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Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon, is Spain's fifth-largest city and one of its most underrated. Founded by the Romans as Caesaraugusta on the banks of the Ebro, it is dominated by the vast Basilica del Pilar, whose tiled domes and towers make one of Spain's most recognisable riverside skylines.
Two thousand years of history are packed into the centre. The Aljafería is a remarkable 11th-century Islamic palace, the cathedral of La Seo blends Romanesque, Gothic and Mudéjar styles, and a series of museums reveal the Roman forum, baths and theatre. Goya, born nearby, painted frescoes in the Pilar, and the narrow lanes of El Tubo are packed with tapas bars.
Halfway between Madrid and Barcelona on the high-speed rail line, Zaragoza is easy to reach and good value for food and hotels. October's Fiestas del Pilar are the liveliest time of year, and the city is a base for exploring the monasteries, castles and medieval towns of Aragon.
Country
Spain
Region
Aragon (regional capital)
Population
~690,000
Elevation
~200 m above sea level
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Spanish
Nearest Airport
ZAZ (Zaragoza), ~10 km
Airport to City Centre
~30 min by airport bus; ~20 min by taxi
Typical Cost Level
Budget to Mid-range
Transport Pass
Rechargeable Tarjeta Bus (bus and tram); contactless on board
Spring (Mar-May)
9-22°C
Summer (Jun-Aug)
18-32°C
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
9-24°C
Winter (Dec-Feb)
2-12°C
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Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Zaragoza, with warm days and comfortable evenings. The Fiestas del Pilar, held around 12 October, are the city's biggest celebration, with parades, concerts and a huge flower offering to the Virgin. Summers are very hot, and the strong cierzo wind can make winter days feel colder than they are.
The airport bus is the cheapest way from Zaragoza Airport to the city centre, taking around 30 minutes. A taxi takes about 20 minutes. Many visitors skip flying altogether and arrive by high-speed AVE train, which reaches Zaragoza-Delicias station from Madrid or Barcelona in about 1.5 hours.
Walking is the best way to get around central Zaragoza. The Basilica del Pilar, La Seo, the Roman sites and the El Tubo tapas district are all close together, and the tram and buses reach the Aljafería Palace and the Expo area. You do not need a car unless you plan day trips into rural Aragon.
Two days is enough for Zaragoza's main sights. That covers the Pilar, La Seo, the Aljafería and the Roman museums, plus evenings of tapas in El Tubo. Add a day for the Monasterio de Piedra or another Aragonese town.
Yes, Zaragoza is a safe city for tourists. The old town is lively until late and crime against visitors is low. Take normal care with bags and phones in busy squares and during the Fiestas del Pilar.
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The Monasterio de Piedra, with its waterfalls and gardens, is the most popular day trip from Zaragoza, about 1.5 hours away. Fuendetodos, Goya's birthplace, and the ruined war-time village of Belchite are both within an hour. Tarazona and the medieval hilltop town of Albarracín are also worth the drive.
Ternasco de Aragón, slow-roasted young lamb, is the signature dish to try in Zaragoza. Also look for migas, borraja (a local leafy vegetable) and the giant adoquín sweet. The bars of El Tubo serve excellent tapas, best paired with red wine from nearby Cariñena or Campo de Borja.
Entry rules, stay length and passport validity by nationality.
