This Zaragoza, Spain travel guide post contains my Hotels.com, Expedia, Vrbo, and Viator affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you book a hotel or tour from this article, though at no additional cost to you. I hand-pick and recommend only the hotels and tours that I have thoroughly researched and feel comfortable recommending.

While other cities in Spain may get more attention from tourists, the breathtaking city of Zaragoza is one of the country’s lesser-known gems. Not only is Zaragoza one of the oldest cities in Spain, but it is also home to one of the country’s largest and most beautiful cathedrals. Like much of the city, the Basílica del Pilar is known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural history.

The city is also renowned for its incredible culinary tradition, with Zaragoza-style tapas and delicious pastries known as “roscos”. The food highlights the many unique festivals held in the city, including the Fiestas del Pilar, which honors the city’s patron saint. In addition to an amazing food scene, it is also one of Spain’s artistic capitals. The Goya Museum alone is worth visiting this amazing city.

An All-You-Need Zaragoza, Spain Travel Guide

With its incredible history and its breathtaking churches, the city of Zaragoza is certain to spellbind you. With my comprehensive Zaragoza, Spain travel guide, you will have all the resources that you will need to plan a trip you will remember for a lifetime.

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At a Glance

Before you start making any travel plans, you need to be sure you meet the country’s entrance requirements. This includes all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for Spain.

In addition, you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Spain. This way, you can plan any translation needs you may have. Not only that, but you will need to know what currency they use in Spain. Knowing this, you can plan to exchange currency before your trip if necessary.

I have included some of this key information in my Zaragoza, Spain travel guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements

To assist you in navigating the legal requirements for visiting Spain, I have included a link to my Spain Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements Guide below for you to review. 

This guide will give you all of the information that you will need to meet the VISA, passport, customs, and immunization requirements and recommendations for visiting Spain.

Travel Immunizations

Before you leave for your trip to Spain, you need to make sure you have all of the proper vaccinations.  Not only to protect yourself but to protect others.  If you have questions on what immunizations you will need and what to look out for when you go to get them, below are some general guidelines I can pass on to you from experience.

• Most specialized travel clinics will not accept insurance so you will have to pay for your travel consultation and immunizations and then request reimbursement from your insurance company later.
• Some immunizations aren’t accepted by every insurance company, so check with your insurance provider before getting your immunizations.
• Check with your regular doctor first, as often they can do a travel consultation for you and write you the necessary prescriptions for your immunizations, even if they aren’t able to give them to you.  This way you can ensure that at least your travel consultant will be covered by your insurance up-front.
• Check with Walgreens or other drug stores that give flu shots to see if they have any of the immunization shots that you require before going to a specialized clinic that doesn’t accept insurance to get them.  Walgreens can give you many of the immunizations necessary for international travel, and they accept insurance up-front.
• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website can be a great resource for answering any travel immunization questions that you have.

Spain Immunization Recommendations

• Hepatitis A & B (if you haven’t had them).
• Tetanus (if you aren’t current).
• Transderm SCōP Patch (for motion sickness) or at minimum Dramamine pills if you get motion sickness easily and you plan on getting out on the water or doing adventure activities.
• Flu Shot

Packing Tips

Outside of knowing the entry and immunization requirements, there is no pre-travel task more important than packing. Don’t worry, I am here to ensure you are packed and prepared for your trip. I have included links to my packing resources in my Zaragoza, Spain travel guide below for you to review.

Top Things to See and Do in Zaragoza, Spain

Zaragoza is renowned for its breathtaking churches and rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. It is one of those places where you won’t have trouble finding things to see and do. Whether it’s touring the city’s incredible museums, admiring its stunning churches, or taking a stroll through town, you won’t be disappointed with your stay.

If you are in the process of planning your trip and need to fill out your itinerary, I have included a list of my top things to see and do in my Zaragoza, Spain travel guide below.

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Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar

Spain is home to many spectacular cathedrals, and many of them have incredible stories to go along with their immense beauty. The amazing Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar in Zaragoza is no different. It is said that the church was built around a pillar that was left behind when the Virgin Mary appeared to St. James the Apostle. It is said that she stood atop that pillar when she appeared to him, which is now the foundation for this amazing basilica.

Without a doubt, the basilica is one of the most stunning churches in all of Spain, if not Europe. When you visit Zaragoza, it is a can’t-miss spot, not only because of its beauty but because of its cultural significance. If you take a tour inside, you can see the infamous pillar, which is topped by a small 15th-century Gothic sculpture of Mary and Jesus. To say it is moving would be an understatement.

Iglesia de San Juan de los Panetes

The Basilica isn’t the only beautiful church in Zaragoza. In fact, there are many. Another stunning church that is considered a must-see when visiting Zaragoza is the Iglesia de San Juan de los Panetes or Church of San Juan de los Panetes. The gorgeous blend of Gothic and Mudejar architecture makes this one of the more uniquely beautiful churches in the region.

While much of the church has been restored after fires, key aspects of the church were saved by dedicated parishioners. In many ways, the history of this church and the city of Zaragoza are interwoven, which has made this church a significant landmark for locals. Since 1933, it has been listed as a national monument because of its importance in local history and culture.

Palacio de la Aljaferia

In addition to the city’s beautiful churches, another of the top sights to see in Zaragoza is the amazing Aljafería Palace. This fortified medieval palace was built during the second half of the 11th Century and was the residence of the Banu Hud dynasty. It is one of the best-preserved buildings in the area from the period of Islamic rule in Spain.

In addition to its beautiful rounded towers, one of the most notable architectural features of the palace is the one rectangular tower, known as the Torreón del Trovador. Inside the palace, the rooms are all arranged around the central courtyard, which is open to the sky.

The decor of the palace is absolutely breathtaking. Most notably, the coffered ceilings are decorated with ornate plasterwork, which is simply stunning. If you have the time, the palace is definitely worth touring.

Catedral del Salvador

I would be remiss if I laid out a list of the top things to see in Zaragoza, Spain, but didn’t list the city’s first Christian Cathedral. In a city that seems to be full of beautiful churches with special histories, the Cathedral of the Savior or La Seo de Zaragoza may be the most special. Believe it or not, this incredible church was built on the ruins of the Roman Forum Temple, the Visigothic church, and the Muslim Major Mosque.

In other words, this beautiful church is absolutely loaded with history. Inside, you will find a breathtaking altarpiece by Meter Johan, as well as several sepulchers of Christian Martyrs. However, the highlight of the tour of the church’s interior is undoubtedly the many beautiful chapels.

This includes the Plateresque Chapel of Zaporta and the Baroque Chapel of St Agustín. And in the Chapter House, you will find original Ribera, Zurbarán, and Goya paintings. The beauty of this church and its rich history will leave you absolutely speechless.

Museo del Foro de Caesaragusta

One of the most unique and incredible things to do while visiting Zaragoza, Spain is to visit the ancient city of Caesaraugusta. You will take a step back in time to the Roman period as you explore this amazing archaeological site. Located underneath what is now the square of La Seo, the remains are from the old Roman Forum of the time of Emperor Tiberius.

In addition to the fascinating ruins of the forum, you will also get to see the remains of a market, a sewer system, and some of the old shop walls from the time of Emperor Augustus, which was around the time when Zaragoza was founded. The exhibition includes a stunning audio-visual area and is a great way to get to know the history of this amazing city.

Murallas Romanas de Zaragoza

In addition to the Cesaraugusta Museum, which showcases the archeological remains of the city’s Roman Forum, you can also see the remnants of the ancient city’s wall in town. Known as the Murallas Romanas de Zaragoza, this wall once surrounded the city of Zaragoza and included 120 towers and was up to 7 meters thick in some places. Made of alabaster with limestone ashlars, remnants of the wall still stand today. If that isn’t a testament to the ingenuity of the Roman Empire, I don’t know what is.

Goya Museum

Born in nearby Fuendetodos, Spain, the legendary painter Francisco de Goya is arguably the most famous person to come out of the Zaragoza area. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that one of the city’s leading museums is named after this incredible artist. For anyone who visits Zaragoza, the Goya Museum is an absolute must-see attraction.

Located in the house of Jerónimo Cósida, which is a beautiful 16th-century Renaissance structure, the museum has a treasure trove of paintings and sculptures. You will find over 800 different pieces, which range from Gothic works to contemporary pieces.

However, the highlight of the museum is the second floor, which is dedicated to the masterpieces of the museum’s namesake. Here you will find some of Goya’s most famous works. Without a doubt, it is an amazing stop for anyone who appreciates art.

Puente de Piedra

It is hard to visit the city of Zaragoza, Spain without noticing its breathtaking stone bridge, known as the Puente de Piedra. Measuring 738 feet (225 meters) long, with seven stone arches providing its support, the bridge is one of the main ways to cross the Ebro River in Zaragoza.

The origins of the bridge date back to the time of the founding of Caesaraugusta in the 1st Century, which makes it the oldest bridge in Zaragoza. Back when the bridge was first constructed, evidence suggests that it was made of both stone and wood. It continued to evolve over the centuries until the form of the bridge that we see today was established in the early 1400s.

Interestingly, when Napolean laid siege to Zaragoza in 1813, his troops blew up the arch that was closest to the Arrabal upon their retreat. That just goes to show how much history this amazing bridge has seen. When you visit Zaragoza, I would suggest taking a walk across the bridge. In addition to having many incredible viewpoints from which to see the Cathedral, there are also numerous statues and monuments to see.

Museo del Teatro de Caesaraugusta

One of the most popular attractions in Zaragoza, Spain is the museum of the archeological remains of the Roman Theater. Built-in the first century AD in the ancient city of Caesaraugusta, this spectacular theatre once seated over 6,000 spectators. Not only is it the largest Roman theatre discovered in Spain, but it is the only one to include a pit under its stage.

The theatre was active during the age of Tiberius and Clausius and was in service all the way up until the third century AD. Then, it disappeared until it was discovered by accident when construction of a new building began in 1972. Today, the museum is open to tourists and includes a museum section and an active archeological dig site, both of which you can see.

Visits begin with a documentary on the discovery of the site, as well as illustrations of what the theatre once looked like. If you are into history, I can’t think of many things more interesting than getting to see the rediscovery of a Roman theatre and then getting to see the archeological site for yourself.

Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta

After you have spent the day touring Zaragoza’s beautiful churches and incredible Roman ruins, a great change of pace would be to visit one of the city’s most popular parks. The beautiful Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta was built between 1913 and 1927 and has been one of the city’s most popular recreation places ever since.

With a variety of colorful flowers, beautiful fountains, and tree-lined walking paths, it is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you visit to enjoy the park’s many famous monuments, enjoy a nice walk, or just sit and people-watch, it is a can’t-miss spot when visiting Zaragoza.

How to Get to Zaragoza, Spain

If you are traveling to Zaragoza from outside of Spain, the quickest way to get to the city is to fly into the Zaragoza International Airport (ZAZ). Otherwise, train rides from Barcelona and Madrid are not that long either, so traveling to one of these major cities in Spain and then using the rail system is an alternative.

For those planning an extended tour of Spain and visiting Zaragoza from one of the other amazing cities, Spain’s extensive rail system and incredible roadways are great for getting around.

If you are starting to plan your trip and would like more information, I have included a map and table in my Zaragoza, Spain travel guide below. They highlight the travel times to Zaragoza from various other popular cities in Spain.

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Travel Time to Zaragoza by Train and By Car

City	By Train (fastest)	By Car
Madrid	1hr 15min	3hr 13min
Segovia	2hr 37min	3hr 55min
Valencia	3hr 30min	3hr 19min
Córdoba	2hr 48min	6hr 43min
Barcelona	1hr 23min	3hr 08min
Murcia	4hr 47min	5hr 17min
Seville	3hr 54min	7hr 56min
Málaga	4hr 03min	7hr 51min
Bilbao	3hr 30min	2hr 55min
Granada	5hr 19min	6hr 51min
Gibraltar	7hr 38min *	9hr 08min

* Travel from Gibraltar by train also requires the use of bus routes

Traveling by Car in Spain

If you are planning on renting a car to get around while you are visiting Spain, there are some things that you will need to know before you arrive. To help you prepare for your trip to Zaragoza, I have included some valuable driving tips for visitors in my Zaragoza, Spain travel guide below.

To drive in Spain, you must carry your valid primary driver’s license and an international driving permit (IDP). There are also several pieces of safety gear that you are required or recommended to have with you in the car at all times. For an overview of the required licenses and gear you will need, please see the list I have included below.

Required Equipment for Driving in Spain

• Driver’s license and IDP (required)
• Insurance documents (required)
• Car title or rental documents (required)
• Fluorescent jacket for all occupants (required)
• Two warning triangles (required)
• An extra pair of glasses, if you wear them (required)
• Fire extinguisher (recommended)
• First-aid kit (recommended)

In addition to the necessary permits and gear, there are also several driving regulations that you will need to be aware of while driving in Spain. These regulations include the following:

Seat Belts

Passengers in the front and back seats are required to wear seat belts at all times.

Driving Age

In Spain, you must be 18 years old to drive a car and 21 years old to rent a car. Even if you have a valid driver’s license from the United States, you won’t be able to drive in Spain unless you are 18 years of age or older.

Alcohol Consumption

The legal limit for blood alcohol to drive in Spain is 0.05 percent or 0.25 milligrams per liter in exhaled air. You will want to pay extra care to obey this law as the penalties for drunk driving in Spain are very severe.

Cell Phone Usage

The use of cell phones while driving, unless you are using a hands-free system without headphones, is strictly prohibited. You are also not allowed to use screen-based navigation systems while driving in Spain.

Parking

In residential areas, avoid parking next to a yellow line or your vehicle will be towed.

Fuel

In Spain, leaded gasoline is called Super or Super 68, unleaded gasoline is called “sin plomo 98” or “Eurosuper 95”, and diesel is called “gasoleo”.

Moving Violations and Tickets

Unless you have a residence in Spain, you will likely be asked to pay all fines and tickets immediately upon receipt while visiting Spain.

Children

All children under 10 years of age or less than 4 feet, 5.5 inches (135 centimeters) must ride in a car seat.

Emergencies

Dial 112 from anywhere in Europe to be put in touch with Emergency services.

When driving in Spain, you will want to always be aware of the speed limit, even when you don’t see a posting. As a general rule of thumb, the speed limit for roads in Spain can be summarized as follows (unless marked otherwise):

Speed Limit Guidelines in Spain

• Expressways and major highways – 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour)
• Other roads – 56 miles per hour (90 kilometers per hour)
• Urban areas – 31 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour)
• Residential areas – 15 miles per hour (24 kilometers per hour)

Traveling by Train in Spain

If you do not wish to rent a car while visiting Spain, the other popular mode of transportation with tourists is to use Spain’s incredible rail system. The rail network in Spain, and throughout Europe, is quite extensive, so you can get to most places by train if you want to. If you are thinking about using the rail system, I have included some tips for you to review in my Zaragoza, Spain travel guide below.

Tips for Using the Rail System in Spain

• If you plan on taking three or more long train rides while in Spain, then a rail pass is likely to save you money. Otherwise, you are probably better off just buying your train tickets without a rail pass.
• The two rail pass options you can purchase are the Spain Eurail Pass (good for use just in Spain) and the Eurail Global Pass (good for use in 33 countries).
• Rail passes for Spain cover all travel on trains run by Renfe, Spain’s national railway.
• Many train routes require a paid reservation, which must be paid even if you have a rail pass. This is why it may not make sense to purchase a rail pass if you aren’t planning on taking many longer, expensive rides.
• Rick Steves has a great article on whether it makes sense for you to get a rail pass for your trip to Spain that I would recommend reviewing.
• When purchasing rail tickets, purchasing a round-trip ticket instead of two one-way fares can save you up to 20% of the cost.
• Advanced purchase discounts for AVE trains are available about 60 days ahead of departure, so purchasing your tickets well in advance can save you money as well.

Best Times to Visit Zaragoza, Spain

One of the most important decisions you must make when planning your trip to Zaragoza is when to visit. Like most places, certain times of year are better than others. To help you decide what time of year to plan your trip, I have included some important annual weather information for you to review in my Zaragoza, Spain travel guide below.

Average Temperature (°F)

While the temperatures typically don’t drop below freezing in Zaragoza, it can get quite chilly during the winter months. Especially if you are out at night, it can drop into the upper 30’s. Conversely, the summer months of July and August can be quite warm, with temperatures reaching into the 90’s. In my opinion, the months of May and June, as well as September and October, offer the mildest temperatures in Zaragoza.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

The city of Zaragoza doesn’t get a ton of rainfall, but what it does get it fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The spring months of April and May and the autumn months of October and November can be especially wet. If you would like to maximize the nice weather you have when visiting Zaragoza, I would steer clear of visiting during these months.

Best Months to Visit Zaragoza, Spain

While the nicest weather in between June and September in Zaragoza, this is also the busiest time of the year in the city. This is especially true of the months of June thru August, which is the peak tourism season. During this time, the weather is fantastic, but you can expect to pay more when visiting. On the contrary, the winter months are much cooler, but they are also much quieter. If you don’t mind it being chilly, you can find some incredible deals this time of year.

In my opinion, the best times of year to visit Zaragoza are during the summer stretch. Yes, it might be a bit busier and you might pay a bit more, but if you book your stay near the beginning or end of the summer season, you can still find some good deals. And with the incredible weather, your stay in Zaragoza will be magical.

Where to Stay in Zaragoza, Spain

An important decision you need to make when planning your trip to Zaragoza is where you will stay.  When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip.

So, not only do you need to be comfortable, but you need to be able to afford to stay there.  Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price. 

If you are starting to plan your trip to Zaragoza, you may be looking for some hotel and hostel suggestions. I included some great options at different price points in my Zaragoza, Spain travel guide below. As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as Airbnb or VRBO if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

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Where to Eat in Zaragoza, Spain

When most people plan a trip, the primary focus is on how to get there, where to stay, and what is on the list of things to see and do. What many travelers neglect to plan, is where to eat when you are there.

Granted, it is sometimes fun to be spontaneous when choosing a restaurant while traveling, and it is always smart to get recommendations when you arrive. However, it can also be advantageous to have some ideas of restaurants you would like to try during your trip written down beforehand as well.

This way you can be assured that you won’t miss out on a highly recommended culinary experience that you will regret. To help you decide on some restaurants in Zaragoza to add to your list, I have included a list of some highly recommended options for you to review in my Zaragoza, Spain travel guide below.

Recommended Tours in Zaragoza, Spain

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the Zaragoza area and one of the best ways to experience those things is on a tour.  If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to fill out your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions you can review in my Zaragoza, Spain travel guide below.

Zaragoza, Spain Photo Gallery

The city of Zaragoza is so full of history and beauty that it will keep surprising you around every corner. I know that is how I felt when I visited and photographed this beautiful city. If you would like to see some of my favorite photos of Zaragoza, I have included a gallery in my Zaragoza, Spain travel guide for you to review below.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram. Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

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