39 Amazing Things To Do In and Around Zaragoza, Spain
The vibrant city of Zaragoza, Spain, in the heart of the Aragon region, is bursting with history, culture, and delicious local specialties.
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Barcelona and Madrid, Zaragoza is a hidden gem with so much to offer visitors!
In this blog post, you’ll discover the best things to do and see in and around Zaragoza.
Zaragoza, named after Caesar Augusta and known in English as Saragossa, seamlessly blends the ancient with the modern.
From the architectural splendor of the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar to the tranquil beauty of the Ebro Riverfront, Zaragoza captivates visitors with its intriguing artistic heritage, Roman history, Moorish architecture, and the incredible flavors of Aragonese cuisine.
And the charm of Zaragoza, Spain’s fifth-largest city, isn’t confined to its city limits.
The surrounding region of Aragon is rich with natural beauty, quaint villages, and historical sites that tell a story of Spain’s diverse and layered heritage.
So, read on to find out what to do in Zaragoza and discover why Zaragoza deserves a top spot on your Spain travel bucket list!
The Best Things To Do In Zaragoza, Spain
1. Take a walking tour
The best way to get to know a city might just be by taking a walking tour with a local.
You can customize this tour of Zaragoza, depending on your interests, to give you a personal introduction to this fantastic city.
Your guide can meet you at your hotel in Zaragoza, show you the city’s highlights and main attractions, and tell you about the city’s history.
A guided walking tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city center, get personalized recommendations, and make the most of your time in Zaragoza.
2. Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
Zaragoza is most known for this stunning Baroque church, with its towering domes and dramatic facade that make it a central landmark of Zaragoza.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is famous for its association with the Virgin Mary and is one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites.
According to legend, Mary appeared to the apostle Saint James the Greater (the patron saint of Spain) on the banks of the Ebro River. The pillar upon which she appeared is venerated within the basilica.
The interior of the Basilica Pilar is just as impressive as its exterior, with several frescoes painted by Goya, beautiful altars, and contemplative atmosphere. You can take a guided tour of the Basilica Pilar to learn all the details about this stunning site.
3. Torre Del Pilar
The towers of the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar are not only architectural marvels but also offer some of the best views of Zaragoza.
Visitors can go up in the northwest tower, for the best panoramic views of the city, including the Ebro River and the nearby landmarks.
For a small charge, an elevator will take you most of the way to the top, leaving only 109 steps to climb.
4. Plaza Del Pilar
The heart of Zaragoza, this main square is a bustling hub of activity. The Plaza hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.
Surrounded by historic buildings, including the Basilica del Pilar, La Seo Cathedral, and the Town Hall, the square is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists.
5. Festival of Pilar
If visiting in October, this major festival features religious processions, concerts, and various cultural events, bringing the whole city to life.
6. Fuente de la Hispanidad
The Fountain of Hispanicity symbolizes the shared cultural and historical bonds between Spain and the countries in Latin America. It’s a tribute to the global impact of Hispanic heritage.
The fountain’s shape represents a map of Latin America, and you can easily pass by it the Plaza del Pilar.
7. Palacio de la Aljafería
This 11th-century Islamic palace is a masterpiece of Mudéjar architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture of the Aljafería Palace reflects the Islamic and Christian influences that have shaped Zaragoza.
The Aljafería Palace was originally built in the 11th century during the Moorish period, under the rule of the Banu Hud dynasty. It served as a residence for Muslim rulers and was a symbol of the Islamic presence in the region.
After the Reconquista of Zaragoza in the 12th century by King Alfonso I, Christian kings used the palace, and it later became the Palace of the Catholic Monarchs.
Currently, the Aljaferia Palace is home to Aragon’s regional parliament.
Don’t miss the palace’s beautiful courtyards, arches, and ornate carvings are spectacular, and the lush gardens.
8. La Seo Cathedral
The Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza (or La Seo) has a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque. El Salvador Cathedral is a testament to the city’s diverse history.
Visitors can see the spectacular hand carved main altarpiece, tranquil chapels dedicated to saints, and gorgeous stained glass windows.
The cathedral’s tapestry museum, the Museo de Tapices, features Europe’s best and most valuable collection of tapestries.
9. Obsess Over the Roman Empire in Zaragoza
If you can’t stop thinking about the Roman Empire, follow the Caesaraugusta Route to explore Zaragoza’s rich Roman heritage through archaeological sites and ruins.
Zaragoza was an important trading center in Roman times.
You’ll notice portions of the ancient Roman walls that once surrounded Caesaraugusta are still visible in the city. Romans built these walls for defensive purposes, and they have been modified many times over the centuries.
10. Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta
First on the Caesaraugusta Route, the ancient Roman forum was the central public area of the Roman city, a place of social and political activity.
The remains of the forum include parts of the public square, as well as the foundations of several Roman buildings.
The Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta exhibits items unearthed from the area and offers insights into the daily life of the Romans in Zaragoza. The Caesaraugusta Forum Museum is located off the Plaza de la Seo.
11. Caesaraugusta River Port Museum
Reflecting Zaragoza’s importance as a river port in Roman times, this museum displays the remains of the ancient river port.
Museum displays provide information about the Ebro River’s role in trade and transportation during the Roman era.
12. Caesaraugusta Public Baths Museum
These thermal baths were a significant part of Roman urban life, serving both social and hygienic purposes.
The museum showcases the remains of the baths and includes informative displays about the Roman bathing culture and the architectural techniques used to build the baths.
13. Caesaraugusta Theatre Museum
One of the most significant Roman remains in Zaragoza, this theatre, built in the 1st century AD, could originally seat around 6,000 spectators.
Discovered in the 1970s during construction work, and now partially restored, the Museo del Teatro de Caesaraugusta displays artifacts found during excavations of these Roman ruins and provides context about the theatre’s history and use.
14. Mercado Central
Zaragoza’s central market is a bustling hub where you can find fresh local produce, cheeses, and meats.
You can sample Aragonese cuisine, talk with vendors, and enjoying strolling through the grand iron and glass building.
If you want to immerse yourself in Aragon’s food, this guided tour offers a private tour of the Central Market, followed by a cooking class. You’ll learn to prepare several regional specialties and sample local wine!
15. El Tubo
El Tubo is a series of narrow streets filled with bars and restaurants. Enjoy rubbing shoulders with locals and enjoying small plates of delicious regional specialties.
To experience Zaragoza’s tapas culture, you’ll need to spend some time exploring El Tubo. Some restaurants only serve one kind of tapas!
Follow the local custom of having a drink and a few tapas dishes in one bar, then continuing on to the next, until you’ve had enough.
16. Take a Food Tour
To really understand the Zaragoza food scene, and to be sure you don’t miss any of the best local specialities, take a guided tour.
Your guide will take you to the best places to sample the best food and drinks in Zaragoza. Two excellent options are:
Midday Market and Tapas Tour: Your guide will take you to the best local meat, cheese, and olive oil shops, as well as the market. You’ll sample four Zaragoza-style tapas, plus drinks, for lunch.
Evening Wine Tasting and Tapas Tour: You’ll sample four different regional wines, Cariñena, Campo de Borja, Calatayud and Somontano, as well as tapas made with local specialties.
17. Enjoy the Ebro River
The riverbanks of the Ebro have paths for scenic walks. As you stroll along the river, you’ll see Zaragoza landmarks, including the Puente de Piedra and Puente del Tercer Milenio bridges.
For the more adventurous, take a kayak tour of the Ebro River. This is perfect if you want to see the city from a different perspective or learn about its natural history.
18. Puente de Piedra
The Stone Bridge is also referred to as the “Bridge of Lions” due to the four lion statues at its entrance.
The Puente de Piedra is a historic bridge and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Originally built in the Roman era, the current structure dates back to the 15th century.
It offers stunning views of the Basilica del Pilar and is a popular spot for photographers, especially as the sunset reflects in the Ebro River.
19. Puente del Tercer Milenio
The Third Millennium Bridges is a stunning example of contemporary architecture in Zaragoza.
Completed in 2008 for the Expo, it features a unique design for both pedestrians and vehicles, with a single inclined arch and a suspended deck.
20. Stroll Calle Alfonso
This long straight pedestrian street connects the Plaza de Pilar to the Calle de Coso.
Calle Alfonso I is lined with beautiful buildings, fashionable shops, and many restaurants. You’ll find live music and crowds of locals strolling in the evenings.
21. Goya museum
Located in the restored 16th-Century Renaissance palace of the Count of Morata, the Museo Goya showcases the works of Francisco de Goya.
The museum displays an extensive collection of his paintings, etchings, and prints, as well as his personal belongings.
22. Museum of Zaragoza
The Zaragoza Museum offers a comprehensive view of the region’s history, art, and culture.
Its extensive permanent collection covers archaeology, fine arts, and ethnology. Highlights include Roman artifacts, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, and works by Francisco de Goya.
It’s the perfect place to learn more about the incredible history of this city, from Roman times, through the Middle Ages, and into the modern era.
The Museo de Zaragoza is located across from the Plaza de los Sitios, a lovely park.
23. Zaragoza Aquarium
The Acuario de Zaragoza is the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe.
This river aquarium features river ecosystems from some of the world’s major rivers like the Amazon, Nile, Mekong, and Ebro.
The Zaragoza Aquarium features a diverse range of aquatic species, from small fish to large river sharks and rays in exhibits that replicate their natural river habitats.
24. Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta
A large and beautiful city park perfect for relaxation, strolls, and picnics, offering a tranquil escape from the urban bustle.
The park is a great place to go for a run in Zaragoza, visit a playground with kids, or have a picnic with food you purchased at the Central Mercardo.
25. Museo Pablo Gargallo
Housed in a beautiful Renaissance building, this museum features work by the innovative sculptor Pablo Gargallo.
The museum showcases his metal sculptures and other works, and the exhibits provide insight into his creative process, evolution as an artist, and influence on other artists in Spain and internationally.
26. Museo Pablo Serrano
Dedicated to the Aragonese sculptor Pablo Serrano, the IAACC (Instituto Aragonés de ARte y Cultura Contemporáneos) houses an extensive collection of Serrano’s works.
The museum hosts temporary contemporary art exhibitions featuring international, national, and regional artists.
The museum building combines a Renaissance building with contemporary architecture; it’s a work of art in itself.
27. EMOZ — The Origami Museum
The Escuela Museo Origami Zaragoza (EMOZ) is dedicated to the art of origami. Located on the top floor of the Centro de Historias, in an old convent church, EMOZ showcases the intricate and diverse possibilities of paper folding.
The Origami Museum hosts a variety of exhibits, ranging from traditional origami to contemporary paper art. It also conducts workshops and demonstrations, making it an interactive experience.
It’s an unusual museum, and perhaps an unexpected find in Spain, but very cool and worth visiting.
28. Museo de los Faroles y Rosario de Cristal
This unique museum displays the lanterns and glass pieces used in the Rosario de Cristal procession, an important religious and cultural event in Zaragoza.
The museum’s collection includes beautifully crafted lanterns and other items that demonstrate the skill and artistry involved in this tradition.
29. La Lonja
The Sala de Exposiciones La Lonja is an impressive Renaissance building in Zaragoza, originally used as a commodities exchange.
Today, the Palace of Merchants serves as an exhibition hall, hosting various art exhibitions and cultural events.
The building itself, with its grand architecture in the Renaissance and Mudejar styles, is worth a visit, even if no temporary exhibitions or special events are happening.
30. Museum of Fire and Firefighters
The Museo del Fuego y de los Bomberos focuses on the history and evolution of firefighting. This small museum features a collection of historic firefighting equipment, uniforms, and vehicles.
The museum is both educational and engaging, highlighting the bravery and service of firefighters throughout history.
31. Plaza de Toros de Zaragoza
The Plaza de Toros is Zaragoza’s bullring, a significant structure for those interested in traditional Spanish bullfighting culture.
Apart from bullfights, the venue also hosts concerts and other events. The architecture and atmosphere of the bullring are notable, even for visitors who may not be interested in bullfighting itself.
Things to do near Zaragoza
If you’ve done all the historic, cultural, and gastronomic things to do in Zaragoza, there’s still more to do in the region.
Add a few day trips to your stay in Zaragoza, for a better understanding of the history, landscape, and culture of Aragon.
If you’re looking for ideas for great day trips from Zaragoza, here’s a list of some amazing things to do near Zaragoza:
32. Tour a Winery
Take a Half Day Winery Tour to Cariñena.
You’ll visit two working wineries in the beautiful Aragon countryside to learn more about the region’s wine-making traditions. You’ll get to sample wine and cava on this private tour.
33. Full-Day Wine Tour + Goya’s Birthplace
If you love art and wine, this is the tour for you. On this full-day tour, you’ll visit the Cariñena wine region and the birthplace of Fransisco de Goya, Fuendetodos.
Fuendetodos is a small village where you can visit the artist’s birth house and a museum dedicated to his prints.
You’ll also enjoy lunch during your excursion.
34. Full-day Somontano Wine Excursion + Alquezar
On this full day excursion, you’ll enjoy exploring the charming, hilltop village of Somontano, then travel to Bodegas Laus, a gorgeous local winery.
You’ll see the Alquezar castle and fortress, with beautiful views of the surrounding canyons and vineyards.
Then, enjoy local specialties at a top restaurant.
35. Olive oil tour + Belchite
Learn about olive oil and visit Belchite on this tour.
You’ll visit a traditional olive orchard to learn about olive oil production and taste oil made of the local Empeltre olive.
Then, you’ll visit the historic village of Belchite, which is a poignant memorial to the Spanish Civil War. Your guide will tell you about the history of the town and give you recommendations for the rest of your stay in Zaragoza.
36. Aragonese Paragliding Experience
For the more adventurous, experience Spain from the sky in this Paragliding adventure.
You can take in the view over Zaragoza, Huesca, and the Aragon’s Pyrenees. Bring your own SC card, and you’ll get a video of this incredible experience!
Note that the meeting point is outside of Zaragoza, so you’ll need a car.
37. Climbing in Rodellar
You can climb in beautiful Rodellar, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber. Equipment and a guide are included.
Note that this activity is outside of Zaragoza, and does not include transportation to/from Zaragoza. For this activity, it would be best to have a car.
38. Monasterio de piedra
The Monasterio de Piedra (Stone Monastery) is located about 100 km southwest of Zaragoza. You can go by bus, but it’s easiest if you have a car.
This historic monastery is set in a stunning natural park, known for its beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and caves. The monastery also houses a museum and offers a glimpse into its historical significance.
39. Tarazona and the Moncayo Natural Park
The charming town of Tarazona, with its Mudejar architecture and medieval streets, is worth a visit. Nearby is the Moncayo Natural Park, offering excellent hiking trails and stunning natural scenery.
You can take a bus to Tarazona, but you’ll need a car to go to Moncayo Natural Park.
Where to Stay in Zaragoza
There are plenty of good hotels in Zaragoza. To immerse yourself in the culture of Zaragoza and easily explore the city’s historic center, I recommend staying in the Old Town.
Here are some of Zaragoza’s best hotels to consider:
NH Collection Gran Hotel: The hotel offers valet parking and an excellent breakfast. You’ll love this a stunning historic building in Old Town Zaragoza.
INNSiDE by Meliá Zaragoza: This modern hotel in Old Town Zaragoza features an outdoor pool, a gym, and live music.
Catalonia El Pilar: This modernist-style hotel in Old Town Zaragoza has an outstanding breakfast buffet and the restaurant serves traditional Aragonese specialties for dinner.
Hotel Tibur: Located directly across from Pilar, the location of the Hotel Tibur can’t be beat. Enjoy tapas and wine on the terrace outside.
When to Visit Zaragoza
The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking to experience in Zaragoza.
Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. The city begins to bloom, and the weather is generally pleasant for exploring.
Summer (June to August) can be quite hot, especially in July and August. However, you can enjoy the long days and numerous festivals. Note that the city basically shuts down in August.
Autumn (September to November) offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. The highlight of this season is the Fiestas del Pilar in October, a major festival with religious, cultural, and musical events.
Winter (December to February) is relatively mild. While it’s a quieter season for tourism, it’s a good time to visit if you prefer a more relaxed experience without the crowds.
Final thoughts on things to do in and near Zaragoza
Zaragoza and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of activities and sights, no matter what your interests may be.
Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites, enjoying nature, or just soaking in the local atmosphere, you’ll love exploring Zaragoza and its neighboring areas. For foodies looking for good food, paired with beer and wine tasting, Zaragoza will not disappoint.
Zaragoza and the Aragon region make a great destination for any visitors looking to experience a different side of Spain, away from the more popular tourist attractions.
If you’re going to pass through the region, Zaragoza is worth a visit.
If you can stay longer, spend a few days in Zaragoza to fully appreciate the city’s unique offerings.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Spain and looking for a charming place with a variety of experiences, consider Zaragoza.
