Is Zaragoza Worth Visiting? Everything You Need To Know
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably wondering, is Zaragoza worth visiting? Well, I’ve put together this guide to help you decide.
The TLDR is YES! Zaragoza is 100% worth visiting!
I recently visited Zaragoza, Spain’s fifth-largest city, as part of a bigger trip around the Aragon region.
The city has a mix of stunning historical sites, vibrant culture, delicious food and plenty more – of course, there are a few downsides which I’ll go into in this article, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious, this article will give you a clear picture of what Zaragoza has to offer.
Why visit Zaragoza, Spain? Read on to find out why Zaragoza should be on your travel list.
Where Is Zaragoza Located?
The region of Aragon is located in northern Spain. Zaragoza is the capital of this region.
It’s beautifully situated next to the River Ebro, which gives it a scenic riverside charm.
If you look at a map, you’ll see that Zaragoza is almost halfway between Barcelona and Madrid. This central spot makes it a convenient stop if you travel between these two major cities.
I’ve partnered with Turismo de Aragón and Spain Nature Travel to bring you this travel guide. This article is based on the destinations and experiences I took part in. All views and opinions are my own.
Pros of Visiting Zaragoza
The Unique Placement of Two Cathedrals
One of the most interesting facts about Zaragoza, Spain is the unique placement of its two cathedrals. These are El Pilar and La Seo.
They are almost neighbours, standing close together but facing different directions. But why? It has to do with religion.
El Pilar Cathedral is the largest of the two. It’s officially called Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It’s predominantly a Baroque-style building built between 1681 and 1872.
Its impressive size and waterfront location make it the most recognizable sight in Zaragoza.
La Seo Cathedral, or Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza began life as a mosque. It was built so that it faces Mecca. Over the years, it evolved and became a Cathedral, but the orientation stayed the same.
The style here is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque however it’s also heavily decorated in Mudejar style (an Arabic-influenced style). This smorgasbord of styles has earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Together, these two cathedrals showcase a beautiful blend of architectural styles and history, making them essential stops if you’re wondering what to see in Zaragoza, Spain.
👉 If you’re a fan of this style of architecture and want to see one of the best examples of Mudejar design in Spain, then I 100% recommend adding the Alhambra Palace in Granada to your travel bucket list.
Plenty of Interesting History
Zaragoza is a paradise for history enthusiasts, boasting a diverse past that stretches from the Roman times. The city not only features impressive Roman ruins but also showcases significant Islamic influences from the Moors’ 700-year rule over Spain.
You can explore historical sites like the excavated Roman Theatre and Forum.
As you walk through Zaragoza, you’ll find remnants of the city’s Roman past scattered throughout – don’t miss a large chunk of Roman Walls not far from El Pilar Cathedral – giving you a unique look into the history of Zaragoza.
Another must-see is the gorgeous Palacio de la Aljafería. The building started as a Muslim fortress. Later it became the residence of Aragonese monarchs. Today, it serves as a parliament building.
If you’ve ever visited the Alhambra in Granada, or Alcazar in Seville, you’ll find plenty of similarities here.
Lots of Top-Class Museums
Zaragoza boasts over 21 museums, making it a fantastic destination for culture buffs.
Here are a few of the most popular ones I recommend during a day in Zaragoza:
- Goya Museum: Dedicated to the famous Spanish painter Francisco Goya, this museum houses a vast collection of his works and offers insights into his life.
- Zaragoza Museum: Covers the city’s rich history with artefacts from prehistory to modern times, including Roman sculptures and ceramics.
- Museum of Pablo Gargallo: Allows you to explore the creative world of Pablo Gargallo, a local sculptor, the museum features his stunning metal works and drawings.
- Origami Museum: The first museum in Europe dedicated to the art of paper folding, where you can see incredible origami creations from artists around the world.
Great Base for Further Exploration of Aragon
The reason I was visiting Zaragoza was that it was the starting point for a 5-day Aragon road trip I was doing.
Zaragoza is the perfect starting point for exploring the region of Aragon – which compared to other places in Spain, is chock-full of hidden gems.
From the capital of the region, you can visit a mix of historic hilltop towns and stunning landscapes. Also, Aragon is ideal for adventure sports enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, white water rafting and even canyoning opportunities.
Read More: Best Places to Visit in Aragon, Spain
Still Feels Authentically Spanish Compared To Other Cities
Zaragoza has retained its authentic Spanish charm.
Unlike bustling cities like Madrid or Barcelona, here is less crowded, allowing you to experience local culture. The city is less cosmopolitan and has kept plenty of its unique character, with many parts untouched by modern gentrification.
Allow plenty of time to wander through the narrow and ancient streets of Zaragoza’s historic centre, you’ll find a mix of traditional shops, cafes, and stunning old buildings.
This blend of history and local life makes Zaragoza feel more authentic, offering a true taste of Spain without the tourist crowds.
More Affordable Than Other Spanish Cities
One of the best things about Zaragoza is its affordability.
Compared to nearby major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and San Sebastian, Zaragoza offers a more budget-friendly option. While those cities can be quite expensive, Zaragoza is moderately priced, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking to stretch your budget.
Whether it’s accommodation, dining, or sightseeing, the overall cost of travel here is fair and reasonable for the region. This means you can enjoy all the cultural and historical attractions without breaking the bank.
Easy to Get around the City
Zaragoza is easy to navigate, making it ideal if you don’t have a car.
Most of the top attractions are centrally located, with a large part of the historic centre being pedestrian-friendly and flat.
If you want to explore further, the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus is a great option. It makes a circuit around the city, stopping at 16 different places of interest, which is the perfect way to tick everything off your Zaragoza itinerary.
Zaragoza boasts an expanding bicycle lane network connecting various neighbourhoods for a more eco-friendly way to see the city. The city also offers the Zaragoza Tram initiative, local buses, ride-sharing services, and rentable e-scooters.
Good Train Connections
Zaragoza has excellent train connections, making it easy to visit from several major cities.
- Coming from Barcelona, the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Travelling from Madrid is even quicker, with the AVE Zaragoza Madrid route taking around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- From Pamplona, expect a trip of about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
These convenient travel times make it possible to explore Zaragoza in one day if you’re short on time.
If you’re planning more exploration of the north of Spain then San Sebastian is a bit farther, with a train ride taking roughly 5 hours.
Whether you’re planning a trip from Zaragoza to Barcelona or another nearby city, the train connections are smooth and efficient. This allows you to easily include Zaragoza as part of your Spain travel itinerary.
I recommend booking train tickets in advance to get the best prices.
Cons of Visiting Zaragoza
Can Be Challenging For Non-Spanish Speakers
One thing to keep in mind when visiting Zaragoza is that English isn’t as widely spoken as in other Spanish cities.
However, most people working in tourism, like hotel staff, restaurant servers, and tour guides, do speak English. This makes navigating tourist spots fairly easy.
On the other hand, it might be difficult to find English speakers in shops and on local buses.
Since the Aragon region shares a border with France, many tourists are French, so you’ll hear a lot of French being spoken. This didn’t help me much, as I don’t speak French.
Despite this, Zaragoza is still a welcoming place, and with a little patience and some basic Spanish phrases, you’ll manage fine. Google Translate will be your best friend here!
Run Down Outside the Historic Centre
I arrived in Zaragoza by train. Areas around train stations are never known for their beauty, my first impression wasn’t the best. The station is located outside the city surrounded by dual carriageways, bridges, and parking lots.
Other parts of Zaragoza, like the Expo 2008 site, feel a little tired-looking – FYI, it’s not far from the station.
Walking from the station to the historic centre, I noticed that it looks a bit neglected in places. The area starts off industrial, then residential and gradually becomes more urban as you get closer to the centre.
Despite this, the historic centre itself is well-maintained and pedestrian-friendly. There are some homeless people, but they weren’t bothering anyone, unlike in some other cities I’ve visited. Considering Zaragoza is the fifth largest city in Spain, it didn’t seem to be a huge problem.
While there’s some graffiti here and there, the historic centre is generally well-kept and pleasant to explore. It also felt safe.
Limited Flights to the City
Zaragoza’s airport ranks as the 28th busiest in Spain, with less than 300,000 visitors arriving by air each year. In comparison, Madrid sees over 25 million visitors.
Due to the limited number of flights, it might be difficult to find a direct flight route.
You might find it easier to arrive in Barcelona or Madrid and then take a train to Zaragoza. The train connections are quick and convenient, making this a great alternative if you can’t find a direct flight.
Fewer Attractions Compared to Other Cities in Spain
While Zaragoza has its own charm, it doesn’t quite compare to some other cities in Spain when it comes to major attractions.
Zaragoza is famous for its Aljafería Palace, but it pales in comparison to the stunning Alhambra in Granada or the Mudejar palaces in Seville.
The two cathedrals in Zaragoza are impressive, but they don’t match the grandeur of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba.
Additionally, Zaragoza has fewer museums and art galleries than Madrid.
If you’re a fan of Roman ruins, you might find better-preserved and more extensive sites in Segovia or Tarragona.
Where to stay in Zaragoza
The best way to visit Zaragoza is to stay in a central location.
I stayed in the 4-star Hotel Alfonso, in Zaragoza’s old town and shopping district. It was just a few minutes walk to the Pilar Basilica. The hotel had modern rooms with a retro twist, a rooftop swimming pool, and a restaurant with a buffet breakfast.
It’s a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the historical centre.
Is Zaragoza Worth Visiting? FAQs
How Many Days Should I Spend in Zaragoza?
Although you could see most of the highlights in a day, spending 2 days in Zaragoza will give you more time to explore the main attractions, some of the parks and museums. If you’re really into museums and history, add an extra day.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Zaragoza?
The best time to plan your Zaragoza visit is in the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. Summer can be quite hot, and winter is chilly, but still enjoyable if you prefer a quieter trip.
Where Is Zaragoza Located in Spain?
Zaragoza is in northern Spain and is the capital of the Aragon region. It’s situated on the banks of the River Ebro, almost halfway between Madrid and Barcelona, making it a convenient stop when travelling between these two major cities.
What Is Special About Zaragoza?
Zaragoza is special for its abundance of history, two beautiful cathedrals, and the Aljafería Palace. It’s less crowded than cities like Madrid and Barcelona, keeping its authentic Spanish charm. Among the best things to do in Zaragoza, Spain, are exploring the historic centre and enjoying local cuisine.
Is It Worth Going to Zaragoza, Spain?
As you’ve just read, Zaragoza has its pros and cons.
It’s affordable, has plenty of history, and has a charming, authentic feel. However, it lacks some of the major attractions found in other Spanish cities.
So, is Zaragoza worth it? As a day trip from Madrid or Barcelona, I’d suggest other cities, especially if you’re pushed for time. But if you’re planning a trip around the Aragon region – which I highly recommend you do – Zaragoza is an excellent place to start and you won’t be disappointed.
Overall it’s a very pleasant city to spend some time in.
To start planning your stay, read more of my articles for tips and recommendations.
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