10 Reasons To Visit Zaragoza: Spain’s Most Overlooked City

Looking for a Spanish city that’s bursting with history, crammed with local flavour, and blissfully crowd-free? This is your cue to visit Zaragoza.

Like me, many travellers want more than the usual Madrid–Barcelona–Seville loop. Zaragoza is Spain’s fifth-largest city, yet often treated like a stopover. I wanted to see if it lived up to the quiet hype — and it completely won me over. If you’re searching for a cultural city that flies under the radar, Zaragoza might just be the answer.

The problem is that Zaragoza barely gets a mention in most Spain itineraries. That means visitors miss out on Roman ruins, Moorish palaces, and world-class street art. And the region is quite simply a foodie heaven, with chefs putting a fresh spin on traditional Aragonese ingredients, all paired with local wines from the birthplace of Garnacha.

This blog gives you ten fabulous reasons to visit Zaragoza, and how to plan a trip that taps into its best experiences. It’s packed in practical tips from my own visit, local advice, day trip ideas, seasonal tips, and ways to connect with the city’s culture beyond the surface. Let’s make sure Zaragoza gets the spotlight it deserves.

Why You Should Visit Zaragoza

This was my first trip to Zaragoza and, let me tell you, I am hooked. I can’t wait to return to the the region of Aragon. In this responsible travel blog, I’ll guide you through:

• things to do in Zaragoza
• day trips from Zaragoza
• when is the best time to visit
• which festivals take place
• how to get there and get around
• how to plan your trip to this underrated city

MY TOP TIPS`: Are you planning a trip to Zaragoza? I recommend checking out the options of city tours and day trips in Aragon. If you fancy travelling to the south, you may wish to read about Spanish Tapas and Sierra Norte de Sevilla and Antequera in Andalucia,

What makes Zaragoza Unique

Full of History: It is 2,000 years old!

Zaragoza packs over 2,000 years of history into one fabulous city. Known as the City of the Four Cultures, it has been influenced over time by the Iberians, Romans, Muslims, Jews, and Christians who all left their mark here.

Founded by the Romans as Caesaraugusta, you’ll find ancient ruins scattered through the modern cityscape, from a Roman theatre and forum to thermal baths and city walls. It’s a joy to see this level of Roman heritage so well preserved and so accessible. And it doesn’t stop there. The city’s tales unfold through Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

What makes Zaragoza stand out is how these eras merge rather than compete. You can tour the Aljafería Palace, a stunning 11th-century Islamic fortress later converted into a royal residence, and then walk to the Basilica del Pilar, one of Spain’s most important baroque churches. Add in the medieval Old Town, Mudejar towers, and Moorish influence, and it’s clear that Zaragoza isn’t just old, it will never get boring.

Quick list of historical attractions in Zaragoza for your itinerary

• Palacio de la Aljafería – A fortified medieval palace
• Best plazas – Pilar, La Seo and San Felipe have basiilcas and cathedrals
• Museo del Alma Mater – Stories of bishops, kings, and conquests
• Roman Theatre and Forum Museum – Discover the story of Caesaraugusta

Art is A Big Deal: From Old Masters to Modern Murals

Zaragoza has a strong artistic identity, deeply influenced by its most famous son — Francisco de Goya — who rose to become a royal painter while also boldly criticising the Spanish government and society through his work.

You can see Goya’s early works in the Aljafería Palace (temporary due to renovation work at the Museo de Zaragoza), and his frescoes still grace the domes of Basilica del Pilar and the walls of Cartuja Aula Dei on the city’s edge.

Zaragoza is just as passionate about urban art. Its walls are canvases for local and international street artists, especially during Festival Asalto, an annual street art event that transforms entire neighbourhoods into open-air galleries. You’ll find bold murals brightening up buildings in areas like El Gancho and San Pablo.

Quick list of Art Galleries in Zaragoza

Some are temporarily closed so do your research before creating your itinerary.

• Goya Museum – Permanent collection range from the 15th century to the 1970s. 
• Zaragoza Museum – Collections include archaeology and fine arts from ancient to moderns eras.
• La Lonja – Temporary exhibitions in a stunning Renaissance building.
• Pablo Gargallo Museum – Exhibition of the work of the Aragonese sculptor.
• IAACC Pablo Serrano – Contemporary gallery.featuring works by Aragonese and international artists.
• Origami Museum – Beautiful creations with the Japanese paper-folding technique.

The City Has Two Cathedrals

Did you know that Zaragoza is one of six cities in Spain with two official cathedrals? La Seo, officially the Cathedral of the Saviour, is the older of the two, while El Pilar, officially the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The long-standing rivalry between the two cathedrals in Zaragoza was resolved in the 17th century when the Pope granted them co-cathedral status. 

Cathedral-Basilica del Pilar

The Basilica del Pilar is Zaragoza’s most famous landmark, with its grand domes and towers overlooking the Ebro River. Pilgrims visit from across Spain to see the statue of Our Lady of the Pillar and admire Goya’s ceiling frescoes. And, best of all, it is free to enter!

La Seo Cathedral

Just a short walk from the Basilica, La Seo Cathedral shows a different side of Zaragoza. It mixes Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles, with beautiful Mudéjar brickwork, carved details. Inside you’ll find elegant chapels and a peaceful tapestry museum inside. La Seo might be less visited than the Basilica, but it’s a masterpiece of architecture and worth paying the fee to explore.

The longest river in Spain runs through the city

The Ebro River, Spain’s longest at 930 km, flows right through the centre of Zaragoza. It starts in Fontibre, winds through the gorges of Burgos and the limestone plains of the central valley, and eventually empties into the Mediterranean Sea at the Ebro Delta.

Zaragoza (then Caesaraugusta) was founded by the Romans thanks to its ideal spot on the Ebro — perfect for trade, transport, and defence. The famous Stone Bridge dates back to Roman times, though the current Puente de Piedra was built in the 1400s and is now the city’s oldest bridge.

The Ebro is still a key part of daily life. Locals walk, run, and cycle along its riverbanks, with great views of the Basilica del Pilar and La Seo Cathedral from the bridges.

Beyond the history and views, the river is full of wildlife. You might spot herons, cormorants, or even otters along the quieter stretches lined with trees and reedbeds. I was lucky to catch sight of a rather tame snowy egret, completely focused on its next catch.

Zaragoza hosted Expo 2008 with a theme of water and sustainability that couldn’t fit the city better as it aligns with the city’s connection to the Ebro River. You can still visit several expo landmarks, including the Bridge Pavilion, Water Tower and Luis Buñuel Water Park.

Zaragoza’s gastronomy is heavenly

Zaragoza’s food scene took me by surprise in the best possible way. It’s proudly local, but with chefs adding creative touches to Aragonese ingredients like ternasco (young lamb), black truffles, cured meats, and golden olive oil. Don’t forget the wine either – this region is the birthplace of Garnacha and you’ll see many varieties pop up on menus everywhere.

La Clandestina was a personal favourite for its stylish setting and contemporary reboots of Aragonese classics. For another special splurge, head to Flor de Lis, where everything feels thoughtful, seasonal, and sourced from local farms and markets.

When you’re ready for something more casual, lose yourself in El Tubo, a high-energy network of narrow lanes in the Casco Viejo (Old Town) packed with tapas bars, cold cerveza and bags of atmosephere. It’s the kind of place where you end up hopping from one bar to the next, plate by plate.

If you want to get hands-on, sign up for a cooking class at La Zarola. You’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes with a local chef using seasonal ingredients, then sit down with your fellow foodies to enjoy what you’ve made. It’s a fun and authentic way to connect with the local food culture.

And don’t skip Mercado Central de Zaragoza. This 19th-century iron-and-glass market is filled with fresh produce, Aragonese cheeses, cured meats, and sweets. My top tip is to bring a bigger bag so you can take a taste of the region back home.

There is always a fiesta in Zaragoza!

Zaragoza knows how to celebrate, and Fiestas del Pilar in October is the biggest event of the year. It honours the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Pillar, with over a week of concerts, parades, fireworks, and traditional dances. The highlight is the offering of flowers, where thousands dress in regional costume and cover a huge statue of the Virgin with fresh blooms.

But the party doesn’t stop there. Zaragoza hosts events all year — from Carnival in February to Semana Santa (Holy Week) in spring, known for its solemn processions and striking drums. In September, there’s Asalto Urban Art Festival, when international street artists transform city walls into murals. You’ll also find film festivals, book fairs, live music, and neighbourhood fiestas tucked into almost every season.

When I visited Zaragoza in June, I was caught off guard as the Cabezudos were out! These “Giants and Bigheads,” made from papier-mâché, are part of a tradition dating back to the 16th century. They usually parade through the city during Carnival or Fiestas del Pilar, so maybe they were just rehearsing. Local kids were taunting them on purpose to get a reaction. The Cabezudos give chase down the street, playfully swatting them while everyone laughed and cheered. It was a fun surprise to see this bit of local culture in action.

White Night Zaragoza (Noche en Blanco) occured on my visit too. It is an annual cultural event held in June, when museums, galleries, theatres, and historic sites across the city stay open late and offer free entry or special activities. Zaragoza turns into a city-wide celebration of creativity with live music, dance performances, and outdoor art installations.

|| CHECK A LIST OF EVENTS & FESTIVALS IN ZARAGOZA

Zaragoza has a leaning Tower Too!

Actually Zaraogoza has had two leaning towers! The most famous was the Torre Nueva, a 16th-century Mudéjar-style bell tower that developed a noticeable lean not long after it was built. Locals loved it, but authorities worried about safety and controversially tore it down in 1892. There is a nod to its existence in Plaza San Felipe, where a statue of a boy looking up marks the spot where the tower once stood.

The second leaning tower is still standing: the Torreón de la Zuda, a fortified tower near the Roman walls. Originally built during Islamic rule and later rebuilt in the 16th century, its slight tilt gives it character and makes it a fun alternative to more famous leaning towers.

Gateway To Wine Routes of Aragon

One of thehighlights was a wine tasting tour through Campo de Borja, often called the birthplace of Garnacha. With wide-open views of Moncayo, we visited the innovative Bodegas Borsao, a cooperative winery known for its excellent value and award-winning reds. The wines were bold and full of character, much like the landscape. Even better, the winery runs on renewable energy, adding a sustainable touch to every glass.

I also headed to the wine town of Cariñena, home to the grape of the same name. The first stop was the newly opened Cariñena Wine Museum, which gave us a solid intro to the region’s history and production methods. From there, we made our way to Bodega Tierra de Cubas for a relaxed afternoon learning about the art of making cava, then sipping it in tasting room wall-to-wall with wooden barrels.

For a special experience, consider booking a stay at Tierra de Cubas. Our evening began with gourmet dining, offering a real taste of the local culture paired with home-grown appellation wines, before retreating to a beautiful on-site suite for the night. Watching the sun-drenched vineyards with a glass of cava in hand was the perfect finish to a day on the Cariñena wine route.

|| EXPLORE ARAGON WINE TOURS OR BOOK A STAY AT TIERRA DE CUBAS

Beyond Zaragoza: Towns to Explore in a Day

Zaragoza’s location makes it ideal for day trips to other towns and cities in Aragón, all within two hours or less. I spent the day in Huesca, a small and underrated city with a go-slow feel. It’s just over an hour from Zaragoza by train or car, but it feels like a world away.

The Huesca highlights include the elegant Huesca Cathedral, with its Gothic and Renaissance features, and the Iglesia de San Pedro el Viejo, one of the oldest Romanesque churches in Spain. I wandered the quiet streets, popped into Ultramarinos La Confianza, the oldest grocery store in the country (open since 1871!), and enjoyed a long lunch at Lillas Pastia is famed for its black truffle tasting menus, and one of four Michelin-starred restaurants in this small city.

If you’re looking to squeeze in a few day trips from Zaragoza, there are plenty of easy options to choose from. Head south to Teruel, where you’ll find jaw-dropping Mudéjar architecture and even a dinosaur museum. Or go west to Tarazona, a lovely little town with an impressive Gothic and Mudéjar cathedral and an enchanting medieval quarter.

If wine is more your thing, make time for Cariñena, Campo de Borja, or Calatayud. Each one is known for its vineyards, welcoming tasting rooms, and relaxing countryside views, so you really can’t go wrong.

Active adventuers are well-catered for in this medieval kingdom. Head north to Murillo de Gállego, a small mountain town that serves as a base for climbing, canyoning, and hiking in the Aragonese Pyrenees. I’ve already got these adrenaline-fuelled adventures on my list for next time.

|| CHECK OUT ARAGON DAY TRIPS AND ADVENTURE TOURS

You Can Visit the Fortresses of Aragon

Aragon is home to an estimated 500 castles and fortresses, each telling a story of conquest, defence, and shifting powers over the centuries. From the high Pyrenees to the central valleys and the arid plains of Teruel, the region’s landscape is often crowned by the silhouette of a stone tower or crumbling rampart.

If you’re into castles, start with Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza. It is a rare example of Islamic architecture from the 11th century that later became a Christian royal residence. Then hit the road to explore the many medieval strongholds scattered across the region, many perched on hilltops with stunning views.

One castle I highly recommend is Loarre Castle, located about an hour from Huesca, and 1.5 hour drive from Zaragoza. Built in the 11th century, it’s considered one of the best-preserved Romanesque castles in Europe. Surrounded by open countryside, its dramatic stone walls and towers rise straight from the rock, with the Pyrenees in the background. You can walk through ancient chapels, climb up to the watchtowers, and imagine the days when knights guarded this frontier of Christian Spain. It’s atmospheric, photogenic, and absolutely worth the detour.

|| BOOK A LOARRE CASTLE DAY TRIP AND MORE TOURS FOR ARAGON CASTLES

Visiting Zaragoza: Need To Know

Where to stay in Zaragoza

Finding a calm retreat in a central location is a big ask, but Hotel Avenida in Zaragoza nailed it. During my stay, I fell in love with its weathered neutrality and the aroma of essential oils – the interiors beautifully unite the imperfect aesthetic of wabi-sabi with the warmth of the Balearics.

At Hotel Avenida, caring for the environment is part of the experience. Breakfast is simple but satisfying, made with fresh ingredients from local suppliers and artisans, which keeps things low-impact and reduces waste. You’ll find refillable toiletries, handcrafted furniture, and organic cotton sheets and uniforms throughout the hotel. There’s no pool or bar, which helps save energy and adds to the unhurried atmosphere.

|| CHECK AVAILABILITY OF ACCOMMODATION IN ZARAGOZA

How to Reach Zaragoza

The easiest way to reach Zaragoza is by high-speed train (AVE), with direct connections from both Madrid and Barcelona. The journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes from Madrid and 1 hour 30 minutes from Barcelona.

I was surprised by how comfortable the train journey was. The high-speed trains are fast and run frequently, arriving at Zaragoza-Delicias Station, which is just a quick bus or taxi ride from the city centre. It is possible to book your ticket in advance through Omio.

If you’re travelling on a tighter budget, there are also long-distance buses from cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Companies like ALSA operate regular services, but expect the journey to take 3.5 to 4 hours from Madrid or Barcelona.

If you’re flying, there’s a direct connection from London Stansted to Zaragoza. Another easy option is to fly into Madrid or Barcelona and then hop on the train to the city centre to catch the high-speed train to Zaragoza.

How Many Days Do I Need in Zaragoza?

I would spend 2 days in Zaragoza to take in the main highlights, from Roman ruins and Moorish palaces to the stunning Basilica del Pilar and lively plazas. If you like to travel slowly with museums and cooking classes, you could easily stretch your visit to 3 or 4 days in Zaragoza.

That said, Zaragoza is also the gateway to the wider region of Aragon. If you plan to slow travel and explore the wine routes like Cariñena, head into the Pyrenees for adventure activities, or visit nearby historical towns like Huesca or Teruel, you could easily spend a full week (or more) basing yourself in Zaragoza.

When is the best time to visit Zaragoza?

The best time to visit Zaragoza is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November). The peak summer months (July and August) can bring scorching temperatures, often topping 35-40°C, so plan your itinerary with indoor activities for the afternoon and explore early or late in the day.

If you are a coolcation kind of traveller, winter (December to February) is usually mild and dry, with daytime temperatures around 7–10°C, though the biting cierzo wind can make it feel much colder. It’s also a good base if you’re heading to the ski resorts in the Aragonese Pyrenees or Teruel.

October is also a great time to visit if you want to experience Fiestas del Pilar, Zaragoza’s biggest festival. Although there is always a random parade or local event happening, Spain rarely misses a chance for a fiesta!

How do I get around Zaragoza?

Zaragoza is known as the “20-minute city” as it really doesn’t take long to walk from one side to the other. One you are settled into your accommodation in the city, getting around is super easy.

The city is setting an example with its eco-friendly public transport. Zaragoza has rolled out a fleet of modern, fully electric buses, with more routes and improved frequency. An electric tram also runs along a 12.8 km line, connecting Parque Goya in the north to Valdespartera in the south.

Thank you to Spanish Tourist Office for making this trip possible and supporting the creation of this guide to visit Zaragoza. All opinions and words are entirely my own.

PIN To Visit Zaragoza