walk along its streets for hours.
You will see roman remains, medieval buildings, massive temples, Arab architecture, Jewish settlements, and renaissance palaces. If you get hungry or thirsty, rest in any of the delicious tapas bars that line its streets.
Visit the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is one of the most important temples for Christians. It’s the first cathedral dedicated to the Virgin. The temple is stunning.
The temple has layer upon layer of history. It can be traced back to the 13th Century. However, most of what we can see today is from the 17th Century.
It’s a pretty big church so you need time to see it. There are frescoes by Goya inside. We strongly recommend visiting the temple at nights too. It looks wonderful fully lit over the river. Don’t forget to climb to the roof, the views are unforgettable!
Visit the Museo del Teatro de Caesaraugusta
Zaragoza was an important city during Roman times. That’s why it has such a massive Theater. The Caesaraugusta dates back to the first century. It lay hidden under the city until 1973, when it was uncovered.
Today, it’s an open air museum. We recommend buying the 4 museum ticket for just 7 euros. It includes all of the Roman Heritage: the Theater, the Port Museum, the Forum, and the Thermal Museum.
Our favorite is the Theater. It’s got lots of information in English. Visit at nights too to see it illuminated. We always have a bite in the museum’s cafe.
Explore the Mudejar Churches of Aragon
As you probably know, most of Spain was under Muslim rule during 500 years. They developed exquisite architecture, mixing both Christian and Muslim elements to create a distinct style.
You have to visit the following UNESCO listed churches: San Pablo and the Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza. The Cathedral dates back to the 12th Century. Go inside and prepared to be dazzled.
We recommend visiting two other churches. The San Gil Abad Church combines mudejar and baroque architecture. The Santa Maria Magdalena Church from the 14th Century has one of the nicest bell towers in Spain.
Visit a Museum or Two
One of the worlds most celebrated artists was born in Zaragoza. We are talking about Francisco de Goya. The Goya Museum is in a superb Renaissance palace. It exhibits his paintings and sketches.
The Zaragoza Museum presides over the historic Sitios Square. The building from 1908 homes the largest museum in the city. It’s got roman artifacts, textiles, paintings and tones of art.
The IAACC Pablo Serrano combines the new with the old. The striking contemporary building took over a 1900s factory. The collection inside includes modern Spanish and international artists.
Visit the Imposing Aljafería Palace
The Aljafería Palace is so magnificent, that UNESCO included in its List of Heritage Sites. The palace is huge! It is just a 20 minute walk from the Old Town.
The Banu Hud dynasty built their residence in the 11th Century. Then it became the home of the Aragon Kings. It became a Renaissance fortress in the 16th Century.
Today, it homes the Regional Parliament. We strongly recommend buying the ticket online. The palace is massive and you have to see it from outside and inside.
Spend Some Time in the Expo Area
Not everything is old in Zaragoza. The city hosted the World Expo of 2008. Today you can bike or walk all around the premises admiring spectacular contemporary architecture.
The area across the river is a 40 minute walk from the center. We always rent a bicycle and spend hours around the compound.
Search for the wooden Spanish pavilion. The two most important buildings are the Zaha Hadid designed Bridge Pavilion, and the tall Water Tower. Europe’s largest aquarium is here too.
Have Hot Chocolate with Churros in a Historic Café
Aladrén used to be Zaragoza’s most beautiful shop. The Jewlery Shop opened in 1885 and operated for ages. The owner hired Austrian architects and artists to build an uber-luxurious shop.
In 2020 the shop closed and underwent a meticulous and thorough restoration that took almost a year. It opened as the Gran Café Zaragoza and is now considered a masterpiece.
You won’t believe your eyes. The place is not only gorgeous but their coffee is superb too. It isn’t expensive. We always have local ham, coffee, and delicious churros with chocolate.
Visit a Cultural Center
CaixaForum Zaragoza is a contemporary building some 20 minutes west of the Old Town. It’s close to the Aljafería Palace. You will instantly recognize the massive squares that tower above a big green area.
It’s the city’s most important cultural center. One of Spain’s largest banks runs it. There are permanent and temporary exhibits. You can also visit at nights.
On your way there, stop by the Las Delicias Bull Ring. The 1764 stadium still holds bullfights! If you are not into them, tour the ring and the onsite museum.
Go on a Day Trip to Huesca, Teruel or Albarracin
Huesca is just a 50 minute train ride from Zaragoza. The medium sized city combines historic architecture with splendid nature. However, we strongly recommend spending at least one night there.
Teruel is 2.5 hours by train from Zaragoza. That’s we believe you should spend at least one night there too. It’s famous for its architecture and ancient dinosaur remains. Its ham is considered the best in the country.
From Teruel you can go to Albarracin in half an hour. It’s considered the nicest town in Spain. We agree! The medieval architecture is stunning, and the views over the hills unforgettable.
Where to Stay in Zaragoza
The best places to stay in Zaragoza are in or around the Old Town. Our favorite hotel is the Catalonia El Pilar. The historic building is minutes from the cathedral. The best rooms have awesome views over the city.
We’ve stayed at the INNSiDE by Melia and loved it for its rooftop terrace with a pool. You’ll need it in the middle of summer. The plush rooms are huge!
The Exe Boston is great value for money. The hotel is within walking distance to the center. They exhibit art in its stunning marble lobby.
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