I spent 4 nights in Zaragoza on my way from Barcelona to San Sebastián. It was my first time in the city, and I wondered why I had never been before. If you’re planning to visit this lovely city near Barcelona and want to know what to do in Zaragoza, I’ve got you covered! As most people spend a weekend in Zaragoza, I’ve selected the best things to do in Zaragoza in 2 days to help you make the most of your stay!
Before travelling to Zaragoza, book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.
⭐ TOP 3 ZARAGOZA ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:
1: Private custom tour with a local guide – See the sights with a guided tour
2: Wine Tasting and Tapas Tour – Eat & Drink your way around Zaragoza
3: Aquarium entry ticket – Vist the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe
🛌 MY FAVOURITE HOTELS IN ZARAGOZA:
$$$: Luxury 2 Bedroom Apartment – Across the river with gorgeous views of the Cathedral
$$: Hostal Plaza Boutique – Excellent location in the Plaza del Pilar (I stayed here)
$: Hotel Inca – Great value and central location
Is Zaragoza Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! While I wouldn’t necessarily say it is a destination in itself for a full vacation, spending a couple of days in the city as part of a larger trip to Northern Spain would be well worth your time. You could easily take a weekend trip to Zaragoza from Barcelona, or visit Zaragoza on your way between Barcelona and Bilbao or Zan Sebastian as I did, or on the way between Barcelona and Madrid.
Zaragoza is in the Aragon region of Spain, which borders Catalonia. The city was founded as a Roman colony in 24 B.C. under the name Caesaraugusta and has numerous Roman ruins from that period which are well worth visiting.
For more cultural sites, you can find evidence of Islamic rule from the 8th to the 11th centuries, when Zaragoza flourished as a major centre of learning and culture, as demonstrated beautifully in the Aljafería Palace and other buildings designed in the UNESCO-listed Mudéjar style of architecture.
The Reconquista brought Zaragoza back under Christian control in 1118, under the Crown of Aragon. Religious buildings from this era like La Seo Cathedral and the Basilica del Pilar (one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites) showcase Zaragoza’s blend of Gothic, Mudéjar, and Renaissance architecture, and you can see stunning buildings like this all around the city.
As well as a fascinating history and unique mix of architecture, Zaragoza’s lively tapas bars and dynamic arts scene give you the chance to have an authentic Spanish experience in Zaragoza and it really does feel a lot more Spanish than Catalan Barcelona!
How Long to Spend in Zaragoza?
I would say 2 days in Zaragoza is enough for you to see the main sites and enjoy the best of the city, but a third day could be easily filled with more museums, delicious food, or perhaps a day trip nearby.
How to Get to Zaragoza from Barcelona?
The easiest way to get to Zaragoza from Barcelona is to take the train. There are regular high-speed trains from Barcelona to Zaragoza every day, and it takes an hour and a half on the fastest trains, or around 2 hours on the slower-speed trains. I’d recommend booking your train tickets in advance on the Renfe website.
You could also hire a car from Barcelona and drive to Zaragoza in around 3 hours, covering the 300 kilometres (about 186 miles) mainly on motorways or national roads.
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The most common route is via the AP-2 and AP-7 motorways. This route is a toll road but is usually faster and in good condition. Alternatively, you can take the N-II, which is a national road and free of tolls, but it may take a bit longer and can be busier. Weekends and holiday periods are likely to be busier whichever route you take.
If you wanted to break up the journey you could stop off in Lleida for a night or for a few hours.
The Best Things to do in Zaragoza
Wander the Plaza del Pilar
This large square is the heart of Zaragoza and is surrounded by important buildings, including the Basilica del Pilar and La Seo Cathedral. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. There are cafes around the square or buy a souvenir in one of the shops under the covered archways.
I recommend staying somewhere near the Plaza del Pilar as it is the centre of the city and close to the main attractions. I stayed at the Hostal Plaza Boutique, an adults-only hotel with cosy, beautifully decorated rooms.
Basilica del Pilar
This iconic basilica is one of the most famous landmarks in Spain and is hard to miss while you are visiting Zaragoza. It’s a major pilgrimage site and a stunning example of Baroque architecture.
You can enter the cathedral for free any time the doors are open, but if you visit during mass times there is a large section blocked where you can only access if you want to visit for mass.
After my visit I learned that the famous Zaragozan artist Francisco de Goya painted some of the ceiling art here, so look out for those.
You aren’t allowed to take photos inside so I didn’t – but sadly I did see several people with their cameras and phones out! Please respect the rules when you visit.
Climb the Basilica Tower – Torre del Pilar
You can also climb to the top of one of the Basilic towers for a panoramic view of the city, as well as fabulous views of the Basilica rooftop and the river Ebro that runs along side it. There is a separate ticket for this, and the entry is outside the Basilica next to the river (check the exact location on Google maps here).
You can buy a single ticket for this, or buy a combined ticket which gives you access to other museums and the Cathedral of the Savior (La Seo). It’s worth getting the combined ticket for the clock tower and La Seo alone, but if you have time then I also recommend the other museums as well.
A single ticket for the Torre del Pilar basilica tower costs €5 per adult, with discounts for young people, students, and Zaragoza residents.
Entry is for 15 minutes only, but that is enough time to go up in the lift, then walk the extra stairs to the best viewpoint, take some photos and admire the view. It is quite a small space and a maximum of 9 people at a time.
A combined ticket for the tower and the other attractions is €10 for adults, and includes access to:
The Museo Pilarista – Pilarist Museum inside the Basilica which is a small exhibition of jewellery and riches donated to the Basilica over the years.
Rosario de Cristal – The Glass Rosary which is a stunning collection of glass lanterns, including a glass lantern of the Basilica del Pilar
La Seo del Salvador – Cathedral of the Saviour that Lonely Planet called the most beautiful cathedral in Spain
The Tapestry Collection – accessible from La Seo
You can buy the combined ticket at any of the above museums, but you will need to confirm the time you want to climb the Basilica Tower when you buy the ticket.
Visit the Cathedral of the Savior (La Seo)
As mentioned above, this beautiful cathedral is included in the combination ticket for the Basilica Tower. It is close to the Basilica del Pilar, and really it is a must-visit in Zaragoza. La Seo showcases a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque.
You’ll get an audio guide when you go in which explains about the history and design of the cathedral, as well as the meanings of the chapels lining the cathedral walls.
Before you leave, go through the gift shop and upstairs to the Tapestry Museum which has some magnificent 16th and 17th century tapestries which are as beautiful as any paintings you’ll find.
See the Rosario de Cristal
If you buy the combined ticket for La Seo and the Basilica Tower then you should also pop into the Glass Rosary, which is a small but impressive collection of glass lanterns, housed in a church.
The key pieces here are a glass lantern designed in the shape of the Basilica del Pilar and one in the shape of the ship Columbus used when he “discovered” the Americas.
Aljafería Palace
A beautifully preserved example of Moorish architecture, this palace dates back to the 11th century. It now houses the regional parliament and you can visit at set times during the day to see the interiors and beautiful gardens.
Aljafería Palace is one of the places in Zaragoza to be listed in the UNESCO World Heritage description of Mudejar architecture, which blends Moorish decoration with Christian styles.
It’s best to pre-book entry tickets online as part of a tour, then you have to go and line up to pay for the tickets. You can then choose whether to join the tour or explore on your own. English tours are only offered in July and August.
It’s about 30 minutes walk from the Plaza del Pilar, and the visit lasts around an hour.
Goya Museum
Francisco de Goya, one of Spain’s most famous painters, was born near Zaragoza. This museum features some of his paintings and a whole series of sketches from throughout his life. It is interesting to see his artistic evolution from a painter at the Royal Court to darker themes as he grew older.
It also has exhibitions of his predecessors and works by artists inspired by Goya. The exhibition is arranged in chronological order so you can see the progression and changes in styles.
Explore the Roman Ruins in Zaragoza
Do you know how Zaragoza got its name? It is the only city in the world to be named after the Emperor Caesar Augustus, and the Roman city of Caesaraugusta became modern day Zaragoza.
There are several Roman ruins in the city which prospered during Roman times with much trade taking place here brought along the River Ebro. The most impressive is the Roman Theatre, which was only discovered in 1972 during the construction of a new building on the site!
Now a museum showcasing the remains of the curved semicircular seating and foundations, as well as a collection of sculptures and explanations of what the theatre experience was like for both the audience and the actors.
You can buy a single ticket for the museum, or a combined ticket which also gives you access to the smaller museums at the Forum, the Port and Public Baths, as well as the Pablo Gargallo Museum.
These aren’t quite as impressive but you can visit all 5 museums in around 2 hours, depending on how much interest you have in Roman history!
TOP TIP: Not all of the museums have explanations in English, so I’d recommend downloading the Google Translate app before you go, and downloading Spanish so you can access translations to the explanations without needing wifi (there wasn’t any signal inside the museums)
As well as the museums you can also see the remains of the Roman Theatre from a viewpoint outside the museum, and see a small section of the Roman walls close to the market.
Pablo Gargallo Museum
Entry to the Pablo Gargallo Museum is included in the combined ticket for the Roman Ruin museums, and without that I probably wouldn’t have come but I’m glad I did visit. It is dedicated to the works of sculptor Pablo Gargallo, and housed in a beautiful Renaissance building showcasing a comprehensive collection of his sculptures, drawings, and other works.
Walk Along the Ebro River
Stroll along the banks of the Ebro River for beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. There are several bridges, parks, and cafes along the way. Depending on how far you want to go there is a route which covers a large portion of the river, and you could walk up to 2008 Expo Site to the Aquarium.
A must-see is the Stone Bridge (Puente de Piedra) close to the Basilica, although I recommend coming here for sunset if you haven’t crossed it already during the day!
Aquarium of Zaragoza
Housed in the area where the International Exposition of 2008 was held, it might seem strange to have an aquarium in a city nowhere near the ocean! However, this aquarium is dedicated to freshwater, and is the largest river aquarium in Europe.
It has exhibits about the creatures that live in 5 rivers around the world, including the Ebro, the Nile, Mekong, Amazon and Murray-Darling River in Australia.
Around the aquarium, the exposition site also includes modern architecture and teardrop-shaped Water Tower, although there isn’t much else to see here.
Watch the Sunset from the Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge)
The Stone Bridge is one of the oldest bridges crossing the Ebro River, and at any time of day there is a great view of the river and the Basilica del Pilar from the bridge. However, sunset is the best time to enjoy without the glare of the sun, and when the river is calm you can get some lovely reflections in the water.
The Origami Museum
I didn’t get chance to come here although it was on my list – EMOZ of the Museum School of Origami in Zaragoza is dedicated to the art of paper folding, with some impressive origami designs to enjoy.
The Museo de Zaragoza
The Zaragoza Museum was closed for renovations during my visit, but keep an eye on the website to see it opens up again for your visit.
Sample Aragonese Cuisine
Spanish cuisine isn’t the same all over Spain, and each region has its own specialities. While I am well versed in the delicious food in Barcelona, it was great to explore a new region and new city through it’s food.
Visit the Merco Central – Central Market
I headed to the Mercado Central to have a look at the fresh produce on offer, and considered stopping here for something to eat but the cafes inside the café surprisingly don’t get good reviews, and there isn’t much ready-to-eat food available.
If your accommodation has kitchen facilities or at least a fridge you could pick something up here to make later, otherwise there some fantastic restaurants in Zaragoza to try!
What to Eat in Zaragoza
If you want a sit-down meal in Zaragoza then go out for lunch when you can find some great value and delicious set menus del día which are usually 3 course meals including wine or soft drinks.
Dinner is usually tapas!
Some typical dishes in Zaragoza to look out for include:
- Migas literally meaning crumbs – which is what they are, bread crumbs served up with meat like chorizo, black pudding (morcilla) or bacon, or grapes and a fried egg. I tried some with black pudding and a fried egg, and was surprised to find the bread crumbs were soft and not crunchy as I had expected, but tasty nonetheless.
- Torrija – kind of a French toast, with a sweet bread served as dessert with cream or ice cream
- Frutas de Aragon – Pieces of dried fruits such as orange slices covered with chocolate
La Migueria had an excellent menu del dia which included a choice of migas as a first choice, then several main course dishes (I chose cod with vegetables) then a dessert option (in my case cooked apple chunks with chocolate), which was a wonderful way to try several different things! (Check the reviews and location on Google Maps here)
La Gerencia del Tubo also had a nice menú del día including half a bottle of wine per person (or a soft drink), with a delicious coulant de chocolate lava cake for dessert. (Check the reviews and location on Google Maps here)
Take a Tapas Crawl in El Tubo
A tapas crawl is a great way to sample tapas in Zaragoza, and El Tubo is a fun neighbourhood in Zaragoza known for its narrow streets that are filled with the best tapas bars in Zaragoza as well as sit-down restaurants and nightlife spots.
You might be able to grab a table, or just stand at the bar and order from the menu or choose what you want from the display of tasty tapas on offer. Some of the best tapas bars I tried include El Meli del Tubo, La Tasca del Tubo, Bula del Tubo and La Gerencia del Tubo, although there are a lot of different places to choose from!
Eat Chocolate and Churros
I adore this Spanish sweet treat – a cup of thick hot chocolate served with long churro doughnuts designed to dip into the chocolate. For a traditional hot chocolate try Churreria La Fama – I just asked for “chocolate con churros” and got a big cup of chocolate and 3 churros for €3.20, but they also do a small cup of chocolate which is probably enough!
For a more modern twist, check out Churrismo which has fancier hot chocolates and giant versions of churros with toppings like Kinder and Nutella.
If you prefer ice cream then I’d recommend Helados Tortosa which has a range of delicious flavours – not traditional exactly but definitely delicious!
Other Things to Do in Zaragoza
Generally speaking, most of the attractions in Zaragoza I mentioned above are within walking distance of each other, and I spent most of my time in the Old Town Zaragoza. I even walked up to Aljafería Palace, although you could hop in a taxi if you’re tired.
These extra suggestions are just outside Zaragoza city centre, so you could add these to your Zaragoza itinerary if you have a particular interest in any one of them, or if you decide to spend more time in Zaragoza to properly explore. They are all relatively close to each other, so you could visit each one in turn, walking between them all.
Fundación Ibercaja Patio de la Infanta
This Renaissance courtyard, now owned by a bank, is from a merchant’s house dating back to the 1550s. It’s a small space, made up of a beautifully decorated courtyard with friezes on the walls, columns and intricate arches and balconies. The detailed decorations and historical significance make it worth a visit, it’s 3 euros to go inside.
Museo de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad de Zaragoza
This Natural History Museum is one of the best free things to do in Zaragoza, so if you are interested in the natural world this is a must-visit for you! The museum has a large collection of fossils, insects and various taxidermied animals and more. Most of the information is just in Spanish, so remember to download Google Translate to help you with the translation.
Puerta del Carmen
This historic stone gateway was built in the early 1800s and was part of Zaragoza’s historic walls. It is the only gate that remains in the city and is named after the nearby Carmelite Convent. It’s worth stopping off here on your way between museums but is just a short stop and photo opportunity.
IAACC Pablo Serrano
The IAACC Pablo Serrano, or the Instituto Aragonés de Arte y Cultura Contemporáneos Pablo Serrano, is a contemporary art museum which focuses on the works of the Aragonese sculptor Pablo Serrano and also houses a variety of temporary exhibitions by local and international artists. Entry is free.
The building itself is an architectural landmark, originally designed in the 1970s, then renovated and expanded in 2011, its modern design and striking façade are in sharp contrast to the historical buildings you’ll see elsewhere in Zaragoza.
CaixaForum Zaragoza
Another unique building, this museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions, art shows and talks. The program varies so check the website for details of what’s on during your visit – pretty much everything is just in Spanish. Entry costs €6 per person and the cafe on the top floor has a nice view of the city if you do go inside.
I hope this article has helped you to plan your Zaragoza itinerary with these top activities. If you have any more recommendations for things to do in Zaragoza that I’ve missed please comment below and let me know!