Zaragoza at a glance
Why visit Zaragoza: A beautiful, historic Spanish city with Roman ruins, Islamic palaces, great art, and incredible tapas – but without the overwhelming crowds.
Zaragoza’s top attraction: The Aljafería Palace, a UNESCO-listed Moorish fortress
Zaragoza’s best hidden gem: The Origami Museum
How long to spend in Zaragoza: 1-2 nights, or 3 if you plan to take day trips.
Zaragoza might be Spain’s fifth biggest city, but it still feels like a well-kept secret. While Barcelona and Madrid pull in the crowds, this historic gem on the banks of the River Ebro sees far fewer tourists.
That means authentic tapas bars, affordable prices, and no fighting through crowds at the Roman ruins or the stunning Islamic palace. Here’s why Zaragoza deserves a spot on your Spain itinerary.
What’s in this blog:
Why Zaragoza is worth visiting
Zaragoza might not draw the same crowds as Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville — and that’s part of its charm. This beautiful, walkable city is packed with fascinating sights: a fortified Islamic palace (the Aljafería), impressive Roman ruins, world-class art galleries, and some of the best tapas bars in Spain outside the capital.
Because it’s not as overcrowded with tourists as some other Spanish cities, its kept its authentic vibe. Locals fill the plazas, menus stay true to tradition, and prices are refreshingly affordable compared to Spain’s bigger cities. All of this means that Zaragoza is definitely worth visiting.
New for 2026 in Zaragoza
- A new museum opened in recent years, within the Pabellón Puente – called ‘Mobility City’, with displays of vehicles (land and air), VR simulators, and interactive exhibits about future mobility. Find out more about Mobility City and all 25+ museums in Zaragoza
- The Goya Museum is closed until December 2026 for extension work. In the meantime, you can visit highlights from the collection at the Patio de la Infanta.
- You can also temporarily view more than 60 works by Goya from the city museum’s collection at the Aljafería Palace, until the end of 2026 – a rare opportunity to view the works in a historic setting.
- The city is gearing up for astro-tourism, with a full solar eclipse visible in Zaragoza in August 2026.
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 absolutely must visit sights.
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 date from the taifa 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.
2. Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar – Zaragoza’s most iconic landmark
Probably the most recognisable landmark in Zaragoza, along with the Aljafería Palace, 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. 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.
3. 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. It’s the first origami museum in Europe, and is known by origami fans across the world. Through six galleries – both permanent and temporary – it showcases incredible origami of all shapes and sizes, depicting everything from historical scenes to animals and mythological figures. It also tells the history of origami.
It’s something of a hidden gem – I had the place to myself when I visited. This was 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 – without a doubt EMOZ was one of the highlights of my trip to Zaragoza. 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.
4. La Seo – Zaragoza’s other beautiful cathedral
Zaragoza doesn’t have just one major cathedral, but two. La Seo is a mix of all sorts of styles, alluding to the city’s complicated history. You’ll find Romanesque, Gothic, Mudejar and Baroque elements. It was built between the 12th and 17th centuries, on the site of Islamic Zaragoza’s main mosque. For me, the most beautiful (and unique) part of La Seo was its Mudejar external wall, a mixture of brickwork and colourful ceramics.
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.
Unlike the nearby Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, you have to pay a small admission fee to enter La Seo.
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.
5. Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar – Zaragoza’s lovely central plaza
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. Around the square you’ll find some of Zaragoza’s most important and beautiful buildings. It’s interesting and unique for a couple of reasons:
- 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)
- 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. 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.
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!
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. Read my complete guide to all 25+ museums in Zaragoza.
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.
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.
From the bridge and across the river you’re rewarded with the excellent views across to Zaragoza. The view of the beautiful Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar with the bridge in the foreground is probably the most famous and most evocative view of Zaragoza.
(By the way a bit further along the Ebro is another (much more modern) masterpiece of bridge design: Pabellon Puente, designed by the celebrity architect Zaha Hadid for the 2008 Expo, and doubling as an exhibition hall when it opened. I didn’t have time to walk along to Pabellon Puente on my visit, but it looks pretty amazing.)
9. 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).
10. Go on a tapas crawl in El Tubo district
El Tubo is the soul of Zaragoza, and its most iconic neighbourhood. It’s a collection of winding, narrow, cobblestone lanes lined with tapas bars and restaurants. It comes alive at night, and is known as one of the best spots for tapas outside of Madrid. Do as the locals do: go for a ‘tapas crawl’, going from one bar to another enjoying different dishes. You can find El Tubo just north of Plaza de Espana.
Zaragoza isn’t just about tapas, though. Aragonese cuisine is well worth trying – especially ternasco, a delicious roast lamb dish with potatoes. You’ll find plenty of traditional restaurants all over the place advertising this.
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.
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.
Tip: You can also compare all Zaragoza hotels on Booking.com if you’re still deciding
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.
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.
Zaragoza travel tips: Things to know before you go
How Many Days to Spend in Zaragoza?
It’s worth spending at least a night in Zaragoza to get to know the city and explore its vibrant bars and restaurants. Most of the sites are all quite centrally located, so unless you want to do absolutely everything in this blog, a night is probably enough. Two nights gives you plenty of time for a more relaxed stay.
How to get to Zaragoza?
If you’re visiting Zaragoza as part of a wider trip to Spain, Zaragoza is easy to reach by train. It’s about an hour and a half from both Barcelona and Zaragoza. It’s also on a slightly longer line to Valencia – if you’re going on this route, I’d recommend stopping off at beautiful hidden gem Teruel on the way. You can book tickets from Renfe, the national train service.
You can also fly to Zaragoza – the airport serves flights going to several major European cities.
When is the best time to visit Zaragoza?
Zaragoza doesn’t get as hot as places further south in Spain, so it can be good to visit all year round – but April-June and September-October are lovely times to visit. In October, the city hosts a large religious festival, the Fiestas del Pilar.
How do I get around Zaragoza?
Zaragoza’s old town is very compact and walkable. To get further around town, it has a great public transport network, with trams and buses. You can pay for the tram using contactless.
Is Zaragoza worth visiting?
Yes — Zaragoza is worth visiting for its rich history, stunning landmarks and architecture, authentic Spanish culture and cuisine, and affordable prices. Highlights include the Aljafería Palace, Basilica del Pilar, Roman ruins, and a thriving tapas scene.
What food is Zaragoza known for?
Local specialities include ternasco (roast lamb), migas (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo), and excellent tapas, especially in El Tubo neighbourhood.
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.
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.
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