Why You’ll Regret Not Visiting Zaragoza in Spain

Spain is a hard place when planning a trip. After all, how do you decide which places make the cut? There are just so many cities and towns vying for your attention, than an awesome but less well-known place like Zaragoza doesn’t even get a look. But I truly believe that visiting Zaragoza is an excellent idea if you want to create a deeper, richer itinerary for yourself. Because this city in Spain’s north has so much going for it.

The city of Zaragoza is in the Aragon region in northeast Spain, a gentler part of the country that too many people dismiss or bypass. But Aragon is actually quite intriguing and full of history, and like Zaragoza, is definitely worth visiting. Even better, the city is an almost perfect midway stop between Barcelona and Madrid, making it a surprisingly convenient place to go.

I honestly added it to my most recent Spain trip out of curiosity and convenience, and couldn’t be more glad that I did. So if you want to learn about things to do in Zaragoza and why you should go there, here’s what I think you should know.

How to get to Zaragoza

Firstly, taking the train is the best way to get to Zaragoza. The city has easy connections from both Madrid and Barcelona, and I think the trains in Spain are some of Europe’s best.

Zaragoza-Delicias is the main train station in Zaragoza, but it’s not very central. Instead, try to use Zaragoza-Goya station, as it’s far more convenient for getting to the city’s Old Town. Just avoid Zaragoza Miraflores station, as I learned. It’s unmanned and practically deserted.

You can also take buses to Zaragoza from places in Spain’s interior and the east coast. Again, Madrid and Barcelona have the most departures to the city.

I was surprised to learn that Zaragoza has an international airport. Even more surprisingly, it apparently has flights with budget carriers from places such as London, Brussels, and Bucharest.

Where to stay in Zaragoza

Another thing to know is that there is a decent range of guesthouses and hotels in Zaragoza to choose from.

Zaragoza isn’t a huge destination compared to many places in Spain, but even still, you should find a nice variety of places to choose from. I used Airbnb when I visited and stayed in a local’s spare room, but Spain’s attitude to Airbnb has shifted a lot since then.

Because of that, I won’t link to where I stayed, but I will give you a few easy options to look at for your visit:

• NH Ciudad de Zaragoza
• Hotel Inca
• Apartamentos Sabinas El Pilar
• Hesperia Zaragoza Centro

Zaragoza sightseeing tips

Hopefully, you’ll soon see why Zaragoza is worth visiting for those looking to see more of Spain. And that’s without mentioning other places to visit in Zaragoza, such as the Central Market or the Plaza de Toros bull ring.

If you’re now thinking of planning a visit to this great city, below are a few things that should convince you to come. In a country increasingly dealing with overtourism, there are places like Zaragoza that are overlooked.

Experience Zaragoza Basilica

It’s no real secret that there’s one attraction in Zaragoza you just can’t miss – the Zaragoza Basilica. This immense religious landmark makes Zaragoza worth visiting all on its own and is what Zaragoza is most famous for. Found on Plaza del Pilar, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar makes an immediate and forceful first impression.

Beyond its scale, it’s hard not to notice the colourful tiles on its many small domes and the four tall towers that mark each corner. To appreciate the exterior of this incredible church, you’re going to want to see it from the square in front but also out by the river.

But there’s also just as much to see if you go inside, because it feels even larger there. Just as this basilica has an unconventionally square shape, the layout inside is unusual as well. When I visited, a service was taking place at what I assume was the main altar, only it was near the middle of the church rather than at the end. As someone who has been inside a lot of churches, there was definitely a special feel here, making it a

Avoid the Crowds

Usually when you visit a big city in Spain it can be hard to escape the crowds. And yet, Zaragoza is a big city but I never felt like I saw many other tourists there. While I went in the shoulder season, I’d wager that the city sees a fraction of the tourist numbers you get in Spain’s other big cities. And Zaragoza is one of the 10 largest cities in Spain, larger than common destinations like Granada and San Sebastian.

So why do fewer people come here then? Well, it’s not on the coast or in Andalusia, so that immediately lowers the chances of people travelling here. When people go to places inland in Spain they tend to gravitate around Madrid and there’s a fair gap between Zaragoza and Madrid. Plus, the Aragon region simply isn’t all that popular with tourists, even if it should be.

The point is that Zaragoza is a perfect choice if you want a relaxed city break in Spain. No crowds and all of the fun, food, and sightseeing you could need.

Admire the Old Town Architecture

Honestly, one of the surprising things I found about Zaragoza was the variety in how the city looks as you move about it. While some parts of it in the modern centre are indistinguishable from any other Spanish city, the Old Town area is home to some pretty interesting architecture. I enjoyed exploring this area by myself, but taking a guided tour would certainly be a more thorough approach.

Calle de Alfonso I is a pedestrian street leading from the Zaragoza Basilica that is sure to charm anyone who walks down it. The wrought iron and ornate balconies along it reminded me of other cities in northern Spain that I’ve adored. But there’s also a hint of elegance as well which carries over once you reach the Plaza de España.

But what really surprised me the first time I saw it was the city’s hints of Mudejar architecture. The region of Aragon is known for its Mudejar architecture that incorporated both Hispanic and Islamic influences. Zaragoza many not have as much of this style as say Teruel, but it still has enough to make an impression.

It’s definitely best seen down one side of the Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza, shown above. The intricacy in the details is just incredible, especially since it’s an external wall.

Related: The Essential Sightseeing Guide to Teruel, Spain

Views Along the Scenic Riverfront

It may seem like a minor and oddly specific reason, but one of the best things to do in Zaragoza is to head to the city’s beautiful riverfront. The Ebro River flows past the historic centre of the city with leafy trees lining its banks. But what makes this area so picturesque is the landmarks you find on and by the river.

The most important spot to know is the Puente de Piedra bridge. This bridge from the 17th century makes for the ideal viewpoint to look along the river, and most importantly see a classic view of the Zaragoza Basilica. However, it is also possible to kayak on the river and see the city from that vantage point.

Regardless, I was really taken by the riverfront scenery with the trees decked out in autumn colours. I imagine though it looks remarkably different from one season to the next.

Plenty of History to Uncover

As the capital of Aragon, you better believe that Zaragoza has a long and eventful history for you to explore. Around the city you’ll find landmarks from different eras, allowing you to appreciate the changes Zaragoza has gone through over the years.

To jump right back to its earliest period, head to the covered ruins of the Roman Theatre. This Zaragoza tourist attraction is one of the last relics from the Roman settlement of Caesaraugusta, founded in the 1st century BC. But it’s not the only Roman landmark left, as you’ll also find remains of the city’s ancient Roman walls scattered about, including opposite the Central Market.

Skipping ahead to the Middle Ages, one of the best-preserved historical landmarks of Zaragoza is the Aljafería Palace. This medieval fortress was built in the 11th century during the Arab rule of Spain. It later served as the royal residence for the Kings of Aragon, a medieval fortress, and now hosts the Regional Parliament. But it is still possible to visit and admire intricate details in its design.

The Zaragoza Museum Exhibits

If you’re interested in art or history, the Zaragoza Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s place in Spanish culture. Set inside a gorgeous 20th-century building, the museum features regional art alongside archaeological and historical artefacts.

Perhaps the most famous name attached to this museum is artist Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. Goya was born near the city and lived there for some time. There is actually a museum dedicated to Goya in Zaragoza, if you’re really interested in his work. However, the Zaragoza Museum has several paintings and prints by Goya, including prints from his La Tauromaquia series. For a broad look at Aragon’s fine arts and archaeology, this is the place to go.

Have you ever had the chance to travel to Zaragoza in Spain before? If you’ve been, which aspect of the city most appealed to you? If not, what other advice do you want from this Zaragoza travel blog post? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.