Whether you are aware of them before going or not, there are plenty of things to do in Zaragoza, the capital of the province of Aragon. It’s often seen as a transient city on the way to other major cities, but travellers who give Zaragoza a chance discover just how beautiful it can be.
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Things to do in Zaragoza
Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza
The Basilica del Pilar, also known as the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar, is without a doubt one of the most iconic places in the city and should top your list of things to do in Zaragoza.
This fantastic architectural work is one of the most important baroque buildings not only in the city, but in the whole of Spain. This construction has undergone changes over the years, originally a humble Romanesque church, to end up having two impressive towers in the form of a spire.
You can climb the San Francisco de Borja tower and enjoy spectacular views of Zaragoza at 65 metres above the city. You’ll love it!
Luis Buñuel Water Park
The Luis Buñuel Water Park is an extensive park that was inaugurated in 2008 to maintain and protect the meanders. It is the perfect place to visit on a sunny day, especially if you are travelling to Zaragoza with children.
You can enjoy a large natural area with a wide range of activities for the whole family: from river pools and playgrounds to many walking and cycling routes. Children can have a great time in the children’s area in the Paseo del Botánico, where there is everything from towers with slides to swings, zip lines and even a climbing pyramid. They won’t want to leave!
El Tubo
The Tubo de Zaragoza is a famous group of narrow streets that make up a large part of the city’s historical heritage. You can stroll through many alleyways full of history, culture and impressive gastronomy.
This area is in the San Gil neighbourhood, in the heart of the city’s old quarter. You’ll be able to enjoy a pleasant stroll through its narrow streets, as well as stopping for lunch or dinner in its tapas bars thanks to the endless aromas you’ll discover as you walk through the area. You’ll also discover some of the city’s key sites, such as the remains of the Roman Wall and many Gothic and Renaissance-style courtyards.
Parque Grande in Zaragoza
The Parque Grande, with an area of 40 hectares, is one of the most beautiful places in Zaragoza. Until relatively recently, it was the largest park in the city.
It is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, as you can enjoy a large area full of trees, fountains and nature. This park is also known by the name of Primo de Rivera, as it was inaugurated during his dictatorship. You can walk through it while discovering some iconic monuments, such as the Quiosco de la Música or the Neptune Fountain. Enjoy the haven of peace in the heart of the city.
Stone Bridge
The Stone Bridge of Zaragoza is one of the most important monuments to visit on your trip to Zaragoza. In addition to being the oldest bridge crossing the Ebro River, this structure is over 2,000 years old.
It is 500-metres long and connects Calle Don Jaime I to the Arrabal neighbourhood, two of the city’s busiest areas. It is the perfect place for a stroll at dusk, because you can watch a spectacular sunset with the city in the background and the colours reflected in the water. You can’t miss it!
See the Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza
The Aljafería Palace is an impressive Arab monument, one of the most beautiful and significant places to see in Zaragoza. It dates back to the 11th century, the years of splendour of the Taifa kingdom.
This place has enormous historical value for the city. It has also seen a continuous evolution in its functions, from military barracks to a palace where Muslim taifas lived. You can admire the beautiful façade, but inside you will find the most interesting features: the Golden Hall, the horseshoe arches and even the courtyard of Santa Isabel.
The Cathedral of the Savior, Zaragoza
The Cathedral of the Saviour, also known as La Seo, is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Zaragoza. This imposing building dates back to the period between the 12th and 18th centuries, built on the site of the old mosque.
You can enjoy a stroll around the pleasant little square where it is located, as well as admire its impressive façade, characterised by a Gothic, Renaissance, Mudejar, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. The most striking feature is the impressive Mudejar wall of the parish chapel. You can also go inside, where you will find rich decorations in the same styles mentioned above. You will love it!
See the Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza
The Plaza del Pilar is located right in the centre of Zaragoza, and is one of the main meeting points and one of the most visited places by travellers. There you can take a stroll while getting to know its main monuments.
The Cathedral of the Saviour and the Zaragoza City Hall, as well as the Lonja, will catch your attention. All these monuments have a characteristic Renaissance style, each one fulfilling a unique and independent function. Another spot that will fascinate you is the beautiful Fuente de la Hispanidad fountain. If you have the time, you can also visit the Goya Museum.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do near Zaragoza
Tarazona
Tarazona is a small town located between three kingdoms: Navarre, Castile and Aragon. It is a place mainly known for its extensive religious heritage, whose monuments will leave you speechless.
We recommend starting your visit with its impressive Gothic and Mudejar style cathedral, considered one of the most beautiful in the whole of Aragon. Other symbolic features that you will find in this small town are its curious hanging houses, its Renaissance Episcopal Palace, or its beautiful Town Hall.
Belchite Viejo
Belchite Viejo is one of the most visited villages in Zaragoza, only 40 minutes away from the city. This village is mainly known for its numerous ruins of buildings that were attacked during the terrible Civil War.
That is why it has an incredible historical value, as a reminder of the terrible events that took place at that time. Due to the fact that it is made up of rubble, it is also known as the “ghost town“, with the Convent of San Agustín and the Arco de la Villa standing out.
See Uncastillo near Zaragoza
Uncastillo is one of the top recommendations if you ask about charming villages near Zaragoza. It is one of the best preserved medieval villages in the province, located an hour and a half from the city.
This small village has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site thanks to its wide variety of monuments and stone houses. You can admire its Romanesque architecture, from the remains of the castle that crowns the village to many churches. Once you visit it, you will want to come back.
Tips for a trip to Zaragoza
- Check the availability of public transport to get from one place to another.
- Bear in mind that the peak tourist season in Zaragoza is from June to September.
- If you are travelling to Zaragoza by car, be aware that there is no free parking within the city.
- Bicycle rental is a good option for getting around the city.
- If you want to travel cheaply to Zaragoza, we recommend staying at hostels rather than hotels.
- If you travel to Zaragoza in October, you will be able to experience the Fiestas del Pilar
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Zaragoza
The best time to travel to Zaragoza is from May to October, when you can enjoy warm temperatures with a very low probability of rainfall. However, if you want to avoid the hot months, try not to travel in July and August.
– One of the first dishes you must try on your trip to Zaragoza is the spectacular migas. It is made with bread and bacon, although you can also add sausage and grapes.
– Another dish that you must try is ternasco, one of the key dishes in Zaragoza. It is a dish made with lamb, prepared in the oven and garnished with potatoes, onion and tomato.
– Finally, don’t miss the chilindrón, an incredible dish made with chicken and a vegetable sauce made of tomato, courgette, pepper and onion.
The most common and comfortable means of transport in Zaragoza is the bus, although there are other options.
– If you take the bus, you can choose between 23 regular lines, 2 circular lines, 7 night lines and 2 shuttles. The fare is €1.35 for a single ticket and €1 for a night ticket.
– Another option is the tramway, although it has only one line in operation. The fare is the same as the bus fare.
– Finally, there are always taxis. It is very comfortable, but also more expensive. They operate from 7:00 to 22:00.
General admission to the Aljafería Palace costs €5, while a reduced ticket (for senior citizens, students and youth card holders) costs €1. You can choose to take an audio guide for €3, or enjoy the guided tour, the price of which is included in the entrance fee.
How to plan your itinerary of the places to see in Zaragoza?
Download the Passporter app and plan your trip in the most organised way and according to the days and places you want to see in Zaragoza.
With the app you can:
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
- Save important information about the destinations you want to visit that you have found on the internet. Just install the Chrome extension and save everything useful for your trip.
- Save tickets and reservations.
- Organise your route on google maps with your accommodation as the starting point or any other starting point of your choosing.
- Know the best travel option for each location.
- Save and post your own photos and experiences as you go along in each of the places, so that when someone asks you “How was your trip in Zaragoza?” you can reply “Visit my traveller profile on Passporter”.
If you are interested in learning more about how to use and get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
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