Zaragoza, Spain Travel Guide

Experience Zaragoza, a city where history meets modernity, offering stunning architecture, rich culture, and delicious cuisine in the heart of Spain's Aragon region.

Nestled in the northeast of Spain, Zaragoza is the vibrant capital of the Aragon region. This city, rich in history and culture, offers an inviting blend of ancient landmarks and modern attractions. Zaragoza sits by the Ebro River, providing picturesque views and a serene ambiance for its visitors. One of the city's most iconic sights is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. This majestic church, with its stunning baroque architecture, is a symbol of Zaragoza and a major pilgrimage site. Nearby, the Aljafería Palace stands as a testament to the city's Islamic heritage. This 11th-century fortress has beautifully preserved interiors that transport you back in time. Zaragoza is also home to a variety of museums and galleries. The Goya Museum showcases works by Francisco de Goya, one of Spain's most renowned artists, who was born in the nearby town of Fuendetodos. The city also offers a lively food scene, with tapas bars and traditional restaurants serving up delicious local dishes. Don't miss the chance to try 'ternasco', a succulent roast lamb dish that is a regional specialty. The city is perfect for leisurely strolls, with many pedestrian-friendly streets and plazas where you can soak in the local atmosphere. El Tubo is a must-visit area, famous for its narrow streets lined with bustling tapas bars. For a touch of nature, head to the Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, a large park perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a charming getaway, Zaragoza has something to offer. Its blend of historical grandeur and modern charm makes it a delightful destination for any traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Zaragoza.

Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar at night to see it beautifully lit up.
Try visiting in October during the Fiestas del Pilar for vibrant local celebrations.
Purchase a Zaragoza Card for discounts on attractions and public transport.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as many attractions are best explored on foot.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.

Neighbourhoods in Zaragoza

Universidad

Delicias

Casco Histórico

El Gancho

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Zaragoza

Explore Zaragoza: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Zaragoza

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

Explore the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a breathtaking Baroque masterpiece in Zaragoza, rich in history and spiritual significance.

4.8

Aljafería Palace

Discover the exquisite beauty and rich history of Aljafería Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the heart of Zaragoza, Spain.

4.6

Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta

Explore the beauty of Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, a lush city park in Zaragoza, perfect for relaxation, recreation, and cultural experiences.

4.7

Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta

Explore the lush landscapes and cultural gems of Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, Zaragoza's premier urban park for relaxation and recreation.

4.7

Best landmarks in Zaragoza

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Best Landmarks

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All Landmarks

Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

Explore the breathtaking architecture and cultural significance of the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, a must-see for every traveler.

4.8

Aljafería Palace

Explore the stunning Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza, a captivating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking architecture.

4.6

Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta

Discover the enchanting Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, a lush urban park in Zaragoza offering scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and family-friendly activities.

4.7

Plaza of Our Lady of the Pillar

Explore the captivating Plaza of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, a historic site that combines stunning architecture with vibrant local culture.

4.8

Best restaurants in Zaragoza

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Restaurante El Fuelle

Experience authentic Spanish cuisine at Restaurante El Fuelle in Zaragoza's charming Old Town.

4.4

LaBuganvilla

Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors at LaBuganvilla in Zaragoza's charming Old Town - perfect for food lovers seeking local culinary treasures.

4.1

Nómada Street Food

Discover Zaragoza's vibrant street food scene at Nómada Street Food – where local flavors meet culinary creativity.

4.6

LA LOBERA DE MARTIN

Experience authentic Spanish cuisine at La Lobera de Martin in Zaragoza's historic Old Town - where tradition meets taste.

4.0

Best bars in Zaragoza

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Bar Mr. Dumbo

Savor authentic Arabic flavors at Bar Mr. Dumbo in Zaragoza, where Mediterranean cuisine meets a cozy atmosphere.

4.6

Bar El Circo

Experience the lively ambiance of Bar El Circo, a must-visit bar in Zaragoza's Old Town, offering delicious tapas and local drinks.

4.5

Rock & Blues Cafe

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Rock & Blues Cafe, Zaragoza's premier live music bar, where great food meets unforgettable performances.

4.4

Bar London

Discover the vibrant grill and bar scene at Bar London in Zaragoza, where delicious flavors and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Zaragoza

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Oasis Club Teatro

Experience the electrifying atmosphere of Oasis Club Teatro, Zaragoza's vibrant nightlife hub for unforgettable nights filled with music and dance.

3.8

Da Luxe Café Cantante

Discover Zaragoza's nightlife at Da Luxe Café Cantante, a legendary disco club where the music never stops and the dance floor awaits.

3.8

Kenbo

Experience the electrifying nightlife of Zaragoza at Kenbo, where music, dance, and excitement come together in perfect harmony.

4.2

HÏDE CLUB

Experience the electric nightlife at HÏDE CLUB in Zaragoza, where music, dance, and unforgettable memories await in a vibrant disco atmosphere.

3.6

Best shops in Zaragoza

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Puerto Venecia

Experience the best of shopping, dining, and entertainment at Puerto Venecia, Zaragoza's ultimate shopping paradise.

4.5

Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

Explore the stunning Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a Baroque masterpiece and cultural gem in Zaragoza, Spain.

4.8

Plaza del Pilar

Explore the breathtaking Plaza del Pilar, the cultural heart of Zaragoza, featuring stunning architecture, vibrant entertainment, and rich history.

4.8

Mercado Central de Zaragoza

Experience the heart of Zaragoza at Mercado Central, a vibrant market filled with fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal crafts.

4.5

Explore Zaragoza on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Zaragoza, mapped for you.

Zaragoza Essentials

Zaragoza is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The city has its own airport, Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ), located about 10 kilometers west of the city center. It serves several European destinations, making it convenient for international travelers. Alternatively, you can fly into Madrid or Barcelona and take a high-speed AVE train, which takes about 1.5 hours from Madrid and 1.75 hours from Barcelona. Buses and regional trains also offer connections from various parts of Spain.
Getting around Zaragoza is straightforward thanks to its efficient public transportation system. The city has an extensive network of buses and trams operated by TUZSA. You can buy single tickets, but if you plan to use public transport frequently, consider purchasing a multi-ride card. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps. For shorter distances, renting a bike or walking can be an enjoyable way to explore the city's historic center.
The official currency in Zaragoza, as in the rest of Spain, is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets or smaller establishments. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and you can withdraw euros using international cards.
Zaragoza is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant, particularly in crowded places like markets and public transport where pickpocketing can occur. The neighborhoods of Delicias and San José have higher crime rates, but these are mostly non-violent crimes. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and always keep an eye on your belongings.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, medical, and fire services. Zaragoza has several hospitals and medical facilities, including Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet and Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa. Pharmacies are widespread and usually open from 9 AM to 9 PM, with some offering 24-hour service. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress smartly when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Avoid overly casual clothing in such settings. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially in churches. Avoid loud behavior and dress modestly. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers and those with disabilities. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días'. A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'tapas' and 'paella'. Don't rush your meals; dining is a relaxed and social occasion.
To experience Zaragoza like a local, visit the Mercado Central de Zaragoza, where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Enjoy a stroll along the Ebro River and take in the views of the Basilica del Pilar. Try to catch a local 'jota' performance, a traditional dance of Aragón. If you're visiting during the Fiestas del Pilar in October, don't miss the parades, concerts, and fireworks.

When is the best time to visit Zaragoza?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Zaragoza

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Zaragoza. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [Oh-la]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [Ah-dee-ohs]
- YesSí
  [See]
- NoNo
  [Noh]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fah-vor/De nah-dah]
- Thank youGracias
  [Grah-thyas]
- Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [Pair-dohn/Lo see-en-toh]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Koh-moh eh-stahs]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Byen. Ee too]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [Ah-blahs een-glays]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [Noh en-tee-en-doh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr lah kar-tah, por fah-vor]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [Noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sah-lood]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [Ah-yoo-dah]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [Veh-teh]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [Yah-mah ah lah po-lee-thee-ah]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [Yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [Es-toy pair-dee-doh/pair-dee-dah]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [Es-toy en-fehr-moh/en-fehr-mah]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
- I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-loh es-toy meer-an-doh]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-to kwehs-tah]
- That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [Es-toh es deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [Pweh-des reh-bah-har el pree-syoh]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Keh oh-rah es]
- It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es lah oo-nah]
- Half past (10)Y media (las diez)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (las d'yehs)]
- MorningMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [Tahr-deh]
- EveningNoche
  [Noh-cheh]
- YesterdayAyer
  [Ah-yehr]
- TodayHoy
  [Oy]
- TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
- 1Uno
  [Oo-no]
- 2Dos
  [Dohs]
- 3Tres
  [Tres]
- 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-troh]
- 5Cinco
  [Theen-koh]
- 6Seis
  [Says]
- 7Siete
  [Syeh-teh]
- 8Ocho
  [Oh-cho]
- 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
- 10Diez
  [D'yehs]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [Dohn-deh es-tah]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwahl es lah dee-rehk-syohn]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pweh-des mohs-trar-meh (en el mah-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-doh es el proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ...)
  [Oon bee-yeh-teh (ah)]

History of Zaragoza

Zaragoza, originally known as Caesaraugusta, was founded in 14 BC by the Romans. Named after Emperor Augustus, the city became a significant hub in the Roman Empire, boasting impressive infrastructure such as the forum, theatre, and public baths. The remnants of these structures can still be visited today, offering a glimpse into the city's ancient past.
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Zaragoza came under Visigothic control in the 5th century. In 714 AD, the city was conquered by the Moors, becoming part of the Emirate of Córdoba. Under Islamic rule, Zaragoza flourished as a center of learning and culture, with notable advancements in science, philosophy, and the arts.
In 1118, Alfonso I of Aragon successfully captured Zaragoza from the Moors, marking a pivotal moment in the Reconquista. The city became the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon, playing a crucial role in the formation of modern Spain. The construction of significant landmarks such as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar began during this period.
The 16th century ushered in a Golden Age for Zaragoza, characterized by economic prosperity and cultural richness. The city became a focal point for Renaissance art and architecture. The Lonja de Zaragoza, an exquisite example of Aragonese Renaissance architecture, and numerous palaces and churches were constructed during this period.
Zaragoza played a significant role during the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714), siding with the Habsburg claimant, Charles VI. After the Bourbon victory, Philip V imposed harsh reprisals on the city. Despite this, Zaragoza continued to grow, adapting to the new Bourbon administration and experiencing infrastructural modernization.
One of the most dramatic episodes in Zaragoza's history occurred during the Peninsular War (1808-1814). The city endured two brutal sieges by Napoleonic forces in 1808 and 1809. The resilience and heroism of its citizens, particularly figures like Agustina de Aragón, became legendary, symbolizing Spanish resistance against French occupation.
The 19th and early 20th centuries saw rapid industrialization and modernization in Zaragoza. The arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century transformed the city's economy, fostering growth in manufacturing and commerce. The Exposición Hispano-Francesa of 1908 marked Zaragoza's emergence as a modern industrial city, celebrating its cultural and technological advancements.
During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Zaragoza was a strategic stronghold for Franco's Nationalist forces. The post-war period brought significant challenges, but also saw the city's gradual recovery and development. The latter half of the 20th century witnessed urban expansion, economic diversification, and a resurgence of cultural activities.
In 2008, Zaragoza hosted the International Exposition (Expo 2008), focusing on water and sustainable development. This event revitalized the city, leading to the construction of modern infrastructure such as the Zaragoza Expo complex and the iconic Bridge Pavilion. Today, Zaragoza is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with contemporary innovation.