Zaragoza
Introduction
Located in the heart of the Ebro basin, you will find Zaragoza situated along the banks of the Ebro River and its tributaries, the Huerva and the Gállego. As the capital city of the province of Zaragoza and the autonomous community of Aragon, it serves as a central hub within the region.
Before you go
Prepare for a climate characterized by dry conditions and significant seasonal extremes. During the summer months, you should expect intense heat that may lead to the local tradition of taking a siesta during the hottest part of the day to enjoy the cooler evenings. In the winter, temperatures drop significantly and fog is common; be mindful of the Cierzo, a cold and dry wind from the northwest that can make conditions uncomfortable on clear days. Pack layers for spring and autumn to ensure you are prepared if the wind picks up.
Plan your visit around the local calendar to experience the city's vibrant atmosphere:
- Visit during spring or autumn for the most pleasant weather.
- Experience El Pilar in October for concerts, street animations, and bullfights.
- Witness the scenic processions of Easter week in the city center.
Getting there
You can fly directly into Zaragoza Airport, which serves as a major cargo hub and hosts regular flights from various European destinations. Once you land, you can reach the city centre via a dedicated airport bus that stops at several locations including Delicias train station, or by taking a taxi for a quicker journey. If you prefer larger hubs with more extensive connections, you can fly into Madrid or Barcelona and take a high-speed AVE train to Zaragoza. Alternatively, you can reach the city from these major hubs by coach.
Train travel offers several ways to reach the city, including high-speed options from Madrid and Barcelona, as well as regional trains that traverse scenic landscapes of post-industrial towns. You can also reach Zaragoza from neighboring cities like Huesca, Teruel, Pamplona, Logroño, Bilbao, or Valencia by conventional train. For those traveling by bus, connections are available from major Spanish cities and even from several locations in France. If you prefer to drive, the city is well-connected by free speedways and toll highways from nearby regions.
Getting around
If you stay in or near the old town, you can reach most of the main attractions on foot. For longer journeys, the city offers a bus and tram network. You can use a transport card to travel by both bus and the Tranvía line, which runs from the north to the southwest through the city centre. These vehicles feature audio announcements and "next stop" displays. Alternatively, you can choose a sightseeing bus for all-day access or hire a taxi, as drivers are plentiful throughout the area.
You can also explore the city on two wheels using the Bizi shared bicycle system. You can obtain a temporary subscription online before your arrival to access bikes at various stations in the city centre, near the Delicias train station, and in the expo area. While bike availability is generally good, some station screens may be unreadable or broken, which can make the process of entering your credentials less reliable.
Where to stay
Choosing Zaragoza as a base for your travels offers a practical advantage if you are traveling between Madrid and Barcelona, as the city sits conveniently between the two destinations. You can enjoy lower hotel rates compared to the neighboring cities while still enjoying local attractions. Depending on your needs, you can find accommodations ranging from budget-friendly options in historic buildings with communal kitchens to modern hotels near the train stations or more luxurious stays featuring traditional regional materials and stone decor.
- Stay in a refurbished medieval building for a rustic experience.
- Choose a hotel near the central market or the Puente de Piedra to enjoy views of the bridge and basilica.
- Select a property located at the Delicias train station if you prioritize convenient transit connections.
- Opt for a luxury stay featuring high-end decor and local construction methods in the heart of the city.
Food & drink
Savor the regional flavors of Aragon by sampling local specialties such as Ternasco Asado (roasted young lamb), Pollo al Chilindrón, and Cordero a la Pastora. You can enjoy traditional dishes like Bacalao al Ajoarriero, Huevos al Salmorejo, or Migas a la Aragonesa. For those seeking unique regional ingredients, Borrajas is a local vegetable typically served with olive oil, while Melocotón con vino offers a classic way to end your meal.
Explore the vibrant tapas culture of the city, where you can order a "Tabla"—a wooden plate featuring an assortment of cheeses and sausages. In the narrow streets near Puerta Cinegia and within El Tubo, you will find numerous bars offering high-quality snacks. For a sweet finish, visit one of the local ice cream shops to enjoy Italian-style scoops or horchata de chufa.
- Tapas options: Huevos rotos con foie, Lomo de Cerdo a la Zaragozana, and Boletus Edulis
- Local beverages: A variety of wines produced in Aragon
What to see and do
Explore the historic heart of the city at Plaza del Pilar, located just south of the River Ebro. This main square features two cathedrals and the Fuente de la Hispanidad, a sculpture and fountain commemorating the discovery of the New World. You can visit the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, which houses vault paintings by Francisco Goya, or the Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza (La Seo). The latter is a mixture of styles including Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudéjar, and contains an exquisite collection of tapestries. To see more examples of Mudéjar architecture—a style blending Christian and Muslim traditions—visit the churches of Santa María Magdalena, San Miguel de los Navarros, or San Pablo.
Discover the city's layered history through its various landmarks and cultural sites:
- Palacio de la Aljaferia: A Moorish castle featuring intricate decorations and gold ceilings.
- The Caesaraugusta route: A collection of museums including a port, forum, baths, and a theatre that showcases Roman monuments from the era of Caesar Augustus.
- Museo de Zaragoza: A municipal museum featuring mosaics from Caesaraugusta and works by Goya.
- Museo Goya (Ibercaja Collection): A gallery dedicated to the works of Goya.
- Educational Museum of Origami in Zaragoza (EMOZ): A gallery showcasing complex paper-folding crafts.
When to go
You will experience a continental Mediterranean climate when visiting Zaragoza. During the summer months, you can expect intense heat and dry conditions that necessitate following the local custom of taking an afternoon siesta to escape the midday sun. While the evenings become pleasant, the days remain hot and dry with only occasional late-afternoon storms.
If you travel during the spring, you will encounter a brief rainy season where most of the year's rainfall occurs. During the winter, you should prepare for cold, foggy conditions and the persistent Cierzo, a dry northwesterly wind that can make even sunny days feel unpleasant. You should pack warm layers to stay comfortable against this wind regardless of the season.
Three days in ZaragozaDay one, you can begin your journey by exploring the heart of Zaragoza and experiencing El Pilar. You can take in the sights along the Ebro River as you settle into the local atmosphere.
Day two, you can explore more of the region or travel toward nearby cities such as Huesca, Teruel, or Pamplona. If you prefer to stay within the city, you can enjoy the surroundings of the Huerva and Gállego rivers.
Day three, you can plan your departure from Zaragoza. You have the option to take a train toward Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or Bilbao, or you can travel toward France.