{"id":52379,"date":"2025-01-28T15:35:34","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T14:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/que-ver-en-zaragoza\/"},"modified":"2025-09-17T17:16:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T15:16:12","slug":"things-to-do-in-zaragoza","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-zaragoza\/","title":{"rendered":"The 18 best things to do in Zaragoza + Map"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Best things to do in Zaragoza<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start with the list of the best things to do in Zaragoza. Depending on how much time you’ll spend in the city, you\u2019ll be able to cover more or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udecf\ufe0f If you haven\u2019t booked your accommodation in Zaragoza yet, a great place to stay is this hotel located very close to Plaza del Pilar<\/a>. If you want to see more recommendations, don\u2019t miss my article on the best areas to stay in Zaragoza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Plaza del Pilar, one of the best places to visit in Zaragoza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"plaza
Fuente de la Hispanidad<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I could not start this list of the best things to do in Zaragoza with any other place than Plaza del Pilar, the heart of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will surely pass by this square more than once during your visit to the Aragonese capital, and it is full of treasures. Starting from the west side of the square, where you’ll find the Roman Walls, of which I will give some details later. Next to the walls is the church of San Juan de los Panetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, you will find the Fuente de la Hispanidad, inaugurated in 1991. If you look closely, you will notice that its outline draws a map of Latin America. A little further on, you will come across the Ball of the World, a sculpture that is also part of the reform that was made in the Plaza del Pilar almost 2 decades ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Plaza del Pilar, you will find, of course, the beautiful and incredible Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, to which I dedicate the following entire section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other side of the square, we have the Zaragoza City Hall, La Lonja Exhibition Hall and the Monument to Francisco de Goya. A little further back, in the Plaza la Seo, we find the Museum of the Forum of Caesaraugusta and the Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, which I will also talk about below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, you can easily spend some time visiting all the places of interest near Plaza del Pilar. Although one of the best plans is to sit on a terrace to have a drink and enjoy the views and the atmosphere. Also, if you are traveling with family and children, you can have some adults-only time while the little ones play in the square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f I recommend you take this free walking tour<\/a> if you want to explore every part of the city with a local and learn the most fascinating facts. It lasts for 2 and a half hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\"el
Basilica of Pilar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Basi\u0301lica
The Pilar, Zaragoza<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is the icon of the city and the great must-see in Zaragoza. In fact, it is one of the most visited monuments in Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its origin dates back to the year 40 A.D., when, according to popular belief, the Virgin Mary appeared to the apostle James on a pillar. Whether you are a believer or not, a visit to the Virgen del Pilar is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before entering, try to guess the color of the Virgin’s cloak, which is something that we locals usually do. It is a complicated task since the Virgin has more than 450 mantles that are changed daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Visit one of the towers in El Pilar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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View from the tower<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Zaragoza<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Something that I was finally able to do on my last visit to Zaragoza and that I highly recommend you do too is visit one of the towers of El Pilar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people don’t know that it is possible to visit the highest part of the Tower of San Francisco de Borja, one of the best things to do in Zaragoza. From there, you will enjoy 360-degree views of the city, with El Pilar in the foreground. It’s amazing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To access this place, you only have to purchase the ticket through the cathedral’s website<\/a>. The general admission costs 5\u20ac. There are different schedules. I recommend you visit right before sunset. The visit is only 15 minutes, so take advantage of every minute to enjoy the scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Calle Alfonso I, the most beautiful street in all of Zaragoza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"calle
Calle Alfonso I<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the most beautiful streets in Zaragoza is Alfonso I Street. This pedestrian avenue connects the center with the historic center, leading to the Plaza del Pilar. Here you will find homes, stores and restaurants. Whatever time of day you go, you will always find a lively atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfe5 Remember it is very important to purchase travel insurance for Spain<\/a> if you don’t have medical coverage in this country. I always use and recommend the company Heymondo, where I can offer you a policy 5% cheaper<\/a>. I recommend this company to travel to any destination but especially Spain because it is a Spanish company so I assure you that you will be in the best hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Stroll through Paseo Independencia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"paseo
Plaza de Espa\u00f1a<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If we continue talking about the main streets of the city, there is another one that you cannot miss. I am referring to Paseo Independencia, the most important shopping street to see in Zaragoza. This street connects the Plaza de Arag\u00f3n with the Plaza de Espa\u00f1a, the place where the historic center begins. It is one of the busiest avenues, so you will always see people going from one place to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the side streets of Paseo Independencia leads you to the Plaza de los Sitios, a beautiful square surrounded by historic buildings that is worth visiting. Nearby, you will find the Basilica of Santa Engracia, which you can visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Sunset in Zaragoza from Puente de Piedra<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"things
Sunset in Zaragoza<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At sunset, I recommend a walk across the Stone Bridge, the most emblematic and oldest bridge in the city. It was built in the 15th century and is located where a Roman bridge used to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will see that along the bridge there are several semicircular viewpoints, where you can rest your body on the wall, rest a bit and appreciate the beautiful views of the Ebro and the Basilica del Pilar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can stay there to watch the sunset and take some pictures, or you can finish crossing the bridge and head to El Balcon de San Lazaro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There, you can enjoy one of the most typical and beautiful landscapes in Zaragoza. The Ebro River, the Stone Bridge, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar. Can there be a better plan? Visit this place at sunset and you will be amazed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udca1 Another interesting place where you can watch the sunset in Zaragoza is on the rooftop of the IAACC Pablo Serrano (Aragonese Institute of Contemporary Art and Culture).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Nightlife in El Tubo, one of the best things to do in Zaragoza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"things
El Tubo, Zaragoza<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Does strolling through crisscrossed alleys while enjoying amazing food sound like a good plan to you? If your answer is yes, El Tubo of Zaragoza is waiting for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will find it in the historic center of the city, between Plaza de Espa\u00f1a and the streets Alfonso I, Don Jaime I and M\u00e9ndez N\u00fa\u00f1ez. In fact, there are several streets that make up El Tubo: Est\u00e9banes, Libertad, M\u00e1rtires, 4 de Agosto, Ossau, Cinegio, Blas\u00f3n Aragon\u00e9s, Pino and Plaza Sas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recommend you visit El Tubo both day and night and go in search of the best tapas in Zaragoza. Some of the bars with the best reviews are Los Victorinos, El Meli Del Tubo, El Champi, La Republicana, Terraza Libertad 6.8, La Miguer\u00eda, Do\u00f1a Casta, El Balc\u00f3n del Tubo, El Limpia, Uasabi, Lamaribel Escabechado and La Vi\u00f1a.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although if I had to highlight 2 places in Tubo, they’d be Casa Lac and El Plata. Casa Lac is one of the oldest restaurants in Spain, founded in 1825 by the Lac family from France. Nowadays, the chef of the restaurant is Ricardo Gil and vegetables are the main protagonists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, El Plata, founded in 1920, stands out. In 2008, Bigas Luna was in charge of converting it into El Plata Cabaret<\/a>. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, they offer a show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Parque Grande Jos\u00e9 Antonio Labordeta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Parque Grande<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Going to Parque Grande was one of my favorite things to do in Zaragoza when I was little, and it still is every time I go back!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As its name suggests, it is a large park, 27 acres to be exact. It was inaugurated in 1929 and is located in Universidad neighborhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it has always been popularly known as Parque Grande, its official name has changed. Until 2010, it was known as Primo de Rivera Park. That year, after the death of Jos\u00e9 Antonio Labordeta, the park was renamed Parque Grande Jos\u00e9 Antonio Labordeta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you travel with children, this park is a must-visit place in Zaragoza. I am sure they will enjoy it as much as I did years ago. Although it is not a place that only children like. Anyone will be delighted after a walk through all the green areas and monuments hidden in the park. There are several places to highlight that you cannot miss during your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recommend entering the park through the main entrance, so you will cross the Puente de los Cantautores. Walk along the Paseo San Sebastian until you reach the end of it, where the main fountain is located, and go up to the Monument to King Alfonso I the Battler. Then do not miss the music kiosk, the Fountain of Neptune and the Botanical Garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to strolling through the park, you can have a drink in one of the cafes that you will find in different areas or rent a bike and tour the park on wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Visit the Aljaferia Palace, one of the best things to do in Zaragoza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Aljaferia Palace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another place that should not be missed on your visit to Zaragoza is the Aljaferia Palace, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a fortified palace of Aragonese Mudejar style, built in the second half of the 11th century. It was ordered to be built by Al-Muqtadir, king of the Taifa of Saraqusta between 1046 and 1081, to be the residence of the Hudi kings, an Arab dynasty that reigned in Zaragoza, among other places, from 1039 to 1110.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout its history, the Aljaferia Palace has had different functions and, therefore, several reconstructions. It has served as a Taifal palace, a Mudejar palace, palace of the Catholic Monarchs, an Inquisition prison, military barracks and seat of the Cortes of Aragon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can visit the muslim palace, the mudejar palace and the Troubadour Tower. In the muslim palace, you’ll find the Patio de Santa Isabel, one of the most beautiful corners of the Aljaferia. Be sure to appreciate the details of the beautiful Arab arches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not miss the permanent exhibition, the throne room and the facilities that were used as a prison inside the Troubadour Tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The general entrance costs \u20ac7. On the first Sunday of the month and the afternoon of the first Monday, it is free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Roman Ruins of Zaragoza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Caesaraugusta Theater<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In Zaragoza, there are several Roman ruins that you can visit. In my opinion, the most interesting are the Roman Walls, which you can pass by when you visit the Plaza del Pilar, the Museum of the Theater of Caesaraugusta and the Museum of the Forum of Caesaraugusta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roman Walls<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Roman Walls are located next to Plaza del Pilar, specifically in Plaza de Cesar Augusto, next to the Torreon de la Zuda. The Roman wall of Zaragoza, built in the 1st century, used to measure a total of 3 kilometers and had 120 towers. Today, two sections are preserved. The aforementioned section is the longest and most monumental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Roman Theater of Zaragoza<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In the Theater Museum of Caesaraugusta, you can see the ruins of the ancient Roman theater of Zaragoza. It was built in the first century A.D. It could hold a total of 6,000 spectators. It was discovered in 1972 due to some work that was being done there. The entrance fee is \u20ac4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In the Museum of the Forum of Caesaraugusta, you can visit the remains of the forum of the ancient Roman city, dating from the late first century BC. Here the political-administrative, economic and religious life of the city took place. Part of the remains belong to the time of Emperor Augustus and part belong to the time of Emperor Tiberius. The entrance fee is \u20ac4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udca1 You can also visit the Caesaraugusta River Port Museum (\u20ac3) and the Museo de las Termas P\u00fablicas de Caesaraugusta (\u20ac3). If you want to visit the 4 museums mentioned above, there is a special ticket called “Abono 5 Museos” that includes the entrance to these 4 places and the Pablo Gargallo Museum for \u20ac9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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La Seo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cathedral of the Savior, also known as La Seo, is another of the most emblematic places to see in Zaragoza. It is located in the Plaza la Seo, next to the Museum of the Forum of Caesaraugusta and the Plaza del Pilar. It has a basilica floor plan with 5 naves and 6 sections covered by ribbed vaults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout its life, it has undergone several reconstructions. For example, its tower, which was remodeled in the 17th century by Giovanni Battista Contini, went from a Mudejar style to a Baroque one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The entrance to the Seo costs \u20ac7 and also includes the entrance to the Tapestry Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to go around the cathedral to pass by St. Bruno’s Square, where there is an antiques market on Sunday mornings, and the Arch of the Dean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. San Pablo Church<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Church’s towe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Church of San Pablo is another of the most striking religious buildings in the city. In fact, it is nicknamed “the third cathedral of Zaragoza.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is located in the San Pablo neighborhood, also known as El Gancho. This is located next to the old town. Before visiting the Church of San Pablo, you should know that it was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2001, as it is one of the most important works of the Aragonese mudejar style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It stands out for its beautiful bell tower, which you can visit if you book a guided tour available for those who want to visit the interior of the temple. Thanks to this, you can also visit the chapels, the cloister, the choir and the altarpiece. You can also visit the church without a tour, but you will not have access to all the spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Puerta del Carmen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Puerta del Carmen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Puerta del Carmen is the only one of the 12 ancient entrance gates to the city of Zaragoza that remains standing. The arch was built in 1789 by Agustin Sanz and inaugurated in 1792, replacing the old Baltax Gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is in neoclassical style and is located between Cesar Augusto Avenue, Hern\u00e1n Cort\u00e9s Street, Paseo Maria Agustin and Paseo Pamplona. It is made of ashlar stone and is shaped like a Roman triumphal arch, with a central arch and two smaller side arches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Mercado Central de Zaragoza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Mercado Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A place I always like to visit in any city is its main market. That’s why, when you visit Zaragoza, I recommend you visit the Central Market of Zaragoza. The market was designed by the Aragonese architect Felix Navarro Perez and inaugurated in 1903. In 1978, it was named a national historic monument and in 1982, a site of cultural interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think the building itself is beautiful. Head inside to discover all the food stalls, have something to eat or drink and experience the day-to-day life of the locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcf2 If you want to have internet in Spain and your mobile plan doesn’t include data in this country, you can buy a card on arrival or, something a little more expensive but more convenient, buy before your trip an Holafly eSIM<\/a>. You can purchase it here 5% cheaper<\/a>. You will have internet from the moment you land in Spain so you won’t waste a single minute at your destination!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Plaza del Justicia, a lesser known place<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Plaza de la Justicia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The following place does not usually appear on most must-see lists of Zaragoza; however, I have not hesitated to include it in mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m talking about Plaza del Justicia, a charming corner located in the old part of the city. Visiting this place will only take you a few minutes, unless you want to sit on one of the benches in the square to rest and observe the local life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Plaza del Justicia, you can see the Samaritana Fountain, the Palace of the Condes de Sobradiel and, especially, the Church of Santa Isabel de Portugal, which has a very beautiful facade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In one of the streets surrounding the square is located the Cafeteria Justicia, a place where you can have a delicious specialty coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Luis Bu\u00f1uel Water Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Luis Bu\u00f1uel Water Park is the largest park in Zaragoza. It is located next to the 2008 Expo site outside of the city center. It is an ideal green space for walking or engaging in sport activities. While exploring, you can admire the area’s typical trees: elm, willow, and poplar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Patio de la Infanta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hidden inside the Ibercaja headquarters in Zaragoza is a gem of Aragonese Renaissance art\u2014the Patio de la Infanta. Originally part of the residential palace of Gabriel Zaporta, a prominent merchant and banker of the time, the patio features exquisite decoration. It is adorned with eight tapestries from the 15th to 17th centuries, part of the Ibercaja collection, and made in Flanders and Brussels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Goya Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For those who love culture, visiting the Goya Museum in Zaragoza is an excellent plan. It is located near the Plaza del Pilar. The museum houses around 500 works, including the most notable paintings and engravings by Francisco de Goya<\/a>, among several other works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the museum is currently closed for renovations, you can still view Goya’s works in the Patio de la Infanta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udca1 If you have several days to spend in the city and its surroundings, you can also visit some interesting places nearby. In this article, I recommend some of the best day trips from Zaragoza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Map of places to visit in Zaragoza<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the following map of Zaragoza, I have marked all the tourist attractions that I have mentioned in this article. In addition, I have also marked the hotels that I recommend with their respective Booking links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n