Why Visit Zaragoza, Spain? Best things to do, hidden gems & historic highlights

Zaragoza is the fifth largest city in Spain. But compared to many other Spanish cities, it gets far fewer visitors. In my opinion it’s one of the most underrated major cities in Spain – home to some of the best tapas in the country, stunning architecture, a fascinating history and excellent museums.

In this travel guide, I’ll outline why Zaragoza is worth visiting, the top things to do, and everything else you need to know to plan a trip.

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Why Zaragoza is worth visiting

Zaragoza might not be as popular as some other Spanish cities. But that only adds to its charm. It’s a beautiful, walkable city, packed with plenty of interesting sights – including a fortified Islamic Palace, Roman ruins, excellent art galleries and some of the best bars and tapas outside of Madrid.

Because it’s not as overcrowded with tourists as some other Spanish cities, its also got an authentic atmosphere (and it’s affordable). All of this means that Zaragoza is definitely worth visiting.

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Top 10 things to do in Zaragoza, Spain

1. Aljafería Palace – Zaragoza’s must-see Islamic palace

If you’re only in Zaragoza for a short amount of time, Palacio de la Aljafería (or the Aljafería Palace) is one of the city’s must-sees.

It’s a fortified Islamic palace dating from the 11th century, and one of the best examples of architecture from Islamic-era Spain (in fact, it’s sometimes called the little Alhambra). The most beautiful parts of the palace are those that date from this era: inside those imposing fortress-like walls you’ll find elegant archways, a peaceful patio, and intricate carvings. 

Over the centuries, it was also the home to the Catholic Kings, who added on new sections to the palace and some stunning Mudejar elements (Mudejar is a blend of Islamic and Christian styles of architecture, and Aragon is one of the best places to see it). Nowadays, Aljafería is the seat of the Parliament of Aragon, which is now an autonomous community.

Throughout 2026 the Palace is also hosting the Museum of Zaragoza’s Goya collection.

Aljafería is about a 25 minute walk from the historic centre of Zaragoza, so it’s a bit detached from the city’s other sights. This is because the Muslim King who built it wanted a palace outside the city walls, as a place to escape politics for a bit. Learn more about Aljafería.

Visit website. 
Open most days 10am-2pm and 4.30pm-8pm – but check website, as it’s sometimes shut when parliament is in session.
Paid entry.

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2. Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar – Zaragoza’s most iconic landmark

Zaragoza’s most recognisable landmark is this ridiculously massive Baroque cathedral. It’s said to be the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to St James the Apostle, on top of a pillar. A chapel was built around the pillar – and it’s now an enormous Basilica. Because of this, the cathedral has historically been something of a pilgrimage site. 

The beautiful church we see today dates from the 17th century. It’s most impressive viewed from across the river, or from the nearby Puente de Piedra.

It’s free to visit, and inside are a number of interesting sights. Most notable is the pillar itself, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared – you can only see a small section of it, and it’s smaller than you’d expect. To find it, look for the queue of pilgrims.

Elsewhere you can see artwork by Goya, as well as holes left in the roof from the Spanish Civil War – and the (no longer active) bombs that made them.

You can also get a lift most of the way to the top, for lovely views across the city.

Visit website.
Open every day. The lift runs from 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm (stops at 6pm from mid Oct-Mar).
The Cathedral is free to enter. The lift to the panoramic viewpoint is paid – but can be combined with a ticket to La Seo.

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3. La Seo – Zaragoza’s beautiful Ancient cathedral

Zaragoza is pretty unique among cities in mainland in Europe: it doesn’t have just one active major cathedral, but two. Right across from each other.

Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar is certainly the more eye-catching from the outside, La Seo is the more historic and, in many ways, more architecturally interesting. It was build on the site of the Islamic Zaragoza’s main mosque (itself built on the site of a previous church, which was built on the site of a previous Roman temple…), and took around 5 centuries to complete (12th-17th centuries).

This means it’s a huge mix of architectural styles. Inside you’ll find Romanesque, Gothic, Mudejar and Baroque elements among its richly decorated interiors and impressive chapels.

Unlike the nearby Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, you have to pay a small admission fee to enter La Seo. But if you’re interested in history and architecture, it’s certainly worth it. Your ticket includes an Audio guide, which does a good job of explaining the history and the fusion of all these styles.

For me, the highlight was La Seo’s Mudejar external wall, a dazzling mixture of brickwork and colourful ceramics and genuine masterpiece of Mudejar design.

The Cathedral is also home to a Tapestry Museum, and with an entry ticket you can visit two other religious museums – the Crystal Rosary and Pilarista Museums, both displaying religious artefacts.

Visit website.
Open every day – check website for day by day and seasonal hours.
Paid entry – but can be combined with a ticket to the Mirador del Pilar Tower.

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4. The Museum of Origami – seriously, don’t miss this one!

The Educational Museum of Origami in Zaragoza (EMOZ for short) is one of the coolest and most unique things to do in Zaragoza. I’ve visited twice, and both times it’s been a real highlight of my time in the city.

EMOZ is the first and only origami museum in Europe, and is known by origami fans across the world. Through six galleries – both permanent and temporary – it tells the history of origami and paperfolding, the story of how it became such a big deal in this Spanish city, and showcases incredible origami of all shapes and sizes.

It’s something of a hidden gem –  much quieter than other sites in the city. This is a shame, because it’s genuinely awesome – and that comes from someone who’s never been that interested in origami. The photos below don’t do it justice. As well as being blown away by the exhibits, I found it was a great place to buy unique souvenirs and gifts.

You’ll find the museum in the Zaragoza History Centre, which also hosts free exhibitions about the region.

Explore all 25+ museums in Zaragoza.

3€ entry
Tuesday-Sunday. 10am-2pm and 5pm-9pm (except Sundays, when it’s only open 10am-2.30pm).
Visit website.

5. Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar – Explore one of Europe’s Largest Squares

With La Seo cathedral at one end and the Basilica running along its side, this is Zaragoza’s sweeping main square – the ‘Plaza of Our Lady of the Pilar’. It’s one of the main landmarks in the city and hosts a number of events and public parties – on weekends especially it’s always a hive of activity. It’s interesting and unique for a couple of reasons:

1. It’s the largest pedestrian plaza in the European Union (the only larger pedestrianised square in the whole continent is the Red Square in Moscow)
2. It’s the only square in the whole of Spain with not just one, but two cathedrals

But I love this square simply because it’s a beautiful, wide open space to chill out and marvel at the city’s architecture. Around the square you’ll find some of Zaragoza’s most important and beautiful buildings. As well as the two cathedrals, a few of the sights to look out for are:

• Fuente de la Hispanidad (or the Fountain of Hispanidad): a lovely water fountain, and a monument to the Spanish-speaking world. Water falls into a pond in the shape of South America. It’s especially impressive at night, when it’s lit up.
• The Lonja, an important civil building dating from the 16th century that now hosts exhibitions.
• The Zaragoza Town Hall – which was built in 1965, but attempted to fit in with its surroundings by incorporating the Renaissance style and Mudejar traditions
• Monument to Goya – a statue paying tribute to one of Aragon’s most famous exports.
• Torreón de la Zuda: the remains of an Arab fortress tower, built on top of the old Roman walls. It now houses the tourist office, and you can climb to the top for free for views over the Basilica, the river, and the old city.

The square is lined with a few cafes and bars and it’s a nice place to chill out for a bit. Though because it’s so long, it can also get pretty windy!

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6. Discover Aragon’s iconic artists

Zaragoza is the proud capital of Aragon, a region of Spain which has produced several famous artists. Across the city there are three particularly excellent museums celebrating these artists:

Museo Goya – temporarily closed

The Museo Goya is closed throughout 2026 for extension works. Highlights from the collection are on display at the Patio de la Infanta.

Undoubtedly the most famous artist from Aragon is Francisco Goya, one of Spain’s most important artists and sometimes called ‘the last of the Old Masters’. He was born in a town not far from Zaragoza called Fuendetodos, though he spent many years of his life in Zaragoza.

The museum is well-laid out, and across three floors it showcases Goya’s influences, works influenced by him and, of course, a floor full of his own works. My highlight was the room dedicated to his prints, including the Disasters of War, a series of 82 prints from 1810-1820 (towards the end of Goya’s life) laying bare the cruelties of war. If you’re interested in art, this is definitely one of the top things to do in Zaragoza.

Tuesday-Sunday. 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm (except Sundays, when it’s only open 10am-2pm).
8€ entry | Visit website.

Museo Pablo Gargallo

Another of Aragon’s great artistic exports is the iconic sculptor Pablo Gargallo (1881-1934). As well as a huge range of his sculptures, the museum displays his cartoons, engravings and drawings and information about Gargallo’s life. The museum is in a stunningly restored 17th century palace. 

You can get entry to this museum as part of a 5 Museum Pass – which also gets you entry to the four Roman museums in Zaragoza.

4€ entry. 9€ for the five museum pass.
Tuesday-Sunday. 10am-2pm and 5pm-9pm (except Sundays, when it’s only open 10am-2.30pm).
Visit website.

IAACC Pablo Serrano

The IAACC Pablo Serrano is Zaragoza’s best contemporary art gallery. It gets its name from an important abstract Aragonese sculptor from the 1900s, and showcases a number of his works. It also has rotating temporary exhibitions, showcasing local contemporary art – as well as national and international works. 

The building is part of the attraction – the modern gallery encompasses an older industrial building, where Pablo Serrano’s grandfather actually worked as a carpenter. 

Tuesday-Sunday. 10am-2pm and 5pm-9pm (except Sundays, when it’s only open 10am-2pm).
Free entry | Visit website.

These three art galleries are just a few of the many excellent museums in Zaragoza. The city is home to more than 20 museums. Read my complete guide to all 25+ museums in Zaragoza.

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7. Explore Roman Zaragoza – Caesaraugusta

Zaragoza gets its name from the Roman city that came before it: Caesaraugusta, which was founded in 14BC. At its peak, it’s thought 25,000 people lived here. There are a number of well-preserved Roman ruins in the city, situated across four separate museums. Together they make for an excellent few hours of exploring, and are one of the highlights of the city.

The most impressive is the Roman theatre, and the Roman forum museum is another impressive site with interesting exhibits alongside it. The four Roman museums are:

Museo del Teatro de Caesaraugusta

The biggest, and probably most impressive Roman ruin to visit in Zaragoza is the Teatro de Caesaraugusta, a well preserved Roman theatre. It was built in the 1st century AD, and had a capacity of up to 6,000 people – pretty impressive given the Roman city peaked at about 25,000. Now, walkways will take you around the theatre and its seating areas. Considering its size, it’s crazy to think that for centuries the theatre was hidden – and only rediscovered in the 1970s.

Tip: If you just want to see the theatre, and you’re not interested in the other ruins or visiting the museum, you can see into the site for free from nearby streets.

Museo del Foro

The heart of the Roman Zaragoza sits right under the heart of the new one. This museum is underneath the square outside La Seo cathedral, and displays archeological remains of the old Roman Forum, including shop walls, the remains of a market and a sewer. It also has an interesting audiovisual section which helps to bring the site to life, telling you the history of Caesaraugusta and providing recreations of the Roman forum.

Museo del Puerto Fluvial

A small but interesting museum, and perhaps the most unique of Zaragoza’s ruins. This is the site of the old Roman port (it might not be that close to the river nowadays, but this used to be the riverbank!). Anything that came into (or out of) the city via the Ebro River went through here. Virtual recreations and models help you to visualise the port as it once was. 

Museo de las Termas Públicas

This was the site of Caesaraugusta’s public baths, dating from the 1st century BC. They’re right in the centre of Zaragoza, and were only discovered in the 1980s. Along with the ruins, there’s a short video explaining the Roman bath ritual. This is probably the smallest (and in my opinion least impressive) of the four museums – but if you’re visiting the other ruins, it helps add to a sense of the Roman city.

How to visit Zaragoza’s Roman museums

The easiest way to see these ruins is through a ‘Roman Pass‘. For 7€ you can visit all four – which is well worth it, considering each site by itself is 4€. This gives you 48 hours to see them all. But all four are walkable from each other, and I saw them within a few hours. For an extra 2€ (9€ total) you get entry to the Museo Pablo Gargallo, also well worth a visit.

Tuesday-Sunday. 10am-2pm and 5pm-9pm (except Sundays, when it’s only open 10am-2.30pm).

Free Roman ruins – the Roman walls of Caesaraugusta

As well as the four museums listed above, you can view some Roman ruins in the centre of Zaragoza for free: its walls. Once, these walls were 3km long, surrounding the old city, and made up of more than 100 towers. Now you can view just a small section of them, next to the central market.

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8. Puente de Piedra – Zaragoza’s oldest bridge, with stunning views

Puente de Piedra (or the imaginative ‘Stone Bridge’) is Zaragoza’s oldest bridge. It was originally built in the 15th century – though the one we see today was completed in the 18th. 

It’s well worth strolling across to the ‘Balcon de San Lazaro’, Zaragoza’s most photographed viewpoint, for the views over to the beautiful Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. Especially at night or sunset, it’s stunning.

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9. Go on a tapas crawl in El Tubo district

Zaragoza is famous all over Spain for its Tapas – and El Tubo is its heart. It’s a collection of winding, narrow, cobblestone lanes lined with tapas bars and restaurants, and it comes alive at night. It’s one of the best spots for tapas outside of Madrid.

Many of the bars in this area have been going for generations, and specialise in a single dish. The best way to enjoy it is to go from bar to bar, trying each place’s speciality. For example:

• El Champi for mushrooms. They only serve one thing: layers of griddled champiñones with garlic, oil and parsley, stacked between bread.
• Doña Casta for croquetas – they have many varieties, all excellent.
• Bodegas Almau – Open since 1870, it’s one of the oldest bars in the area, specialising in anchovies. They won an award for a tapa combining anchovies and chocolate. It’s surprisingly tasty.
• La Ternasca – for lamb dishes, a local speciality

Beyond El Tubo there are plenty other excellent spots. A few highlights include:

• La Miguería specialises in ‘migas’, a traditional local dish mixing together breadcrumbs with toppings like egg and chorizo.
• El Picadillo, a long-standing old school tapas bar
• La Causa, a vegetarian tapas bar in trendy area La Magdalena
• Casa Domino, for bocadillos

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10. Visit Zaragoza’s Parque Grande

A little bit out of the town centre, Zaragoza’s main park Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta is utterly beautiful. It’s a lovely place to spend some time, especially on weekends when it’s a hive of activity.

It all centres on beautiful landscaped gardens and fountains leading up to an imposing Monument to King Alfonso I the Battler. Climb up the winding white steps for views over the park.

On weekends you can rent bikes to explore the park easily – and there are cafes and restaurants dotted across the park to sit and watch the world go by.

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11. Cycle along the Ebro to the 2008 Expo Park

Zaragoza is a very flat city – which makes it perfect for a leisurely cycle. The best thing to do is rent bikes and go along the Ebro’s river banks – there are cycle lanes the whole way along.

If you cycle along the North Bank, you’ll reach the area developed for the (badly timed) 2008 Expo, which aimed to bring investment into the city. It’s home to a large park, sculptures and the imposing ‘Water Tower’ (see photo above).

Architecturally, the most interesting landmark is the Pabellón Puente, a bridge designed by Zaha Hadid and now home to one of Zaragoza’s best museums.

You can rent bikes using the city’s e-bike scheme ‘BiZi’, which is very affordable. Or visit local business Ebrobizi. They operate bike tours in English, or you can just rent bikes from them and they’ll talk you through the best routes.

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12. Patio de la Infanta – one of Zaragoza’s beautiful hidden gems

One of Zaragoza’s most beautiful spots, weirdly, is hidden inside a modern bank building.

The Patio de la Infanta is a 16th century Renaissance courtyard, originally part of local merchant Gabriel Zaporta’s palace. After several fires, the palace was dismantled, and the courtyard purchased by a Parisian antique dealer, who restored it in Paris as the home of his business.

When he died, Spanish bank Ibercaja purchased the courtyard and brought it back to Zaragoza, where you can now visit it inside the bank’s headquarters.

It’s an utterly beautiful space, stunningly restored, and lined with a remarkable collection of tapestries. Visit website.

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13. Mercado Central de Zaragoza – an authentic, buzzing Spanish market

This was one of my absolute favourite spots in Zaragoza. The central market is a beautiful building, dating from 1903, which was renovated in 2019 – turning it into a modern, buzzing marketplace. As well as stalls selling meat, fish, sweets, and everything you’d expect, it has some restaurant stalls and a bar – and also hosts live music.

The market gets far fewer tourists than many of Spain’s other historic markets, and it feels like an authentic locals spot. Just outside are remains of the old Roman walls, as well as a statue of Caesar (which is a copy of one found in the Vatican, and was gifted to Zaragoza by Mussolini’s fascist government in the 1940s). 

Open Mon-Sat, 9am-2pm and 5.30pm-8pm (except on Saturdays when it’s only open 9am-2pm).

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Where to stay in Zaragoza

Zaragoza has a great mix of accommodation options, to match your budget and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas to stay, with a few of the most popular hotels in each.

Old Town (Casco Antiguo)

This is the area I stayed, and I’d highly recommend it for most travellers. Staying in Zaragoza’s old town puts you right in the middle of Zaragoza’s history and culture. You’ll be within easy walking distance of most major sights, including the Basilica del Pilar, plus all the restaurants and bars of El Tubo. I’d especially recommend Hotel Sauce for its excellent location, friendly staff and top-tier cafe!

Hotel Catalonia El Pilar – A 4* hotel in a beautiful modernist building, in an excellent central location.

Hotel Sauce – A popular, friendly, family-run hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the central Plaza del Pilar.

Hotel Avenida – An affordable, budget-friendly comfortable hotel in a great location.

Find more hotels in Zaragoza old town.

City Centre (Centro)

Zaragoza’s modern centre is filled with wide boulevards, plenty of restaurants and cafes, and the city’s shopping scene. It’s still very walkable and close to the Old Town and all of Zaragoza’s main attractions.

NH Collection Gran Hotel de Zaragoza – A grand hotel in a 1920s building, with elegant decor and a great location near shops and restaurants.

Hotel Palafox – A more luxurious option with stylish rooms and a rooftop pool. Ideal if you’re looking for something a bit special.

Romareda and the University Area

A quieter, greener part of the city with a more laid-back feel. It’s a good choice if you prefer to be a bit away from the tourist crowds, but it’s a little further out, and you’ll need to rely on public transport a bit more.

Hotel Reina Petronila – A five-star hotel with spacious rooms and a panoramic spa. Great if you want a peaceful base with a few more comforts.

Ilunion Romareda – A more affordable, but still extremely highly rated, option in peaceful Romareda.

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Tip: You can also compare all Zaragoza hotels on Booking.com if you’re still deciding

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Best day trips from Zaragoza

As well as a destination worth spending some time in its own right, Zaragoza is also a great gateway to the wider region of Aragon. Few tourists venture into this beautiful part of Northern Spain, so its filled with several gems off-the-beaten-track.

• Monasterio de Piedra: A medieval monastery, in an utterly stunning setting, including nature trails and impressive waterfalls.
• Belchite: A ruined village, left untouched after being destroyed in the Spanish Civil War. Just a 45 minute drive from Zaragoza – explore how to visit on the Aragon Tourism Board website. Nearby is an Olive Oil farm – this tour combines a visit to both.
• Tarazona: A small town known for it’s stunning Mudéjar architecture – about an hour from Zaragoza.
• Fuendetodos: A small village 50 minutes from Zaragoza, birthplace to Francisco de Goya.

A bit more of a trek, but well worth a visit, is the city of Teruel – one of Spain’s most underrated cities.

Zaragoza is also well-located to explore some of Spain’s most famous regions – for example, it’s just a short train ride from Madrid or from Barcelona, from which you can explore Catalonia.

Best tours of Zaragoza

One of the best ways to discover Zaragoza is to go on a guided tour. There are many types of tour, to discover the city in different ways. Here are some of the best:

Zaragoza Walking Tour with a Local: A customisable tour with a local expert, an excellent way to get insider recommendations, learn about the history and its best spots, and ask questions. Book now.

Another option would be this tour, affordable for larger groups.

Tapas & WIne Tour in El Tubo: Discover the best places in Zaragoza’s foodie district. You can either go on an evening tapas and wine tour, or an afternoon tour of markets and tapas.

Full day complete tour with dinner: An excellent option if you’re short on time, with a guide taking you to all of the main attractions, including a guided tour of the Aljafería Palace and both cathedrals. It also includes tapas and local wine in the evening. Book now.

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Key dates for Zaragoza in 2026

August 12: Total Solar Eclipse

This is the big one. On the evening of August 12, 2026, Zaragoza will experience a total solar eclipse – the first visible from Spain since 1906, and the first in Europe since 1999. The moon will perfectly align with the sun – the day briefly turning tonight, stars visible, while the sun’s corona blazes on in the background.

Zaragoza is one of the best places in Spain to watch it. It’s likely to have clear skies, and the flat surroundings mean it should have a good view of the eclipse. Make sure to book accommodation well in advance – it will be very popular, and also coincides with peak season. Find out more about the solar eclipse in Spain.

October: Fiestas del Pilar (Zaragoza’s main festival)

A week-long festival honouring the Virgin of the Pillar, this is Zaragoza’s biggest annual event. Free events will pop up all over the city, including concerts and activities, as well as a series of spectacular main events:

• The offering of flowers, when thousands dressed in regional costume deposit flowers at the Virgin’s statue in Plaza del Pilar. The flowers are arranged in a pyramid.
• Illuminated glass floats process through the old town after dark in the Rosario de Cristal – a tradition that has been going for well over 100 years
• ‘Giants’ and ‘big-heads’ can be found parading around the key spaces – plus the ‘Boy Eater’, a large crafted giant

The city’s population doubles in size and accommodation books up fast. Visit website for more info and the exact dates.

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Zaragoza travel tips: Things to know before you go

A brief history of Zaragoza

One of the things that makes Zaragoza such a fascinating place is its history. Zaragoza’s story stretches back thousands of years to when it was originally an Iberian settlement, which in the 14th century BC became a Roman city: Caesaraugusta. This is where Zaragoza gets its modern name from. 

After the Romans left, the city traded hands a few times before being taken by the Moors in the 8th century. It remained a Moorish city until the 12th century, when King Alfonso I of Aragon took control. For more than three hundred years, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon, at which point Aragon merged with Castile to form what would become modern Spain. It’s now the fifth largest city in the country, but this history is all around you – along with its Aragonese spirit.

I write more about the history of Zaragoza in my blog ‘Zaragoza’s history through 10 buildings‘.

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This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Zaragoza.

Thanks for visiting my blog! This post may contain affiliate links - which means if you make a purchase, I'll receive a small commission, at no extra cost to yourself. This helps me keep this site running for free.

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