ZARAGOZA: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Nestled along the banks of the Ebro River, Zaragoza is a city where history and modernity collide. Known for its Mudejar architecture, Roman heritage, and vibrant cultural scene, Zaragoza offers an unforgettable journey through Spain’s rich history and artistic traditions. From the stunning Basilica del Pilar to the grand Aljafería Palace, Zaragoza is filled with treasures waiting to be explored. To help you uncover the magic of this remarkable city, we’ve created the ultimate travel guide to Zaragoza. Get ready to immerse yourself in one of Spain’s most underrated destinations!
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HIGHLIGHTS
Before diving into our recommended itineraries, here’s a quick overview - a helpful snapshot of what to expect and a concise summary to simplify your planning:
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and Vibrant Streets
Basilica del Pilar, San Francisco de Borja Tower, Puente de Piedra, Roman Theatre Museum, El Tubo, Aljafería Palace, Ebro River Walk
Day 2: Art, History, and Local Flavors
Goya Museum, La Seo Cathedral, Museo del Foro, Central Market, Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, Monastery of Piedra
Aquarium Entry Ticket, Evening Tapas Walking Tour, Historical Tour of the Old District, Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite, Aragonese Paragliding Experience, Pyrenees Hiking Tour
Teruel, Huesca, Belchite, Sos del Rey Católico, Alquézar, Madrid, Barcelona
GETTING AROUND ZARAGOZA
Zaragoza is compact and walkable, especially in the historic center, where landmarks like the Basilica del Pilar, La Seo Cathedral, and Roman Theatre Museum are located. For farther destinations, the city has an efficient public transportation network with buses and a modern tram system. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are widely available, offering convenient options for quick trips.
The Zaragoza-Delicias train station connects the city to Madrid (~1.5 hours), Barcelona (~1.5 hours to 2 hours), and Valencia (~2.5 hours) via high-speed AVE trains, making it an accessible stop on any Spanish itinerary. Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) is a short taxi or bus ride away, perfect for domestic or select international arrivals. Don't forget to check out Skyscanner for the best flight deals.
If you prefer driving, renting a car allows you to explore nearby gems like the Monasterio de Piedra or the Pyrenees at your own pace.
1-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and Vibrant Streets
Morning: Start at Basilica del Pilar, an architectural masterpiece and spiritual icon. Admire the interior frescoes painted by Francisco Goya and climb the San Francisco de Borja Tower for panoramic city views. For one of the best photo spots in Zaragoza, head to Puente de Piedra, where you’ll get a stunning backdrop of the basilica reflected in the Ebro River - especially at sunrise or sunset. Then, visit the Roman Theatre Museum, which reveals Zaragoza’s ancient Roman roots.
Lunch: Head to El Tubo, Zaragoza’s famous tapas district, to enjoy traditional Aragonese dishes like migas or ternasco.
Afternoon: Explore the stunning Aljafería Palace, a 9th-century Islamic fortress that later became a Christian palace. Its intricate Mudejar architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Evening: Stroll along the Ebro River Walk, a scenic path perfect for watching the sunset with the Basilica as a backdrop.
Tip: Buy a combined ticket to visit Zaragoza’s Roman heritage sites, including the Roman Theatre, Public Baths, River Port, and the Forum Museum, for a deeper dive into the city's past.
2-DAY ITINERARY
Planning a 2-day itinerary in Zaragoza? Make the most of your visit by including these must-see activities:
Day 2: Art, History, and Local Flavors
Morning: Visit the Goya Museum, dedicated to the life and works of Spain’s famed painter. Then, head to La Seo Cathedral, an exquisite blend of Gothic and Mudejar styles. Afterwards, stop by the Museo del Foro, which showcases the remains of the ancient Roman forum of Caesaraugusta, offering a glimpse into Zaragoza’s rich past.
Lunch: Stop by Zaragoza’s Central Market, where you can savor local delicacies or grab fresh ingredients for a picnic in Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta.
Afternoon: Spend a relaxing afternoon in the park, exploring its fountains, gardens, and monuments. Alternatively, head to the Monastery of Piedra, known for its stunning waterfalls and serene landscapes.
Evening: End your visit with an intimate flamenco show or dinner at a local restaurant showcasing Aragonese cuisine. For an unforgettable evening in Zaragoza, consider dining at Casa Lac, a historic restaurant in El Tubo. The restaurant's elegant yet cozy atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to end the day.
Tip: For a more comprehensive experience, consider booking a private tour with a local guide to visit Zaragoza's must-see attractions.
WHERE TO STAY
Zaragoza offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Hotel Inca: A charming hotel with warm decor and a welcoming atmosphere, ideally located steps from the Basilica and the Ebro River.
Hotel Pilar Plaza: A boutique hotel with modern comforts and unbeatable views of the Basilica, perfectly located in Zaragoza’s historic center.
Hotel Oriente: A cozy hotel with traditional charm and an unbeatable location near El Tubo and Zaragoza’s historic sights.
Hotel Alfonso: A stylish hotel featuring contemporary decor, a rooftop pool, and excellent service, ideally situated near El Tubo and other key attractions.
NH Ciudad de Zaragoza: A modern hotel featuring spacious rooms, excellent service, and scenic views of the Ebro River, conveniently close to the Basilica.
Palafox Hotel: A luxurious five-star hotel with opulent rooms, a rooftop pool, and refined dining options, offering a premium experience in the city center.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE
If you find yourself with extra time in Zaragoza, consider including these activities in your plans:
Aquarium Entry Ticket: Visit the Zaragoza Aquarium, Europe's largest freshwater aquarium, and discover a diverse array of aquatic species. Book here →
Evening Tapas Walking Tour: Join a guided evening tour to experience Zaragoza's culinary scene, sampling tapas at the Central Market and the Old Town's best spots. Book here →
Historical Tour of the Old District: Take a guided tour through Zaragoza's historic district, uncovering its rich past and architectural gems. Book here →
Aragonese Paragliding Experience: Experience paragliding over Zaragoza, Huesca, and the Aragonese Pyrenees, enjoying unique aerial views of the region. Book here →
Pyrenees Hiking Tour: Embark on a breathtaking hiking adventure in the Ordesa National Park, located in the Pyrenees. Discover stunning landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife on this guided tour. Book here →
BEYOND ZARAGOZA
While Zaragoza has lots to offer, there are also several amazing places nearby worth exploring:
Teruel: Famous for its Mudejar architecture and the romantic legend of the Lovers of Teruel. Explore here →
Huesca: A gateway to the Pyrenees with charming streets, historic sites, and a vibrant cultural scene. Explore here →
Belchite: A hauntingly beautiful town preserved as a reminder of the Spanish Civil War, offering a poignant historical experience. Book here →
Sos del Rey Católico: A medieval village where Ferdinand II of Aragon was born, offering cobblestone streets and well-preserved historic charm.
Alquézar: A stunning hilltop village in the Sierra de Guara, perfect for exploring canyoning, hiking trails, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Madrid: Immerse yourself in the energy of Spain’s capital, with iconic attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and the vibrant Gran Vía. Check out our ultimate Madrid itinerary →
Barcelona: Experience the magic of Barcelona, from the whimsical works of Gaudí, including the Sagrada Família, to the bustling atmosphere of Las Ramblas and the charm of the Gothic Quarter. Check out our ultimate Barcelona itinerary →